2004 Acura TSX Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

This newcomer to Honda's upscale Acura division targets the Audi A4, Infiniti G35, and other sporty near-luxury sedans. In size and price, the TL fits between Acura's smaller RSX coupe and its larger TL sedan. The only engine is 200-hp 2.4-liter 4 cyl. Transmissions are a 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid/traction control, and 17-inch alloy wheels are standard. So are head-protecting curtain side airbags, front torso side airbags, leather upholstery, sunroof, automatic climate control, tilt/telescope steering wheel, in-dash CD changer, and xenon headlamps. There are no options, though a second model adds a navigation system with voice recognition for some navigation, audio, and climate functions.

News

TSX sees no major near-term changes, but should soon follow big-sister TL by offering factory-developed "A-Spec" performance options. Acura hasn't confirmed this yet, but it wants stronger "street cred" with America's youth, so it seems only a matter of time before dealers will be selling TSX upgrades like stiff springs and shock absorbers, bigger wheels and tires, and "aero" body add-ons. As with the TL, TSX equipment will be sold separately and in various packages to suit owner budgets and needs. Unlike similar items available on the "aftermarket," installation would not affect the regular new-vehicle warranty, provided an authorized Acura dealer does the work.

2004 Acura TSX Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Navigation-system controls

Instruments/controls

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base w/nav. sys., man.	Class Average
6	6.1

Only manual-transmission TSX made available for test so far. Test example did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph. Modest power below 3000 rpm, so brisk highway passing or merging requires attention to gear selection. Delights with light, precise shift/clutch action.

Fuel Economy

Base w/nav. sys., man.	Class Average
6	5.2

Test manual-transmission TSXs averaged 22.6-27.3 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Premium fuel required.

Ride Quality

Base w/nav. sys., man.	Class Average
6	6.4

Firm but never jarring even on badly cratered pavement. Body motions well-controlled.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/nav. sys., man.	Class Average
8	7.1

Impressively agile on challenging mountain roads, with assuring grip, minimal body lean. Quick, responsive steering adds to the fun. Standard antiskid system enhances dynamic security. Powerful brakes have excellent pedal feel.

Quietness

Base w/nav. sys., man.	Class Average
6	6.2

Refined for a small sports sedan, though not luxury-class hushed. Revvy, ultrasmooth 4-cyl engine audible but not unpleasant at high rpm. Tire noise intrudes some on coarse pavement, but isn't irksome either. Wind rush minimal.

Controls

Base w/nav. sys., man.	Class Average
8	6.6

Simple and smart, though available navigation system takes some learning. It absorbs some climate and audio functions, which can frustrate simple adjustments, and voice recognition frequently misunderstands commands. One test example had misaligned steering-wheel trim, but overall, TSX has ingot-solid on-road feel, good detail finish, and classy cabin materials including handsome aluminum dashboard and door trim.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/nav. sys., man.	Class Average
7	6.3

Cozy feeling, but spacious enough. Firm, supportive seats bolstered to keep occupants secure in exuberant cornering. Standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel and power driver seat help tailor a sound basic driving stance. Good all-around visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/nav. sys., man.	Class Average
5	3.9

Head room tight for 6-footers, but surprisingly good leg and toe space even with front seats fully aft. Short seat cushion shy on leg support. Entry/exit slightly constricted by narrowish floor passages.

Cargo Room

Base w/nav. sys., man.	Class Average
3	3.9

Not bountiful, but good for a compact-size sedan, and most all the space is usable. Trunklid hinges don't intrude much and are designed so as not to threaten luggage. Standard split fold rear seatback has interior keylock, in-trunk releases. Cabin storage just adequate.

Value within Class

Base w/nav. sys., man.	Class Average
7	5.1

TSX offers the same solid quality and high features-per-dollar quotient as big-sister TL, but ups the fun-to-drive factor in a trimmer, lighter package. Automatic transmission may cost some scoot, but the TSX is a very capable and appealing small sports sedan.

Total Score

Base w/nav. sys., man.	Class Average
62	56.8

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		56
High Score		63

2004 Acura TSX Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/29/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan, manual	$26,490	$24,147	$545

Base 4-door sedan, automatic	$26,490	$24,147	$545

Base 4-door sedan w/navigation, manual	$28,490	$25,967	$545

Base 4-door sedan w/navigation, automatic	$28,490	$25,967	$545

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/memory, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, high-intensity-discharge headlights, 215/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.

Base w/navigation adds to Base:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Navigation system w/voice recognition.

Optional Equipment

No factory options.

2004 Acura TSX Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Acura TSX 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	105.1

Overall Length, in.	183.3

Overall Width, in.	69.4

Overall Height, in.	57.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	3230

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.1

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	37.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /144

Horsepower @ rpm.	200 @ 6800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	166 @ 4500

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	21/29

5-speed automatic	23/32

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Acura TSX 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2004 Acura TSX
Trim Level: Base w/navigation
Arrival Date: 07/28/2003
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 6-speed manual
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $28,490
Price as Tested: $28,991
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 4949
Mileage at End of Test: 5976
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 37.583 gals.

Major Options: None

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 27.33 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Mark Bilek $28,000 and change out the door seems a fair price for this economical, sporty, midsize luxury sedan. 4-cylinder is a penalty of sort, especially with automatic, but overall a solid package with lots of strong points.

< 2004 Acura TSX Photos

Also in the 2004 Acura TSX Review:

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Acura TSX Road Test

Acura TSX Prices & Equipment

Acura TSX Specs & Safety

Acura TSX Photos

Acura TSX Full Review

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