Entered CNET Catalog: 04/29/2006
SKU: 100668209
Manufacturer: Acura
Product summary
The good: A peppy engine, a comfortable cabin, and Honda's wonderful voice recognition make the 2006 Acura TSX a pleasurable ride. The addition of Bluetooth hands-free calling shows Acura's tech focus is filtering down its range.
The bad: Acura's self-branded stereo system fails to keep pace with the car's other high-end features, and the lack of MP3 CD playback is a surprising letdown. The TSX's navigation screen is beginning to look dated.
The bottom line: The 2006 Acura TSX is a well-balanced, well-appointed car. Its four-cylinder engine is surprisingly stout, and cabin electronics are in line with Acura's high-tech focus, although the carmaker could do with outsourcing its audio systems.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/29/2006
For the 2006 TSX, Acura has tweaked the four-cylinder engine to put 5 more horses in the stable, while refacing a virtually unchanged body with a more friendly-looking front grille and headlight arrangement. Inside, one of our gripes with the 2005 TSX has been addressed, with the inclusion as standard of Acura's Bluetooth Hands Free Link (HFL) system, but despite the addition of an all-purpose auxiliary jack as standard, the '06 TSX stereo still sounds ropey.
Nevertheless, the Acura TSX represents one of the best-value cars on the market, considering its impressive lineup of standard features. Our Royal Blue Pearl six-speed manual test model came with all the bells and whistles, including navigation, and carried a sticker price of $29,890, excluding delivery.
In the cabin, the 2006 Acura TSX presents a clean-cut, stylish appearance. Leather seats, soft plastic surrounds, and chrome accents welcome the driver and the front passenger. A crisp, bright instrument panel houses startlingly clear electroluminescent tachometer and speedometer gauges, and a steering wheel crowded with buttons and switches lets the driver know that this is going to be a high-tech ride. The six-speed manual's slender, chrome-topped shifter suggests the entertainment will go beyond the electronic gadgetry. The TSX is a compact sedan, and its compactness is very apparent on the inside. The front seats provided a snug fit for our scrawny frames and will present a challenge for more portly drivers. Space in the back is also limited, and rear passengers taller than six feet have little clearance from the sloping rear window.The 2006 TSX comes with all that Acura's technowizards can offer: navigation with voice recognition, Bluetooth HFL, dual-zone climate control with air filter, and a proprietary stereo system with integrated XM Satellite Radio and an auxiliary input jack for portable MP3 players.
As we found with upgraded Honda models, the navigation system in the Acura is scarily competent at recognizing voice commands; in addition to being able to plot destinations by address or street (with text-to-speech technology giving road-specific turn-by-turn voice guidance), the system allows voice control over the air-conditioning temperature and XM radio channel and will even tell you the time (just say, "What time is it?"). Despite its nearly flawless performance, the navigation system's LCD touch-screen interface is beginning to look dated in comparison with newer units, especially the resolution of its map rendering and basic color-coded keys for points of interest. The display also suffers from glare in direct sunlight, giving the maps a washed-out appearance, and the square joystick used to set directions by a crosshair on the map feels a lot more primitive than other systems, such as the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid's.
One of the most significant differences between the interior of the 2006 TSX and its 2005 predecessor is the addition as standard of HFL, Acura's Bluetooth hands-free calling interface. Available with Acura's TL and RL models for the past two years, HFL is an intuitive Bluetooth interface, which is operable only via voice command. Pairing our LG VX8100 to the Acura's HFL hands-free system was straightforward (say, "Phone setup," then "Pair"), and it took less than a minute for car and phone to find each other. HFL overrides the voice guidance and stereo systems and is operated via two rocker switches on the left of the steering wheel, with menus and other information displayed on the Acura's dot-matrix multi-information LCD. A number of neat setup options for HFL include selecting a ring tone or a prompt for incoming calls and lock-enabling the system. While system setup is straightforward, sound quality for hands-free calls through the front speakers is buzzy and distorted, and we experienced considerable voice echo. From the other end of the line, we sounded better, according to our buddy John, although still a little muffled.
