Used 2005 Acura TSX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A) Consumer Reviews
2005, but still very relevant!
Found a used TSX from an owner who babied it since he bought it in 2004; only 55k miles. It still looks and runs like it's brand new. Love how it handles, and love the interior. Has some pep, but I find it relatively quiet. Very sleek and stylish, almost timeless, and I think it looks better than a lot of cars that are new. As other reviewers have mentioned, I've alot had a lot of compliments. For an 11-year old car (and counting), it's pretty impressive that it still looks and feels like a newer car. Downside is the premium gas. Thankfully, not filling up often so cost offsets. 24/32 MPG. **Update 3/13/16** Can't add anything else that's already been said. Still love it. I was going to get rid of it since I now take the bus to work 5 days a week, but my girlfriend convinced me to keep it because of how much she likes it.
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'05 Nighthawk Pearl TSX
I bought my car exactly two years ago. It is a very small and super comfortable car. It definitely is a comuter car. My 05 has comfortable tan leather seats. I love my LED lights!! I tinted my windows so the car looks even better. I had to eventually get new brakes and 3 of my cylinders blew up which was provoked by the previous owner who used the wrong material the first time! My battery eventually gave out so i replaced it. I just replaced my thermostat which was constantly fluctuating in temp in a span of 2 minutes. The costs were low and the parts were cheap. Unfortunately the car does not come with an aux so i bought a cheap mp3-radio converter. I used to be able to hit 350 mpt but now i barely get bg 330 miles (depends on traffic!!!!!!!!) Cheapest i paid was $32 for gas without any safeway discounts and the most i have paid was 65-70$ (cant remember exactly). My tank holds 14 gallons. I have seen really nice bumper body kits that make the car look nice! This is not a race car!!!!! I despise seeing tsxs and hondas built completely when in reality theyre not rally cars!!!! (I have seen a dope built tsx though. It only looks good if the owner knows what theyre doing to their car except for Honda fanatics! Stay away from those!!!) I do not suggest putting an exhaust because it will sound horrible and everyone will laugh at you. V techs produce farting sounds! You cant escape that noise..ever. Acuras and hondas are not rally cars! They shouldnt be built especially stanced.... Overall, it is a fun and cute car! Still my first car but definitely was/is a great learning experience and comuter car. Parks easily. The costs are reasonable. I
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- Base SedanMSRP: $6,995235 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $6,990293 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $6,450296 mi away
great value small sized sport sedan
Great vehicle when purchased used. Bought this to replace a Honda Accord V6 Sedan. The TSX it's a great commuter vehicle. Very comfortable, good MPG for the model year, great handling. Has been very reliable and all indications show that it will be a great car for a long time. One negative comment that other reviewers have mentioned is the Premium Fuel requirement. This is a false statement. The owner's manual states that premium fuel is recommended for rated performance. That being said, I've put over 38k miles on this vehicle and only used regular unleaded fuel. Not one issue! The only negative is the red paint that is mentioned by other reviewers. The paint is fading to pink, but the paint finish is still very good. So if you are looking at this generation TSX, definitely avoid the red unless it has been repainted.
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Great Car
We have owned our 2005 Acura TSX with 137,000 miles for more than 8 years. It has been a fantastic car and extremely reliable. Gas mileage is decent about about 25mpg around town and 33mpg highway. It is definitely not a fast car, does not get the best MPG (uses premium), and is not even as comfortable as a lot of others. However, I am still giving it 5 cars because it drives just as well as the day we bought it and the driving experience is great. I do full synthetic oil changes and ATF fluid changes regularly. The only problems that we have had is a coil going out (easily replaced them all for $40), and the door locks act up. Our family has own many cars and this has definitely been the most reliable. The longer I have it, the more I enjoy driving it. This is also the longest I have ever owned a car (actually it is my wifes who loves it as much as I do) I think it is one of the better looking Acura's ever made and it a lot of fun to drive (even with it being fairly slow compared to its competitors). I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one even now if I needed to.
