Are Acuras Good First Cars? (Integra, RSX, TL, TSX + More)
Acura has produced some head-turning performance vehicles since entering the US market in 1986.
One by one, they met their demise, and now Acura focuses on family-friendly sedans and SUVs.
Are the Acuras suitable first cars?
Generally: Are Acuras Good First Cars?
Acura is Honda’s luxury brand and offers a significantly smaller lineup than Honda.
Your choice of an Acura for a first car splits between the discontinued performance coupes and the newer line of sedans.
The discontinued Acura coupes are not ideal for first-time car owners as such aged vehicles are typically money pits.
(See detailed explanations in subsequent sections)
Still, Acura is synonymous with reliability, performance, and luxury.
If the price tag isn’t deterrence, Acura vehicles are excellent first cars as they are dependable daily drivers with low ownership costs.
Plus, Acuras hold value well.
This brief outline hopefully clears the picture of where the Acura models discussed in this post fit into its US history:
- Integra – 1986 to 2001.
- RSX (Integra’s successor) – 2002 to 2006.
- TL – 1995 to 2014.
- TSX – 2004 to 2014.
- TLX (TL & TSX’s successor) – 2015 to today.
You can get an idea of how old an Acura vehicle you’re considering and if a newer and improved Acura might suit you better as your first daily driver.
Specific Acura Models:
The suitability of first cars varies with each Acura model.
#1 Is an Acura Integra a Good First Car?
There aren’t many cars in the sport compact market with as much longevity, style, and popularity as the Integra.
It had been a reliable vehicle since its 1986 introduction, 1990 and 1994 redesigns, and 2001 departure from the US market.
2023 sees the return of an all-new Integra.
Being a decades-old out-of-production vehicle makes the Acura Integra a below-average choice for a first car with its mixed credentials:
- It’s old – a general gripe, but you can’t deny many newer and better first cars are available, including Hondas.
- Mediocre gas mileage – frugal for its time but poor by today’s standard.
- Maintenance costs will increase – Acura and Honda are still around, but model-specific parts may become harder to find the older the model year is.
- Expensive insurance – the Integra is an outdated model and still popular with thieves, although less than in their heydays.
- Moderate power – the base model with 130 to 140 hp is docile enough for a young driver; but not the bigger engines, including the Type R.
- Excellent reliability and build quality – it carries the Honda DNA.
The Integra still has positives as a car considering its age.
You can get a used 2001 Integra or older for less than $2,500; so, the initial outlay is low if you must own one.
Which Integra Year Is Best?
The Integras are an old model that doesn’t make good first cars.
Hopefully, the relatively limited data helps if you must get one.
Table Guide:
- Recalls: NHTSA or manufacturer-initiated.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (manual).
| Model Year | Recalls | Safety (NHTSA) | Fuel Econ. |
| 2001 Integra | 5 | NA | 22/28/24 |
| 2000 Integra | 4 | NA | 22/28/24 |
| 1999 Integra | 4 | NA | 22/28/24 |
| 1998 Integra | 4 | NA | 22/28/24 |
| 1997 Integra | 5 | NA | 22/29/25 |
| 1996 Integra | 5 | 4/5 | 22/29/25 |
| 1995 Integra | 5 | 4/5 | 22/29/25 |
| 1994 Integra | 6 | NA | 22/29/25 |
| 1993 Integra | 9 | 4/5 | 21/26/23 |
| 1992 Integra | 9 | 4/5 | 21/26/23 |
| 1991 Integra | 11 | 4/5 | 21/26/23 |
| 1990 Integra | 11 | 4/5 | 21/26/23 |
| 1989 Integra | 1 | NA | 23/28/25 |
| 1988 Integra | 1 | NA | 23/28/25 |
| 1987 Integra | 3 | NA | 23/28/25 |
The 1990 and 1991 Integra stand out with many recalls, suggesting a problematic design.
But recalls are free repairs; better than ignored problems.
Acura Integra Compared with Other Vehicles
Comparing the Integra with vehicles capable of slightly more performance than the regular sedans would be more relevant.
Their engines offer enough pep that is still manageable for new drivers.
Table Guide:
- Horsepower: hp range across model years.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (manual).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Acura Integra | 140-195 hp | 22/28/24 | $341 | NA | Average |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228 hp | 21/29/24 | $672 | 5/5 | Good |
| Mazda Miata | 116-181 hp | 26/34/29 | $429 | NA | Average (top up) |
| VW GTI | 210-241 hp | 24/32/27 | $791 | 5/5 | Excellent |
The used Integras are very old now, and the Subaru BRZ or Mazda Miata is worth considering if you want some extra performance from your first daily driver.
Further, they are current and safer.
#2 Is the Acura RSX a Good First Car?
The RSX is a descendent of the Integra as Acura streamlined their lineup with alphanumeric names.
It underwent several changes from the Integra with suspension redesign, enhanced body structure rigidity, improved handling, and better ride quality.
The RSX is an improved version of the older Integra, and it fares slightly better as a first car – albeit still an average vehicle for teenagers:
- Reasonable gas mileage – although most RSX models are close to twenty years old, their fuel consumption is still good enough for today’s daily use.
