2006 Acura TSX

  • Base

    $27,890

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2006 Acura TSX trim comparison will help you decide.

2006 Acura TSX review: Our expert's take

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.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior design 4.8
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value for the money 4.9
  • Exterior styling 4.7
  • Reliability 4.9

Most recent consumer reviews

Love it!!

I have always been a tried and true VW person. I test drove this little car and knew right away that we were gonna be a great team! It's beautiful inside and out and couldn't be happier with my choice

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Best Used Car Owned

This car was absolutely reliable well-maintained and just keep running and running no matter how high the mileage went, parts were not expensive, and it was reliable

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Very reliable car .

The interior and external design are great . The design never goes away . I owned a 12 year old car and it looked that was purchased 2 years ago . It was very reliable and everything was still working .

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See all 44 consumer reviews

New car program benefits

Bumper-to-bumper

48 months/50,000 miles

Corrosion

60 months/unlimited distance

Powertrain

72 months/70,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Maximum age/mileage

6 years old and newer from their original in-service date, with 80,000 miles or fewer at time of vehicle delivery.

Basic warranty terms

2 years/100,000 miles

Powertrain

7 years/100,000 miles

Dealer certification required
182-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

Visit the manufacturer's website

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