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Bad Milano Red Paint, Acura Reluctant to Fix
Car drives great but Acura does not want to stand behind its very poor quality paint. Whatever you do, DO NOT BUY A RED ONE!!! Unless of course you like pink cars. The assistance they offered for a repaint job only covered 1/4 of the cost. Don't forget that it take premium fuel too. Costs much more than a Honda to own.
A great car ALL AROUND!
As a big car guy, I have not been more impressed with any car I have owned more than this Acura! Bought it with 73K miles from an older woman and 80k miles later she runs fine! The car still looks amazing and I get a lot of compliments from everybody. I bought the car when I was a sophomore in college. Amazing sound system, sunroof, interior looks like the cockpit of a plane. Steering is super sporty and the tranny is solid. The Navi adds a cool look to the car as well. The Xenon headlights are beautiful too! Its such a good looking car that even my BMW loving friends say its a handsome car. I will be driving this car into the ground. Only issue was the passenger door lock, which is a super common Honda repair.
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Will go down in history as one of the best Acuras
* update July 2025 still awesome like new ** update Jan 2025: 20 years old runs like new *** update August 2024: Car is still awesome shiny and like new put a stereo amplifier in it to crank out the tunes. *** update January 2024: all good running like new 189,000 miles ****update July 2023: on vacation in Europe for the month because the Acura TSX is so cost effective to own. Friends borrowing it because his newer 2014 car broke down. *** update 2023 : Runs great. Had an ignition coil go out at 175k miles but took about 10 minutes to put in a new one . *** update 17 1/2 years old and still handling business like a champ. ***new Update 16 1/2 years and still going strong. Great car. **Update 15 1/2 years and still going strong, still enjoyable to drive. This vehicle is so well built. Its beautiful, simple, effective, practical, and reliable. Know that the 1st Gen Acura TSX is rated as one of the most, if not THE most reliable entry level sedan in its decade and class. It has a bit of power to accelerate with confidence. It handles and stops well. This is a drivers car and gives you feed back. Its construction is simple yet reliable making it a great car to purchase used. Repair costs are relatively inexpensive. It doesn't have a lot of newer electronic features to fail or cause issues. It has enough features to give you a comfortable ride. The stereo is pretty decent but not as good as the newer ones. Mine is going on 14 years old and the only worry that I have is that I won't be able to buy a new car for another decade because theres nothing wrong with the TSX. Oil analysis performed by Blackstone laboratories showed my engine and transmission to be in excellent shape (seals good, low/no containments, low metal in oil numbers, oil not breaking down early). I do most all maintenance myself on vehicles giving me the chance to see quality build construction vs poor quality.
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No import imitation here, the real deal
I cross-shopped the TSX with a Lexus IS 300. I felt the TSX has a more sophisticated interior, and that it would have better Snow Belt traction. I've driven my father's 2001 Camry XLE V6 which has 16" wheels and it felt very bouncy and jittery. I was shocked to find the TSX was very composed with larger 17" rims, except for the occassional road bumps, which feels like soft jolts. The TSX feels glued to the road at all times and it is quiet. The 4 cylinder engine is audible in the cabin at idle and there are tire noise on rough pavement. Acceleration in the 35mph-60mph range is smooth, very fast & responsive.
Not so great
Ok, the pros: Looks nice inside and out but quite conservative, very comfortable for front driver and passenger. pretty smooth engine for a 4Cyl. Awesome tranny. The cons: All 4 detention rods in the doors went bad, brakes had to be replaced 2 times in 8000 miles, was told next time I would have to pay. Creaks and rattles in the doors. Paint oxidizing and scratches easily. Bad on gas and no torque.
Love this car!
Bought my TSX in January and I've been in love ever since. Absolutely beautiful inside and out. Quick, fun to drive. Get lots of positive comments from friends. Very comfortable seating and controls. I'm very short so the electric seat adjustments are great. Thumbs up!
My third Acura
This is my third Acura. The other two where Integras and I was ready to move up to a bit of luxury. I didn't need a new car but I wanted this one. I knew I would not be concerned with reliability and quality of the build. Just about every feature is standard which just made it that much easier to buy. It is fun to drive and suprisingly my gas mileage is improving. When you close the doors it has a nice solid, snug fit sound that rings of quality. Of course, the downside of buying this car was moving to premium gasoline especially right at the time gas started going so high. But it is a low emissions vehicle so at least I'm spewing less pollutants into the air.