As with the 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid, our major disappointment with the Acura TSX is the stereo system. Despite its eight speakers (two more than the Accord), the TSX has weak stereo sound quality, with the bass distortion setting at a relatively low volume. The six-disc changer had no idea what to do with MP3 and WMA CDs. Also, the auxiliary input jack in the center storage console will present a problem to the driver who wants to plug in a portable MP3 player; it's impossible to see the exact position of the port due to the rubber cap that hinges upward, blocking the already awkward view. A simple, uncovered auxiliary jack in the head unit would have worked just as well and been a lot easier to use. An optional MP3 player is available on the TSX for an extra $459, which is disappointing, especially seeing that many lower-end nameplates offer built-in MP3 playback as standard.
Our car did, however, come with XM Satellite Radio (owners get free activation and three months of free service). Along with the dual-zone climate control, it's voice controllable, and both XM channel and current cabin temperatures are displayed in an information pod on top of the dash.
For its 2006 model year, the Acura TSX has had a face-lift, with its 2005 open grille replaced by a more upturned, smiley front end incorporating xenon HID headlights and fog lights. Acura has tuned the 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC engine to squeeze out an extra 5 horsepower, bringing the cavalry to 205 ponies. For a car with such a small engine, the TSX delivers a formidable amount of acceleration and pickup, especially when pushed north of 3,000rpm. The four-cylinder TSX is able to punch above its weight due to Honda's variable valve-timing technology, which uses an advanced valve-control system to adjust valve overlap and to maximize torque according the engine's load demand.
Gear ratios are tight, and the shifter slots into its gates with a satisfying snick. Around town, second gear is particularly fun for maneuvering the compact TSX into gaps in the traffic, while third gear is what freeway on-ramps were made for. The Acura TSX is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, and we experienced some torque steer when steaming off the line, although the car's drive-by-wire throttle system regulated our attempts to spin the wheels on launch.
One of the most satisfying elements of the Acura TSX is its sporty agility. Variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering provides crisp turn-in, while firm four-wheel double-wishbone suspension and P215/50 R17 high-performance all-season tires gave us the confidence to throw the TSX into corners.
On the highway, the Acura TSX behaved like a larger sedan, especially when left in sixth gear, which lets the car cruise at 70mph and exactly 3,000rpm. One reminder that we were not in a larger car was the amount of engine and road noise seeping into the cabin; at 60mph, we recorded a reading of 78dB, which is relatively high for a car of this caliber.
The other disappointment with the Acura TSX was its gas mileage. Despite the EPA readings of 22mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway, we recorded an average of 19mpg over 165 miles of mixed metro driving, with at least half of that on the highway.
Nevertheless, thanks to its i-VTEC technology, the 2006 Acura TSX is classified as a LEV2 low-emission vehicle.
The 2006 Acura TSX comes with a good bundle of active and passive safety features as standard, including ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist, and seat-belt pretensioners. Acura's four-channel vehicle stability assist (VSA) also helps to keep drivers on track by adjusting brake pressure and engine power to help correct understeer and oversteer. Driver and front passenger get dual-stage front, side, and side-curtain air bags in the TSX, while the LATCH system can be used to secure smaller passengers in the rear seats. Crash ratings for the TSX are impressive for a car of its size; the NHTSA awards it a maximum five stars for frontal and driver side impact and four stars for passenger side and rollover.The 2006 TSX comes with Acura's six-year/70,000-mile drivetrain warranty and a four-year/50,000-mile limited vehicle warranty. The car also comes with Acura's total luxury car (TLC) roadside assistance and concierge service, as well as a lifetime seat belt guarantee.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12out of 12 user reviews
Not a great car
Pros: After putting after market wheels on it actually looks pretty good! And I like the classy looking interior.
