Used 2004 Acura TSX Sedan Consumer Reviews
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2004 TSX w/ AT (No Nav)
At 30,000 miles, perfect reliability (not one issue - even minor). It's the best FWD car platform ever in my opinion. Great blend of luxury and sport. Worst part of new TSX are the Michelin Pilots. A switch to Falken 512s tires made a great car greater. Right on the EPA mileage ratings. Can't be beat for the price and the ability to hold a high resale value borders on ridiculous.
More than satisified
Driving a 9 year old Infiniti I30t, I have been searching for one year for a replacement. Considerations were subaru legacy limited, volvo 240, saab 9-3. After thorough research of other user reviews of each car for fun factor, and reliability, in addition to test drives, I chose a preowned TSX. Absolutely love this car. Acura (as expected) has agonized over every single detail for this car from the short throw and click of the turn signal arm, seamless shift of the transmission, perforated leather seating surfaces, moldings of the dash, chrome exhaust tips, xenon lights, to the embroidered TSX logos on the car mats! Far, far superior to the competition. Not even close.
- Base Sedan w/Navigation SystemMSRP: $4,990293 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $5,650438 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $7,780466 mi away
Still Love it....
Just in case you are shopping for an early model year TSX, I wanted to confirm that these cars, even after 10+ years, are still fantastic. There's a reason you still see so many on the road, they are bulletproof reliable and drive great, even after all these years. Mine is an April 2004 build, and I'll admit it's been babied with just now 79K on it, but I still feel good getting in it and heading off to work. If you find one with a good maintenance history, you ought to have several more years of use with it. I've done nothing but the normal stuff, like fluid flushes, brakes, battery, etc... It really is amazing how well built of a car this was from Honda. All in all, for the price they are now used, I can't think of a better choice.
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So Good Makes You Wanna Slap Your Momma
Bought my 04 TSX 6spd man in June '15 with 60,000 miles and it still feels like new. All of the cars controls have a responsive, precise feel to them. Lateral cornering grip is fantastic and the car goes exactly where you point it with minimal understeer. The steering is precise and the manual transmission feels like it came out of a sports car, with very short throws and a buttery snick snick feel to it. It's not a very fast or sexy sounding powertrain, but the power is sufficient. The interior is beautiful with quality expensive looking materials. Styling is very handsome inside and out and has aged extremely gracefully over the last 10 years. Tinting the windows and installing a lip spoiler completed the exterior, and ipod aux cable is a quick install. This cars practicality, reliability and fun to drive characteristics are unmatched in this price range.
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Absolutely AMAZING car!
Had this car in family since 2004. Purchased it used in September 2004, for around 24k, with 20k miles on it. I started driving it myself in 2006 when I first got my license and have put over 50K miles on it myself. Just a well-built awesome Acura. It's sad how the TSX has become such lower quality in the 2nd generation models. I just love this car in ever way and have no complaints at all. I have 104k miles right now and plan to keep it going to 200K if I can!
13 years of fun and reliable transportation
My '04 Acura TSX, 6 speed manual was the best car I ever owned. Granted, I take great care of my vehicles. Always change oil every 3 - 4K miles, service it, garage it and don't beat the car. The manual transmission is snappy and fun to drive. The only major repairs besides tires, battery and regular service was a new clutch at 102K miles. Also needed new rear struts around 93K. Besides that, this car was the lowest to maintain, even better than my 1994 Accord. I used 87 octane gasoline, not the premium that Acura recommended. I test drove the 2016 Acura ILX and it doesn't compare to the 04 TSX. Sold the car in May, 2016. Bought a 2016 Accord. Was a better deal than the TSX.
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No complaints
Bought my '04 TSX in 2016 with just under 100k miles. Everyone knows when properly taken care of & regularly maintained, Acuras/Hondas can last well into the 200k/300k mileage range reliably. These cars were made to last. That being said, to the poster who warns against Acura, before buying ANY used car, or even seriously considering it, you should pay for the CARFAX. Get the VIN# and do your research. Sounds like you got scammed in your case or the vehicle wasn't taken back to the dealer for persistent maintence. The price you can pay for one of these cars on average is a steal for the quality.
