The History and Evolution of the Acura TSX

The Acura TSX provides the perfect combination of reliability and luxury with hints of sportiness added throughout its evolution. The mid-sized sedan debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2003 and had a few transformations before the model was discontinued in 2014. The TSX scored consistently well in safety tests. It also was an affordable car. Although the TSX was discontinued in 2014 and replaced by the TLX the following year, the model remains one of Acura’s most well respected cars. It is valued for its polished yet sporty look, it’s luxury appointments, its strong performance and handling, and its refined qualities.

First Generation

The Acura TSX evolved from the Honda Accord CL series. The first Acura TSX model was actually a rebadged version of the eighth generation Accord CL. The automobile was a classic four door sedan with luxury and sporty features. The Acura TSX was meant to be an executive car.

The first Acura TSX features a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine with 205 hp. I has front wheel drive and a 6 speed manual transmission. It features a sporty yet conservative body with luxury appointments in the interior. The first production models were sold in the United States and Canada and later in Mexico as well.

The TSX’s exterior is that of a sporty 4 door sedan with a decent sized wheel base and sleek yet conservative body. The roomy interior seats 5 and has ample cargo space. The car features memorized settings, a dimming rear view mirror, front reading lights and a 12 v power outlet.

In 2005 and 2006 some editions were made to the interior of the TSX. XM Satellite radio was added. The passenger received a 4 way position control. Audio and cruise control were added. The steering wheel mounting was illuminated.

Other changes were made to the Acura TSX in 2006 and 2007. More hp was added to the engine. The exterior was made to look more sporty. The wheels were restyled, and integral fog lights were added. An electronic rear view mirror was added in 2007 as well as a tire pressure mounting system. A multi-information display was added as well as an auxiliary MP player. The driver’s seat now had a 2 position memory for multiple drivers. A Bluetooth hands free option was added which allowed 6 different cell phones to be used. New color options were also added to the Acura TSX.

Second Generation

The Second Generation of the Acura TSX debuted at the New York International Auto Show in March 2008 and went into production the following year. The model was larger, sportier and had more luxury features in the interior. The engine was more advanced. The car would continue to be tweaked until it was discontinued in 2014.

Zenon headlights were added to the TSX in the 2009 model. Several other features were added. The option of a sunroof and leather seating was added. The new model had duel zone climate control, and the USB port now had music interface. In 2010, a V6 engine model of the second generation TSX was added as well as sporty 18 inch alloy wheels. The following year a body alteration was made. The grille now had sporty horizontal slots.

Sports Wagon

In 2010 Acura debuted a TSX Sports Wagon at the New York Auto Show. The model was produced in 2011 and was a rebadging of the Honda Accord Tourer. The roomier car was perfect for young families. The rear cargo area was 60.5 cu-ft. The back seats folded down to accommodate more trunk storage space. The Sports Wagon was just as powerful, reliable and well appointed as the TSX sedan.

Special Edition

In honor of Acura’s twenty-fifth anniversary, the TSX Special Edition was introduced in 2012. The model debuted at the Orange County International Auto Show. The special model included the option of a six speed manual transmission or a 5 speed automatic transmission. The front spoiler was much sportier. The rear bumper was tweaked, and 5 spoke aluminum wheels with a dark grey finish was added. This model received a “Special Edition” badge on the trunk. The interior of the TSX Special Edition featured black Lux Suede seat inserts with red backing upholstery. Red stitching accents were added. Red lighting was added to the interior as well as aluminum covers on the pedals. The Special Edition featured a navigation system with a hard drive base and an ELS audio system.

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