2004 Acura TSX

Designed and priced to brazenly take on the entry-lux sport sedan competition, the all-new Acura TSX blends race-bred performance and advanced technology with an aggressive, efficient exterior—backed by a power-list of standard amenities and safety features.


Whether you pair the 200-hp/2.4-liter i-VTEC four with the close-ratio 6-speed manual or 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic, the TSX comes loaded for less than $27,000. The only available factory-installed option is the $2,000 navigation system. Otherwise—without having to spend thousands more once you're lured in with an under-$30k pitch—premium leather, the automatic transmission, power/tilt moonroof, power seats, 17-inch wheels, Xenon HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights, heat-rejecting glass and more are all included for $26,490. Our test car came with the navigation system for a total price of $28,990 ($500 destination and handling included).

The TSX sports its own twist on Acura's signature grille, and its gracefully chiseled body makes for an elegant profile.

The TSX sports its own twist on Acura's signature grille. The Xenon HID headlamps seem to flow, then wrap around and above the large, lower air intakes toward the flaring front fenders. It looks as if it's smiling in a mischievous, knowing sort of way. Turn-signal indicators on the side mirrors, all-season 215/50VR-17 Michelin Pilot tires mounted on 7-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a gracefully chiseled wedge design make for an impressive, elegant profile. Acura claims best-in-class aerodynamics due in part to the sharply terminated rear with its high trunk lid, which purposefully helps air move crisply off the back of the car regardless of speed.


The dual rear exhaust tips also complete the sport-performance look, but they're more than just for show. The TSX engine has a rear-mounted exhaust manifold to speed catalytic converter light-off and, further downstream, free-flowing dual silencers. While typical efforts to lower emissions result in less power, Acura engineers managed to reduce emissions while increasing power. The performance payoff of 83 horsepower-per-liter peak output is also environmentally impressive—the TSX meets Low Emissions Vehicle-2 (LEV-2) exhaust standards, some of the toughest emissions regulations in the U.S.


Once inside, you'll immediately notice the comfort of the seemingly custom-fit perforated leather seats. They're adjustable eight different ways for the position that's perfect for you—and the seatbelt doesn't slice you in the neck if you're a little on the short side. The driver's-door armrest is nicely positioned, and the center armrest is adjustable fore and aft for even more specific driving support. The small-diameter steering wheel tilts and telescopes for greater personalization, and is a secondary home to cruise and audio controls. The LED backlit analog instruments are large and legible, and the blue LED ambient lighting coordinated especially well with our Arctic Blue Metallic tester. Getting in the mood to drive the TSX doesn't take much, but it does take a lot to get you out of it—the TSX is a driver's car, and long commutes (don't tell my boss!) are over before you know it. (Do I hear "company car" anyone?)