One drawback to the Acura TSX is that we suspect many people do not perceive it as being as prestigious as owning more established cars from European carmakers. It is probably a function of the car's recent arrival on the market, four-cylinder engine and plebian Honda roots. (The TSX is essentially a rebadged and prettified version of the Honda Accord.) But all in all, it has earned our editors' respect, despite some misgivings about the new second-generation model. We suggest that entry-level luxury sports sedan customers give the view - even in cases of second-generation TSX, they should probably only do that if they care more about the "luxury" than "sport".
Current Acura TSX
Significantly larger than its predecessor only about everywhere except in a suitcase, the second generation of Acura TSX debuted for the 2009 model year. That leaves room for five passengers and an impressive array of standard high-end features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps, 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 adding such comforts as a navigation system, a rearview camera and a premium 10-speaker sound system with in-dash six-CD changer. All TSXs receive Anti-lock brakes, stability control, front airbags and side-impact curtain air bags for all outboard passengers.
To 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 not up to the six-cylinder engines and turbo-charged four-cylinder engines found in other entry-level luxury sports sedan.
In the test, we have been impressed with the TSX technological features list, but disappointed with how it drives. While the previous generation TSX reasonably be described as a front-wheel drive sports sedan, the TSX is more of a lavishly appointed family car. Steering feel is surprisingly calm for a Honda product - the new electric steering assist is the likely culprit - and braking at the edge of the unacceptable. The refined, but lackluster engine is unlikely to impress customers in the TSX's upscale segment.
Used Acura TSX models
The first generation Acura TSX debuted in 2004. Track Tier than the second generation model, the original TSX was widely praised for its crisp handling and entertaining (though off-color) 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 200 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. Among the regular features were issues such as 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps, a sunroof, heated power front seats with driver memory, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-speaker audio system.
Anti-lock brakes, stability control, front airbags and side-impact curtain air bags 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.
Before the road test, we found that while the original TSX's torque-deficient VTEC engine was revved hard to get sufficient acceleration, it was still 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 sleeping cabin TSX sports sedan. The first generation TSX also offered a high quality and aesthetically pleasing interior design.
There were a handful of changes from the original Acura TSX during its production run. Satellite radio, heated exterior mirrors and a power passenger seat was added in 2005. 2006 TSX engine features, functionality and styling updates - the four-cylinder engine was modified to produce 205 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque, and the navigation system achieved faster processing and additional points of interest. Bluetooth, driver seat memory and MP3 auxiliary jack was also new. Exterior enhancements include redesigned front and rear fascia, new side thresholds, foglamps and new alloy wheels.