Review Car

2011 Acura TSX Review

The 2011 Acura TSX is a slightly tweaked version of the 2010 model, with minor improvements to the engine performance, safety and overall look. Though these improvements are not drastic, the newer features and available options add extra benefits and quality to this already great value of a car. Though this second generation TSX is much improved over the first, the buyer looking for a sporty sport sedan should look somewhere else.

The TSX sedan is more luxury than sport, demonstrating this in the delayed quickness of the 4 cylinder. The 4 cylinder does not hold a candle to the V6 engine available in this sedan, though the agility of this car is not the reason consumers are buying. The excellent fuel economy, luxurious interior, great standard features and value price are why buyers keep buying the TSX sedan. Many buyers, and even reviewers, seem to favor the TSX sport wagon over the sedan for the sportiness, passenger and storage space, and practicality. Save money on car insurance by entering your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison tool above!

Cost

A buyer may find a 2011 TSX sedan for as low as $25k, but the more likely price range will be from $30 to $35 thousand. Different trim levels and optional features contribute to the pricing.

Motor Trend’s website lists common prices for each trim level:

• Base  sedan- about $33k; Ownership cost of about $42k over 5 years
• Sedan with Technology Package- about $38.2k; Ownership cost of about $47.9k over 5 years

Engine and Transmission

The 2011 TSX is available in either a sedan or sport wagon model, though the latter was only produced in small quantities due to little demand for wagons. All models are front-wheel drive and include a 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder automatic or a 3.5 liter V6, which makes 280 horsepower. The V6 is only available in the sedan, and is probably the best newer feature of the TSX. Though the engine was available one year earlier, the V6 engine’s quickness and agility is still a crowd-pleaser. The 4-cylinder engine has been described as underpowered, though it does not retract from the value of the car.

The TSX proves again and again to be a great buy. The quality of the build has improved in the 2011  model; including contrasting stitching on the interior leather, a rejuvenated center console, a uncluttered dash and a minor, but noticeable, face-lift of the front grille and rear lights .In addition, the 17 inch wheels seem to be a popular feature on the sedan.

Comfort and Convenience

Other comfort features include heated front passenger and driver side seats, leather seats, fold-down back seat, fold-down rear center console, dual zone temperature controls for front passenger and driver, as well as blinkers in the side mirrors. Also, with new, thicker glass and sound-eliminating design, the car is less noisy and a more enjoyable ride.

The electronic features included in the base model are especially impressive. The lineup includes navigation, satellite radio and Bluetooth availability, an auxiliary input and a USB port. Beyond what is provided in the base model, the optional Technology Package includes:

• Voice-activated navigation display
• Phone readiness
• “AcuraLink”  service
• Hands-free Bluetooth for phone
• Real-time traffic

Safety

The TSX includes 4-wheel ABS, remote security alarm, stability and traction controls, front/rear head air bags, overhead air bags, dual front air bags, ventilated disc brakes, Xenon HID headlights, electronic brake distribution, side-impact door beams, child safety locks on rear doors, lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH), and a tire pressure monitoring system with pressure indicators. Some car review sites rate the TSX in the top tier for safety for areas such as: driver torso, rear passenger torso, driver head and neck, rear passenger head and neck, driver pelvis/leg and overall front.

The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) rates the TSX “good” in all safety categories. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) rates the sedan at five stars for rollover resistance.

Available Colors

The TSX manual base sedan is available in Premium White Pearl, Graphite Luster Metallic, Forged Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl, all with Ebony leather. Other trim levels, including the automatic base sedan and the V6, offer other color and leather combinations. Basque Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Forged Silver Metallic, Graphite Luster Metallic, Premium White Pearl and Vortex Blue Pearl are all exterior color options. Add to this three leather color options– Ebony, Parchment and Taupe.

Fuel Efficiency

The EPA estimates 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway for the manual; and 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway for the automatic. With a hefty fuel tank capacity, about 18.5 gallons, this sedan is practical and efficient– The perfect commuter car.

Owners’ Opinions and Competitors

Acura owners on the Web consistently rate the TSX at about 4 stars overall, according to Edmund’s website. The owner reviews are generally concerning interior and exterior style and build, engine performance and overall drivability and quality. The TSX seems to be a fairly well-loved sedan. It is practical and fun at a great price. Overall, the TSX sedan provides a moderate number of options and features, great gas mileage, and sporty style.

If a buyer is looking for a spacious and extra comfortable family sedan, the TXS will not suffice. This sedan is more about looks, efficiency and quality. The TSX’s closest competitors are the 2011 Ford Taurus and 2011 Subaru Legacy. These sedans are about the same price, but the Taurus packs more horsepower and both are all-wheel drive. The interior of the Taurus is bigger in every way, while the Legacy is about size of the TSX. More owners commented on the quicker acceleration of both competing sedans. Commenters also tend to prefer the family features of both the Taurus and the Legacy over the TSX. Don’t forget to enter your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison tool above to save money on car insurance!