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Acura TSX - What the Auto Press Says

The TSX is a fun-driving vehicle available for an agreeable price. Reviewers especially praise its high cabin quality and list of standard features.

For the 2009 model year, Acura marketed its TSX as a good-driving, good-looking automobile. And although auto writers found those adjectives to be true, they also left test drives wishing for more. "The TSX is a solid, fun car to drive, loaded with technology. Acura bills it as an entry-level premium sports sedan, and that description seems apt," writes AutoWeek, before countering, "A bit more sport, with some more ponies underhood, would be nice." 

For 2010, Acura obliged. The automaker is slated to introduce a V6 engine trim -- the same engine found in the larger Acura TL -- that offers reviewers and car shoppers the extra power boost they've been looking for. The four-cylinder trim remains unchanged for the 2010 model year. 

If you can't wait to purchase a small sporty car, consider the Volkswagen GTI. An automotive-press favorite, the GTI has an energetic turbocharged four-cylinder engine and excellent EPA ratings that further sweeten the deal. Before making a final decision on the Acura TSX, you should definitely take the GTI for a test spin. 

The TSX is a front-wheel drive sedan available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The 2010 Acura TSX with a V6 engine will debut in July, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.

• Of the base trim's four-cylinder engine, Popular Mechanics says, "In the battle between luxury and performance for Acura's soul, luxury is winning and, frankly, that's too bad." --Popular Mechanics
• "Nothing has changed on the four-cylinder TSX for 2010. It's still the happy front-drive, near-luxe sedan it's always been. For the power-hungry bunch, the 2010 TSX V-6 will alleviate the horsepower deficit when it goes on sale in July. By slipping in the same 3.5-liter V-6 from the base TL-tuned in the TSX to 280 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque -- Acura turns its smaller four-door into a very quick sports sedan, even if it comes only with a paddle-shifted, five-speed automatic transmission." -- Car and Driver
• "When driven in a more responsible manner -- meaning day-to-day commuting and the occasional on-ramp Grand Prix, the TSX V-6 is a smooth-riding, quiet and powerful machine that's wanting for very little. Combine all that with a very cool and well-built interior (including terrific front seats), and it seems Acura has another winner on its hands. Plus, you're getting TL V-6 power without that car's polarizing styling." -- Road and Track

TSX Performance - NA

"Zippy and with a nod to the environment, the TSX impresses the boss and pleases the performance soul without bragging or brawling," was MSN's assessment of the 2009 TSX. For the 2010 model year, Acura boosted both its brawl and bragging rights by adding a V6 engine option that has 79 more horses than the base engine. Those who've test driven the new model are pleased.   continue

TSX Exterior - NA

Most auto writers say that the TSX still doesn't have the styling chops to turn many heads. "Honda and Acura have taken lumps in recent years for lackluster styling, and while the TSX does feature some sharper lines and a bolder chrome grille, the styling still lacks any sort of wowzer factor," writes AutoWeek. "But if subtle, clean lines are your idea of good styling, the TSX is great." continue

TSX Interior - NA

According to Car and Driver, "The comfortable, spacious, and exceedingly well-equipped interior is one of the TSX's stronger suits," a sentiment most car writers share. Reviewers especially highlight the clarity of the 2010 Acura TSX's optional 10-speaker ELS Surround Sound System, or the noise cancelling system provided by Acura's Active Sound Control. However, reviewers also warn potential buyers against the confining second row and the overcrowded instrument panel.  continue

TSX Safety - NA

The 2010 TSX does very well in federal government safety tests, and the 2009 model was a "Top Safety Pick" in insurance industry crash tests. However, some reviewers note limited visibility from the front seat. continue

TSX Reliability - NA

The 2010 Acura TSX comes with a four-year or 50,000 mile basic warranty, as well as a powertrain warranty for six years or 70,000 miles. In addition, the TSX receives Acura's Total Luxury Care service for the first four years or 50,000 miles. continue