2004 Acura TSX Review

macpowah
11/6/2007

Ownership Status: I use to own this vehicle.
Recommendation: I recommend this vehicle.

Overall Rating: 95/100

Pros
  • Terriffic handling - was amazed each time I took a corner too fast
  • Smoothest drivetrain you'll ever experience with 4-cyl
  • Shifter was second to none
  • Tons of standard equipment
  • Great gas mileage
  • Elegane timeless styling
  • Excellent build quailty
  • Exteremely dependable
Cons
  • Lack of low end grunt
  • Disappointing paint quality (seemed too thin)

Introduction
This little Acura was an amazing car. It was black on tan and was simply stunning to look at. I find these cars look much better in person as they tend to look bland in pictures. Mine was a 6 speed manual that was truly a joy to drive.



Exterior Styling - 8
Some would call it bland but I call it elegant

Interior Styling - 10
Much nicer that anything in its price range (as standard)

Exterior Build/Materials Quality - 10
Flawless, except for the paint - found it scratched easily

Interior Build/Materials Quality - 10


Engine Performance - 9
Extremely smooth and quiet with a great mechanical sound to it. It was lacking low-end grunt, but when it gets revving it moves!

Handling/Braking - 10
Very surprised at the speeds this car would take corners at and found myself indulging more often

Fuel Efficiency - 8
Could have been better for a NA 4-cyl engine, but it was still good

Available Features/Options - 10
Everything was included in the base price. For 2005 they added a power passenger seat and a Navi option

Cost of Ownership - 10
No issues at all, and oil changes were reasonable. Dealer service was absolutely excellent.

Value - 10
For an MSRP of $34,800 Canadian, you couldn't ask for more car for the money in the "luxury" market.



Conclusion
This was my first "luxury" car and it was really exciting. The drivetrain was truly the most refined (even compared to what I drive now) and was so reliable. Standard eqpt included moonroof, heated seats, dual clm. cntrl, 360watt stereo 6 disc, leather heated seats, etc. I test drove an Infiniti G35 coupe 6mt and was very disappointed with how unrefined it was. I was surprised to find that, but when I got back into the Acura I knew why. Would I buy another? Absolutely - I should have never traded it in as an impulse, and I kick myself everytime I look at pictures!