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Great car; but oil burning issue is SERIOUS
I have enjoyed this car very much and it is generally very reliable. However, there are issues with this year/model that are common to many owners: - the door lock actuators die - the a/c system can die prematurely - the clutch in the 6MT dies early - the car will begin to burn oil My car with >130k now burns about a quart every 1-1.5k miles. If not regularly monitored (before the oil light comes on when you're down 2qts) Other people have had the console lights die and the dealer fix is hundreds of dollars. I STILL give the car a decent review, but I would not advise someone to buy an '04 used because of this.
9 year owner of TSX
I wrote my first review on my TSX back in 2008. Since then I've out another 60k miles on it. I bought it brand new in 2004. Don't hesitate to buy one of these, they are reliable. I never did anything but my normal maintenance (oil changes, fluid changes, timing chain at 100k miles, brake jobs, etc...) the car never gave me one problem ever. I finally parted with my TSX yesterday and sold her. It was just time for a new car. She was at 130k miles when I told her good bye! Lol great car, Acura did awesome with this thing.
17 and loving my car!
I have had my car since i was 16 and i have always loved it. My navi went out a while back sadly but i do plan on replacing soon. It has about 218k Miles on it because it used to be a commuter car for my parents to SD and Home so around 120 miles a day for 6 years. But, It still runs amazingly and by far is one of the best looking cars in my schools parking lot (I say one of the best because there's quite a few BMWs for some reason..)
This is a cheap car
I have loved the performance of this car, but the interior is all but cheap!! I have had it in the shop 8 times to fix the drivers seat forseveral different reasons from poor trim fit, to wear on the leather, to sliding off the seat track. I have approached the regional manager and will update you on what they say. I am very disappointed in the quality of this car, but love the handling, Chased down a Z$ on an onramp and suprised that driver!!
German Car Guy Falls For TSX
Hey guys, my name is Rich, I was the Quality Assurance Manager for an eastern Pennsylvania Acura dealer. I have always a german car guy but just found the right gig.. My last car, a 2006 Audi A6, died unexpectedly and I wasn't in the best position to finance a new car. How would I get to and from work? I found my dirty and uncared for 2004 TSX in a wholesale lot (being sent to auction due to needing some work). It definitely wasn't my first choice but I knew these cars are known to go 300+k miles, very reliable and very logical to own. I quickly signed the paperwork and drove home in it that day. I literally could care less about buying it, i just needed a car. Over the next year, I left the dealer and drove the car over 30k miles, slowly loving the car more and more with every mile. I spent 3 days polishing and reconditioning this car (the previous owner was a slob), put in a new climate system, and had a little electrical issue with the door locks. I'm not one to do this but I also swapped out the interior lights for LEDs. Otherwise this car has completely won me over! It still looks stylish and modern 13 years later, the black really shines, the leather has held up well, everything works great and I'm literally ready to put another 200k miles on it! I only wish it had AWD and the ELS Audio the Navi package has.
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Great high mileage ride
Purchased my red/taupe tsx in March of '05. I have 132,000 miles on it now with minor complaints. Might as well start with the ugly since that's why we all read these reviews. As others have stated my once brilliant red paint is now cloudy and hazy on skyward facing surfaces. Can't tell from afar but up close people make comments. Most of my mileage is highway and my front bumper is more gray than red with rock chips. The paint durability is a joke. I've had to replace two headlights to the tune of $900 each time, and my navigation has stopped working altogether. Don't get me wrong i still love this car, its handling, gas mileage, and options at this price are unmatched.
