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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  Good, reliable, and economic - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Paul - January 25 - 2:05 am

  Ive had not even the slightest problem with the car over the 15,000 miles that Ive driven it. Perhaps the most is how much the car does with the 2.2 liter 4-cylinder engine you have to goose up the revs a bit to get the car to shoot up an on-ramp, but the engine and automatic transmission respond smoothly and seamlessly. I like the minimalist style (Im an early baby-boomer and dont need the boy-racer image, though I enjoy performance). I also enjoy the gas economy on a mixed highway-street commute, I get perhaps 27-28 MPG and and thus fill the tank only about every 320 miles. The handling is reliable but a bit light it doesnt give much road feel or excitement.

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  I am in love - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Heather - January 23 - 8:56 pm

  I have had this car for a little over a week now. I am totally giddy! Went in to get a TL and came out with the TSX. Test drove the TL and the TSX is so much more fun! I got the manual and it is a chore for me to do the speed limit now. The ride is so smooth. I love the exterior, the sound system is also amazing. The interior in my opinion is simply gorgeous! Beautiful leather and dash. No wood grain for me thank you.

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  This shouldnt be sold as an Acura - 2006 Acura TSX
  By THEGOLFFIXER - January 20 - 3:56 pm

  Is this the best Acura can do to have a sedan under $30,000. Sure it still has Honda quality written all over it, but why would you take a car designed for Europe, as an Accord, an expect it to be suitable for our combined style of driving here. The engine fit, is the worst Ive ever expeienced in a Honda product. Absolutely torqueless and screaming the rpms to take advantage of the 200hp Honda claims it has, doesnt work for normal use. The car really doesnt even ride as well as the Accord with the 4cyl, let alone the 6cyl.The Integra was 10x more fun to drive.

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  The interior - 2004 Acura TSX
  By dannyDowns - January 15 - 10:00 am

  When I first got in the car, I was taken beck by the outside- generic looking vehical. it speaks, takes and intializies everything you vcould ever want in a vehicle.

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  Too Many Rattles - 2009 Acura TSX
  By DeAun - January 15 - 1:50 am

  I loved this car when I drove it off the lot 5 months ago. After 1 month I noticed a rattle in the trunk, as if something was loose. It was fixed but then a different noise appeared from the trunk. So far it has been in the shop twice for the trunk rattles. This the trunk rattles are back along with a weird noise coming from the steering column. So this will be the 3rd visit in 5 months to the dealership. I am not a very picky person, and have never taken any car in for noises!!!

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  Happy owner - 2005 Acura TSX
  By JP Niceplace - January 9 - 3:17 pm

  My first Acura leasing in replacement of a Toyota Corolla LE 2003. My daughter has been an enthousiastic promoter of Honda and owns an Acura EL 2005 so I was convinced to try this car. It is luxurious, fun to drive and economical. It is powerful and very steady on the highway as it feels like a much bigger car. I will probably upgrade to the larger TL when leasing is up. I am very happy with my first ever Honda product.

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  surprise i like it. - 2004 Acura TSX
  By bruce m. - January 9 - 10:00 am

  For price,performance and style you cant go wrong with the tsx.More horsepower would be nice,but,theres the tl.A with mileage in the upper 20 mpg range and gas at $2.10 a gallon this is the perfect car.Im really surprised how much i love this car and the nav systems a plus.Only wish would a power passengers seat and standard fog lights and heated mirrors.

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  TSX perfoms - navigation is key - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Al - January 8 - 7:42 pm

  Extremely satisfied with this very fun to drive and hi-tech vehicle. The navigation system is essential to enjoyment of this vehicle as it offers the capability to use your bluetooth phone and allows for voice control of many car functions. The gas mileage is tremendous.

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  Outstanding car - 2004 Acura TSX
  By c kozy - January 6 - 7:51 pm

  I have owned this car for 1 year and have no problems with it. It a great ride and handles like a dream compared to the BMW 3 series. My friend bought a BMW 3 series and 6 months later but a TSX. Thre reason for the trade in was his nav system stopped working a the interior trim raddled alot.

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  Jeckyl and Hyde - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Ronnie Brezler - January 5 - 4:47 pm

  I bought my TSX soon after it hit dealerships in 2003 and have been loving it every since. I, like the first reviewer, was in the market for a BMW. When I saw this car in person and drove it I just had to have it. I still find myself back at it when I walk away, just like when I bought it two years ago. The combination of sport and luxury is perfectly balanced. The fuel efficiency is great during these times of higher gas prices and the power is more than sufficient for a 4-banger. My only gripe is the occasional rattling that seems to come and go and the fact that the dealership didnt one with navigation available.