2004 Acura TSX consumer reviews

Clearly the best bang for the buck. In stock form the only downside of the TSX is adhesion of the factory Michelins and some body roll. This is only a concern to enthusiast drivers, likely it is a calculated factory tradeoff to maintain luxury ride comfort. Enthusiats can easily upgrade the suspension, 1-1.5" of lowering eliminates any body roll sensation. Interior styling and comfort is well, beautiful. So many standard features would easily be 5-6 thousand more from any competitor. Although an entry level luxury model, I find the TSX more comfortable and sporting than $35k competitors. The TSX 4 cylinder cannot produce the V-6 thrust into your seat torque acceleration. The torque band is useable and flat for ordinary driving but cannot be like a 260 HP V-6 that gobbles up fuel like the space shuttle. TSX is silky smooth high end motor producing 200 HP over 7K rpm. At 24.5 local miles per gallon, the performance of the TSX cannot be beat on a operating cost per thrill metric. The motor likes to run high RPM effortlessly, no annoying vibrations or mechanical thrashing are present as she winds over 7k rpm. The automatic in manual shift mode is the best on the planet, smooth and instantaneous shifts. Or just choose drive when having coffee. From the large expanse of sheetmetal uninterrupted by mody moldings, the aggressive front air dam style bumper, door handles that are a work of art, the exterior styling is sporting and beautiful while remaining gender neutral.

Acura has done a great job with the TSX: styling, economy, handling and interior quality and comfort are top notch. This is far and away the best value in its class. That said, there are a few issues to keep in mind: Power: This powerplant will not outrun other cars in its class. While it's smooth and makes great sounds, the low end grunt isn't there. Good high end though, which is good on the highway. Paint: The paint looks good at the dealership but dings and chips easily. Keep in mind if you do a lot of highway driving. Interior carpet and leather: Looks and feels wonderful. However, it stains and discolors easily (especially the parchment color). Consider some heavy-duty floor mats and keep an eye on surfaces that see a lot of "traffic" (i.e center console armrest and left bolsters of the driver's seat -- these surfaces tend to discolor).