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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  Great satisfaction - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Bill - September 22 - 11:14 am

  After much research, purchased the Acura TSX. Have many compliments about design and overall appearance. It is a joy to drive. Interior and exterior is outstanding. Could be a bit better on gas mileage.

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  Great Car, Honda Delivers - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Road Warrior - September 22 - 9:40 am

  I compared this car with the A4, Volvo, Lexus (Hit my head getting in & out), BMW, Infinity, the new low end Mercedes, Ford & Dodge. The A4 was leading the pack until I really checked out the TSX. Its quiet inside, reliabilty history, handling, gas milage (thought the gauge was broken on my first trip), ease to reach controls, sound system, standard equipment and look won me over. Handling is great. The Navigation system which I didnt think I needed is saving me milage and gas and making me more productive. After 20+ Fords, this car is refreshing.

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  Sophisticated and fun all in one - 2005 Acura TSX
  By K.J. - September 20 - 8:37 am

  My husband and I wanted a sophisticated, reliable, and yet fun to drive car, and that is why we chose the TSX. We spent months researching and comparing different vehicles, such as Audi A4, BMW 3 series, and other Honda products. This car came up the winner for so may different reasons. First of all, the safety features are supurb. The comfort is incredible and the list of standard features are seemingly endless. This car feels like luxury inside and out. The price just can not be beat when compared to others in its class. This car looks sporty and refined all in one. Honda did a great job with this vehicle.

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  Impressed - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Ed - September 16 - 3:41 pm

  Have had the car for 1 year and 8 months and still feel like I got a steal. Silky smooth transmission in the manual, comfortable, stylish, thoughtful interior w/ simple elegant features of unsurpassed value. Awesome stereo. Comfy in traffic but fun when the opportunity presents itself. Tightly built w/tight enough suspension. Little to no torque steer. Expect top notch reliability. Loved not having to haggle over options though my dealer experience was less than pleasant (tough and not really friendly manager).

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  Nice Ride - 2005 Acura TSX
  By JVB - September 15 - 8:13 pm

  Its built solid, and has a nice ride with a safe feeling. Very responsive to the road conditions, but the steering is a bit stiff. The seating could have a little more cushion for a luxury sedan, but overall a comfortable and functional interior.

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  Excellent Safe Car - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Gore - September 13 - 4:29 pm

  This car is very safe. Imagine going 65 on freeway all of the sudden someone from the right side pressed gas and merges into your lane without looking I had to look over and quickly react. Luckily due to the excellent control that this car has I avoided a collission which saved money and my car.

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  awesome car - 2004 Acura TSX
  By eejun - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about a month now and its absolutely fantastic. Extremely smooth ride, great handling, good mileage (~30 mpg on mainly hwy), great interior design. Definitely the best-valued luxury sedan.

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  Good for the price. Not for performance - 2004 Acura TSX
  By hbux - September 8 - 10:00 am

  TSX is good for people who want all the great option with low price. If you are looking for performance car. This is not the car for you. Although the car has 200hp, you only get the power on highway. 0 - 60 is very slow. 6MT will help a little. For interior, it looks very nice and confortable. However, most people have rattle issue. Rattle from dash board, door panel, roof...etc. Basically, noone escape the rattle. For the sound system, The stock speaker is really sucks. I replace the speaker to Apline. The sound is much clean and less distortion. The Gas miliage is not as much as they claim. I got around 25. If I have the other chance, I go for

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  Nice Car - 2005 Acura TSX
  By TJ - September 4 - 2:23 pm

  Although I fell in love w/all the luxury that came standard in the car, I was not impressed with the body style. I added a spoiler and tint and was very impressed. The only problem is the handling. The steering is very hard to turn. I think it is very impressive for a 4-cyl lux car.

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  Awesome TSX - 2006 Acura TSX
  By LilRed - August 28 - 10:33 am

  I look at other cars in this class namely BMW, Mercedes but cannot do RWD due to winters here in Utah and was even considering getting a 2006 Acura TL but I did a back to back test drive of the TSX and fell in love with it. I felt it was the right size for me and my wife, had excellent all around visibility, luv the exterior handsome styling (everywhere I go it turns heads), Navi with voice command was awesome and nice to have, excellent quick precise steering and feel of the road.Good and responsive power delivery from the smooth revving engine with buttery smooth tranny especially going up the hill (sport shift mode was a joy to use)…..overall this car is a smooth and fun to drive machine.