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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  A Japanese Euro Sedan in America - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Peter - January 13 - 12:06 pm

  Acura has definitely lived up to the hype. A limited production vehicle, the TSX is in definite competition with the BMW 325i, Audi A4, Mercedes Benz C Class, Subaru WRX, and Infiniti G35. The interior is luxurious and tasteful, with a plethora of features and amenities, especially the useful navigation system. The exterior is well designed, with the grill complementing its aggressive stance. The ride is firm but soft, as the suspension withstands bumps nicely. The body is agile and has minimal body roll, giving the TSX a sports sedan attitude. The 200hp VTEC engine is smooth and silky, with plenty of low-end torque for passing and freeway acceleration. At $30,000, a definite best buy.

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  TSX is it !!! - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Jerry M - January 12 - 9:26 am

  Love this car. Manual (6 speed) is a must. Great car to drive, drives excellent and low price (about 27K+tax). Love dual AC temperature control.

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  Fun Econoluxe Gas Sipper - 2006 Acura TSX
  By cartfan72 - December 30 - 5:10 pm

  We compared this against the new Jetta. We felt the Jetta (GLI) drove better (more torquey and quicker handling), but could not pass up the unparalleled Acura Navi system, built in Bluetooth and overall build quality. Our dealer experience here in Cary NC was very poor when it came time to negotiate a final price on the car we wanted. After offering a firm price I was told the car I wanted had been sold and no others in the area were available! What a lie!I found one myself only an hour away.I ended up buying the car out of state and saved about $1000, even with transportation costs. But, it was definitely worth the added hastle. The dealer I used in MD was fantastic, throrough and fair.

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  Love My TSX - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Trish - December 21 - 5:06 pm

  Was debating between this and the TL. The TL is made in the US, the TSX in Japan. Had to think about fuel economy. The TSXs backseat folds down, the TLs does not. Price to consider. No MP3 plug in TL. Decided on the TSX and love it! Have had to take it in once since I bought it 6 weeks ago for a drivers seat that creaked when turning a corner - very annoying. The loaner car they gave me creaked worse than mine! A flaw in the design? They fixed mine and its good as new (I told them to fix the loaner too!) Also have not been able to get the drivers seat as comfortable as my 2002 Accord was. Tons of positions, maybe its me?

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  WOW ! - 2004 Acura TSX
  By 1Robert1 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Well, what can I say about TSX. I bought mine a week ago and I cannot believe how well this car drives. I am impressed with the quality and the amount of standard options Acura offers. Navigation is great. It will take some time to work out all the possibilities but it will be worth your time. One word: Buy it. Fast for a four- cylinder engine, great quality of all the components, loaded with options that other brands would have you pay a lot of money.

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  Great car to drive - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Aka - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car less than 2 weeks ago,ever since the moment I drove it away from the dealership, it has been performing very well. Everything is easy to use and pretty much self explanatory. I love both exterior and interior. Its definitely one sharp car.

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  Cannot beat features for the Price - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Joey - November 26 - 12:13 am

  This car matches up with the Volvo S40, BMW 325, and Audi A4, and for the price it is hands down the best car out of the bunch. Navigation is a must for this car, spend the extra $$.

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  Awesome automobile - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Rich - October 30 - 1:30 am

  I am so happy that I decided on buying the TSX. I also looked at BMW 325i, Audi A4, Lexus IS250 & Subaru WRX. The Acura TSX was simply the best value, and was in itself a truely awesome car. THat coupled with the Acura warranty & customer care made me jump for it.

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  A Great Car - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Northern Bill - October 26 - 10:00 am

  After comparing the Mazda 6S, VW Passat GLS 1.8T and the 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT, he TSX was the clear choice. The other vehicles are good cars its just as a overall package the TSX is the winner. The TSX is not as quick as the turbo Legacy or Mazda 6 but fast enough to be entertaining trust me. The engine is silky smooth, the manual tranmission is excellent, the interior is luxurious and is rapped in handsome body (think mini TL). As one automotive reviewer put it " you dont have to hit homeruns to win the game". I could go on and on about the car but will end this by saying that if you are in the market for a sporty sedan give the TSX a look.

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  best car i ever owned - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Chicago Gas - October 18 - 5:06 pm

  I have owned other luxury cars such as BMW and Mercedes, but this car has been far superior in value for the money. It handles and performs like a dream. People comment on the excellent style of the car. It truly lives up to Money Magazines Car of the Year. The only difficulty I had was negotiating the price. The Chicago dealers stick close to list price.