| auto |
| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
2004 Acura TSX
I can honestly tell you I have no clue about Acura ever since they changed the names of their cars from Legend, Integra and Vigor to RSX, TL, and MDX. Can you tell me the difference between the models aside from the NSX? Yeah, me too! Damn corporate guys always think they are right.
Anyways, Acura came out with the new TSX model. This car is actually the European Honda Accord. The Acura nameplate only appears in the United States because Americans are snobby like that. Who in their right mind is willing to dish out $89,000 for a Honda NSX?
The overall shape of the TSX is nice until you get to the rear. The rear of the car looks like it is chopped off from certain angles - I wonder if it's just me. The car actually looks smaller than it really shows. Fit and finish is excellent but what else can you expect from Honda? The cabin inside is definitely a step up to luxury. I felt like I was in the cockpit of a jet. The ergonomics is exceptional. Everything is where it's supposed to be and within easy reach. Head and leg room is tight but I didn't feel cramped. All the gauges were easy to read and comprehend.
|
 |
I drove a TSX with a manual transmission. Awesome! It's time to have some fun. The gearbox is almost if not identical to the Honda S2000. The throw was short but very notchy. I did not have full confidence in ripping through the gears in fear of missing a shift. Acceleration was smooth and downshifting was fun because you can hear the engine roar to life. I just wish it was a 6-cylinder for more torque through the bandwidth. Cornering and braking is what you expect of a Honda - technologically designed.
If you are looking to graduate from the Accord and move on up then the TSX is for you. The only drawback is Acura just released the redesigned TL. Prices range from $26,490 to $28,490 fully loaded with Navigation System.
Below is a quick snapshot of the factors that are essential in buying this car.
• "So Asian" factor - 9 out of 10
• "Keeping up with the Wongs" factor - 8 out of 10
• "DAMN!!!" factor - 7 out of 10
• Bang for the buck - 8 out of 10
• Overall rating - 8 out of 10
Buy or Bye? - I would have to say "Bye" to the TSX. Acura built a very nice car. Who can argue with the intuitive ergonomics? But for that price I would be comparing other makes and models.
- review by Alex Chan
|
|
|
 |
|