Awesome
did a lot of research-best car for the money i spent-i was a little hesitant to spend 28 grand on something that depreciates so quickly, but it's well worth it.
"dr tsx"
Excellent performance, and fuel mileage, smooth engine, very luxurious and fully loaded for its price. It is a great value, but it does have some minor defects and rattles which is a bit surprising. Overall great car.
2004 Model
Ok, I have the 2004 Model. The Pros: Very Comfortable, Awsome interior, Fantastic ride and handling, great service. The Cons: The Rotors have been resurfaced and the rears replaced within 8,000 miles.(Known Problem. All four detention rods in the doors went bad. door panel cracked due to cheap plastic.Creak in dash and in drivers door. Door panel replaced but no fix. Japanese auto makers are going into the whole. Buying another Hyundai as they had been great comfortable reliable cars. Ill buy an NSX if I hit the lotto though. At least they are hand built.
Love my PWP TSX
Only bad thing I can say about the car is that it rides a bit rough. On the highway it floats but in town you feel every bump...that is the sports sedan in the car. Overall everything in this car is top quality and looks so nice. I get about 25MPG with premium fuel. Wish it did a little better there.
TSX Special
Have had the car for over 5 months. A fun enjoyable car to drive. A lot of car for the $. Very customer oriented dealership. Very impressed with mileage on a trip at 80mph great mileage.
Great satisfaction
After much research, purchased the Acura TSX. Have many compliments about design and overall appearance. It is a joy to drive. Interior and exterior is outstanding. Could be a bit better on gas mileage.
Good Ride
The TSX gives a nice, quiet ride. Stereo system is great. Good gas mileage. Good value for the money.
Outstanding Sports Sedan!
Absolutely one of the best values out there in the true sports (bordering on luxury) sedans. You can pay almost $10K more if you really need the BMW name. If you're okay without it, however, this car won't let you down. Once inside and driving it, you'll be sold. I can't help but smile every time I get in my new TSX. I'm 100% pleased - no buyer's remorse at all.
Great value
The TSX is a very good buy for the money and fun to drive. Everything you could want is standard.
Am I the only one with problems!
I seem to be alone after reading these reviews. I have had many problems with my TSX. It has been back to the dealer more than I can count for multiple problems. The biggest problem of all being the wheels on the car constantly being out of aliment, balance, or bent. Seems the car can not handle normal driving on highways in the east. Other problems encountered: Peeling finish on wheels, rusting sill plates in doors, broken power seat, Light out on heated seated, speedometer whines when driving it all the time, mirror shakes while driving, Recall for wiring. Not sure what to do anymore! What happens when the warranty is over. Seriously thinking about trading it in.
Diamond in the Rough
The TSX is the best value for the money and is better looking than most cars in the same class, including the BMW 3. The interior is much more up to date than the 3, and the dash is much sharper. Fuel economy is great, particullary with high gas prices today. It is equally as fun to drive as the 3 series and without the BMW sticker price. You get much more for your money with this overall package and reliabilty will be much better than a German made car.
I love this car
The interior sells the car. A very pleasant experience to drive. Very responsive. Bad weather! No problem.
Great Car
I bought my TSX last year in August and so far its been a great car. I compared several cars and found this one to be the best one. The TSX is cheaper than other foreign competitors and has more standard features.
High Quality, Economical, Great Value!
The TSX is an extraordinary value with great quality and style. It is very well equipped, including VSA and a full array of air bags. The parchment interior is well designed and very attractive. The auto transmission is smooth and responsive. Fit and finish are excellent. Two concerns: (1) the ride is good on highways and smooth streets, but rougher than desired on bumpy streets, and (2) the passenger seat which has no vertical adjustment and is too low for my wife's comfort and ease of access. (I bought a matching pillow for that seat for added height and comfort.) After 4000 miles, gas mileage is excellent, averaging 27 in mixed driving, 33 on the highway, and still improving.
