The Acura TSX debuted for the 2004 model year as a compact premium sports sedan positioned between the RSX coupe and the larger TL sedan. Unveiled in January 2003 and placed on sale that April, it brought Acura a four-door entry with close ties to the smaller Honda Accord developed for Japan and Europe rather than the larger Accord designed for North America. This international foundation, Japanese production and driver-focused character distinguished the TSX within Acura’s lineup.
The first generation covered the 2004 through 2008 model years and was offered exclusively as a sedan. Its defining combination was a high-revving 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive and the availability of a six-speed manual transmission. The TSX balanced premium appointments with responsive handling, making it a natural step up for enthusiasts familiar with Honda and Acura sport compacts. A 2006 refresh revised its exterior styling and updated its cabin technology, but the basic formula remained intact through 2008.
A larger and wider second-generation TSX arrived for 2009 with new styling, additional interior room and a more refined interpretation of the original car’s sport-sedan mission. The four-cylinder engine and available manual transmission continued, while an optional V6 joined the sedan range for 2010. For 2011, Acura introduced the TSX Sport Wagon, extending the nameplate into a five-door body style that combined the sedan’s road manners with substantially greater utility. The wagon retained four-cylinder power and became one of the model’s most distinctive variants. Acura also offered a more aggressively trimmed TSX Special Edition beginning with the 2012 model year.
The TSX remained in production without a nameplate interruption through 2014. Acura ended sales after that model year while reorganizing its sedan range around the ILX, TLX and RLX. Although the TLX was a separate model, it was intended to attract customers from both the outgoing TSX and TL. The TSX nameplate has not been revived, leaving a two-generation legacy valued for its practical size, Japanese-market roots, available manual gearbox and uncommon Sport Wagon variant.