Cons: Very poor acceleration, and the brakes will require attention every few thousand miles! Also has a low quality sound system. 50,000 miles and half the knobs and buttons on the dash don't light up any more. Also has a bit of body rust!
out of 12 user reviews
TSX is a clunker-Honda is going backwards
Pros: Nice seats, interior
Cons: Lousy suspension, faulty transmission, poor mileage
out of 12 user reviews
20K miles already and loving every mile of it.
Pros: Excellent value and reliability and lots of excellent features (nav, bluetooth)
Cons: low rpm torque feels low.
20K miles later I am happy to say that I am completely satisfied.
out of 12 user reviews
This car is not what everyone claims
Pros: handling, sleek design, dashboard, trunk
Cons: stereo, brakes, body fitness, acceleration
The Good:
Aside from some of the bad things you'll read below, the car has sent me from point A to point B w/out failing. The handling/cornering is pretty good. I can probably attribute that to the VSA system. The VSA system provides braking/acceleration to the tires depending upon over/under steering via some onboard computer. In other words, it does help in some driving conditions.
If you drive smart (at least w/the stick) you can get around 25 city and 30 highway. Of course you're paying for premium fuel.
The lighted dash board makes reading the instruments very easy. I like the rear folding seats. The 17" wheels also are pretty cool, however if you want to replace the original Michellin tires it'll cost you $250 per.
The Cons:
The acceleration on this car isn't that great. First/second gear barely get you moving (I drive a 6-speed stick). This car does suffer in performance and comparisons to Audi A4/BMW 3/etc are riduculous. This is really a high-end Civic w/leather seats.
The stereo is tinny. I have had a right speaker buzz that's difficult to reproduce for the dealer but when it does happen it's painful. Even if the speaker didn't buzz this is a lousy stereo system for what is presumably a luxury car.
The driver's seat has been a bit jiggly from day one but the dealership can't reproduce this. It's probably the kind of thing only an every day driver would notice. Overall, I attribute this and a few other things to poor quality body integrity. Consumer Reports recently rated this car fairly low in the body integrity category.
Brakes, brakes, brakes. This is a front wheel drive car. Typically the rear brakes will last twice as long as the front. I had the rear brakes replaced at 25k. Once again, I have had to have the rear brakes replaced at 42k. So, I'm on my 3rd set of rears in about 42k.
When confronting the Acura dealership on this issue, they could only tell me that they've been seeing this trend with the TSX. I own another front-wheel drive beast (a '97 Toyota Avalon). The rear brakes lasted until about 50k doing the same commute over the same time period.
If you're really attracted to Acura/Honda but want a smaller car then look at the Civic V-Tech. If you want larger, then the TL may be an option but I don't know much about it. You'll probably get better performance from either car.
The only thing that Honda did with this car is add a slightly larger engine than the European versions and replace the Honda label with the Acura label. You're not driving a "designed specifically for USA Acura car".
If I had to do this purchase again, I'd consider the Mazda 3, one of the Scions (never test drove those) or maybe a Civic V-tech. The Acura TL would be on my radar but would require more research.
out of 12 user reviews
Good Value, Still lacking
Pros: Fuel Econ, Good features
Cons: Lacks pep on highway, Nav not fully up to par.
Mine is fully loaded. Trust me on this, my old Pontiac Grand Am GT had a much nicer stereo system, if I owned Acura...I would defiantly not allow them to put Acura Premium Stereo System on this car. The voice is clear but the base is very bad. The navigation is easy to use but has absolutely nothing i'm looking for. I sat with my good friend in the parking lot of a Toys R Us, and searched for the nearest one, and it came up with one 120 miles away. There are at least 2 in a 30-mile range from me. Lacks streets and other things. Gets lost and every so often sends me one way and changes its mind about 5 seconds after, but by then its too late to turn around on a highway.
