2004 ACURA TSX
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Able to effectively ride the line between sport and luxury sedan, the new TSX delivers on both promises with few compromises.
Pros
Conservative good looks, value-minded luxury, super smooth, 200-horsepower motor.
Cons
Somewhat bland styling, no V6 availability.
What''s New for 2004
Although based on an existing European Honda, the TSX is an all-new car for the U.S. market.
Overview
Introduction:
Hoping to fill the gap between the RSX Coupe and the slightly more upscale TL sedan, the TSX is an entry-level luxury sport sedan that will likely be most buyers'' first Acura. Brands like Lexus and Infiniti have been a bit more adept at straddling the line between sport and luxury sedans while Acura has never really gotten the sport part right. The TSX certainly has a great start on its way to being a true sport sedan as it is based on the European Honda Accord, a car that is much different in form and function than the American Honda Accord. That Honda recognizes the vast differences between the American and European markets is just one indication the TSX is on the right track. Of course a powerful engine is key to a successful luxury sport sedan (just ask Nissan), but the fact that the TSX gets its power from a four-cylinder might seem odd for a luxury-branded car. A 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC motor that makes its maximum power at 6,800 rpm doesn''t seem like a power plant befitting a luxury car. Honda''s 240-hp V6 would seem the perfect solution, but then again, we''re not Acura engineers. On the other hand, the TSX''s horsepower, torque and fuel economy numbers are right in line with such cars as the Audi A4 1.8T, BMW 325i and Mercedes-Benz C240. Acura states that the TSX cockpit is "driver-oriented" and as such the controls are set up to give the driver a "functional and natural feeling." Seats are sporty in nature and the instruments and gauges are large and easy to read so the driver can focus on driving. Designed to further enhance connectedness to the road, the drive-by-wire throttle pedal is bottom-hinged, which Acura says allows for "finer control." The TSX faces stiff competition from Euro sedans with a proven history and impressive pedigrees. As is typical for Acura, the TSX offers simple and smooth precision along with just enough sport thrown in to make the car interesting. If a fully loaded Honda is still too soft for you in the twisties, the TSX is eagerly awaiting your first venture into a luxury sport sedan.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The TSX is available in only one trim. An Acura Navigation System with voice-activated software is the only option.
Powertrains and Performance:
All TSXs come with a 2.4-liter, DOHC four-cylinder making 200 hp. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic with Sportshift feature. Also standard are four-wheel discs with ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist and 17-inch wheels and tires.
Safety:
In keeping with its premium intentions, the TSX comes standard with such safety features as four-wheel ABS, stability control, xenon headlights, turn signal mirrors and front and rear head airbags. Remote anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer is also part of the standard features list.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the TSX offers an Acura premium sound system with 360 watts and a six-disc CD changer, plus steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The driver-oriented cockpit has large, easy-to-read gauges and controls, a bottom-hinged accelerator pedal and performance-engineered front bucket seats.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The TSX''s 2.4-liter four delivers all the sophistication you''d expect from an Acura. While a four-cylinder is usually not a luxury car power plant, Honda and Acura are able to build such refined fours that some owners may give up on V6s altogether. The six-speed manual transmission is well suited to the 200-hp four; shifts are precise and the gates easy to find. If you''re gonna have calipers as your logo, you''d better build precision cars, and the TSX hits its mark completely. Handling is equally impressive, if not more so. The TSX rides on a separate platform than the smaller RSX and benefits from a double wishbone suspension up front with a multilink setup in back. Equipped with 17-inch wheels and tires and a standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, the TSX slices through turns with barely a hint of body roll and the VSA does its work without being intrusive. The steering provides quick, precise action and torque steer in this front-wheel-drive sport sedan is almost nonexistent. During more subdued driving, the TSX never forgets its luxury branding and delivers a solid, compliant ride without resorting to an overly soft feel.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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