Good for the price. Not for performance
TSX is good for people who want all the great option with low price. If you are looking for performance car. This is not the car for you. Although the car has 200hp, you only get the power on highway. 0 - 60 is very slow. 6MT will help a little. For interior, it looks very nice and confortable. However, most people have rattle issue. Rattle from dash board, door panel, roof...etc. Basically, noone escape the rattle. For the sound system, The stock speaker is really sucks. I replace the speaker to Apline. The sound is much clean and less distortion. The Gas miliage is not as much as they claim. I got around 25. If I have the other chance, I go for
like new (:
im 17 & ive been looking for a used 2004 - 2006 acura tsx for months. finally, i came across one and when i test drove it i knew right away i found the one. it had 73k miles & in great conditon (a doctor owned it before me) got it for $12,999 . mine is silver with grey interior. cant wait to show it off, since this is my senior year & i can seem myself keeping it for a long time. if you are looking for a reliable car thats super fun and easy to drive, an acura is for you definitely. i went for the tsx instead of a TL (my mom has one) basically for the size. its smaller and funner to drive.
I'm LUVIN' it, this one's a keeper!
This is my 4th Honda vehicle and what can I say? I love it. Driven a honda civic, honda accord and an acura RSX. Was going to buy a BMW or G35 but decided to stick with Honda quality and I am so glad I did. Bought the pearl white 2004 TSX, fog lights, tint and spoiler... what a beauty. All heads turn. I have had a recall on the headlamps, but I absolutely love the car (most of all it's made in Japan). The paint chips easily but I think Acura did a great job for a 4 cyl. luxury entry level sedan. Buy one, you won't regret it!
I miss this car a lot!!
Fast, sporty, decent gas mileage for its intended performance, great build quality and interior! I loved this car... The only reaon we got rid of it was to get a bigger car, this car is not suited for car seats or passengers on a regular basis. I am 5'11" and with a baby car seat in the back, my seat had to be up almost all the way. After 120K miles, the only issue we had was the AC system dies, and the alignment was always off (Later found out it was in a wreck that nearly totaled it which caused this)
Nothing but Problems
In August 2015 - Just 1 year ago, I purchased a 2004 Acura TSX with 88,000 miles on it. I purchased this car from Paragon Acura in Queens NY, & it has been an absolute nightmare ever since. In 1 year I have replaced/repaired: Serpentine Belt & Tensioner 2 Rear Wheel Hubs 3 Motor Mounts 1 Transmission Mount Seat Belt Sensor 8 Brake Pads & 4 Rotors - warped at time of purchase Alignments - bad at time of purchase I've also preformed scheduled maintenance on this car, including: Oil Changes Cabin Filter Air Intake Filter Spark Plugs 4 Brand New Tires I've replaced other broken or worn things that I simply cannot think of at the moment. 5 Months ago my car started trembling in gear while idling. I've taken it to 3 shops & an Acura dealer. NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM! Acura wants to tear my engine apart to the tune of $600 (just in labor), with NO guarantee that they'll find the problem. I paid $130 dollars for them to turn around & say sorry we don't know what's wrong with it, here's your car back. The only good thing about that whole dilemma was getting to drive a brand new TLX for 4 days. The most recent issue I am having is the dreaded Center Stack Lights/HVAC - NOT working. I'm saddened that Acura would NOT call a recall on this, instead just extended the warranty (100K miles, or 7 years) & post a bulletin that NO ONE was notified about. I'm out of the warranty period by about 7K miles, or 5 years. Total BS. My first car was a 1997 Honda Civic DX & it did me justice, I purchased the 04 TSX thinking - "Hmm, my Civic lasted me so well, & the TSX is a LUXURY version of Honda, so this should be an even better experience." Unfortunately, I was SO wrong. Acura DOES NOT stand behind the cars they produce. I called Acura to ask about the radio & what I can do. I talked with a man who was more concerned that his shift was over at 5, than with helping me. I have read countless forums in the last month about the center stack lights/HVAC lights not working, caused by a faulty PCB (Printed Circuit Board) which has been discontinued, I'd assume because people were repairing it themselves for cheaper. This seems to be an issue A LOT of owners are faced with. It really is a shame that Honda & Acura owners represent this brand with so much dedication, however, they don't support their fans. This is a money devouring car, & there is NO recall for an issue Acura knows is present & persistent. STAY AWAY FROM ACURA.