As for the good, I like the fuel economy. I get anywhere from 25-29 MPG depending on how I feel like driving that day. It goes about 300-340 miles to a tank. Premium fuel only though. Here in NJ at about 2.50 a gal. It cost about $35-$40 to fill. Not too bad, but not fun. The voice rec system once you learn the commands is easy to use and works well with anyone in my family who has played with it. It has pretty good trunk space, but back seat space is a little tight for some of my 6-foot friends. The dash is easy to read all times of day and night, and controls for all normal systems are easy to use. The heads up display with real time fuel econ, and tank range is very nice. The seats after a long ride tend to become a little uncomfortable. Steering on highway tends to feel a little lacking and on back roads the car doesn’t handle bad, but defiantly is not a sport sedan. The engine power is responsive stop and go, and the passing power will get you by but don’t expect to be a blur. Engine power on highway for passing is there but could use some help.
All in all for the money i’m happy with this car. Nice array of features for fully loaded price of about $31,000 is nothing to really complain about. I’m happy with the car but will not be returning to the model like most people do with their Toyota Camry’s and Honda Accords.
out of 12 user reviews
Fast and Fun
Pros: Hands free cell phone, all the features that it packs for the price, the name
Cons: Premium gas only, mpg are a bit on the low side if you drive it in the city
out of 12 user reviews
A great car. But, needs winter shoes if you drive in snow
Pros: Gets over 25MPG (5-spd std.) even with a heavy foot.
Cons: OEM tires not worth the money and they wear poorly.
I ran the originals for just two seasons. I will be replacing them next spring when the snows (Bridgestone Blizzak) come off. I'll probabaly get Avon's for the summer per Tire Rack's review.
out of 12 user reviews
8 years of Lexus loyalty UNTIL TSX!
Pros: Navigation, bluetooth, XM radio, xenon headlights, voice commands, great mpg!
Cons: Premium unleaded only folks...
out of 12 user reviews
"A Completely Different Car Than the 2005 TSX!!!Awesome Changes!!!"
Pros: More powerful engine, Tighter, More Sporty Drive, MP3 Connection. Blue Tooth Technology, Memory Seats, Fog Lights, Powerful Sound System, Acura Quality
Cons: None-This is best car I have ever owned. It is a dream to drive!!!!
out of 12 user reviews
Ecellent Buy for the hard to please!
Pros: It has it all
Cons: None to note
out of 12 user reviews
Best bang for your buck!
Pros: Price, Bluetooth, Interior, All the high tech gadgets you see in high end cars
Cons: Key fob, Back seat is small
out of 12 user reviews
Amazing Car...fun to drive!!!
Pros: DVD Navigation, Voice driven controls, heated seats, Bluetooth
Cons: Premium gas only
* For me: MPG under normal driving conditions: 22mpg
* DVD Navigation does not contain listings for recently opened restaurants
* Rearview mirror auto dim works well with a greenish hue
* Headlights are high intensity, park next to a white wall and see a flat line of light, most impressive for night vision assistance
* All four windows can be remotely powered down by holding the unlock button
* Key fobs will auto adjust seats based on driver past input settings
* Airbags deploy out of front seats, seat covers will need to be chosen critically
* Aux input jack found conviently in center console arm rest along with a 12v power outlet
* Security system pre loaded to disuade intruder entry
* Trunk will auto open by holding trunk open remote selection
* XM radio free for 3 months appropriately cancels after trial period. No action necessary
* Air temperature for passenger and driver can be driven by voice prompt to computer after depressing steering wheel button. Most convienent when driver/passenger disagree on how cold/hot the cabin should be!
* On board computer monitors oil/coolant/air filtration system and alerts when a change is needed. Oil status can be seen in a percentage remaining rating on console by pressing the info button on steering wheel.
All and all, the Acura TSX has spoiled me to view all other cars in it's price range to be unsatisfactory. For the money I found no better choice.
I have had this car for approximately a year now. My opinion has not changed. I love the way the car handles in corners and the acceleration I have available when needed. I truly am spoiled with what a car should feel like. With that in perspective I do have one issue. (sorry to say) The seatbelt mechanisms on both passenger and driver side rattle at times. It can be corrected by tapping on the side panel, but yet who wants to do that and interupt the wonderful drive. My commute no longer seems caustic and my day begins/ends with a high note. If a decision is between this and another vehicle my opinion still remains to choose a TSX.