Fun To Drive
After comparing many other near luxury wannabes, I found the TSX to represent exceptional value for my hard-earned money. I had owned a TLS and really loved it. WDP with Parchment interior. I dumped it for a lower monthly payment and for the glass fog lamps that continually needed replacement @ $300. The TSX is made in Japan. Looking at other imported product, it seems to have suffered a little in build quality when the point of manufacture is transferred to North America. I wish someone from the automobile industry could speak on this issue. We want to support our local workers.
All-around perfection
Although I normally would balk at paying $27,000 for a four cylinder, this isn't so here. It's so smooth, actually more so than my old 1996 Acura 3.2 TL's 3.2-liter V-6. The interior is very clean. Many dismiss the exterior as boring, but I find it quite attractive. And it's just dripping with features.
In love with my TSX
After 1700 miles of driving this vehicle I can say that I am completely satisfied with great looks, over all outstanding handling, performance and total comfort of this car. The 5 speed AT is a smooth as glass. Fit and finish are excellent and the 17 inch wheels are best.
thumbs up
Just purchased an'04 this month. Its a great car. fist tank of gas, mpg 25 city driving. The back seat leg room is tight for average size person. Its fun to drive, tight, no noises. Firm ride of bumpy roads. Has good power and acceleration, and handles good. I looked at the TL but a little high for my budget, The Accord, everyone has one and the maxima good room but didnt like the lay out of the dash. I got a good price and a new car warranty.
A more sporting TL?
This car has been my biggest surprise of the year. I needed to replace my wife's '92 Legend, and I was dead set on the TL after having previously driven one. But after discovering that many of the TL features had been added to the TSX for '05, I became curious about it. I had my doubts that the 4 cylinder would be satifying, but after the first mile, I found that it far exceeded my expectations. What surprised me most was the nimble feeling of the chassis which made it much more fun to drive than the more powerful TL. Throw in better mileage, and a $6000 dollar savings, and the answer became perfectly clear - TSX!
Not too bad
This is my third Acura, and the TSX isn't bad. TSX was best for the buck. I haven't taken it on a road trip, and I can't wait. Car handles well, and I love the interior. The exterior looks better and better every day. I love the gas mileage I'm getting, and I get looks b/c of the pin-striping. The ride isn't too bad. Firm, but not rough. Plenty of room in the trunk. The car emits more outside (wind) noise than I thought. There is a blind spot when I'm in reverse, and it's a bother. Know more about the car when the snow flies.
Impressed on TSX
The wife and I stopped by our Acura dealer, mainly because I wanted to test drive a TL. But after driving the TSX, I was convinced the TSX was a much better value, as I didn't feel the TL delivered enough for the extra $6,000. Bottom line: the TSX's 4 cyl really surprised me. It can ride somewhat rough on bumpy surfaces, but that's to be expected with sporty cars. About 30 mpg on highway, which is decent.
Love this car
Ride is not as soft as my V-6 Accord, but handles much better. 4 cylinder has decent torque, but accelerates better @ freeway speed rather than o-60
Amazing car for the price!
Excellent car for the price, and its loaded with options as well! Great entry level luxury car!
Love the car
Very pleased with the car overall, it is a joy to drive.
Very Good for price...!!!
This is the first ACURA I own. All the amenities come as standard. The driving experience is good, not boring at all. The small I4- 2.4L, really performs well. Very smooth and ready to rev quite effortlessly. The interior is well laid-out and good materials abound. It surely gives you the feeling of a entry-luxury model. All in all, this car won't win over the famed and famous euro brands but for a model under 26K, the TSX will gain a lot of enthusiasts.
Love it!!!
I was waffling between a top of the line Camry and this car. Although I paid $2K more for this car - it was worth it. I love my TSX! The best feature is that they only come two ways...with or without navigation - everything else is standard. There was no negotiating all of the options, just the car as a whole. Made the purchase go much smoother also...no pushy salesman trying to sell you extra options to boost the profit margin. Bottom line is that a car is worth exactly what you're willing to pay for it. I didn't pay MSRP, but I can see how others would...the car sells itself. This is an easy way to step into luxury cars without being married to your payment.
