Acura 2004 Model Year Change Summary

2004 is an exciting year for Acura with the addition of two all-new models, the TSX sports sedan, which went on sale in March, and the TL performance luxury sedan, which reaches dealers in October. Slotted in the Acura lineup between the RSX sports coupe and the TL, the TSX combines a 2.4-liter, 200 horsepower engine, drive-by-wire throttle control system and race-bred suspension with an ergonomic interior filled with the latest technology to deliver performance, refinement and style.

Acura's top-selling model since 1998, the completely redesigned TL receives a more powerful 3.2 liter engine, suspension refinements designed to complement the new powertrain, an available close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and standard 17-inch wheels and tires. Dramatic new styling complements the TL's performance demeanor.

Other Acura models receive exciting changes as well. The MDX luxury SUV, which got a new 260 horsepower engine, a new 5-speed automatic transmission and a drive-by-wire throttle in 2003, gets five more horsepower and new styling to match its muscular powertrain. The 3.5 RL luxury sedan becomes the first vehicle in its class to offer XM" Satellite Radio and a voice recognition-enabled navigation system as standard equipment. The NSX receives a new trunk-mounted 6-Disc CD changer.

TL

The dramatically redesigned all-new 2004 TL features increased performance, even sportier handling and an assortment of class-leading technology. A new 3.2-liter engine delivers 270 horsepower and 238 lb-ft. of torque while lowering emissions and maintaining impressive fuel economy. The TL is now available with two transmissions, a 5-speed Sequential SportShift' automatic and a new close-ratio 6-speed manual. Inside, an assortment of cutting edge electronics has been added to the TL's already impressive list of standard amenities. These include the first automotive application of DVD Audio 5.1 surround sound, HandsFreeLink' wireless phone capability and XM" Satellite Radio, making the 2004 TL one of the most comprehensively equipped performance luxury sedans available.

2004 TL Highlights:

Powertrain

  • Engine
    o Horsepower increased to 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm
    o Torque increased to 238 lb- ft at 5,000 rpm
    o Dual-stage intake manifold
  • Available close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission
  • Limited slip differential (w/6-speed manual transmission)
  • Drive-by-wire throttle
  • Maintenance Minder system
  • ULEV-2 emissions
  • High flow exhaust system

Chassis

  • 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension with multi-link rear
  • 4-channel VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist)
  • 4-piston Brembo brakes (w/6-speed manual transmission)
  • 17-inch wheels and tires
  • Available 17-inch high performance tires (w/6-speed manual transmission)
  • Refined steering system for enhanced feel and reduced kickback
  • Electronic Brake Force Distribution
  • Brake Assist system

Interior

  • Acura HandsFreeLink™ wireless phone capability
  • Acura/ELS® Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS™ and CD 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby® Cassette
  • Optional Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition' featuring 8-inch Multi-Info display screen
  • Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
  • Steering-wheel mounted audio, cruise control and voice recognition controls
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Enhanced keyless entry system with seven customizable memory functions
  • 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support
  • Power moonroof
  • Perforated leather seating and trim
  • Additional master light switch on overhead console
  • Brushed aluminum accent trim

Body/Styling

  • Dramatic new styling
  • Wider, more aggressive stance
  • Acoustic windshield glass
  • High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights. Low and high beams
  • Enhanced torsional rigidity

Safety

  • Front dual-stage, dual-threshold airbags
  • Driver's and front passenger's side airbag
  • Passenger's side airbag occupant size and position sensor system
  • Standard side curtain airbags
  • Pedestrian Impact Protection

TSX

The addition of the TSX makes Acura's 2004 model lineup the strongest ever. Designed to compete head on with world class sports sedans like the Audi A4, Lexus IS300 and BMW 328i, the TSX delivers sports car-like performance coupled with the comprehensive list of standard amenities that performance enthusiasts have come to expect from Acura.

2004 Acura TSX Highlights:

Powertrain

  • 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC aluminum alloy 4-cylinder engine
  • 200 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm
  • Drive-by-wire throttle system
  • Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
  • Choice of 6-speed manual transmission with magnesium housing or 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift'
  • LEV-2 emissions
  • 110,000-mile tune-up interval

Chassis

  • 4-wheel-independent double-wishbone suspension with multi-link rear
  • Torque-sensing, variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system
  • 17-inch alloy wheels with V-rated all-season performance tires
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control
  • 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Interior/Exterior Features

  • Perforated leather seating
  • Power moonroof
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control system
  • Heated front seats
  • 8-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support

Interior/Exterior Features

  • 360-watt 8-speaker Acura Premium Sound System
  • Steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches
  • Tilt and telescopic steering column
  • Keyless entry system with window controls and panic button
  • High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
  • Optional Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition

MDX

The 2004 MDX receives additional horsepower, new styling and added interior features designed to insure its place as the benchmark in its segment. Enhancements to the 2004 MDX include:

Powertrain

  • Output increased to 265 horsepower at 5800 rpm
  • Torque increased to 253 lb-ft between 3500 and 5000 rpm

Body

  • Redesigned front fascia
  • Integrated chin spoiler
  • Dual exhaust
  • Satin chrome finish front and rear trim
  • Redesigned taillights
  • New projector-type headlights
  • Acoustic windshield glass
  • New colors: Aspen Pearl White, Burnished Bronze Metallic

Chassis

  • New wheel design (Touring Package)

Interior

  • Power lumbar support on driver's seat (Touring Package)
  • Brushed metal-look instrument panel trim
  • Enhanced Acura/Bose® Music system (Touring Package)
  • Auto-on/off headlights
  • Ambient foot lights and welcome illumination
  • Enhanced functionality of second row seat

Safety

  • Side curtain airbags with rollover sensors
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System

NSX

As an icon in the supercar category, the NSX's unique mid-engine design, aluminum construction and high performance powertrain continue to make it a favorite of discriminating sports car enthusiasts. The NSX adds several new features as standard equipment for 2004 including:

  • Trunk-mounted 6-disc CD changer
  • Keyless entry system
  • Redesigned shifter knob
  • Redesigned meter panel surround

RL

When it went on sale in March, the 2004 3.5 RL luxury sedan became the first car in its class to feature XM Satellite Radio as standard equipment. In addition, the RL received numerous interior changes including:

  • Standard Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition
  • Upgraded Acura/Bose Music system
  • Driver's seat power lumbar support
  • Redesigned center console, meter panel and steering wheel
  • Chrome interior accents
  • Wood-pattern shifter knob

RSX

In its third year, the RSX sports coupe continues to build a following among youthful performance enthusiasts. It comes in two versions, the 160 horsepower RSX and the 200 horsepower RSX Type-S. Both provide powerful, DOHC engines featuring Acura's innovative i-VTEC technology, sport tuned chassis and suspension systems and a long list of standard features. For 2004, the RSX receives heated sideview mirrors and a new exterior color, with Milano Red replacing Redondo Red Pearl.

Key RSX features include:

  • 2.0 liter, DOHC, 4-cylinder, i-VTEC aluminum alloy engines generating 160 horsepower (RSX) and 200 horsepower (RSX Type-S)
  • Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
  • 5-speed manual or available Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission (RSX)
  • Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission (RSX Type-S)
  • 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Automatic Climate Control System
  • Power moonroof
  • Premium music system with six speakers and in-dash CD player (RSX)
  • Acura/Bose® Music System with seven speakers and 6-disc in-dash CD player (RSX Type-S)
  • LEV-2 emissions
  • Advanced safety features including state-of-the-art front and side airbags