2006 Acura TSX: Road Test

Archived Review

2006 Acura TSX 

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  • MSRP: $27,890 -$29,890
  • Invoice: $25,436 -$27,257
CG Rating

64

out of 100

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Our road test for the 2006 Acura TSX includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Acura TSX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Acura TSX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Acura TSX help you decide if a 2006 Acura TSX is right for you.

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ACCELERATION

Base, man. Base, auto. Base w/nav. sys., man. Class Average
6 5 6 6.2

Test 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, but alert shifting means good highway punch.

FUEL ECONOMY

Base, man. Base, auto. Base w/nav. sys., man. Class Average
7 7 7 5.4

Test manual-transmission TSXs averaged 22.6-30.2 mpg, test automatic 26.4 mpg. Premium-grade fuel required.

RIDE QUALITY

Base, man. Base, auto. Base w/nav. sys., man. Class Average
6 6 6 5.9

Firm, but never jarring, even on badly cratered pavement. Body motions well-controlled.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

Base, man. Base, auto. Base w/nav. sys., man. Class Average
8 8 8 7.2

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, man. Base, auto. Base w/nav. sys., man. Class Average
6 6 6 6.1

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, man. Base, auto. Base w/nav. sys., man. Class Average
8 8 7 7

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.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

Base, man. Base, auto. Base w/nav. sys., man. Class Average
7 7 7 6.5

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, man. Base, auto. Base w/nav. sys., man. Class Average
4 4 4 3.6

Head room tight for six-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, man. Base, auto. Base w/nav. sys., man. Class Average
3 3 3 4.7

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, man. Base, auto. Base w/nav. sys., man. Class Average
10 9 9 6.1

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 car in every way.

Total Score

Base, man. Base, auto. Base w/nav. sys., man. Class Average
65 63 63 58.7

Total Score: 64

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score
52
Average Score
58
High Score
65

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