MSRP: $29,160 - $32,260
Invoice: $26,822 - $29,664
MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.4
Performance:6.9
Exterior:7.2
Interior:8.3
Safety:10.0
Reliability:10.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Seamless shifting from the six-speed manual, good fuel economy from the five-speed automatic
  • Optional ELS Surround Sound System with outstanding audio
  • High quality cabin
  • Insurance Institute "Top Safety Pick"
  • Reasonable price tag
  • Some find the engine unexciting
  • Cluttered instrument panel
  • Expect a high price if you opt for the Technology Package
  • Steering lacks road feel

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Acura TSX - What the Auto Press Says

The TSX is a redesigned version of the popular midsize sedan that delivers fun-to-drive dynamics and an agreeable price. However, some say it lacks punch in performance and design.

The 2009 Acura TSX is marketed as a new and improved version of a good-driving, good-looking automobile. But reviewers seem to hold Acura to a higher standard, and the redesign leaves many auto writers 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."

If like reviewers you think an upscale compact should have sportiness in spades, the VW GTI might be worth a test drive. A favorite of the automotive press, the GTI's turbocharged four-cylinder engine pleases most test drivers, and its excellent EPA ratings further sweeten the deal.

The TSX is a front-wheel drive sedan available with either a manual or automatic transmission. For this year, the TSX's most notable changes include a new exterior look and a larger interior with new cabin features. The 2010 Acura TSX is now available with no significant changes. Later this summer, Acura will debut a new V6 engine option for the TSX.

  • "Paying attention to details such as ride, handling, noise, vibration and harshness, not to mention sharper styling, a larger, more comfortable cabin and maybe the best sound system on four wheels, the '09 model is a step up from the outgoing model." -- AutoWeek
  • "The sedan has the requisite sparkle and performance, but feels like a luxury car wrapped around an economy powertrain." -- Los Angeles Times
  • "It has been and is still a smart and logical buy. What it really comes down to is, despite its mediocre powertrain and lack of charisma, the TSX is one of the few cars we wouldn't mind using as a daily driver ... as long as we had something more fun waiting for us when we got home." -- Autoblog
  • "Over all, the 2009 TSX is a fine vehicle in most important respects. It is well made, well equipped and likely to be reliable. Its base price is reasonable. But its performance is just adequate. I have to believe the TSX was designed with a higher standard in mind." -- New York Times
  • "In the battle between luxury and performance for Acura's soul, luxury is winning and, frankly, that's too bad." -- Popular Mechanics
  • "The 2009 Acura TSX is kind of like the little engine that thought it could, but found out it couldn't. As decent a car as it is, and it is a very decent car, it's not the full-fledged sporty sedan it could be, and that Acura seems to want it to be." -- New Car Test Drive

TSX Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Acura TSX is a component performer, but not an exciting one, and while some reviews praise the car's ride quality, others wish for more sportiness. Car and Driver likes that "a balance has been retained in spite of Honda's thorough reworking of pretty much everything around that honey of an engine." But New Car Test Drive states, "Driving the new TSX doesn't deliver as much fun as an honest-to-goodness sporty sedan could/should for one simple reason: front-wheel drive." Read More

TSX Exterior - 7.2 (Good)

The Los Angeles Times writer best describes the 2009 TSX's exterior design. "Is it attractive? I think the word is clinical," he writes. "Rarely do you see a design that is so obviously driven by the marketers' metaphorical imperatives -- high-tech but not alienating, sleek but safe." Read More

TSX Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)

Ultimate comfort in the front row and cool luxury are key descriptors of the Acura TSX cabin. Popular Mechanics reports, "Honda does know how to stitch together an interior. Every seam, switch, material and control in the new TSX is high quality. The front seats, for one thing, are superbly shaped for maximum comfort." But potential buyers should also be warned of the crowded instrument panel, the confined rear seats and the inflated price for the optional Technology Package. Read More

TSX Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

The new TSX does very well in both government and insurance industry safety tests. This year, Acura adds the Advanced Compatibility Engineering structure, to improve the TSX's rigidity and redistribute the force of a collision away from passengers. Read More

TSX Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 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 2009 Acura TSX has a four-year or 50,000 mile basic warranty, and powertrain coverage for six years or 70,000 miles. The TSX also has rust coverage for the first five years, regardless of mileage. Read More

Review Last Updated: 6/24/09