When Acura introduced the TSX as a 2004 model, one of the car’s central competitors came from its own family: the Honda Accord, which was available with a 240-horsepower V-6 engine, while the TSX had a 200-horsepower four-cylinder.
Three model years later, that’s still true, though now the TSX’s engine has 205 horsepower, and the Accord V-6 has 244. For a car marketed as a sporty sedan, that’s not a lot of muscle, but then as now, the packaging makes the difference. The TSX handles like some of the better European cars, such as the Audi A4, BMW 3-series and Saab 9-3. That isn’t surprising, since the TSX is basically an Americanized version of the car that sells in Europe as the Accord.
And with fuel prices what they are, compared with three years ago, a four-cylinder engine isn’t the penalty it might have been. The TSX is rated at 21 miles per gallon city, 30 mpg highway with a six-speed manual transmission, and 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway with a five-speed automatic. The test car had the manual, but the automatic is the same price.
In fact, the only feature offered on the TSX is the navigation system, a flat $2,000. It’s an excellent, very user-friendly system, but if you don’t need it, it’s a good way to save a couple grand.
Since there are no real options, you would assume the TSX is very well-appointed, and you would be right. Seats are leather, and there’s a sunroof, heated seats, a very good sound system and xenon headlights. Added for 2006 are a power passenger seat, heated mirrors and, carried over from last year, standard XM satellite radio.
Seventeen-inch performance tires on alloy rims look good and work well in all weather. The TSX is front-wheel-drive, but handling is commendably neutral. The ride can be a little abrupt on rough pavement, but in general, highway travel is very comfortable. The manual transmission shifts easily, with light clutch pressure, and makes the TSX seem faster than it is. Side air bags and stability control are standard.
Inside, instruments and controls are thoughtfully placed. Front seats are excellent; rear seats are fine for kids and medium-sized adults, but taller passengers will find head- and legroom limited. If you’re looking for room more than sportiness, you may indeed want to consider the Accord sedan — it’s more than 7 inches longer, and 2 inches wider than the TSX.
Otherwise, there isn’t much to criticize. The test TSX lists for $28,505, which is a little more than a Saab 9-3, about the same as an Audi A4, and less than a BMW 3-Series. Four good cars; it would be a difficult but pleasant decision.
Video versions of Sentinel Automotive Editor Steven Cole Smith’s road tests are available at OrlandoSentinel.com/cars.
