Building a better sport sedan is easier said than done. The segment is already crowed with superb examples from the likes of Audi, BMW and Infiniti, just to name a few. And Acura knows a thing or two about building sporting 4-doors as well, and its latest segment contender is called the TSX. So let’s slip behind the wheel and let the TSX make its point.

Building a new sport sedan like the 2004 Acura TSX is always easier when you’ve got the huge Honda corporate parts bin to raid. The TSX is heavily based on the all-new Japanese and European Honda Accord platform, which is shorter and narrower than the American model. But this tight little chassis comes wrapped in bland, corporate sheet metal. The styling has elements of everything from the top-line Acura RL to the entry level Honda Civic, giving this sport sedan a very pedestrian look.

But while the TSX may not look aggressive, under the skin it has the right equipment to provide an exhilarating driving experience. The TSX rides on an Accord’s familiar double- wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. But tuning is stiffer and rear anti-roll bar thicker.

Power comes from the 2.4-liter dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder that also powers the domestic Accord. But in TSX tune, complete with variable timing on intake and exhaust valves, it delivers 200 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. That’s 40-horses more than our Accord. Our test car came equipped with a light-throw 6-speed manual, housed in a lightweight magnesium alloy case. A 5-speed Sequential Sportshift automatic transmission is a no-cost option.

Put your foot down on the TSX’s drive-by-wire throttle, and 60 arrives in a quick 7.6 seconds. The 1/4 mile passes in 15.9 seconds, at 90 miles-per-hour. Not exceptional numbers, but comparable to the standard TL and RSX. Throttle response is crisp and immediate. This 4-cylinder builds power with the strength and smoothness of a 6, but many sport sedan buyers will still miss those two extra cylinders.

But all should be quite happy with handling. Acura makes front drive cars that handle like rear drive cars, and the TSX is no different. It’s well balanced and nimble, with just a touch of front push on turn in. Press it hard, and the tail drifts out in a smooth, predictable manner. There is a bit more body roll than we would like, but overall the TSX has the light, responsive feel that we demand in a first class sport sedan.

As for braking performance, stops from 60 averaged a fine 126 feet. Discs with 4-channel ABS delivered excellent stability and the short travel pedal has a solid feel.

The TSX coddles its passengers in a typical Acura cabin. That means clean, comfortable, and well equipped. The three-dimensional-look LED gauge cluster is among the clearest we’ve ever seen. Leather seats are also standard, and feature 8-way power adjustments for the driver. Our car’s interior was dominated by the optional DVD navigation system that features an 8-inch display with voice recognition. Switches for the standard dual-zone automatic climate controls and 360-watt Bose audio system surround the Nav screen and are clearly marked and easy to use.

The rear seat is often overlooked in a sport sedan but the TSX is better than most. It’s a 60/40 split folding bench with adequate headroom. Though 6-footers will find leg room sport sedan tight. The same for trunk space at 12.8 cubic-feet.

But we’ll overlook that as our superbly equipped Acura TSX carries a base price of only $26,990 with either transmission. The only option is the $2,000 navigation system, so our test car topped out at $28,990. That undercuts comparable A4’s, 3-Series, and G35s in price. Moreover, the Acura TSX is also competitive with them in every other measure from performance to comfort. And it likely will be more reliable than any of them.

Yes, the styling is ordinary, and the engine has only 4 normally aspirated cylinders. But if you can get over your sport sedan prejudices and let your driving senses be your guide, you’ll find the 2004 Acura TSX to be more than enough sport sedan to keep you very happy.

Specifications

  • Engine: 2.4-Liter Dohc 4-Cylinder
  • Horsepower: 200
  • Torque: 166 Lb Feet
  • 0-60 MPH: 7.6 Seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 15.9 Seconds @ 90 MPH
  • 60-0 MPH: 126 Feet
  • EPA Mileage: 21 MPG City 29 MPG Highway