Superb Vehicle
I have a vast knowledge of cars and chose the TSX because it is BY FAR the best value on the market. The TSX comes loaded with everything you would expect in a car in this class for an exceptionally reasonable price. The handling is superb, gas mileage is very impressive, and the standard features are TOP NOTCH! Fit and finish, it is very difficult to find a better car for the money. Make sure to test drive this car because it will not disappoint. It is truly a superb vehicle.
A true sports sedan
This car puts you in harmony with the road. Unlike to focus of many cars that seek to place the driver and the road as far apart as possible the TSX lets you decide. You feel the road; the twists and turns, the need to be alert to conditions, and the fun driving can be. I am an older driver who remembers the sports cars of his youth and can still enjoy the road.
Best FWD Car on the Market!
This car is a blast to drive. It handles like a go-cart, has ample power, and looks good doing all of it. Throw in the standard XM Satellite Radio, heated leather seats, 360 watt stereo and all power, and you got a heck of a little sports sedan! You owe yourself a drive if you are looking at a C Class or 3 Series. Save yourself some money!
Another great car!!
Our ownership of Honda products started back in 1988. After three Accords later, I must say this is one of the best from Honda. Interior, fit and finish, handling, the exterior design is all there plus some more. Can't wait to drive it in the morning everyday to work.
Nice car, but a four cylinder
I was talked into buying this car by my brother - he wanted me to have something "reliable". I have no real complaints about it other than the headlights - they have to be turned on and off and the halogen headlights have other drivers constantly flashing their lights at me - thinking I have my brights on when I don't. Also, you can't open the windows when it's raining because the water comes in. It's quick for a four cylinder but too slow for my taste (I drove Pontiac Bonnevilles for years and am now wishing I had purchased another one.) I'll be trading it in after two years for a faster car. I got better gas mileage on the highway with my Bonnevilles than I do with this vehicle.
Love it!
Love this car! perfect balance of comfort and performance. I'm always thinking of excuses to drive it!
FANTASTIC, FUN CAR!!
I traded in a 2003 TL and couldnt be happier with my choice! The 2005 tsx is a real head turner and is the perfect car for a sportier feel. Dont be put off by the 4 cylinder engine! This car can really move! Fit and finish are top notch and all the extras come standard. What a value. I simply could not justify spending 10k more for a car with similar features (i.e G35, TL, bmw). You will not be sorry for choosing the 2005 tsx!
Nice car for ages 26-32 with kids
After a long search for a new car that would give me what I wanted for the right price. I choose TSX in Feb, at $26,200 out of 29,600 thanks to Edmunds. The only problems I have had so far is the transmission. Other then that the car has been great. The people at Lynnwood Wash treated me and my family with respect and GREAT service. Something you don't see anymore. Ohh I bought the car out right which made it easier to find a great rate.
Love it
It's not a TL, but its damn near close!
great car.
Great car to drive in open road and canyon roads. Just wish it had more torque power range off the line.
Loving My TSX
I love my car and I am very happy with it, and have absolutely no complaints. It is very fun to drive, and people comment on it everywhere I go, and the gas mileage is ok. I did expect better mileage of a 4-cylinder though.
Serious bang for the buck
After driving and pricing several Euro competitors, I'm extremely happy with my TSX. Even though it's not the fast car out there, it has plenty of grunt in the higher rpms. The interior, like most Honda products, is above reproach and the list of standard features is what sold this car. Take this car to your favorite country road and its a blast.
A truly wonderful automobile
I've owned this car for over a month so far and cannot be happier with my decision to buy it. I had cross-shopped this vehicle with the BMW 3-series (reliability concerns and much less value for money), Audi A4 (again, less value for the money), Lexus IS 300 (too small) and Mazda6 (inferior build quality). No other vehicle was comparable to the all-around the performance, quality, and features found in the TSX. The power is excellent especially for a 4-cylinder engine, and the handling is taut and precise. The interior is very nicely appointed, and the car comes fully loaded. I opted against the only option - the navigation feature as I didn't think it was necessary for my needs.