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TSX Cool Ideas But...
After owning this car for a few weeks, I would not buy it again. The Stereo System is bad...really bad and the power is far too law for a 28k car. The interior is nice, but small and Acura has done a great job with the Navigation System (but the LCD screen looks blurry like a stretched graphic image). Road noice is also very noticeable and I honestly feel like I am in a 1989 Integra with a few updates.
TSX In A Word: Balance
If you're looking for the fastest or most-likely-to-be-envied-by-your- buddies, keep looking. The TSX is all about balance between engine, transmission, handling, brakes, economy, and luxury. Having driven all of its competitors, none do those things as well as this superb Acura. No wonder Car & Driver keeps voting it a 10-Best winner. I've had my '04 for two years, and I look forward to my commute every day. How many cars do that for you?
TSX ABOVE AND BEYOND THE COMP FOR LESS $
I bought my TSX back in August and by far it is the most fun I have had driving a car. I have owned BMW's and test drove the rest, and the TSX performance/standard options/and fuel economy blow the comp away. Waiting to see if there are any upgrades (chip wise) for the engine, however it is still got the awesome pep for a 4 cyl. The TSX turns heads without a doubt, most compliments I have ever received about a car, and people do not believe me when I tell them how much it costs.
Very happy 28 months later
We are getting 25 mpg commuting and 28-33 mpg highway depending on load. The TSX is highly entertaining to drive being very agile. Fit and finish continue to impress. The leather shows only a mild patina and the kids have lightly scuffed the seatbacks with their shoes. Our sole problem is a slightly sticking door lock. No rattles, squeaks, or mechanical issues. I'd buy another without question.
DON'T BUY THIS RATTLE BOX
I cannot tell you how many times this vehicle has been back to the dealership for service! Noises, rattles, loose parts, defective sedt bracket 2x. The door trim noises, creeks and vibrations/rattles indicate a design defect in this TSX deign. Seven times and they still cannot correct the problems! Seats wearing prematurely as well. Japanese quality is truly SLIPPING. Not sure it's worth the money. Shame on Honda/Acura for such poor quality.
Rushed into buying it
Went to the dealership on a Sunday night just to look at the TSX. They had the Meteor Siver I liked in the showroom with the spoiler and mudflaps. So I thought I'd take on a drive. I did and when we came back the dealer started making all these deals sound pretty, so I took it. I traded my 01 Benz C240 for it. Mistake number 1, mistake number two was that I got suckered into a 72 month deal. Car has had many problems since I bought it.
Must be a lemon
I was very taken by the price/value of this car. However I have had many problems. Brakes, AC, Stereo and console lights to name a few. The car was not designed to be servived affordably. Total cost of ownership has been comparable to more expensive cars I passed up that include better warranties. Should have bought a BMW.
Best car ever.
This is without a doubt the best car I have ever had. Always puts a smile on my face. Flawless quality. Not one single problem in 100,000 miles. Over 30 mpg on highway and maybe 25 in city. I'm 45 and have always driven cars with Manual Transmission and they simply do not come any better. The snickt snickt feeling of that tranmission and turbine smooth vtec cannot be matched by anything I have had since. Acceleration and handling just top notch as close to BMW territory as you can get with front wheel drive but with much better reliability and handling in weather. Sold when I went overseas and will buy another when I get back to states. Just absolutely perfect.
Pretty Red TSX
Mnfr requires Premium Gas.
Rqattles & Ticks
I am very disappointed in my new Acura. Since the day I bought it, there has been a constat rattling noise in the back seat that neither myself nor the dealr can fine. In addition, at about 2000 miles the engine began to tick very loudly at startup. The dealer said this is normal, but I find it troublesome. They say the car is rated at 200 HP, but my wife's 200 HP Escape feels much more powerful.
2004 Acura TSX Bad Paint - Stay away!
Would like to recommend it, as long is it is not Milano Red. Her car's paint, along with everybody else who purchased the vehicle - from what I can gather from various Acura forums on the internet fades and turns pink. Not one or two but pretty much all Milano Red 2004 TSX vehicles. The car was pretty much garage kept, both at home and in a parking garage at work. It was waxed each spring and fall, but still it is turning more pink each day! Yes I know it is red and red fades not this much. Both Acura Canada and the dealer - Acura on Brant in Burlington, ON would do nothing. Terrible customer service - stay away - would not recommend the purchase n Acura vehicle!
Bad Acura
Disgusting amount of paint chips; Rotors grooving from the first week of ownership;Steering shakes when braking; Burns oil almost to the low mark between oil changes; Oil color gets too dark, almost black between oil changes; Leather color light beige has faded or literally wiped out revealing a darker color in many spots;Leather very susciptible to staining from clothes. Stains cannot be removed; Alignment problem, car keeps drifting left and right. Dealer says it is the tight handling. How come BMW's do not drift? LOUSY fuel economy. I get around 250 miles per fillup from a 4 cylinder; Car is very bumpy on any road irregularities;
Its quick, but will give you hell!
I bought a 2004 tsx for $4000 in 2018. Worst. Experience. Ever. After leaving from the purchase i felt like i had been played. More electrical issues than you can count! Horn didn't work, passenger window didn't work, radio didn't work, lights on the radio did not work, charging port did not work, and i'm probably forgetting something else. Now let's talk about mechanical issues! The AC did not work, i replaced the cooling tank, still didn't work. It was a 6 speed, 2nd gear constantly slipped out and scraped. There were countless times that i would go to start the car and it just wouldn't cut on. The wheel would lock and the starter would lock too and it could take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour to unlock and turn back on. YES it was quick, when the VTECH hit it was awesome. but was it worth it? NO!!! Please stay away from this car at all costs! If you love the model get a 2006 and see if it's better.
Acura
Love it, great to drive, handles great, good gas mileage, sporty, incredible stereo, best navigation system I've ever seen.
OMG I love this Car!!!!!
I located this wonderful vehicle that is 6 years old and only had 39,000 miles. I must say this is one of the best I've ever driven. The only thing I would chang is I can't hook up my I pod when I'm in the car. It is soooooo much fun , quick and very intuitive.
TSX 2004
Is my first Acura and I love it. The performance in general is excellent, but I would have preferred more horsepower and more sound from the twin pipes. The stereo sounds excellent.My only dislike is the chrome in the door handles and in the door trims. Fog lights and rear spoiler should be standard equipment. Oil and battery meters needed.
TSX
Fun to drive. Comes loaded. Handles curves well. Decent mileage.
Love My TSX
My 2004 TSX is by far the best automobile I have ever owned. Quality and reliability are a Perfect 10!! After 80000 miles I've only had to replace one rear light bulb.
5 years later, still loving it
I've had my TSX for 5 years now, and I still love driving it. The car handles as well as when I first bought it - actually better since I replaced the stock tires 10,000 miles ago. It is fun to drive with a comfortable and intuitive interior that hasn't shown much wear. According to Edmunds' used car appraiser, it has held its value well also. With a new baby on the way, my wife and I are currently battling about which car to replace - her 2003 Passat, or my TSX. My only TSX-related complaint is that Acura/Honda doesn't make a wagon version. We'll look at the RDX, but a TSX/TL/Accord wagon is really what we'd prefer. It's been a good buy.
Acura Won Me Over
I've only had this vehicle for 2 weeks now but I am loving it. I have had it through quite a bit of paces and the vehicle has not given me one iota of trouble. I am much more impressed with this Acura vehicle than I was with my last Pontiac Grand Am GT. From the flawless delivery process to actually sitting behind the wheel I am glad I purchased this vehicle.
Outta the ballpark!
I think the only thing more I could hope for in the TSX is a little more exterior styling. Otherwise, there is no doubt that I will love this car for years to come. It is 1000 times more fun to drive than the Nissan Altima SL I traded for it. The fit and finish inside and out are nothing short of perfection. The attention to detail by Acura is phenomenal. I gave up a Honda for a Nissan, and regretted it almost immediately. Now, back in the Honda family via Acura, I feel I've come home again. You have to drive this thing!