- Solid safety ratings – NHTSA gave it a maximum of 5 stars.
- Moderately powerful engine – more ponies than the Integra, but nothing otherworldly.
- Costly insurance – the old sports car status, likelihood of theft, and a young driver don’t combine well for insurance costs. Still, it’s a cost component you can know in advance and shouldn’t surprise.
- Topnotch build quality – the same for most Acura cars.
Most sports cars – entry-level or otherwise – are typically expensive to insure for teenagers, but some aren’t, depending on model, vehicle age, and location.
Getting a quote from an insurer should be easy, and insurance is a cost component you can prepare for.
The costs to fix failed parts should be one of your top concerns, especially if you’re not mechanically handy.
When in doubt, opt for a current model (any make) to stay on the safe side.
Which RSX Year Is Best?
The RSX model years spanned a mere five years, so data is limited.
Table Guide:
- Recalls: NHTSA or manufacturer-initiated.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (manual).
| Model Year | Recalls | Safety (NHTSA) | Fuel Econ. |
| 2006 RSX | 2 | 5/5 | 24/31/26 |
| 2005 RSX | 2 | 5/5 | 24/31/26 |
| 2004 RSX | 4 | 5/5 | 24/30/26 |
| 2003 RSX | 4 | 5/5 | 24/30/26 |
| 2002 RSX | 4 | 5/5 | 23/30/26 |
If you want to get an RSX for your first car, avoid the 2002 model year.
Its debut model year received the most owner complaints (about 3x more than the rest), which is logical.
Acura RSX Compared with Other Vehicles
An RSX comparison with vehicles that offer slightly more performance than economical sedans would be more appropriate in this case.
They have enough horsepower for some spirited driving but not enough to get you into trouble.
Table Guide:
- Horsepower: hp range across model years.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (manual).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Acura RSX | 155-201 hp | 23/30/26 | $367 | 5/5 | Average |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228 hp | 21/29/24 | $672 | 5/5 | Good |
| Mazda Miata | 116-181 hp | 26/34/29 | $429 | NA | Average (top up) |
| VW GTI | 210-241 hp | 24/32/27 | $791 | 5/5 | Excellent |
The Subaru BRZ, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Volkswagen GTI are reasonable alternatives to the RSX.
They are current and safer but still fun to drive.
Still, the RSX is competitive despite its age.
#3 Is an Acura TL a Good First Car?
There are many choices in the midsize car market – an Acura TL is one of them.
Crucially, the last TL model year was the 2014 release.
In the context of countless new and used midsize cars available on the market, the Acura TL is not the best choice for a first car despite its rock-solid reliability and low maintenance costs:
- Poor fuel economy – 21 mpg combined is a gas guzzler by today’s standard.
- Large dimensions – relatively more challenging to maneuver and park for beginners. The smaller TSX would be better.
- Better alternatives are available – Accord (Honda’s own), Camry, Mazda 6, Altima, etc.; they are current cars with newer safety features.
- Strong reliability.
- Inexpensive maintenance – $467 per year compares favorably with the average of $739 for luxury midsize cars.
The Acura TL’s high fuel consumption is its Achilles heel because the competitors for your money can do a lot better.
(See the comparison below)
Which Acura TL Year Is Best?
If you like the TL and can live with paying at the pump, let’s see if there’s a model year to pick or avoid.
Table Guide:
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Recalls: NHTSA or manufacturer-initiated.
| Model Year | Safety (NHTSA) | Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Recalls |
| 2014 Acura TL | 4/5 | 20/29/23 | 82/100 | 3 |
| 2013 Acura TL | 4/5 | 20/29/23 | 84/100 | 3 |
| 2012 Acura TL | 4/5 | 20/29/23 | 83/100 | 3 |
| 2011 Acura TL | NA | 18/26/21 | 84/100 | 3 |
| 2010 Acura TL | 5/5 | 18/26/21 | 85/100 | 3 |
| 2009 Acura TL | 5/5 | 18/26/21 | 85/100 | 3 |
| 2008 Acura TL | 5/5 | 18/26/21 | 84/100 | 4 |
| 2007 Acura TL | 5/5 | 18/26/21 | 80/100 | 4 |
| 2006 Acura TL | 5/5 | 18/26/21 | NA | 6 |
| 2005 Acura TL | 5/5 | 18/26/21 | NA | 7 |
| 2004 Acura TL | 5/5 | 18/26/21 | NA | 6 |
| 2003 Acura TL | 4/5 | 17/27/21 | NA | 5 |
Acura TL year 2003 through to 2006 are the model years with the highest number of owner complaints, according to CarComplaints.
Otherwise, 2007 Acura TL or newer are super-reliable cars.
Acura TL Compared with Midsize Cars
The Acura TL may be a luxury midsize sedan, but the only TLs available on the market are used (and dated) ones.
Perhaps a midsize car with a well-appointed interior can be a viable choice for your first car?
