Acura TSX Review

2009 Acura TSX Sedan

The Acura TSX is a relatively new vehicle in the entry-level luxury sport sedan segment. Consumers seeking a sedan that's sportier and a bit more upscale than the typical family four-door will find a lot to like. The TSX, which is Acura's least expensive model, is 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.

One downside to the Acura TSX is that we suspect many people don't perceive it as being as prestigious to own as more established cars from European automakers. This is probably a function of the car's recent arrival in the marketplace, four-cylinder engine and plebian Honda roots. (The TSX is essentially a rebadged and prettified version of the European Honda Accord.) But overall, it has earned our editors' respect, despite some misgivings about the new second-generation model. We suggest that entry-level luxury sport sedan shoppers give it consideration -- though in the case of the second-generation TSX, they should probably only do so if they care more about the "luxury" than the "sport."

Current Acura TSX

Appreciably larger than its predecessor just about everywhere except the trunk, the second-generation Acura TSX debuted for the 2009 model year. It offers seating for five passengers and an impressive array of standard high-end features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, heated power front seats with driver memory, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio and iPod integration. Models equipped with the Technology Package add such niceties as a navigation system, a rearview camera and a premium 10-speaker sound system with in-dash six-CD changer. All TSXs receive antilock brakes, stability control, front side impact airbags and side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers.

For power, the front-wheel-drive TSX employs a revised version of the previous 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices consist of an excellent six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. While commendably smooth in the Honda tradition, the 2.4-liter four simply doesn't measure up to the six-cylinder and turbocharged four-cylinder engines found in other entry-level luxury sport sedans.

In road tests, we've been impressed with the TSX's technological features list but rather disappointed with how it drives. While the previous-generation TSX could reasonably be classified as a front-wheel drive sport sedan, the current TSX is more of a lavishly appointed family car. Steering feel is surprisingly numb for a Honda product -- the new electric steering assist is the likely culprit -- and braking performance verges on the unacceptable. The refined but lackluster engine is unlikely to impress shoppers in the TSX's upscale segment.

Used Acura TSX models

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.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.