Great Car
Bought my car in May 2011 with only 50k, one year later it's at 70k, and I still like it as much as the day I bought it! It's very comfortable on long road trips, has a good amount of power for a 4-cylinder (the manual is a blast!) and I've even got 33 mpg on the highway with it. Good build quality- the only exception being a some very small buzzing/rattling, but even then it's only on I-5 which is terrible and bumpy anyways. The car is over 8 years old, and the only "repair" I've had to make is to get new tires. It does consume oil, not leaking or burning, but as long as I top up every once in a while its not a problem. Overall, a great-looking, comfortable, and FUN car to drive!
goode
the acura tsx is a mid-sized fun car to drive ,looks sporty and is realiable its only problem is there is no v6 model and the price on the v4 model with navigation system is 28,990.00 and should only be about 22,000.00
Bought it brand new 4 years ago
I bought my car in May of 2004. It was not disappointed me at all. I absolutely love it. It handles great, is very comfortable, and beyond anything gets great gas mileage. For a 4 cylinder to give me 200 horse power is also good. I'm over 83000 miles right now and still riding great. Bottom line is if you are thinking of buying a used version of one of these then go for it. Trust me it's worth it.
Really like, but disappointed
Have owned my blue 6spd TSX for a few years and up until the last couple months everything has been fine expect chipping paint which started shortly after purchase > 20k and acura refused to fix. Within the last 3 months I have replaced rotators, pads, ac condenser and now a clutch totaling approximately 3500.00. Granted my car does have 94k but it's housed in the garage and well taken care of. Expected to get over 100k before and major problems have arose and have had 2 within a short time. Gravely upset really wanted another acura but it definitely has made me think twice.
Love my TSX
I love this car. I bought it used with 110k miles on it mid 2010 for $10k. It came uniquely equipped with a trunk lid spoiler and a front body air dam giving it a little extra style. It is quick and the 6-speed manual is slick. I have put 50k miles on it and I get 27-28 mpg consistently. Despite my admiration for the car, I have had to put a little $ into it. The starter died a couple weeks after I bought it. It consumes oil fairly quickly. 1 headlight was very foggy. The backlight behind my dash buttons doesn't work. Drivers side seat heater doesn't work. At 50+ mph, something rattles somewhere under the middle of the car. I think it is a part of the exhaust system.
Very Cool
I leased the Tsx and I a very happy so far . Only have 500 miles,but it is fun to drive and looks great. The controls have a quality feel and the navigation system is fun to play with. Seats have good support and enough head room for tall drivers.
Excellent Car for Excellent Price
I have had this car one month today and still absolutely love driving it!!! I have never gotten so much attention on the road. My friends have BMW's and Jag Xtype and they have decided that they like the TSX better. Congrats to Acura on building a wonderful car!
Classy, Sporty and The Right Choice
As a past 6 cylinder owner,I found the handling and acceleration of the TSX to be awesome.Interior styling is both classy and sporty; however,the rear adult passenger might find the ride uncomfortable due to insufficient legroom. The TSX is well built,many extras are included in the cost and I just had to add a rear spoiler for even more powerful bragging rights.
Great Car!
This is a great car. Prior to this we had a Mazda 626 V6/5spd and a Jetta V6/5spd. The 626 was a pretty good car. Pretty good power and handing. The Jetta was a little better; handled great and similar power but had mechnical problems. This TSX way is better all the way around. The handling matches the Jetta's. It out powers both. It is more refined and comfortable. Plus I expect it to be much more durable than the Jetta.
Immaculate car.
Awesome car in general. Very well built, extremely reliable, fun to drive. Perfect designed ex- and interior. Good MPG, very comfortable. I've own 10 cars so far and this one is my best friend. No wonder parts are kinda pricey - last very long. Take a good care of it (maintenance) and it will last for ever.
Great Car
Great car. Great reliability from ACURA. I like BM'rs but too costly to mantain and service... Audi A4, same deal plus they are not as reliable as ACURAS