• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Acura TSX - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Acura TSX ranks 5 out of 6 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 48 published reviews and test drives of the Acura TSX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The TSX is a fun-to-drive vehicle at an affordable price. Reviewers especially praise its high-quality cabin and long list of standard features.

Reviewers agree the new 2010 Acura TSX is definitely an improvement over its predecessor. Although the 2009 model was considered a good-driving, good-looking automobile, auto writers were still left wishing for more. As AutoWeek said about the 2009 model, "A bit more sport, with some more ponies underhood, would be nice." 

For 2010, Acura has obliged. The automaker has introduced a V6 engine -- 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 engine remains unchanged for 2010.

Although reviewers have mixed feelings about the appearance change from the 2009 model to the new 2010-which some consider "too safe" or even "ugly"- the interior of the TSX shows that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. The car boasts top-notch materials quality, including a particularly impressive ELS 10-speaker surround sound system which is part of the Technology Package.

While the TSX with the optional V6 is unquestionably a fun car to drive, it still falters a bit in the handling department. The car's steering lacks feedback and the brake pedal could almost be described as sluggish. If you want a small sporty car that is equally fun to drive but that handles more smoothly, you might consider the Volkswagen GTI. A reviewer favorite, the GTI has an energetic turbocharged four-cylinder engine and excellent fuel economy ratings. Or, if you want a great performer but don't necessarily need a luxury car and would like to save some cash, consider the Mazda 3. 

The TSX is a front-wheel-drive sedan that comes with a four-cylinder engine with either a manual or automatic transmission. The optional V6 model is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.

• "The TSX's big advantage versus most of its competitors can be summed up in a word that a premium-brand marketer like Acura would never use: Value. A fully-loaded, tech-laden 2010 Acura TSX with the four-cylinder engine tops out at just over $33,000, while opting for the V6 under the hood brings the price to just shy of $40,000. Combined with an EPA rating of up to 30 mpg on the highway, the Acura TSX may be the best premium bargain going." - Kelley Blue Book
• "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 - 7.4 (Good)

The 2010 Acura TSX offers a new V6 engine option that has 79 more horses than the base engine.  Popular Mechanics sums up the engine difference by saying, "Plant your right foot in a four-cylinder TSX and you'll wait until the tachometer hits high noon before you feel the grunt of the motor. Flat-out, the four-cylinder isn't slow, it's just not sport sedan quick. The experience in the TSX V6 is markedly different." All the same, though the new TSX is a zippy driver, its handling is good but it isn't great. Read More

TSX Exterior - 7.2 (Good)

While most auto writers say that there aren't many noticeable (or remarkable) changes to the TSX's styling, others complain loudly about the car's grille. The Los Angeles Times says: "Is it attractive? I think the word is clinical. Rarely do you see a design that is so obviously driven by the marketers' metaphorical imperatives -- high-tech but not alienating, sleek but safe, and precisely 23.88% richer and more upmarket than the Accord. Thus the curious polished metal orthodontia in the grille. This thing has a front toof like Ollie." Read More

TSX Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)

The automotive press seems to be in agreement about the high quality of the 2010 Acura TSX's interior.  Popular Mechanics says, "Honda does know how to stitch together an interior. Every seam, switch, material and control in the new TSX is high quality." Reviewers especially highlight the clarity of the TSX's optional 10-speaker ELS Surround Sound System, or the noise cancelling system provided by Acura's Active Sound Control. Read More

TSX Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 TSX receives five stars across the board in federal government crash tests. This means that it receives top scores for driver and front passenger safety in frontal crash tests, front and rear passenger protection in side impact crash tests.  It also receives the highest star-rating for rollover crash testing - meaning that the car has only a 9 percent chance of rollover in a crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not yet completed tests for the 2010 TSX, but named the 2009 model a "Top Safety Pick" for its crash test scores. Read More

TSX Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2010 Acura TSX reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Acura TSX has a four-year or 50,000 mile basic warranty, as well as powertrain coverage for six years or 70,000 miles. Rust coverage is offered for the first five years, regardless of mileage, and seat belts are covered by a 15-year or 150,000-mile limited warranty. Read More