Overview & Reviews

Drivers seeking a sporty sedan that's a bit more upscale than the typical family four-door will find a lot to like in the Acura TSX. It's a solid choice for daily use given its competent driving characteristics, high-quality interior and generous level of standard features. And like most Acura products, the TSX boasts a high level of refinement, a reputation for above-average reliability and decent value for the dollar.

The first-generation Acura TSX impressed us with its sporty and nimble feel, but the small backseat and firm ride weren't for everyone. The second (current) generation offers a roomier cabin and a smoother, more isolated ride, although the athletic feel was somewhat muted for these gains. The V6 model with its sportier suspension atones for that sin somewhat. Overall, the TSX is a smart choice, though not the most prestigious, for a new or used entry-level luxury sedan.

Current Acura TSX
For power, the front-wheel-drive TSX offers a choice of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (201 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque) or a 3.5-liter V6 (280 hp and 254 lb-ft). A five-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models, while an excellent six-speed manual is optional only with the four-cylinder.

Base and Special Edition trims are offered, with the Special Edition being available only with the four-cylinder engine. Base models come with an impressive array of standard features that are often optional on competitors, like xenon headlights, a sunroof, heated power front seats with driver memory, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and a seven-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio and iPod integration. The TSX Special Edition adds more aggressive-looking exterior elements and sporty cabin upgrades such as red interior stitching and aluminum pedals. Base models with the four-cylinder engine may be upgraded with a Technology package that adds amenities like a navigation system and a rearview camera.

In reviews, we've found that while the 2.4-liter four is commendably smooth in the Honda tradition, it simply doesn't measure up to the six-cylinder and turbocharged four-cylinder engines found in other entry-level luxury sport sedans. The V6, however, provides a notable increase in thrust, delivered in a linear and smooth fashion.

In reviews, the TSX impressed us with its technology offerings, including one of the better optional audio systems around. But it disappoints with the way it drives, with numb steering feel that's uncharacteristic of a Honda product and braking performance that verges on unacceptable. The refined but lackluster inline-4 is also unlikely to impress shoppers in the TSX's upscale segment, although the sport-tuned V6 model brings improvements in both acceleration and handling. Ultimately, the TSX, particularly the four-cylinder version, often seems like more of a lavishly appointed family car than a luxury sedan.

Used Acura TSX Models
The current generation of the Acura TSX debuted for 2009 and brought a larger, roomier and somewhat controversially styled TSX to market. This first-year version was only offered with four-cylinder power -- there was no sportier V6 trim level.

The first-generation Acura TSX debuted in 2004. Sportier than the second-generation model, the original TSX was widely praised for its sharp handling and entertaining (though peaky) 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 200 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. Among the standard features were items like 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, heated power front seats with driver memory, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-speaker audio system.

Antilock brakes, stability control, front side impact airbags and side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers were also standard. An impressive DVD-based navigation system with touchscreen and voice-activated software was the only available option for the well-equipped first-generation TSX.

In road tests, we found that while the original TSX's torque-deficient VTEC engine needed to be revved hard to get sufficient acceleration, it was nonetheless quite fun to wring out, especially when equipped with the slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission (a five-speed automatic was also available). Sharp handling and good steering feel made the TSX a sleeper sport sedan. The first-generation TSX also featured a high-quality and aesthetically pleasing interior design.

There were a handful of changes made to the original Acura TSX during its production run. Satellite radio, heated exterior mirrors and a power passenger seat were added in 2005. The 2006 TSX featured engine, feature and styling updates -- the four-cylinder engine was modified to produce 205 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque, and the navigation system gained faster processing and additional points of interest. Bluetooth, driver seat memory and the MP3 auxiliary jack were also new. Exterior enhancements included redesigned front and rear fascias, new side sills, foglamps and new alloy wheels. The following year saw a tire-pressure monitor fitted as standard, while 2008, the last year of this generation, saw no changes of note.

User Reviews:

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  Little Wonder - 2006 Acura TSX
  By remee - November 6 - 11:15 am

  Its very easy to maneuver. It always give you more power when you need it. Its quiet. The only thing I did not like is that it feels hard on the road. Its not smooth. Overall it is a good car.The visor is wide enough that it protects me from the glare unlike the other cars I had. I had to buy an extender. You see I am on the short side.

