2005 Acura TSX: Road Test
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2005 Acura TSX ▼
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- MSRP: $27,190 -$29,190
- Invoice: $24,784 -$26,605
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Our road test for the 2005 Acura TSX includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Acura TSX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Acura TSX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Acura TSX help you decide if a 2005 Acura TSX is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/nav. sys., man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 |
Manual-transmission TSX did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph. Delights with light, precise shift/clutch action. Modest power below 3000 rpm, so highway passing or merging requires careful gear selection. Slow from a stop with automatic transmission, but alert shifting means good highway punch.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/nav. sys., man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Test manual-transmission TSXs averaged 22.6-30.2 mpg, test automatics 26.3-26.4 mpg. Premium-grade fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/nav. sys., man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Firm but never jarring, even on badly cratered pavement. Body motions well-controlled.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/nav. sys., man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Impressively agile on challenging mountain roads, with assured grip, minimal body lean. Quick, responsive steering adds to the fun. Standard antiskid system enhances dynamic security. Powerful brakes have excellent pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/nav. sys., man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Refined for a small sports sedan, though not luxury-class hushed. Revvy, ultrasmooth 4-cyl engine audible but not unpleasant at high rpm. Tire noise intrudes some on coarse pavement, but isn't irksome. Wind rush minimal.
CONTROLS
| Base w/nav. sys., man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
Simple and smart, though available navigation system takes learning. It absorbs some climate and audio functions, which can frustrate simple adjustments, and its voice recognition understands only clearly spoken, precisely worded commands. Ingot-solid on-road feel, good detail finish, and classy cabin materials. Still, one test car had misaligned steering-wheel trim.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/nav. sys., man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Cozy feeling, but spacious enough. Firm, supportive seats bolstered to keep occupants secure in exuberant cornering. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel and power driver seat help tailor a sound basic driving stance. Good all-around visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/nav. sys., man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Head room tight for 6-footers, but surprisingly good leg and toe space even with front seats fully aft. Short seat cushion shy on leg support. Entry/exit slightly constricted by narrowish floor passages.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/nav. sys., man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 |
Not bountiful, but good for a compact, and most all the space is usable. Trunklid hinges don't intrude much and are designed so as not to crush packages. Standard split folding rear seatback has interior keylock, in-trunk releases. Cabin storage just adequate.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/nav. sys., man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 6 |
The TSX delivers the same solid quality and high features-per-dollar quotient as Acura's larger TL, but ups the fun-to-drive factor with a trimmer, lighter package. Automatic transmission steals some scoot, but the TSX is a Best Buy premium-compact sedan in every way.
Total Score
| Base w/nav. sys., man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | 63 | 57.4 |
Total Score: 64
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