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2007 Acura TSX Performance Review

December 20, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

fuel economy is impressive
Edmunds

lacks the 'pit of your stomach' punch
Kelley Blue Book

alert throttle response means good highway punch
ConsumerGuide

TheCarConnection.com finds that some reviewers criticize the 2007 Acura TSX as underpowered. On the flip side, this sporty four-door offers good fuel economy and particularly impressive handling.

The 2007 Acura TSX comes with a 205-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, hooked up to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The latter allows fingertip shifting from the steering wheel, but reviewers are solidly in favor of the manual transmission. The editors at Autoblog, after getting caught in a traffic jam, beam about the “balanced clutch engagement and gloriously smooth stick."

Whichever transmission you choose, “fuel economy is impressive,” at 22 mpg city, 31 highway with the automatic, Edmunds points out.

Several reviewers, including Edmunds, aren’t so fond of the engine’s lack of torque and its subpar oomph taking off from traffic lights. ”The TSX's familiar Achilles heel...continues to be its engine," the reviewer declares. And while the engine is lacking at low revs, it compensates up high. ConsumerGuide points out that because of the lack of power below 3,000 rpm, “highway passing or merging demands the ‘right’ gear.” But if you rev the engine, its personality dramatically changes. Echoing the remarks of other reviewers, Edmunds explains, "revved past 3,500 rpm toward its 7-grand redline, this VTEC power plant comes to life with an almost turbolike fury.”

Kelley Blue Book absolutely raves about the handling, proclaiming that even though the TSX "lacks the 'pit of your stomach' punch," it is still "so well balanced that it almost seems to slice through curves like a knife through whipped butter," thanks largely to its front-wheel-drive layout, which "works well for the TSX, providing excellent traction while being nearly devoid of torque steer."

Car and Driver, which has chosen the TSX as one of its 10 Best Cars in recent years, reports that the 2007 Acura TSX "delivers a level of light, accurate feel and eager response that sets the standard for this class,” but regarding its lack of engine power, it "needs to spend some time at the gym."

Autoblog especially likes the way the 2007 Acura TSX handles. "You know what's going on beneath you, but you're not troubled by it—and although the steering is a speed-sensitive rack and pinion setup, there's no question about how it will react to inputs."

Conclusion

Overall, drivers are likely to feel good about the 2007 Acura TSX—especially if they opt for the manual-transmission model.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:fuel economy is impressiveEdmundslacks the 'pit of your stomach' punchKelley Blue Bookalert throttle response means good highway punchConsumerGuide TheCarConnection.com finds that some reviewers criticize the 2007 Acura TSX as underpowered. On the flip side, this sporty four-door offers good fuel economy and particularly impressive handling. The 2007 Acura TSX comes with a 205-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, hooked up to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The latter allows fingertip shifting from the steering wheel, but reviewers are solidly in favor of the manual transmission. The editors at Autoblog, after getting caught in a traffic jam, beam about the “balanced clutch engagement and gloriously smooth stick." Whichever transmission you choose, “fuel economy is impressive,” at 22 mpg city, 31 highway with the automatic, Edmunds points out. Several reviewers, including Edmunds, aren’t so fond of the engine’s lack of torque and its subpar oomph taking off from traffic lights. ”The TSX's familiar Achilles heel...continues to be its engine," the reviewer declares. And while the engine is lacking at low revs, it compensates up high. ConsumerGuide points out that because of the lack of power below 3,000 rpm, “highway passing or merging demands the ‘right’ gear.” But if you rev the engine, its personality dramatically changes. Echoing the remarks of other reviewers, Edmunds explains, "revved past 3,500 rpm toward its 7-grand redline, this VTEC power plant comes to life with an almost turbolike fury.” Kelley Blue Book absolutely raves about the handling, proclaiming that even though the TSX "lacks the 'pit of your stomach' punch," it is still "so well balanced that it almost seems to slice through curves like a knife through whipped butter," thanks largely to its front-wheel-drive layout, which "works well for the TSX, providing excellent traction while being nearly devoid of torque steer." Car and Driver, which has chosen the TSX as one of its 10 Best Cars in recent years, reports that the 2007 Acura TSX "delivers a level of light, accurate feel and eager response that sets the standard for this class,” but regarding its lack of engine power, it "needs to spend some time at the gym." Autoblog especially likes the way the 2007 Acura TSX handles. "You know what's going on beneath you, but you're not troubled by it—and although the steering is a speed-sensitive rack and pinion setup, there's no question about how it will react to inputs." ConclusionOverall, drivers are likely to feel good about the 2007 Acura TSX—especially if they opt for the manual-transmission model.  2007 ACURA TSX STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "has the capability to serve as a business vehicle on the weekdays and a driving enthusiast's dream on the weekends" Edmunds: "like a sports coupe in a tuxedo" Autoblog: "maybe the use of the word 'styling' is a bit liberal" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The key features that draw most buyers to the 2007 Acura TSX are price and the positive associations of the Acura name itself. The TSX is also a front-wheel-drive sedan in a category that includes many all- and rear-wheel-drive models. The BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G35, for example, have rear-wheel drive and will probably feel different to drivers who like the ride of the TSX. One good option might be the Saab 9-3, which has a base price close to that of the 2007 TSX. Horsepower is similar (210 hp in the Saab), the manual transmission is a good match, and the cabin design is very much the same, with spacious front seats and a tight backseat. Another option might be the Audi A4 2.0T, which has a 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The Audi comes with a turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder that feels a bit more powerful than rivals while offering better fuel economy. Drivers might also consider the larger, roomier Maxima if they want something with a sporty feel like the TSX but with more backseat space. The engine is bigger (V-6 with 255 hp). Last but not least, drivers might consider the Subaru Legacy GT, which adds a more powerful engine (250 hp turbocharged flat-four), but lower gas mileage. The GT throws in the bonus of all-wheel drive.

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See the Acura TSX in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

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