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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  TSX - 2004 Acura TSX
  By chobert - November 23 - 7:56 pm

  So far weve been very pleased with this car. It drives and handles very well and is as solid as any new car that Ive owned. Gorgeous exterior designing. I would recommend to anyone looking for nice sporty 4-dr with a good performance attitude.

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  Update to the Bimmer Beater - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Mike S part 2 - November 23 - 2:18 am

  I figured as my car is coming up to a year old I should update my review. It is still a great car to get into every day. Fit and finish are still Honda high. Still as smooth as the day I bought it. The annoying creak in the windshield is gone. Recomend one new or used.

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  Best value and features for the price - 2004 Acura TSX
  By tyman_22 - November 15 - 7:27 pm

  This is my first new car, so I was looking for a lot of car with a reasonable price. No other vehicle I looked at came close to the TSX. The best part about it was that this car has no optional packages, you just choose to have or not to have a Navigation system and the transmission. The TSX has plenty of "get up and go" under the hood with 200 hp. Even with this power, you still get the mileage expected from a Honda product with nearly 30 mpg/highway.

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  Most excellent car - 2004 Acura TSX
  By jrs001 - November 13 - 7:10 pm

  The usual tight Honda fit, finish and reliability. No problems at all. Heated seats are excellent for all driving and distribute heat to the back very nicely rather than just the butt. Runs smooth as silk even on regular unleaded. Excellent handling. Sound system is very good. My first automatic - hard to justify the manual at the same price and lower gas mileage - go figure! Still fun to drive and the Tiptronic lets you shift manual if you like although not the same feel with no clutch. A great car. Even my friend with the TL wishes he had waited for it!! No reservations at all. Even got the dealer to knock 15% off the sticker price.

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  TSX - 2004 Acura TSX
  By nikin78 - November 13 - 12:34 pm

  This is my first time driving a manual transmission car and it has been a great experience so far. Since this is a car in competition with the BMWs and Benzes I think the exterior could use a little sporting up. Give the car a more sportier look. Thanks

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  Jens TSX - 2004 Acura TSX
  By clearstream - November 13 - 1:03 am

  My wife fell in love at first site. The car handles great. We both enjoy driving the TSX any chance we get. After trading our Yukon, our fuel bill has come in under budget every month. We have received more compliments on this car than any other car we have owned. Great car, would highly recommend.

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  FYI: TSX ROX - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Zeus - November 11 - 10:46 pm

  An awesome auto for those who can transcend the fact that this is a re-skinned, re-badged European Honda Accord. It bests most entry luxury cars in performance and demolishes them with regards to features. A Bimmer, Saab, Merc, or Audi of comparable content puts them way over top as far as price is concerned. (So what if I can afford it, does it compete? This is the argument that put a TSX in my driveway.) Im banking on quality and possible resale as bonus features that off-set the rather non-descript exterior, especially the backside. The interior, conversely, is elegant, intuitive and functional. I feel its the best design in the category regardless of price. TSX=value + function +form.

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  A Definite Chick-Magnet!!! - 2004 Acura TSX
  By cooldogg - November 11 - 8:30 pm

  Whether for young or older drivers, the TSX will fit almost anyone. It has the amenities of a luxury car and the power and styling of a sports car. Take one look and youll be hooked!!!

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  Great Car..But! - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Tone6274 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Got this car now a little over 2 weeks now. First off, VSA is great. you can go around curves with very little body roll. The engine is o.k. Having come from a V6 Accord, I have to admit I am missing the V6. Exterior and Interior is sporty and it is evident there is a quality craftmanship on the car. The ride is bumpy. You feel all the bumps..at least compared to the 2000 V6 Honda Accord. What this car really needs to compete with the BMW or Audi is the VTEC V6..but then again there is the TL for that.

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  Great Ride! - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Rybes - November 3 - 10:30 pm

  New & improved! Quite an upgrade from my 06 TSX and I thought that car was nice. This car is hot! Better lease than Accord EX. Civic Si on wish list but doesnt compare! Smooth highway ride with less wind noise. Better turning radius, great steering. Decent MPG, comfy seats like Volvo. Smooth shifting 6M. Grigio Metallic great alternative to silver/gray. Only gripe is the interior trim looks cheap as do the door handles. Acura has made a believer out of me. Loyal customer for life!