2005 Acura TSX Test Drive

Dancing Around The Competition

The 2005 Acura TSX is a lithe and willing performer that can be too stiff over the long haul. It's also a superb value and much more reliable than competing German sedans.

Exterior

The TSX's high rear bumper makes it difficult to access the trunk. + enlarge image  |  view gallery >

A taut, chiseled look intimates performance potential and is unmistakably Acura. The clean, unadorned design is aerodynamically efficient and echoes the TSX's lean, mean athleticism.

The TSX's appearance isn't particularly engaging, and the car lacks the dazzle of a BMW 3 Series and the sculpted quality of an Audi A4. But it does have style and likely exudes enough panache to keep most hipsters happy.

Practically speaking, the rear bumper is the only design snag. It creates a high ledge over which it's difficult to hoist heavy items into and out of the trunk.