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2006 Acura TSX Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 Acura TSX Review:
2006 Acura TSX Review
Added convenience features and freshened styling highlight 2006 for the entry-level sedan at Honda's upscale division. TSX has a 205-hp 4-cyl engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic with manual shift capability. ABS, an antiskid system, and 17-inch alloy wheels are standard. So are curtain side airbags and front side airbags. The TSX also comes with leather upholstery with heated front seats, sunroof, and xenon headlamps. For '06, it adds Acura's HandsFreeLink, a wireless connection for using cell phones through the audio system; a memory system for the driver seat; and a digital-media auxiliary jack. The only option is a navigation system, which is priced as a separate model and includes voice recognition for some navigation, audio, and climate functions.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are Acura TSX, Audi A4, and BMW 3-Series. At this time we have no Recommended picks.
New or significantly redesigned models in this class include Audi A3 and Lexus IS.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are Acura TSX, Audi A4, and BMW 3-Series. At this time we have no Recommended picks.
New or significantly redesigned models in this class include Audi A3 and Lexus IS.
News
This Acura should be redesigned for either 2007 or '08. Timing depends on Honda's schedule for a new European-market Accord, which parents the upscale, U.S.-only TSX. A coupe is expected to join the sedan as an upscale replacement for the small RSX, which is being dropped after '06.
2006 Acura TSX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Navigation-system controls |
| Instruments/controls | |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
Test manual-transmission TSXs averaged 22.6-30.2 mpg, test automatic 26.4 mpg. Premium-grade fuel required.
| 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
Firm, but never jarring, even on badly cratered pavement. Body motions well-controlled.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 52 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2006 Acura TSX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/26/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door sedan, manual | $27,890 | $25,436 | $615 |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door sedan, automatic | $27,890 | $25,436 | $615 |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door sedan w/navigation, manual | $29,890 | $27,257 | $615 |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door sedan w/navigation, automatic | $29,890 | $27,257 | $615 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/memory, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), wireless cell phone link, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights, fog lights, 215/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
Base w/navigation adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system w/voice recognition.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2006 Acura TSX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Acura TSX 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 183.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3257 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 205 @ 7000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 164 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed manual | 21/30 |
| 5-speed automatic | 22/31 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Acura TSX 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 6/70,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Acura TSX Review:
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