2004 Acura TSX 4-Door Navigation Performance Sport Sedan
A Nice New Addition to the Acura Line Up

Yet one more sport sedan to compete with the best of them out there now, including Infiniti G35 and Lexus IS300. The new TSX fits in between Acura’s RSX sports coupe and 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan. Designed to compete with the premium sport sedans from Europe and Japan, TSX appears to have a good chance.

We liked driving the TSX, with Acura’s 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine, one of our favorite engines. At 200 horsepower, the i-VTEC engine offers plenty of power and it’s hard to beat Acura’s quiet smooth delivery.

Introduced at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, the 2004 TSX gives Acura an entry-level performance vehicle. Our test vehicle came equipped with the standard 6-speed manual transmission. We can’t imagine anything else, but for the faint of heart, there is an optional 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. The TSX is a performance sedan, however, none of the smooth ride and quiet one expects from Acura is compromised. We found it a tad easier on the bum than the Infiniti G35. Outfitted with 17-inch all-season performance tires and a rigid unit body structure, the TSX not only rides well, it takes on a much bigger stance.

The best part of the TSX, though, is the sporty cockpit. Simple, yet, unique, the LED-illuminated instrumentation is luxurious, yet gives off a racing feel. Sportiness abounds all around, from the perforated leather seats, to the leather-wrapped three-spoke sport steering wheel. Audio and cruise controls are integrated into the steering wheel, and take on a new sleeker look. Rather than obtrusive buttons, they are set into the wheel. It looks much, much better and more importantly, doesn’t get in the way. Many a time we’ve gone to make a turn and at the same time, without meaning to have changed the radio station.

The gearshift is smaller then some, but just right, particularly for smaller hands. It has a sporty feel and look to it, blending in well with what Acura has done to the instrument cluster.

Other standard features on the TSX include power windows and door locks, dual-zone automatic climate control, an Acura premium audio system, keyless entry, ABS, HomeLink system, dual stage air bags and side air bags. One needn’t worry about tune-ups until the speedo has reached 110,000 miles. Under normal driving conditions, the TSX is just easy to maintain. The 4-cylinder engine is equipped with platinum-tipped spark plugs and a self-adjusting cam chain.

Acura’s TSX takes on a new look. Moving away from a square sedan and taking on a look they call "wedge." Somewhat resembling the new Honda Accord, TSX is a more distinctive looking vehicle than its brothers TL and RL. Aerodynamic in its shape, TSX still keeps some Acura cues, such as the "signature" 5-sided grille. Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) head lights and lower air intakes are standard on the TSX. The audio system includes 360-watt speakers (8), with 6-disc CD changer.

For the first time Acura has a transmission made of magnesium alloy. Most often used in racing vehicles, the case weighs 6.6 pounds less than comparable aluminum, is more rigid and cuts down on the noise and vibration.

Our test TSX came equipped with the Navigation system. It took some time to figure out, but it’s easier to operate than most. The 8-inch touch screen is mounted in the center of the dash, is fairly straight forward to operate and has Voice Recognition. There are something like seven million points of interest across the U.S., 3-D graphics of freeways, ramps, etc. If you’re looking for the nearest ATM, all you’ve got to do is raise your index finger and touch. We found it very helpful when trying to navigate unfamiliar territory on a weekend jaunt.

The TSX uses Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) to work with braking and the drive-by-wire throttle system to provide better control when accelerating, braking and cornering.

TSX went on sale this April and Acura will build 15,000 units a year. Buyers are expected to be 60 percent male with a median age of 33 years. Fifty-five percent are married, 85 percent are college educated and a median household income of $80,000. Young and affluent, these buyers have an "attachment" to their cars, but want to make a rational purchase.

Copyright 2003. Susan Frissell. Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved.