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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  thumbs up - 2005 Acura TSX
  By will - April 23 - 7:36 pm

  Just purchased an04 this month. Its a great car. fist tank of gas, mpg 25 city driving. The back seat leg room is tight for average size person. Its fun to drive, tight, no noises. Firm ride of bumpy roads. Has good power and acceleration, and handles good. I looked at the TL but a little high for my budget, The Accord, everyone has one and the maxima good room but didnt like the lay out of the dash. I got a good price and a new car warranty.

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  Fun car to own and drive - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Kim - March 27 - 6:40 am

  The TSX is a very fun car to drive and very comfortable. I have owned SUVs for the last 13 years. The car has a lot of power for a four cylinder, and the handling is excellent. The interior styling is well designed and very user friendly. The exterior is design is very sleek- esp in black.

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  Best Car in 25,000 dollar range - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Megan - March 25 - 3:04 pm

  I love this car. Its fun and sporty yet is still luxurious.It could use a little more power, But overall this car is great. The interior of this car is beautiful. The only complaint I have about the interior is the backseat is a little cramped. I looked at the honda accord before buying this vehicle and I found The TSX to be more eye catching and way more for your money.

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  One Year Later - 2004 TSX - 2004 Acura TSX
  By mrsingh1 - March 24 - 12:23 am

  A good compromise for an entry level luxury sport sedan for under $30K. No problems after one year to date, minor recall on the back tail lights/trunk. Love the interior design and gauges at night. If you are use to American V-8s or V-6s, you will miss the torque of those engines, especially if moving from an American/Chevy V-8 as I did to this inline 4 cylinder. For the price performance is adequate, not great, especially if you are use to driving V-8s in the past. Power/Torque does not kick in until over 4000 RPM. Great car overall, first Acura I have bought, likely not the last, next time it will be the TL.

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  Best Price, Value and Looks!!!! - 2005 Acura TSX
  By smoochy - March 19 - 1:33 am

  I have had 5 Acuras in my life and they have all been good to me. However Acura really did well when creating the TSX. Its stylish, fast, and reasonably priced for what is included. Also has a great sound system!

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  14K miles after - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Happy Gilmore... - March 14 - 7:44 pm

  Ive own the car for over a year (2 winters) and still love to drive it. I waited 6 months delivery and for a while it was the only one on the road. I see more of them now but not as many as Beemers and such. It is elegant but yet suttle, sporty yet functional. It took me a while to learn how to use the tiptronic shift but now I refuse to go back to the old ways (manual shift). The throttle by wire also takes a while to master. The performance between 3000 and 7000 rpm is awesome, however, dont expect great fuel economy. My advice remains: if you are thinking about it, try it and youll love it too, it gets better with time.

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  my dream car - 2004 Acura TSX
  By dina - March 3 - 1:11 am

  I love this car. Ever since I road tested it until now Im still in love with it. I love the way it looks and the way it drives and most of all I love the way that it turns heads.

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  Possibly best for the money - 2006 Acura TSX
  By henryd31 - February 24 - 11:33 am

  Just got it today, TSX 2006, Auto no Navi System, Royal Blue w/black interior. I think for the money you cannot beat this car, TL seems more popular but there are so many of them, and so few of TSXs, it makes the car stand out more.

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  TSX Best 4 banger around - 2004 Acura TSX
  By TSX Speed Demon - February 15 - 6:41 pm

  We have now owned our TSX for a year. "ITS THE BOMB!!!" Great pickup and wonderful to drive. The only thing I would change is the placement of the moon roof control to the center console so the passenger can control it too! Our schnauzer loves it too he can even control the windows himself. The navigation is a godsend for my wife, who I might add now has no excuse for being lost or late for an appt. We have the wood feature on ours and who ever said it looks fake doesnt know what their talking about. Its just because they have put alot of clear over the wood to protect it for years to come. We will definitely be keeping this vehicle till it falls apart!! Ha Ha!!

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  Great Car - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Bay Area Guy - February 15 - 3:53 pm

  Just bought a 2009 TSX with Technology package and so far am very happy with it. Handles great, automatic transmission is very smooth, has every conceivable bell and whistle, navigation system is great, and sound system is superb. Gas mileage has been very good and engine is pleasantly peppy for a 4 cylinder car. The taut sports-like suspension was my only concern during the test driving, but I have come to appreciate the feel for the road it communicates. Overall am very happy with the car so far, and especially love the stellar sounds system with iPod integrated out of sight in the center console.