2011 Acura TSX Review
2011 Acura TSX Review

Used TSX for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Impressive number of standard and technology features
- spacious interior
- sporty handling with V6 sedan and wagon
- excellent build and materials quality.
Cons
- Button-happy center console
- unimpressive braking performance
- slightly underpowered four-cylinder.
What’s new
The 2011 Acura TSX features a new wagon body style called the Sport Wagon. All TSXs also get a slight fuel economy gain, exterior design refinements, improved acoustic insulation and a new hard-drive-based navigation system with a higher-resolution display.
Edmunds says
The 2011 TSX remains a steady performer for Acura, with a new wagon model injecting life into the portfolio.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Acura TSX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$189/mo for TSX Base
TSX Base
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The 2011 Acura TSX continues in its role as the gateway model into Honda's premium brand, a steady if somewhat plain performer in four-cylinder sedan trim and a more exciting sport sedan when equipped with the available V6. But the biggest news for the TSX line in 2011 is the addition of a wagon model. Offering more cargo room than most competitors, ample storage and a flat load floor that can accommodate objects nearly 70 inches long, the TSX Sport Wagon adds welcome versatility and panache to a model that frankly has been less interesting every year.
The Sport Wagon comes standard with the TSX's 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-4 engine and five-speed automatic transmission. Although enthusiasts might prefer that this new Acura wagon be a rival to the sportier Audi A4 Avant and BMW 328i wagon by combining a V6 engine, a manual transmission and all-wheel drive, the reality is that the TSX Sport Wagon offers balanced performance in nearly every dynamic category as well as superior fuel economy. Acura only plans to offer 4,000 units in North America, a tentative way of taking the temperature of American enthusiasm for a luxury wagon from Japan, so get on the list if you want one.
The Sport Wagon also adds a new design perspective to the TSX, as its tapering roof line and sharp, future-shock angles give the wagon an image of velocity even at rest. Acura has also tamed the TSX beak, the polarizing design for the grille and front fascia that has undermined what is otherwise a solid car under the sheet metal. The front end of the 2011 Acura TSX still looks sharp and techno, but its metallic overbite has been substantially reduced.
Overall the TSX offers excellent manners in daily driving, a pleasing interior, an impressive amount of standard equipment, plus state-of-the-art navigation and entertainment systems. In four-cylinder guise, the driving experience can be a bit bland -- the 2011 Audi A4 and 2011 BMW 3 Series are just more fun to drive. And it might be worth looking at loaded versions of the 2011 Ford Fusion, 2011 Nissan Altima and 2011 Volkswagen CC as well. With the V6 and its sport-tuned suspension and steering, though, the TSX gains a more dynamic persona. In either case, the TSX is worth a look, and is certainly one of the better luxury sedan and wagon values on the market.
Performance & mpg
The front-wheel-drive TSX is available with a choice of two engines. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes 201 hp and 170 pound-feet of torque (172 lb-ft when equipped with the manual transmission), while the 3.5-liter V6 generates 280 hp and 254 lb-ft. A five-speed automatic transmission with sport shift paddles is standard on all models, although a six-speed manual is available for the four-cylinder sedan only.
In Edmunds testing, a manual four-cylinder TSX sedan loped to 60 mph from a standstill in an unremarkable 7.7 seconds. The automatic sedan and Sport Wagon both crossed the lights about a second slower. The V6, on the other hand, posted a competitive 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds.
Estimated EPA fuel economy estimates for the four-cylinder automatic TSX sedan are 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 combined; the manual version drops to 21/29/24. The wagon achieves 22/30/25, while the V6 comes in at 19/28/23.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2011 TSX includes antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control, traction control, active head restraints, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, both the four- and six-cylinder versions of the TSX took 133 feet to stop from 60 mph. That's at least 10-15 feet longer than we'd expect for a comparable sport sedan. The Sport Wagon came to a halt in 127 feet.
The 2011 Acura TSX has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings for the sedan (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) resulted in five-out-of-five stars for all frontal and side-impact tests. It also earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
Driving
The 2011 Acura TSX rides calmly and quietly at highway speeds thanks to thicker glass and improved acoustic insulation. Power from the four-cylinder engine is adequate, though compared to other entry-level luxury cars it leaves the TSX with a somewhat uninspired driving character. The V6 and Sport Wagon are more spirited thanks to their sport-tuned suspensions and, in the case of the V6, gutsier acceleration. Both transmissions work well; the manual is easy to work thanks to a short-travel clutch and linear throttle tip-in, while the automatic provides pleasantly smooth shifts.
