2007 Acura TSX Review

The TSX is a near-luxury sedan first released in 2004. It replaced the Acura CL and is Acura’s smallest sedan. In 2006, it was updated with an exterior facelift, more safety features, and a number of new gadgets. It was featured on Car and Driver’s “Ten Best” list between 2004-06 and was rated “Top Value Car” in its class by SmartMoney.com in 2004.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Acura TSX combines performance, style, and reliability to create an excellent luxury car for under $30,000. With its high-rev engine, the TSX is as fun to drive as it is practical. It doesn’t offer much in the way of options, but that’s okay. Just about everything you could want is standard. If you don’t mind the fact that it lacks stability control, the TSX is worth a look.

What’s New For 2007:

A tire-press monitor is the only new feature. Only one trim is available. The only option available is a navigation system.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives it 4 stars for overall mechanical quality. Earlier models had issues with the suspension and weak wiring. The 2004 model was recalled due to damaged wiring harnesses. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The TSX earned perfect five-star ratings in government crash tests, except for the rear side, which earned 4 stars. The IIHS gave it a “Good” rating in front tests, “Acceptable’ in side tests and “Poor” in rear tests. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, full side airbags, tire-pressure monitoring, and traction control come standard.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Mature, reliable design
+ Great performance and handling
+ Tons of features

Cons
- Four-cylinder engine
- No stability control
- Mediocre IIHS scores

Head-To-Head Competition:

The BMW 3 Series 328i has a larger, six-cylinder engine and 25 more hp. However, it costs $4,000 more and lacks the Acura’s CD changer and leather seats. The Lexus IS features a six-cylinder, but it costs $2,000 more. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class 230 also has a six-cylinder, but costs $1,500 more and lacks a CD changer, leather seats, a sunroof, and gets worse gas mileage.

What Others Are Saying:

“The 2005 Acura TSX is a good all-around, fun-to-drive car with only a few minor shortcomings in the design and electronics departments.” – C|Net

“Control and restraint are key TSX themes. Its interior has a taut, dynamic edginess, as if it belonged to an Accord that had been through six weeks of basic training. The exterior, too, is drum-tight and high-toned, yet this may not have been what Acura was going for. Joseph said that people buy the cars in this class for emotional reasons, then pointed to the at-best-compulsive/at-worst-anonymous styling as one of these. We wondered what he’d been freebasing and where we might score some.” – Automobile Magazine

“The 2005 Acura TSX is a lithe and willing performer that can be too stiff over the long haul. It’s also a superb value and much more reliable than competing German sedans. – Forbes

Read more about the 2007 Acura TSX at the Acura manufacturer web site.