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Acura TL | 20/29/23 | 82/100 | $467 | 4/4 | 4/5 | Good |
| Mazda Mazda 6 | 26/35/29 | 82/100 | $481 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Honda Accord | 30/38/33 | 82/100 | $400 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
| Toyota Camry | 28/39/32 | 82/100 | $388 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
| Hyundai Sonata | 28/38/32 | 81/100 | $458 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Nissan Altima | 28/39/32 | 82/100 | $483 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
The average yearly maintenance cost for midsize cars is $526.
All the competitors above are solid performers in the fuel economy and reliability stakes.
If you want a luxurious interior, the Mazda 6 is a compelling choice for your first car.
Otherwise, the Accord or Camry’s fuel efficiency can’t be beaten.
#4 Is the Acura TSX a Good First Car?
The TSX is Acura’s compact premium sedan, smaller than the TL and discontinued in 2014.
An Acura TSX would make a good choice for a first car because the pros outweigh the cons:
- Solid reliability – the TSX is another dependable Acura.
- Affordable maintenance – $415 per year is below the segment average.
- Safe vehicles – although there are plenty of cars with maximum NHTSA safety ratings today.
- Excellent outward visibility – the thin roof pillars help significantly; a good attribute for a first car.
- Inexpensive insurance – expect to pay around $400 per month for a teenager (many vehicles are more expensive).
- Stronger competitors are available – (see the following sections)
The Acura TLX succeeded the TSX and TL, so do not miss test-driving the newer TLX before deciding.
See the comparison to find the best Acura for a first car towards the end of this post.
Which TSX Year Is Best as First Cars?
Table Guide:
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Recalls: NHTSA or manufacturer-initiated.
| Model Year | Safety (NHTSA) | Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Recalls |
| 2014 TSX | NA | 22/31/25 | 78/100 | 3 |
| 2013 TSX | NA | 22/31/25 | NA | 4 |
| 2012 TSX | NA | 22/31/25 | NA | 6 |
| 2011 TSX | NA | 22/31/25 | NA | 7 |
| 2010 TSX | 5/5 | 21/30/25 | 81/100 | 7 |
| 2009 TSX | 5/5 | 21/30/25 | 80/100 | 6 |
| 2008 TSX | 5/5 | 20/28/23 | 82/100 | 3 |
| 2007 TSX | 5/5 | 20/28/23 | 83/100 | 3 |
| 2006 TSX | 5/5 | 20/28/23 | 81/100 | 4 |
| 2005 TSX | 5/5 | 20/28/23 | NA | 4 |
| 2004 TSX | 5/5 | 20/29/23 | NA | 4 |
The improving fuel economy should have you opting for newer TSX model years for your first car.
Further, the 2009 redesign gave the TSX a more stylish look.
TSX Against Its Competitors
Let’s see how the competition matches up to the 2014 TSX.
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Acura TSX | 22/31/25 | 78/100 | $415 | 3.5/4 | NA | Excellent |
| Acura TL | 20/29/23 | 82/100 | $467 | 4/4 | 4/5 | Good |
| Lexus IS 350 | 20/28/23 | 83/100 | $543 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Average |
| Lexus ES 350 | 22/32/26 | 81/100 | $468 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
| Mazda Mazda6 | 26/35/29 | 82/100 | $481 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
The TSX is a good choice for a first car, but some competitors are a tad better with more current safety features and higher safety ratings.
If you’re considering the Acura TSX for your first car, research and test drive the Lexus ES 350 and Mazda 6 to find your winner.
The Mazda 6 doesn’t class as a luxury sedan, but it might as well do due to its class-leading quality interior – an all-around perfect first car.
#5 Is an Acura TLX a Good First Car?
The Acura TLX is an all-new model in 2015 and a worthy successor to the TL and TSX.
It is rich with safety features and is super-reliable, making the Acura TLX a superb first car:
- Good fuel economy – 27 mpg combined for the base FWD variant.
- Decent visibility – a base requirement for new drivers to drive safely.
- Strong reliability.
- Inexpensive yearly maintenance – approx. $440; the average for luxury midsize sedans is $739.
- Plenty of safety features – the TLX is still in production, so you can expect it to keep updating.
- Sporty handling – driving your first car doesn’t have to be a dull experience (if you can afford the price tag).
If you have the budget to get an entry-level luxury sedan for your first car, the TLX is an excellent option.
Comparison: Best Acura for a First Car
See the table below on how the various Acura models compare in the areas that matter for a first vehicle.
Table Guide:
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base model).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
| Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Maint. Costs | |
| Acura TL | 4/4 | 4/5 | Good | 20/29/23 | 82/100 | $467 |
| Acura TSX | 3.5/4 | NA | Excellent | 22/31/25 | 78/100 | $415 |
| Acura TLX | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | 23/33/27 | 79/100 | $440 |
| Acura ILX | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | 24/34/28 | 81/100 | $435 |
All the Acura models above are sports sedans.
Overall, the TLX is the best Acura for a first car with impeccable safety ratings, good gas mileage, and low maintenance costs.
The ILX is cheaper than the TLX, but it falls behind its segment rivals in tech features and interior design.
Alternative Makes to Acura for a Teenager’s First Car
Based on the Acura vehicles that make reasonable to good first cars – notably the TL, TSX, and TLX – other choices are aplenty:
Always do your research, inspect, and test drive before buying.
References:
