Acura Brake Caliper

First Drive: 2004 Acura TSX - Part 1

Dave Gardner, National Manager for Acura Canada, is worried that RSX, EL and Integra owners are looking elsewhere when it comes time to move up to a compact sports sedan. "We want to stop the migration of Integra, RSX and EL owners to European brands," he said at the North American introduction of the TSX in Hollywood, California. 

A quick look around the Honda universe convinced Acura North America representatives that the European/Japanese style Accord (which is completely different from the recently-redesigned North American one) would make a perfect Acura sports sedan...with a few modifications. Acura threw in a 200 horsepower VTEC 2.4 litre four banger, a 6-speed manual with a lightweight magnesium housing, standard 17 inch wheels and performance tires, and added a full complement of luxury interior goodies - and renamed the car, Acura TSX. 

"The Acura TSX is designed to attract European intenders who might otherwise shop for cars like the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C240, Lexus IS300, Saab 9-3 or VW Passat," said Gardner. "Buyers in this segment want styling, a car that's fun-to-drive with good handling characteristics." 

Great idea, really. While the European Honda Accord is too small and sporty to be a North American Honda family sedan, it's perfect as a mid-range Acura sports sedan. And though it is smaller than our Accord, it is bigger than the current BMW 3-Series - its primary rival according to Gardner.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Drives An Acura TSX?! [Car Stars]

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2006 Acura TL

We love the car, only selling because we just bought a minvan. Never eaten in, no pets, non smoker, always garaged, no accidents, new tags, title in hand.

Zach Gagnon

For The Kitsap Sun Zack Gagnon enjoys playing baseball, but his real passion in life is cars, like his 1995 Acura Integra.