Review and photos by Chris Chase
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Photo Gallery: 2006 Acura TSX
Remember the video that circulated around the Internet a few years ago, that used car parts in a cause-and-effect sequence to finally close a station wagon's tailgate? The car featured in that memorable vignette was a European Honda Accord.
As Accords go, it was quite different than the one sold here at the same time. Ours was bigger and, sadly, wasn't offered as a station wagon. But the four-door sedan version of that car did make it to our shores, as the Acura TSX.
The TSX was introduced in 2004 as a way for Acura to hang onto customers looking to "move up" from their RSXs, ELs and Integras into something a little more grown up. Despite its more upscale position, the TSX echoed the RSX Type-S, with a high-revving four-cylinder engine (though it was a larger, 2.4-litre motor) and a six-speed manual transmission as base equipment - a five-speed automatic was an option. A starting price of about $3,400 more than the uplevel coupe model helped cement the TSXs position as a cut above the boy-racer RSX.
2007 Acura TSX. Click image to enlarge
While the TSX's 2.4-litre engine initially made the same 200 horsepower offered in the RSX Type-S, the TSX's larger displacement made for more usable torque: 166 lb-ft, compared to 142. In 2006, power increased slightly to 205, and the exterior received minor styling tweaks. This first-generation TSX was offered through 2008, with a second-gen version arriving for the 2009 model year.
The TSX's fuel consumption ratings were attractive, at 10.9 (city) and 7.4 L/100 km (highway); opting for the automatic actually improved those numbers by five or six per cent. Do remember though, that the TSX requires pricey premium fuel.
Verdict
Highs: Good reliability, fun-to-drive
Lows: High resale values, premium fuel requirement
The TSX has been very solid reliability-wise, but there are a few relatively minor things to be aware of.
Watch for failed door lock actuators that will prevent an affected door from locking/unlocking with the key fob remote or central locking controls. You'll still be able to operate the lock manually, however.
2007 Acura TSX. Click image to enlarge
Moisture inside the TSX's headlight assemblies is a common issue, caused by the lens separating from the housing. This was deemed a safety matter in the U.S. as the fault could cause the lights to fail; American Honda Motor Co. Inc. offered to fix 2004 and 2005 models for free, but it's not clear if the same was done in Canada.
The lights in the centre stack (where the radio and climate controls live) might go out for apparently no reason. If it happens, the cause is probably a bad electronic component located behind the centre stack. At one point, it looks like Honda/Acura extended warranty coverage for this component to seven years/100,000 miles, but again, this was for U.S. customers and I wasn't able to find evidence that the same was done in Canada. It's probably worth a check, though, if you end up with an affected car.
An unpleasant sound described as "scraping, rattling, scratching and whooshing" by a TSX owner posting at TSXClub.com
2007 Acura TSX. Click image to enlarge
would happen every time he revved the car's engine to 6,000 rpm and engaged the iVTEC motor's "hot" cam. As it turns out, this is apparently caused by a portion of flexible tubing connecting the exhaust manifold to the rest of the exhaust system.
The TSX fared well in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) frontal offset crash test, earning a "good" rating; it only managed "acceptable" in the IIHS' side impact test, and this after Honda made some changes for the 2005 model year to improve occupant protection in side crashes.
From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the TSX earned five stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal crashes. Its side impact performance got five stars for front seat occupant protection and four for protecting rear seat riders.
2007 Acura TSX. Click image to enlarge
As with any Honda product, don't expect any spectacular deals on used examples. Canadian Red Book values range from $17,975 for a 2004 model to $33,450 for a 2007 with navigation. A 2005 model rings in at less than $22,000. An Accord EX-L (four-cylinder engine with leather interior) from the same year is worth about $19,000 - a better deal if you value the Accord's larger interior. The Accord apparently weighs about the same as the TSX - if not less - despite its larger size, and while the Accord is certainly less powerful and less sporty than the Acura, its fuel consumption would be lower, too.
When it was new, the TSX may well have been a well-placed stepping stone for RSX owners looking for a more mature ride. As a used car, however, think of it as an alternative for drivers not yet ready for an Accord and the family-car stigma that goes along with it.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004324; Units affected: 6,0022004: On certain vehicles, the wiring harness located in the trunk hinge area is not adequately protected and, over time, could be damaged when the trunk is opened and closed. A damaged harness can cause a blown fuse or an open circuit; either results in a loss of licence plate light, back up light and/or tail light function. All affected lights are on the trunk lid. The portion of the light assembly on the rear quarter panel, which includes a tail light, a brake light and a turn signal, are not affected. Correction: Dealers will inspect the rear wire harness. If any damage is found, the harness will be replaced. If no damage is found, the dealer will install corrugated plastic tubing over the harness to prevent damage.
Transport Canada Recall Number: 2007088; Units affected: 12,143 (other Acura and Honda models affected)2005: On certain vehicles, a manufacturing fault with the fuel pump relay could cause the coil wire in the relay to break. If this happens, the fuel pump will not operate and the engine may not start. If the relay fails while driving, the engine may stall without warning and a crash could occur. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the fuel pump relay.
Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.
For information on recalls, see Transport Canada's web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.
