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 an ideal choice for daily use given its entertaining 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 plenty of 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 newness, its four-cylinder engine and Honda roots. (It's the Accord in Europe.) But overall, our editors hold it in high regard and suggest that entry-level luxury sport sedan buyers give it consideration.

Current Acura TSX

The Acura TSX has seating for five passengers, boasting almost as much space as the larger TL. Nearly all of the car's high-end features come standard. This includes items like 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, heated power front seats with driver memory, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an eight-speaker audio system with XM Satellite Radio, auxiliary jack and an in-dash CD changer.

Antilock brakes, stability control, front side impact airbags and side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers are also standard. An impressive DVD-based navigation system with touchscreen and voice-activated software is the only cost option.

For power, the front-wheel-drive TSX relies on a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making 205 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the six-cylinder engines found in other entry-level luxury sport sedans, this four-cylinder comes up a little short in terms of torque output, but is competitive in terms of horsepower. From TSX road tests, we've found that the TSX's VTEC engine needs to be revved a bit higher to get sufficient acceleration at low speeds. Buyers can choose either a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission or a no-cost five-speed automatic.

Past Acura TSX Models

The Acura TSX was all-new for 2004, with XM Satellite Radio and a power passenger seat added in 2005. These model years are known to hold their value exceptionally well.

The 2006 TSX featured minor engine, feature and styling changes. The four-cylinder engine was modified to produce a bit more power 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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC ACURA TSX MODEL YEAR*

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