Teresa’s View
Acura started with a generous serving of performance from its RSX sports coupe and added an ample dollop of luxury from the premium TL sedan to dish up its dishy TSX. With a starting price of less than $30K, it’s also a great value.
Introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model, the TSX gets a makeover this year that includes an exterior styling redo, additional features and a few more ponies under the hood.
Some have criticized the sedan’s refreshed exterior. One blogger even said it has been hit by an ugly stick. That’s harsh. The new lines visually widen the handsome profile, although the blogger is right when he carps about the new round fog lamps on the otherwise angular face.
This year, the technologically entranced are rewarded with an auxiliary jack for their MP3 players and a new Bluetooth wireless cell-phone interface.
The navigation system received an upgrade that includes more memory for faster processing plus a handy Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide. Now your car can find a great restaurant and get you there. What a good car!
Powered by Acura’s 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, the TSX delivers 205 horsepower — a slight boost over last year. The four-banger is so technologically proficient that it generates as much power as some V-6s, without the fuel economy hit. EPA ratings for the TSX are a respectable 22 mpg city and 30 highway with the six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift mode is also offered.
It’s an Acura, so it goes without saying that the cabin is stylish and well heeled. Luscious leather upholstery complements the roomy and ergonomically correct interior.
As if good looks and good manners weren’t enough, the TSX is also a heckuva fun drive. I’m so glad our tester came with the manual. The shifts are short, quick and light — a real pleasure on snaking mountain roads or those tightly wound freeway on-ramps.
What Is It?: The TSX is a five-passenger, entry-level, mid-size luxury sedan from Acura. It’s offered in one trim — with or without navigation.
Gadget Rating: 8.5 out of 10. The lengthy standard features list includes an eight-speaker, 360-watt premium audio system with XM Satellite Radio and CD changer; dual-zone automatic climate control; heated front seats and a power moon roof. A Maintenance Minder monitors the vehicle’s operating system and provides dashboard alerts when certain types of routine service, such as oil and filter replacement and tire rotation, are required. Bonus: There are no scheduled tune-ups, under normal conditions, until the odometer tops 100K.
Safety: Standard safety features include traction control and stability control systems, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with BrakeAssist, plus six airbags.
I’ve Got A Secret: The TSX is actually a European-market Honda Accord.