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  Great car and a price that cant be beat - 2006 Acura TSX
  By SteveJKY - November 4 - 10:14 am

  Great car. Had an 04 Accord EX 2-door before my TSX. I was afraid they would be very similar - I was wrong. The TSX has a better ride, handling and even though I felt like I got more power out of my manual Accord, the automatic TSX does have a little more horsepower. Comparing the TSX to like cars for the same price - the TSX offers way more options and features. No comparison.

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  Sophistication. - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Alicia - October 29 - 12:13 pm

  I researched two other cars before deciding on the TSX. I am very pleased with my selection. This car is beautiful and very fun to drive. I love the body style and the interior design. You feel very pampered in this car. I highly recommend it!

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  Nice! - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Tito - October 27 - 12:15 am

  Fun car to drive! Doesnt get better than this for under $30,000.

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  IN LOVE with my TSX - 2006 Acura TSX
  By miamitexangirl - October 7 - 8:14 am

  Ive only had my TSX for 4 days and I am totally in love with it. The handling and pickup are perfect for me. The features that come with this car can not be beat for the price. You can not go wrong on this. I also love the fact that I dont see a "million" of them on road compared to my last car, an 05 accord. Everything is awesome about the TSX.

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  Great Car but little concerned - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Angel - September 30 - 2:18 am

  The TSX Tech. Package is a great car with a smooth perfect sporty feeling ride. I love the car because it’s reliable! I so far haven’t had any issues with the vehicle. The only thing that has me worried is the transmission I haven’t heard anyone complaining about it so far, but it’s rough at time when it shift between gear 3rd and shifting into 4th mine feels like it’s hesitating, I do not know what the problem is yet with that. The car is perfect for a daily vehicle. It looks great from the exterior & interior as well. The only problem with the interior is the leather they used its cheap, for an Acura that’s the least you would expect, it should of been upgraded to high quality leather. I noticed that a lot of people complain about the navigation and how Bluetooth is a hassle to deal with, that’s why there’s a manuals book for you to read! read the instruction and learn how to use it. I never had a problem with it.

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  2004 TSX w/ AT (No Nav) - 2004 Acura TSX
  By klossfam - September 25 - 9:28 pm

  At 30,000 miles, perfect reliability (not one issue - even minor). Its the best FWD car platform ever in my opinion. Great blend of luxury and sport. Worst part of new TSX are the Michelin Pilots. A switch to Falken 512s tires made a great car greater. Right on the EPA mileage ratings. Cant be beat for the price and the ability to hold a high resale value borders on ridiculous.

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  The benchmark for family/sport sedans! - 2006 Acura TSX
  By dalahu - September 25 - 1:16 pm

  After 1 ½ months of ownership, I still jump at any excuse/reason to take it out. The TSX is the top rated sedan for residual value after 5 years (per Edmunds.com article “Top 10 Cars With the Best Residual Value”) and it’s also a Consumer Reports “Best Buy”. The TSX may not offer the best performance in any one category, but everything works together to create an ideal driving experience. Fuel efficiency, in mixed driving conditions (50/50 city/hwy), has averaged at 25 MPG. Braking performance is on par with generic (non premium) sedans. The factory sound system is marred by cheap and inefficient speakers that lack mid- range frequency response.

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  Almost 1 Year - 2006 Acura TSX
  By BJ Mark - September 24 - 11:34 am

  We purchased this car last November and recently completed a 4500 mile road trip, The gas mileage has held pretty steady at 29-32 mpg hwy and around 25-26 city/combined. The drivers seat has been replaced once due to a creak and this has appeared in the new seat (after about 4 months) - Acura will take care of it. The car has been totally reliable, fun to drive and lived up to expectation. And the nav system is one of those "never had before/never not have again" extras and served us well on our recent road trip.

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  TSX fast car with poor gas mileage - 2005 Acura TSX
  By john - September 8 - 5:04 pm

  Very poor gas mileage on the first half tank of gas. Can burn 1/2 tank of gas in 1 day just doing local driving.