Well-Rounded Applicant
2007 Acura TSX

In short: A tight-handling, entry-level sports sedan with great value.

Think of the TSX as your ideal “well-rounded” college applicant. There might be cars that are faster, more luxurious, get better fuel economy, handle better and come with a lower price tag than the Acura TSX, but a scant few (if any) offer this sports sedan’s brilliant mix of all those attributes. It is a jack-of-all-trades that succeeds in practically every important car category, from offering a spacious cabin to being able to carve through a canyon road with its razor-sharp steering.

Although the TSX is Acura’s entry-level model, it nonetheless comes loaded with most of the features luxury buyers are looking for. Included are leather, heated power front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a six-CD changer with XM satellite radio and mp3 jack, and an optional voice-activated touchscreen navigation system that is one of the best in the business. These features are easy to use and are integrated into an interior constructed from top quality materials that, while not quite up to Lexus IS standards, is still superb for the price.

Power comes from a 205-horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed automatic or slick-shifting 6-speed manual. It lacks low-end torque and can feel sluggish initially, but once you start zinging the free-revving VTEC motor up to its 7500 rpm redline, the TSX has plenty of giddy-up. The four-cylinder also returns an impressive 30 mpg on the highway, versus the 22 mpg we observed in the V6-powered Acura TL.

The TSX can be compared to cars ranging from the Volkswagen Jetta GLI and Volvo S40 to luxury models like the TL, IS 250 or even the BMW 328i. Before settling on any of these, make sure you check out this excellent, well-rounded Acura—you might be surprised.

Warranty/Service: 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty; 6-year/70,000 powertrain warranty.

QUICK SHEET Base Price: $28,090 / As tested: $30,090 Technical Specifications Vehicle type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan Engine: 2.4-liter inline-4 Horsepower: 205 bhp @ 7000 rpm Torque: 164 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual Curb weight: 3,268 lbs Wheelbase: 105.1 in Length/Width/Height: 183.4/69.4/57.3 in Turning circle: 40.0 feet Brakes: four-wheel disc with ABS and electronic brake assist Suspension: independent front and rear Traction: traction control and stability control Safety: front air bags, front side air bags, front and rear curtain air bags, tire pressure monitor 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds Top Speed: 133 mph (governed) EPA City: 22 mpg EPA Highway: 30 mpg

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(Updated: 07/29/08 HC)