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:
Showing 971 through 980 of 1,074.00-
Luxury, Perfomance & Value - 2006 Acura TSX
By Rybes - July 22 - 6:30 amAfter looking at the 325, A4 and IS250, the TSX was the obvious choice. Comparable 325 was $36k with storage issues and outdated interior. Competitors options are standard on this car plus maintenance is almost non existent. Quicker, quieter and better quality than the S60 I was driving. Much has changed for the better since my 94 Accord EX. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for an entry level luxury and look forward to my next Acura!
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acura tsx - 2005 Acura TSX
By Don Fuller - July 11 - 8:50 amThis is a fun car to drive. Its more exciting to drive than my SHO was. Global navigation is great in my business. I originally bought it for my wife but she doesnt like a car telling her when to turn. Had to get her a new Lexus with no navigation to get it away from her
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Great car - 2005 Acura TSX
By cliff - July 5 - 4:03 amI love the car. I traded in a sports car for it and thought I would miss it. I was wrong. I travel a lot and the navigation system is well worth the money. The audio system rocks! Handles great on the freeway. The interior is very comfortable.
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Great Decision - 2009 Acura TSX
By TmK - July 1 - 10:16 amWeve been enjoying the car for over a month and I get stopped from time to time by people interested in the car or the basque red color. Fuel mileage has been better than the EPA rating. In all city driving, averaging under 19 mph, we get around 22 MPG. With constant highway driving we get about 35 MPG. Weve been happy with acceleration, passing ability and cruising as well. Im unaware of other upscale cars that match the combination of comfort features, performance and fuel economy. The TSX seats are very nice. My wife likes driving and riding in the TSX better than in the Audi A4 2.8l we traded in. Back seat guests have liked it as well.
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Love it! - 2005 Acura TSX
By roger t. - June 19 - 6:23 pmLove this car! perfect balance of comfort and performance. Im always thinking of excuses to drive it!
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Top 10 Cars With the Best Residual Value - 2004 Acura TSX
By doggi dog - June 19 - 10:00 amThe TSX is pretty awesome. It handles like a dream, has an 8 speaker sound system to die for and leaps into 1st gear like a stallion. The TSX is the best car Ive owned.
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tsx - 2004 Acura TSX
By intricate molder - June 19 - 10:00 amtsx is excellent car but could use more horsepower. Ride is stiff so if your on rough road u will feel every little bump. Nav is awsome The sound system is not that good 360 watts sould sound better
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I love my tsx - 2004 Acura TSX
By lanaster23 - June 19 - 10:00 amI really like my TSX. It gets pretty good gas mileage and it wasnt too expensive for being an acura.
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Refinement at its best! - 2009 Acura TSX
By bryan2009 - May 22 - 4:00 pmI have a 2009 TSX now and a 2008 Honda Accord EX. Both cars are great. My Girlfriend drives the TSX and I drive the Accord. I will have to say though that the performance of the TSX is a little less than that of the Accord. Both are great though and synonymous in there attitude. I love the 2.4 litre powerplant it is really a great workhorse.
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sweet rid - 2011 Acura TSX
By steve - May 19 - 3:23 pmgreat car; drive it all the time; no issues
