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 choice! Cant regret at all. - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Fai - February 11 - 5:41 pm

  So far so good. I drove all kinds of car including Japanese, Europeans and Americans. This one impresses me a lot. Great feeling to drive this car along with luxury feel. All thumbs up. A little rattling problem, but who cares when you can enjoy all the other fun gave you by this vehicle.

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  A Great Car! - 2004 Acura TSX
  By James Walsh - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought my TSX a month ago, and am very happy with it. It is such a pleasure to drive. It handles well, and rides like a mini limo. The interior is so nice and quiet. The car has GPS navigation and voice activated commands that are easy to use. The Navigator is fantastic! I love this car and will probably drive it for at least ten years. It is solid as a rock at high speeds and very very stable. The engine purrs and never seems to strain even though it is only fours cylinders.

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  unbelievable!!! - 2004 Acura TSX
  By war eagle - January 27 - 3:31 pm

  A great, reliable, and simple luxury sports sedan. This car is very capable, but is also very tame. It is also a great value. Not too good for city driving, however - small windows, poor bumper bash ratings, and low mpg in city. A lot of safety features. Not as common as the BMW 3-series. It is absolutely a pleasure to drive or to ride in. The trunk is bigger than what one would imagine. Combines luxury and utility. Conservative exterior design.

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  Best Bang for Your Buck - 2004 Acura TSX
  By rko - January 27 - 1:58 pm

  Awesome vehicle. I have the 6sp manual with no navigation (didnt want a $2000 map). This is by far the best combination of quality, performance, and creature comforts at thousands less than anything comparable. The shifting is butter smooth and predictable. The engine has plenty of power to accelerate from under 3k RPM in 6th gear. Stereo is very good...some radio stations will actually sound fuzzy. Leather and heated seats are very comfortable on longer rides. The VSA works fantastic on wet or snowy roads without limiting performance too much on dry roads. Plenty on leg room for rear passengers, more than any other car in its class it seems. No wonder it is a "10 Best".

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  Excellent - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Melissa S - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is beautiful inside and out very reliable and a fun car to drive!

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  Best entry-level mid-size sedan- IT ROX - 2004 Acura TSX
  By dadood - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought it in Jan 04 & have already put 16K miles on it. It drives like a dream! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! Sports- tuned suspension, tight chassis, 17" wheels and sports seats makes it a joy to drive. GET THE NAVIGATION! Its well worth the price. I dont use Mapquest anymore. :) Acura sound system (350W) is better than the Bose in Nissans (for real!). Its got the works - Xenons, REAL leather, side-mirror indicators, dual-climate control, 6CD in-dash... its all there! If you like sporty, luxury & classy this is your car! Its way beyond Toyotas, Nissans, VWs, etc. So dont even bother comparing them. This is in the 3-series, C-class, A4 league. Get it! You get your moneys worth for the price!

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  The perfect car for a single girl - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Mzcool01 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this car very much! This is my third car from the past five years and I feel each time you buy a new car, you should upgrade the style according to your style. My style is sporty. Im twenty-seven years old with no kids but sure to have some within the next three years. I wanted a four door car, but something sporty too to accomadate my needs and wants in the future. I first started out with a Pontiac Sunfire. Then a Honda Accord coupe. Now, my TSX. This car fits me perfectly and the performance is very excellent. I have no regrets buying this car at all!

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  Modern, Stylish, Feature-Rich - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Dost77 - January 25 - 4:33 pm

  I moved up to the 2009 TSX from a 2006 TSX. The Grigio dark copper/graphite color is strikingly elegant. Although exterior styling resembles the circa 2006 models, this is a total redesign inside and out. Added length and width make this car appear as large as a pre-2009 TL. Inside, this benefits rear seat passengers, who now enjoy a lot more legroom. Other interior differences are the premium sound, which - on the non-tech - is FAR superior to the rather dismal offering in my 2006 TSX, and includes a sub woofer for deep and thumping bass.

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  The Best Bang For Your Buck - 2004 Acura TSX
  By 13 year Acura Driver - January 19 - 3:44 pm

  I have been driving Acura automobiles since 1992 and they have never let me down. I loved the fact that my TSX came fully loaded. It is a pleasure to drive and to look at. People are constantly checking out the car and asking me about it. Unfortunately, I parallel park quite a bit and have had the car dinged in the back. Ive noticed that the paint peels off like nail polish even with a minor tap. This never happened on my other car.

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  A Rave! - 2005 Acura TSX
  By naynay - January 18 - 9:23 pm

  After 18 months with this car, I have only two complaints: one, while the car is great in snowy/icy/rainy conditions, it still is not as stable as my old Honda Civic, but I can deal with this fine from my comfortable heated leather drivers seat; the second complaint is that two Dunkin Donuts medium-sized coffees do not fit perfectly in the front seat cup holders...otherwise, I am well satisfied everytime I drive this car. And, I spend a lot of time in my car, as does anyone who drives in New Jersey.