2005 Acura TSX Review

Entry-level cars once were boring and cheesy, with little standard equipment. Then automakers came up with under-$35,000 "near luxury'' models for those who couldn't afford "pure'' luxury cars. Next came "entry'' versions of near-luxury models, as automakers filled more market niches for higher volumes.

The front-drive TSX sedan was introduced in early 2003 as a 2004 entry model by Honda's Acura luxury vehicle division, with prime rivals being the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

To keep the price below $29,000, Acura based the fun-to-drive TSX on a 6-inch-shorter and slightly narrower version of the more performance-oriented Honda Accord it sells in Europe. It "Americanized'' the car, making it more powerful and luxurious for the U.S. market.

Besides beefing up the rigidly constructed TSX to make it a genuine sports sedan, Acura loaded it with such a wealth of convenience and luxury equipment that a navigation system with a voice recognition feature is one of few options.

Standard items include heat- ed leather seats, power sunroof, air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, premium sound system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and power windows, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry.

Safety items include anti-lock brakes, traction control, anti-skid system, front side air bags and curtain side air bags.

New for 2005 are heated sideview mirrors, a front power passenger seat to accompany the power driver's seat and standard XM satellite radio.

Styling is crisp, but not striking. Honda generally likes conservative styling, as does Acura. However, prominent dual exhaust outlets show the TSX means business.

Colors are important to make the TSX stand out, such as the new Arctic Blue Metallic paint on my test car. An even better new color is the Milano Red. For 2005, an Ebony leather interior is offered on the TSX with that red paint.

The sticker price is $26,990 with either a six-speed manual or no-extra-cost five-speed automatic transmission.

The close-ratio manual gearbox shifts slickly and works with a long-throw, light-action clutch. The responsive automatic transmission has an easily used manual shift feature.

A navigation system raises the car's price to $28,990 with either manual or automatic transmissions. It takes some time to learn that system, which has a dashboard screen that displays information for the audio, climate control and navigation systems. My test car had the system, but most buyers probably could live without it and save a few thousand bucks.

The TSX is a hit, with or without the navigation system. It fits between the less practical Acura RSX coupe and larger TL sedan. Acura hopes TSX buyers eventually will move up to its costlier TL and RL sedans.

"Acura sold more than 30,000 TSX models last year, which is a high number for such a relatively new car,'' said Acura spokesman Mike Spencer. "The TSX is aimed at young, hip, technically astute buyers with a median age of 35. They have an emotional attachment to their cars, but require a rational base to support their purchases.''

While a blast to drive, the TSX is very "rational.'' It has everything from oversized outside door handles to room for five tall adults in the quiet, nicely designed interior -- although the firm middle of the rear seat makes it seem best to flip down the center armrest back there. Rear door openings also are rather narrow.

Front sport seats provide exceptional side support for spirited driving, and the backlit gauges are easy to scan quickly. The power driver's seat and tilt-telescopic steering wheel allow drivers of various sizes to easily get comfortable,

The large trunk has a wide, rather high opening. Flip-down split seatbacks with releases in the trunk enlarge the cargo area, although they don't sit perfectly flat when folded forward. And the opening from the trunk to the rear-seat area should be a little larger.

Powering the TSX is a sophisticated dual-overhead-camshaft 2.4-liter engine with 200 horsepower. The quiet four-cylinder, 16-valve engine has variable valve timing to provide a broad power band, but still calls for high revs to deliver the best punch. It whisks the TSX to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds.

While the engine revs smoothly and quickly, a V-6 would be nicer for better low-end torque and faster off-the-line acceleration. But don't hold your breath because cylinder-stingy Honda prefers four-cylinder engines except for its most expensive Acura vehicles, which get a V-6 while rivals offer V-8s.

However, four-cylinder engines often are more economical -- at least on highways -- even in high-performance TSX form. The car's estimated fuel economy with the manual is 21 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway, or 22 and 31 with the efficient automatic.

The high-spirited TSX always seems to want to go faster. It has exceptionally sharp handling with its sophisticated all-independent suspension and big 17-inch wheels and tires; it almost feels as if it has a more balanced rear-drive design like a BMW's. While quick, the power steering has a stiff, rather artificial feel. The ride is comfortably taut, and stopping distances are short, with nicely linear brake pedal action.

Quality of the TSX is illustrated by such things as its precise body panel fits, refined feel and classy interior materials. It won't visually impress neighbors who don't look closely at it, but provides envious driving kicks.

2005 ACURA TSX

PRICES
$26,990-$28,990

LIKES
Persuasive mix of power, handling, luxury and practicality. High quality.

DISLIKES
Conservative styling. Quick-but-stiff steering. Long-throw clutch.