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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  Love It! - 2006 Acura TSX
  By kel - July 28 - 9:12 am

  I am so happy with my car, it is everything I expected and more!

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  Great Car, Great Value - Love my TSX! - 2006 Acura TSX
  By April - July 21 - 3:30 am

  After having my 97 Saturn SL totalled in an accident in May, I was going to get a Mercedes C class, but after I added all the "extras", I ended up with a $60,000 car! After researching other cars, a co-worker mentioned the TSX to me, as he has an 04 one, and said that everything I wanted in a car is standard on the TSX except the Navigation system, and its 30,000 less than the Benz!! I love the way it rides, all the gadgets, and the way it looks! I just wished it got better gas mileage, especially since you have to use premium gas, and in this day and age, its very close to $4 per gallon!

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  Great Car - 2004 Acura TSX
  By jK - July 13 - 9:21 am

  Have put on about 26k miles on it over 3 years. It has handled long trips, couple weekend sessions at the local road track, and commuter traffic. For a FWD car it has been quite entertaining to drive and an excellent winter/bad weather (the other car is a rwd Porsche). I still cant believe 3 years later how much I enjoy driving it (Im usually quite bored by then and get the "new car" bug). I found several things I could do to make it more fun. I put on an intake, some more aggressive tires, some better brake pads with a little more bite and less fade, and had the car lowered slightly. It just makes a great handling car much more spirited.

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  4 weeks and loving it - 2006 Acura TSX
  By philly - July 9 - 10:57 am

  after 4 weeks of driving i could not fing anything wrong , the bluetooth phone system works great. the seats are very comfortable and the xm radio sounds great. a great but for the money i looked at the 3 series passat and volvoand honda ther features in the tsx were better and costs a lot less great buy my fiend has a lexus and the tsx looks a lot better inside and costs lot less buy from internet dealer better pricing saved over 400 dollars

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  TSX - Fun car to Drive! - 2005 Acura TSX
  By John - July 8 - 1:13 am

  The TSX has been a great car to have in my driveway. It is a sports car that doubles as a small sedan. With six speeds and 200 horses under the hood it provides lots of driving fun.

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  TSX - Fun car to Drive! - 2005 Acura TSX
  By John - July 7 - 11:00 pm

  The TSX has beena great car to have in my driveway. It is a sports car that doubles as a small sedan. With six speeds and 200 horses under the hood it provides lots of driving fun.

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  Best Sedan under $30K - 2006 Acura TSX
  By arlingtonian - July 3 - 1:21 pm

  Have had the car just over 1 month and I love it! It is fun to drive, has many cool features, and the gas mileage is very good. Cant believe that I hesitated to take a TSX for a test drive, but was not super impressed with the exterior styling... However, the looks have grown on me. Was looking for a sedan or small wagon under $30K and I think I found the best thing out there for the money. Try it, youll like it-- and probably buy it!

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  Disappointment Reigns Supreme - 2005 Acura TSX
  By jrene - July 2 - 2:10 am

  Ive had my TSX for 1 yr,(my first luxury car) and Im extremely dissatisfied. I initially loved the car, but about 5 months after purchasing it, it started to have loud, obnoxious squeaks and rattles-- from the windows, the sunroof, and god knows where else. It struggles to get up I-70 in the CO mtns and struggles to go when at a stoplight or an on ramp. Accords and Civics are blowing past me. No one knows what the prob is. My windshield washers never work. I wont ever buy another TSX. Plus, it doesnt seem to be holding its value like I thought it would.

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  Just What I Had Hoped For! - 2004 Acura TSX
  By jgriffo - June 28 - 10:03 pm

  I upgraded from a 2000 Chysler Sebring Lxi. HUGE upgrade, that is! I couldnt have asked for a better car. It handles like its on rails, has just enough power, and looks great. Acura did a great job with the interior and exterior styling. People give a glance at stoplights...even a gentleman driving a Viper gave a glance! I would recommend this car to anyone, especially for the price. I feel like I ripped off the dealership. Go get yours today!

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  What a car!!! - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Ron - June 27 - 11:43 pm

  My last 2 cars have been BMW 330xi and Audi TT. This one is much better than the Audi and at least as good as the BMW. Makes me remember the good old days of my Honda Prelude! Great ride, beautiful car. Very lively and fun.