Interior
Although toned down a bit from its predecessor, the 2011 Acura TSX is still dense with buttons and switchgear, particularly on its center stack. Most of the controls and commands are fairly intuitive and logical, however. Equipped with the Technology package, the TSX offers a very good navigation system (now hard-drive-based for 2011) featuring voice commands, real-time traffic, weather forecasting and a large LCD screen with a secondary control knob. The accompanying Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system is certainly good enough to justify the extra cost.
New heating/cooling vents at the rear of the center console ensure improved comfort for rear-seat passengers. The center console cargo box is now also climate-controlled, the better to keep drinks from a run to McDonald's either cool or warm. Interior room in the sedan is good, offering just a bit less volume than the larger TL and considerably more than a competitor like the Lexus IS 250. The trunk measures 12.6 cubic feet. The Sport Wagon opens up even more room, delivering nearly 61 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. That betters both the Audi A4 Avant and the BMW 3 Series wagon.
2011 Acura TSX models
The 2011 Acura TSX is a compact entry-level luxury sedan available in base, wagon and V6 trim levels. The base TSX and TSX Sport Wagon offer standard equipment that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, foglights, a sunroof, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, an eight-way power driver seat with memory, a four-way power passenger seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 60/40-split-folding rear seatback. Also standard are Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and a USB port. In addition to more horsepower and displacement, the V6 adds a firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels and a road noise-cancelling feature for the sound system.
The optional Technology package adds a rearview camera, a hard-drive-based navigation system, voice recognition, real-time traffic and weather forecasting, a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound system with single-CD player, digital music storage and, for the wagon, a power liftgate.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Acura TSX.
5 star(74%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(1%)
112 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Just a Great Car Overall
Brian, 07/13/2015
2010 Acura TSX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
I have a 2010 black TSX (4 cylinder, no tech) that I bought certified in the summer of 2012 with 26k miles (now has 57k). I could not be happier with this car. To summarize, this car may not be #1 in any particular category, but it does everything well. Its sporty, its comfortable, its technologically equipped even at the base model, its reliable, and I like how it looks (especially … in black). I had a 2003 Audi A4 before this car, which was an amazing performer, but was a disaster with reliability. The A4 had so many issues that I got nervous every time I turned the key to start the car. Also, (not that it was necessarily the A4), but I had 4 tires go out on me in 5 years on that model. With the TSX, I like that it gives me a digital output of my tire pressure, so I always know I am good.
If you are looking for a fun, reliable, and pretty well equipped car, the TSX is for you. Acura is not for everyone, but I am now sold and would like to get the TLX as my next model when the time is right; however, I know I can get so many more models out of the TSX so will hang onto it for some time.
5 out of 5 stars
All that and a bag of chips!
Kong Vang, 05/22/2016
2010 Acura TSX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
Took the 2010 TSX for a nice cruise today, and I love how this engine loves to rev! The handling of this car is phenomenal, no body roll at all, and corners really well! To put it into perspective, you know those on ramps that curves and then merges on to the free way, normally I could attack the curve at 45 mph with your ordinary family sedan, then wait until my line straightens to … actually speed up. With this car, 65-70 MPH on the curves--no problems, no body roll. The car stays planted and flat throughout the hairpin, very confidence inspiring! It's amazing how it handles like a RWD car! Perhaps that was the point?
Love how the rpm climbs so fast, especially when u hit VTEC! Soon to get Hondata FlashPro for it, which engages VTEC at 4500 rpm! And shifts red line to a lofty 8000 rpm, that's a Type-R!
Interior fit and finish is excellent. The seats are super comfortable and keeps the lateral G's in check (as in hugs you when you make tight turns at speeds). The reinforced structural rigidity not only makes this car super responsive in the turns, it makes you feel very safe knowing that you're inside a roll cage! The audio system is top rate and sounds absolutely amazing!
