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2004 Acura TSX
Body style(s): 4-door sedan
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MSRP: |
base, manual
base, automatic
base w/ navigation, manual
base w/ navigation, automatic
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$26,490
$26,490
$28,490
$28,490
dest. charge: $545
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Notes
The Acura TSX debuted as an early 2004 model. The sedan joined
the RL and TL models, as well as the RSX coupe, slotting between the
latter two. It therefore served as something of a replacement for the
Integra sedan. The TSX was a European-market Honda Accord (smaller than the US
model) with unique styling, added features, and an Acura badge. The Euro/JDM
Accord (and therefore the Acura TSX) was the smallest-sized variant of the
Honda Global Midsize Platform: the Honda Accord (US/Australia) was the next
larger variant, and the biggest was the Acura TL. The European
Accord Tourer wagon did not make the trip across the Atlantic. The TSX was
powered solely by a 2.4L four-cylinder engine whose high compression ratio and
high-revving power demanded premium-grade fuel. The appeal of the new
sedan was meant to be its sportiness, placing it in contention with other
compact entry-lux sport sedans. With its stiffer Euro-designed chassis, the
TSX felt rather more nimble than the American Honda Accord, biased as that
larger model was to U.S. freeway driving. This niche, arguably pioneered by BMW's
3-Series, gained force at the turn of the millenium, as manufacturers
such as Lexus and Infiniti developed pairs of entry-luxury sedans, one
appealing to traditional luxury, and the other appealing to sport luxury.
The TSX, then, had the same relationship to Acura's TL that Lexus's IS 300
had to the ES 300. Acura's smallest sedan came with a host of standard
features, including a CD changer, automatic climate control, leather
seats, and traction/antiskid control. The styling followed that of the
larger TL sedan (also brand new for '04) quite closely, albeit shrunk a size or two.
The only option was Acura's $2000
navigation system. Reactions to the TSX by the automotive press were
mixed: some praised its light handling, others bemoaned its FWD drivetrain.
Doubts aside, it provided excellent value for money, even if the cabin
did feel a little tight to some drivers. The TSX straddled the space between
the typical C/D-segment sedans (i.e., Camrys and Accords) and the
entry-lux segment. Interestingly, Acura sold an even smaller and cheaper
sedan just across the border, in Canada. There, the Acura EL provided
the base of the Acura line; it was derived from the Honda Civic.
Series: 2004-current
design
Drivetrain:
Construction:
Seats:
Engine(s):
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transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
steel unibody
5
2.4L multiport-injection I-4
Valvetrain: dual-overhead-cam, 4 valves/cylinder
Bore x stroke: 87.0 x 99.0 mm
Compression ratio: 10.5 to 1 (91-octane unleaded)
Horsepower (SAE net): 200 bhp @ 6800 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 166 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual (final drive ratio 4.70:1)
Transmission (opt.): 5-speed manumatic (final drive ratio 4.44:1)
EPA fuel economy (city/hwy, 1985 test): 21/29 mpg, 22/31 mpg (manumatic)
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DIMENSIONS
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EPA Class:
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COMPACT
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Wheelbase:
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105.1"
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Length:
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183.3"
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Width:
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69.4"
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Height:
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57.3"
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Track, F:
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59.6"
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Track, R:
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59.6"
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Clearance:
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6.2"
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Curb weight:
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3230 lbs.
3318 lbs. (automatic)
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Interior vol.:
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51/39 cu ft. (f/r)
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Cargo vol.:
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13.0 cu ft.
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Fuel tank:
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17.1 gal.
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Technical
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Tires:
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215/50R17
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Suspension:
(f/r)
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indep.: short/long A-arms, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar
indep.: 5-link, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar
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Brakes:
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disc/disc, power-assisted (11.8" vented/10.2" solid)
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Steering:
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rack-and-pinion, variable power-assisted (ratio 14.8:1, 2.7 turns-to-lock)
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Active sys.:
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antilock brakes,
traction control,
stability control
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Airbags:
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dual front, dual front side, dual f/r curtain
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Standard Equipment
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base
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Seating:
leather upholstery,
front bucket seats,
8-way heated power driver's seat,
4-way heated front passenger's seat,
rear 3-place split-folding bench seat.
Equipment:
power windows,
power locks,
power mirrors,
tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel w/ cabin controls,
wheel-mounted shift buttons,
cruise control,
LCD information display,
retained accessory power,
remote keyless entry,
power sunroof,
universal garage-door opener,
rear window grid antenna,
tachometer,
outside temperature gauge.
Climate control:
air conditioning,
dual-zone automatic climate control,
interior air filter,
rear defogger.
Entertainment:
AM/FM radio,
6-disc in-dash CD changer,
8 speakers.
Cabin features:
front floor center console w/ bi-level storage & integrated armrest,
leather-wrapped floor shifter,
faux metal cabin trim (w/ manual transmission),
faux wood cabin trim (w/ manumatic transmission),
4 cupholders (2 in front floor console, 2 in rear center armrest),
2 12-volt power outlets (1 in-dash, 1 in floor console storage compartment),
digital clock,
remote fuel-filler & trunk releases,
locking glove box,
in-dash storage bins,
overhead console w/ glasses storage,
f door bins,
seatback map pockets,
folding r center armrest w/ storage,
dual f/r map lights,
electrochromatic rearview mirror,
dual lighted visor mirrors,
carpeting,
floor mats.
Exterior:
7-spoke alloy wheels,
dual exhaust.
Lights:
auto-off quad xenon headlights,
mirror-mounted turn signals,
CHMSL.
Safety:
theft-deterrent system,
compact spare tire,
variable-intermittent wipers,
emrg. trunk release.
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base w/ navigation
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Equipped as per base. Additionally:
Equipment:
DVD-based navigation system,
voice recognition,
LCD information display.
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Notable Options
Performance
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Acceleration (0-60 mph):
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7.2 sec. (C/D: 07/03)
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Maximum speed:
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133 mph
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Braking (60-0 mph):
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Roadholding (skidpad):
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0.84 g
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Slalom (100' spaced):
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Turning circle:
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40.0 ft.
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Other vehicles
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SHARED CHASSIS:
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Acura TL,
Honda Accord,
also related to
Honda Pilot
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COMPETITORS:
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Audi A4 1.8T,
BMW 325i,
Infiniti G35,
Lexus IS 300,
Mercedes-Benz C230K,
Nissan Maxima,
Saab 9-3,
Volkswagen Passat,
Volvo S40
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Acura TSX sedan.
Acura TSX sedan.
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