Vehicle: 2004 Acura TSX with 6-speed stick

Performance: The 2.4L i-VTEC with 200 horses and 166 lb/ft of torque has given TSX plenty of get-up-and-go. The torque delivery of this i-VTEC is simply amazing. The throttle response in low-end is responsive and linear. A response that feels more like a 6 than most normally aspirated 4. Although its top-end doesn’t feel as addictive as previous DOHC VTEC, especially one that slots under Integra Type-R, it remains strong and solid as you push through the rev range. The 6-speed stick is a joy to drive. The gate is clean and precise, with a throw that is short and direct. Its very much an essence of what a Honda shifter should be. Clutch engagement point is progressive and clutch feels excellent.

Handling: TSX shares the same stiff chassis as its widebody Accord silibing. That means a stiff and stout structure that’s feel of rattles and flex. The steering response is quick and brisk to driver input. Its well-weighted with just the right amount of heaviness in both slow and high-speed driving. It got a sense of Teutonic feel through the solidty of the steering and chassis communication. It also has a nimble feel that reminds me of 93-97 Accord instead of a yacht feel of its widebody silibing. The ride quality is firm without sacificing the driver comfort. Push through corners, there are some body rolls and understeer. Just imagine a widebody Accord with few hundred pounds lighter and gains a sports suspension, you got TSX’s dynamic package.

Brakes: TSX’s 4-wheel discs with ABS provide short and quick stop. The pedal feel is solid and modulation is exceptional.

Interior: The particular TSX has a nice aluminum trim that match with the supportive black leather seats. The overall ambience is classy and sporty. The center console has large knobs for climate control and stereo which are excellent in terms of ergonomics. The use of materials are world class. The analog gauges are clear and analog. Just like the Accord, its driving position is excellent. The back seats are as comfortable as the front. The biggest drawback of the interior is it looks way too much like the Accord. When you are shopping for a luxury sports sedan in an Acura dealer, you won’t expect the interior that looks exactly like the family sedan that sold just down the block.

The trunk is large enough for most cargos, however, it suffered from a high liftover. Its also pretty hard to reach to get the cargo out because of the swallow layout.

Conclusion: Compare to the last M6 V6 and Maxima SE I have driven, which are in similar price range as the TSX. I say TSX is in the middleground of these 2 rivals. TSX has higher refinement than the 6 without sacificing the latter’s dynamics, on the other hand, it feels a lot sportier and nimble than the Maxima without sacificing the luxury equation. Frankly, it receives a far superior materials than the Nissan flagship. If Honda is able to bring us the Euro-R as the Type-S TSX, it would be nice.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 ACURA TSX
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.75/5
Build quality/fit-and-finish: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2.5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5