2010 Acura TSX

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Performance - What the Auto Press Says

While reviewers were never thrilled with the performance of the TSX's four-cylinder engine, they love the acceleration capabilities of the new V6 -- the same powerhouse used in the Acura TL. Unfortunately there are still issues with understeer and braking. The Acura TSX is a fun car to drive, but if responsive handling is more important to you than sheer power, you might want to check out the 2009 Volkswagen GTI. If you want the total package (zoom zoom and very responsive handling) and are willing to dish out the dough, you might also consider a BMW 3-Series. 

• "How much 'fun to drive' quotient can you dial into a 3,419-pound front-drive sedan powered by a 201-horsepower 4-cylinder gasoline engine? ... The TSX, which is now the entry-level model in Acura's lineup, does the best it can given those engineering parameters." -- New York Times
• "We could hardly ask for a better balance of fun and comfort from a sporty, front-wheel drive, entry-premium sedan. ... It encourages a quicker pace when the road begins to meander, and adequately absorbs surface irregularities and external roars when cruising." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "In keeping with a potentially bothersome Honda and occasionally Acura tradition, there was noticeable road noise at highway speeds - especially over Southern Cali's grooved concrete freeways." - Edmunds
• "The electric power-steering is just a tad on the light side, and, despite the minor revisions to the brake system, the pedal became slightly mushy during a particularly spirited downhill canyon run." -- Road and Track

Acceleration and Power

The TSX's base four-cylinder engine makes 201 horsepower, which most reviewers say doesn't provide for a whole lot of oomph. The other option is a new 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. Most in the automotive press are impressed with the V6's great acceleration, although some lament the fact that it is only available with an automatic transmission. 

The EPA gives the 2010 Acura TSX with the four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission a rating of 21/30 mpg city/highway which is good for the class, while the manual transmission clocks in at 20/28 mpg which is only average.  Meanwhile, the new V6 engine gets a rating of 18/27 mpg city/highway which falls below that of most class competitors.

• "As you might imagine, adding 79 bhp has a positive effect on acceleration. We achieved 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, versus 7.5 sec. for a TSX 4-cylinder with a 6-speed manual we tested in our July 2008 issue. ... But more than pure numbers, what's important about the TSX V-6 is the huge amount of mid-range, tire-spinning power available, especially compared to the 4-cylinder's. The V-6 also makes more alluring sounds when driven with vigor, yet it's smoother and quieter around town." - Road and Track
• "Not only is the auto's manual mode responsive, smooth, and relatively quick, it also helps scoot the TSX down the dragstrip with alarming alacrity. Zero to 60? How about 5.9 seconds." - Motor Trend
• "Bend the TSX into a tight corner or a gentle sweeper and this sedan generates serious smiles. And that's really what separates a good sport sedan from an average one. Did you enjoy the last 17 hairpin turns, or did it seem like work? The Acura TSX V6 is quite fun to drive hard." - Popular Mechanics
• "The car is certainly quick -- around 6.5 seconds to 60 mph -- but you really have to wring the tachometer to get it moving. ... Fine for a Civic, OK for an Accord, but lacking in that gratifying quality of effortlessness that luxury cars have, even entry-luxury cars." -- Los Angeles Times

Braking and Handling

Most reviewers feel that the 2010 Acura TSX handles very well in tight twists and turns even despite its additional weight. That said, some reviewers still expect more immediate feedback than the car offers. Reviewers agree that understeer is still a concern. Some had a positive experience putting the car through the motions on twisty mountain roads but others complained about the sluggishness of the car's brake pedal under certain conditions or the constant correction needed for the electromechanical power steering.

• "Handling does not take a back seat to ride comfort in the TSX. This premium compact carves corners with grippy assurance and little body lean. " -- Consumer Guide
• With the V6, Popular Mechanics says, "On our drive through some of the best roads in the Santa Monica Mountains we noticed the steering feels a bit heavier and a touch quicker than the four-cylinder TSX too. And that, along with the additional weight makes the car feel more substantial. ... Bend the TSX into a tight corner or a gentle sweeper and this sedan generates serious smiles. And that's really what separates a good sport sedan from an average one. Did you enjoy the last 17 hairpin turns, or did it seem like work? The Acura TSX V6 is quite fun to drive hard." -- Popular Mechanics
• "The driver must be responsible for managing the V-6 model's extra thrust-and 200-plus pounds of additional beef, most of which takes up residence over the front wheels. With its 62/38-percent front-to-rear weight distribution, this is a recipe for eminent understeer. And sure enough, our preview drive on some of the most challenging mountain roads through Malibu, California-with almost no runoff room and few guardrails-provided us with more than a few intestine-twisting moments." - Car and Driver
• "The Kryptonite in the garage is an efficiency-enhancing electromechanical power steering (EPS) system that ranges from a shortcoming to a deal-breaker, depending on which KBB editor you ask. Most vehicles require subtle steering input when traveling straight down the highway; the 2010 Acura TSX requires constant, unnatural-feeling correction." - Kelley Blue Book
• "Unlike the acceleration, the deceleration was unimpressive. Taking 133 feet to stop from 60 mph, the TSX's braking performance was about 10-15 feet longer than we'd expect; its number is more befitting an SUV than a sport sedan." - Edmunds