What kind of car is a TSX?
The TSX is Acura’s compact luxury sedan, built on Honda Accord underpinnings, offering premium features and sporty handling in a four‑door package. It was produced in North America from 2004 to 2014 and was effectively replaced in Acura’s lineup by the ILX.
Overview and positioning
To understand the TSX, it helps to place it within Acura’s lineup. It was designed as a higher-quality, more premium alternative to the standard Honda Accord, delivering a balance of comfort, style, and driving engagement in a practical four-door sedan.
Key characteristics of the TSX include:
- Body style: 4‑door compact luxury sedan
- Platform: based on the Honda Accord architecture
- Drivetrain: front‑wheel drive (FWD) with options for manual or automatic transmission
- Engine: typically a 2.4‑liter inline‑4 engine, tuned for a balance of efficiency and power
- Interior and features: premium materials and a refined, driver‑oriented cabin
TSX Type-S (brief note)
In the first generation, Acura offered a performance-oriented TSX Type‑S variant with sportier tuning and styling, though it was limited in availability and market presence.
In short, the TSX represented Acura’s approach to a premium, driver-focused sedan built on Honda’s well-regarded Accord platform.
Generations and evolution
The TSX developed across two generations during its North American run, each refining the formula while keeping the core identity intact.
First generation (2004–2008)
- Based on the Accord platform, aimed at buyers seeking premium touches in a midsize sedan
- Equipped with a 2.4‑liter four‑cylinder engine and a choice of manual or automatic transmission
- Noted for a refined ride, solid handling, and a more upscale interior relative to the mainstream Accord
The first generation established the TSX as a practical alternative to higher-end luxury sedans, prioritizing balance and reliability.
Second generation (2009–2014)
- Updated styling and interior features, while continuing to use the 2.4‑liter four‑cylinder powertrain
- Further refined ride quality and cabin materials, maintaining the sporty character
- Production ended as Acura shifted focus to newer entries in the lineup
Across both generations, the TSX remained the badge for Acura’s more premium take on a Honda Accord‑based sedan, blending everyday practicality with a touch of sportiness.
How it fits in today’s market
Today, the TSX lives on primarily in the used-car market. It appeals to buyers who want Honda‑level reliability with a more upscale interior and driving feel, without paying for newer luxury‑brand branding. It competes with other premium sedans from the late 2000s and early 2010s, offering solid value if you find a well‑maintained example.
Shopping notes and considerations:
- Pros: premium interior for its era, balanced ride and handling, respectable reliability
- Cons: older design and tech by current standards, dwindling dealer support for parts on older models, potential maintenance costs as the car ages
- Tips: verify maintenance history, inspect for typical wear (tires, brakes, suspension), and check for any TSX Type‑S variants if relevant to your market
These factors help explain why the TSX remains a niche but respected choice among enthusiasts and value-focused buyers.
Summary
The TSX is Acura’s compact luxury sedan built on the Honda Accord platform, produced from 2004 to 2014. It offered premium materials, a refined, driver‑focused feel, and the option of a manual transmission, serving as an upscale alternative to the standard Accord. Superseded by the ILX in Acura’s lineup, the TSX nonetheless endures in the used‑car market as a practical entry into premium ownership with a reputation for reliability.
Is the TSX the same as a Civic?
In comparing the Acura TSX's and the Honda Civic's specifications and ratings, the Acura TSX has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Honda Civic has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency.
What car is a TSX?
The Acura TSX Sport Wagon is a badge-engineered version of the CW-series Honda Accord Tourer station wagon.
What car is the TSX based on?
Honda Accord
The TSX spanned two generations, both derived from the corresponding Japanese/European versions of the Honda Accord, which were more compact and sporting-oriented than their larger North American counterpart. The latter Accord platform was also used for the Acura TL, which slotted above the TSX in Acura's lineup.
What does TSX stand for?
Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)
