At TheCarConnection.com, experts have pulled together reviews of the 2007 Acura TSX from across the industry to cull the best possible input for buyers. Editors from TheCarConnection.com have also added their own firsthand experiences with the car to provide a complete overview.
Likes:
Fun to drive with manual transmission
Smooth and rev-happy engine
Excellent, supportive front seats
Classy design will age well
Dislikes:
More road noise than typical
Tight backseat
Recalcitrant automatic transmission
The 2007 Acura TSX is the lowest-priced Acura, a front-wheel-drive compact sport sedan with a 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine making 205 horsepower. The 2007 TSX offers a choice of a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission or the five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission.
Overall, the TSX is more enjoyable to drive with the manual transmission than the automatic. The manual has one of the nicest linkages in the market, but the automatic can be hesitant at corners and grades.
Although the appearance of the TSX is conservative, it feels anything but that behind the wheel. The brakes respond firmly and confidently; the suspension brings a good combination of nimble control, yet soaks up potholes; and the steering is responsive and communicative, thanks in part to a great variable-assist power steering system. It gets good fuel economy of up to 31 mpg on the highway, but the '07 Acura TSX does drink premium unleaded fuel.
Inside, the 2007 Acura TSX remains far from cutting-edge in look and feel, but it maintains the updates of 2006 (including the multi-info display, matte-metallic surfaces, and a revised steering wheel and gauges). The switchgear is simple but solid. The seats feel good in the front, but backseat legroom is a problem for adults.
Despite the fact that the Acura TSX is the entry-level rung of the 2007 Acura line, the convenience features are good. Look for a power moonroof, a rearview mirror that dims automatically, and a Bluetooth setup for hands-free calling. Leather upholstery is also standard.
The 2007 Acura TSX can't boast a strong overall showing in the battery of U.S. crash tests. In IIHS trials, the 2007 TSX scores well for frontal impact (a rating of "good"). Federal test scores give the TSX five stars for frontal impact, and four to five stars in side impact. Other tests aren't as resoundingly positive; side impacts score "acceptable," and rear impacts score "poor." Regardless, features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and front side and side-curtain airbags.
The Bottom Line: For drivers seeking a fun-to-drive sport sedan and don't mind a conservative look, the 2007 Acura TSX is a smart choice.
Other Choices
If you like the 2007 Acura TSX, also consider:
Audi A4 2.0T
Nissan Maxima
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy GT
Reason Why
The key features that draw most buyers to the 2007 Acura TSX are price and the positive associations of the Acura name itself. The TSX is also a front-wheel-drive sedan in a category that includes many all- and rear-wheel-drive models. The BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G35, for example, have rear-wheel drive and will probably feel different to drivers who like the ride of the TSX. One good option might be the Saab 9-3, which has a base price close to that of the 2007 TSX. Horsepower is similar (210 hp in the Saab), the manual transmission is a good match, and the cabin design is very much the same, with spacious front seats and a tight backseat. Another option might be the Audi A4 2.0T, which has a 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The Audi comes with a turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder that feels a bit more powerful than rivals while offering better fuel economy. Drivers might also consider the larger, roomier Maxima if they want something with a sporty feel like the TSX but with more backseat space. The engine is bigger (V-6 with 255 hp). Last but not least, drivers might consider the Subaru Legacy GT, which adds a more powerful engine (250 hp turbocharged flat-four), but lower gas mileage. The GT throws in the bonus of all-wheel drive.
Buying Tip
Those who like enthusiastic driving on curvy roads might want to upgrade the standard Michelin all-season tires on the 2007 Acura TSX with some stickier summer-performance treads.
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Review was originally published at TheCarConnection.com
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