Minor Gripes: the electronic steering feels numb at first, but once you get used to it, it's not so bad. Just a minor annoyance since you have no clue what the tires are doing, because no feed back through the steering column. Any tire slippage will come by as a surprise. No back up camera or GPS, not a deal breaker. Don't need a back up camera in a small car, it's not a truck! And Waze on your phone does a fine job of Navigation.
Brakes would be adequate for most; however for me--it leaves a lot to be desired; nothing a little upgrade in brake pads and lighter wheels couldn't fix. You wouldn't notice it unless you've rode motorcycles all your life or drive a lighter car like the Honda Fit modded with lightweight wheels that has the stopping distance of a Sports Bike. I would say the Toyota Sienna and the TSX have similar stopping power.
Bottom line 8.9/10
I would recommend this car, because it does everything exceptionally well stock! It's also one of the very few Hondas, if not the last Hondas/Acuras still built 100% in Japan so it's high quality and super reliable! With a Timing Chain instead of a Belt, maintenance is also minimal. Can't beat the value!
4.25 out of 5 stars
TSX #2
pbacura, 03/07/2011
2010 Acura TSX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
Replaced '08 TSX with '10 TSX about 8 mos & 8800 miles ago. New model feels larger, more comfortable, and more expensive than the previous one. The comfort comes at the expense of the lively, responsive steering that made the Gen 1 TSX such a pleasure to drive. Although a common complaint is the lack of 4cyl power, I have never found that to be an issue.
I still think it is an excellent … value as a entry level sports/luxury sedan.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Great car
rdawg23, 02/06/2011
2010 Acura TSX Technology Package 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
I traded in a "glitchy" Honda Civic Hybrid for a TSX Tech last year and am not regretting my decision.
The TSX offers good gas mileage for the class of vehicle and has enough power so you don't feel like you're going nowhere when accelerating.
The navigation unit is good, and yes, while it doesn't have some of the latest features you get from a TomTom or Garmin you buy from your … neighborhood electronics store, it can hold it's own.
My advice is to read the manual and really learn how to use it just like you would any other computer.
The ELS audio system included with the tech package is an incredible audio system.
When using any digital source, the sound has a lot of depth and quality
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Acura TSX, so we've included reviews for other years of the TSX since its last redesign.
2011 TSX Highlights
Base
Base MSRP | $29,610 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $200/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.9%
Related Used 2011 Acura TSX info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Fiat 500X 2021 Review
- Fiat 500L 2020 Review
- Fiat 500X 2020 Review
- Ford Bronco 2021 Review
- Ford Bronco Sport 2021 Review
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Acura TSX 2010
- Used Acura TSX 2013 For Sale
- Used Acura TSX 2014
- Used Acura TSX Sport Wagon 2014
- Used Acura TSX Sport Wagon 2012
- Used Acura TSX Sport Wagon 2013
- Used Acura TSX 2011
- Used Acura TSX 2012
- Used Acura TSX Sport Wagon 2011
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2022 Model X
- 2024 Genesis G80
- BMV XM
- 2025 Toyota Crown Signia News
- 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia
- TTS Audi
- Volvo XC60 2023
- 2022 BMW 5 Series
- 2022 Q5
- 2022 Acura TLX
Research recent models from same make
- Acura Integra
- Acura MDX
- Type S Acura TLX
- Acura TLX 2023
- Acura Crossover RDX
- Acura NSX T For Sale
- Acura Il X
- 2024 Acura MDX
- 2023 Acura Integra
- 2022 RDX
Research similar vehicles
- Lexus Es 350
- Audi A42010
- Subaru Legacy Cars For Sale
- Lexus LS 500 Price
- Hyundai Sonata
- S4
- Subaru WRX Sti
- Mercedes A220
- New Genesis G80
- Rolls Royce Phantom Car
Other models
- Used Pontiac Torrent in Medford, NJ
- Used Lexus RX-500H in Dorchester Center, MA
- New Audi Sq8-Sportback-E-Tron for Sale in Dayton, OH
- Used Aston-Martin V8-Vantage in Williamsport, PA
- New Infiniti QX60 for Sale in Ireland, IN
- New Aston-Martin DBX707 for Sale in Valley View, TX
- Used Toyota Corolla in Moreno Valley, CA
- Used Toyota Prius in Hammond, IN
- New Ram Promaster-Window-Van for Sale in La Porte, IN
- Used Toyota Yaris-Hatchback in Hopewell, VA