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2008 Acura TSX Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

As the experts at TheCarConnection.com put together this review on the new 2008 Acura TSX, they studied the range of available reviews. Then TheCarConnection.com’s editors incorporated their firsthand experience with the vehicle to help assure the most useful review.

Likes:

  • Very peppy and fun to drive with manual transmission
  • Refined engine stays smooth when revved
  • Firm, supportive front seats
  • Conservative but sharp-looking, timeless design

Dislikes:

  • Back-seat is tight for adults
  • Road noise is an issue on coarse surfaces
  • Hesitant automatic transmission

Buying Tips:


A completely new TSX is expected as an early-availability 2009 model, so you should be able to get a good deal on remaining 2008 Acura TSX models.

The compact, front-wheel-drive TSX sport sedan is the lowest-priced vehicle in the Acura line. The 2008 Acura TSX is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 205 horsepower, and is available with either a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission or five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission.

Performance is very perky with the six-speed manual, which is one of the nicest, most tactile manual gearboxes, but it's not quite as energetic with the automatic, which is sometimes hesitant to downshift for corners and grades. More expensive premium unleaded fuel is recommended for the 2008 Acura TSX.

The 2008 Acura TSX has a ride that soaks up rough surfaces and potholes alike, and the four-wheel independent suspension brings responsive, nimble handling. Brakes feel just right, and the variable-assist power steering communicates a good feel of the road at touring speeds but makes parking easy.

The TSX's exterior styling is quite simple and conservative yet very attractively proportioned, and the interior follows the same theme. The car's interior was made a little more contemporary in 2006 with a revised steering wheel, gauges, and multi-info display, as well as the use of more matte-metallic surfaces. Seats are firm and supportive for front occupants in the 2008 Acura TSX, with plenty of headroom for all, but backseat passengers will find legroom lacking.

A full complement of comfort and convenience features comes standard on the TSX, even though it may be Acura's "entry level" model. They include a power moonroof, xenon headlamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, and a Bluetooth hands-free calling interface. The only major option on the 2008 Acura TSX is a voice-activated navigation system that includes points of interest in several categories.

Standard safety features on the 2008 Acura TSX include front side airbags, side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The TSX has been crash-tested, obtaining results that are impressive but not in the top tier, with federal tests giving it five stars in frontal impact and four- and five-star results in side impact. The insurance-supported IIHS gave the TSX the top score of Good for frontal impact, Acceptable for side impact, and Poor for rear impact.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Acura TSX, also consider:

Reason Why:

The 2008 Acura TSX is in a tight size and price bracket, in which people are looking for front-wheel-drive models--possibly with all-wheel drive--and probably rule out the more expensive yet less practical rear-wheel-drive sport sedans like the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35. The Audi A4 2.0T is a close rival to the TSX; its 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is close in output to the TSX's engine, but the Audi's advantage in torque makes it feel faster in most real-world driving. The Audi gets better fuel economy, too, of up to 31 mpg, but it doesn't have handling that's as light and nimble as the TSX. The Saab 9-3 is another close rival, with the base model priced closely to the TSX, with similar power from its 210-horsepower engine, a standard manual transmission, and a similar cabin: spacious in front, with great seats, but rather small in back. The Subaru Legacy GT has the all-weather advantage of all-wheel drive, and a bit more power from a 250-horsepower, turbocharged flat-four engine; it doesn't get the gas mileage of the TSX, 9-3, or A4, though. The Maxima is another alternative; it's larger and roomier--the choice for those who want more backseat space--and it has a smooth and powerful 255-horsepower V-6 engine. Acura dealership service is another selling point in itself.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Acura TSX is far from the freshest sport sedan design, but it remains one of the most sensible and fun-to-drive.

As the experts at TheCarConnection.com put together this review on the new 2008 Acura TSX, they studied the range of available reviews. Then TheCarConnection.com’s editors incorporated their firsthand experience with the vehicle to help assure the most useful review. Likes:Very peppy and fun to drive with manual transmissionRefined engine stays smooth when revvedFirm, supportive front seatsConservative but sharp-looking, timeless designDislikes:Back-seat is tight for adultsRoad noise is an issue on coarse surfacesHesitant automatic transmissionBuying Tips: A completely new TSX is expected as an early-availability 2009 model, so you should be able to get a good deal on remaining 2008 Acura TSX models. The compact, front-wheel-drive TSX sport sedan is the lowest-priced vehicle in the Acura line. The 2008 Acura TSX is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 205 horsepower, and is available with either a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission or five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission. Performance is very perky with the six-speed manual, which is one of the nicest, most tactile manual gearboxes, but it's not quite as energetic with the automatic, which is sometimes hesitant to downshift for corners and grades. More expensive premium unleaded fuel is recommended for the 2008 Acura TSX. The 2008 Acura TSX has a ride that soaks up rough surfaces and potholes alike, and the four-wheel independent suspension brings responsive, nimble handling. Brakes feel just right, and the variable-assist power steering communicates a good feel of the road at touring speeds but makes parking easy. The TSX's exterior styling is quite simple and conservative yet very attractively proportioned, and the interior follows the same theme. The car's interior was made a little more contemporary in 2006 with a revised steering wheel, gauges, and multi-info display, as well as the use of more matte-metallic surfaces. Seats are firm and supportive for front occupants in the 2008 Acura TSX, with plenty of headroom for all, but backseat passengers will find legroom lacking. A full complement of comfort and convenience features comes standard on the TSX, even though it may be Acura's "entry level" model. They include a power moonroof, xenon headlamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, and a Bluetooth hands-free calling interface. The only major option on the 2008 Acura TSX is a voice-activated navigation system that includes points of interest in several categories. Standard safety features on the 2008 Acura TSX include front side airbags, side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The TSX has been crash-tested, obtaining results that are impressive but not in the top tier, with federal tests giving it five stars in frontal impact and four- and five-star results in side impact. The insurance-supported IIHS gave the TSX the top score of Good for frontal impact, Acceptable for side impact, and Poor for rear impact. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Acura TSX, also consider:Audi A4 2.0TNissan MaximaSaab 9-3Subaru Legacy GTReason Why:The 2008 Acura TSX is in a tight size and price bracket, in which people are looking for front-wheel-drive models--possibly with all-wheel drive--and probably rule out the more expensive yet less practical rear-wheel-drive sport sedans like the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35. The Audi A4 2.0T is a close rival to the TSX; its 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is close in output to the TSX's engine, but the Audi's advantage in torque makes it feel faster in most real-world driving. The Audi gets better fuel economy, too, of up to 31 mpg, but it doesn't have handling that's as light and nimble as the TSX. The Saab 9-3 is another close rival, with the base model priced closely to the TSX, with similar power from its 210-horsepower engine, a standard manual transmission, and a similar cabin: spacious in front, with great seats, but rather small in back. The Subaru Legacy GT has the all-weather advantage of all-wheel drive, and a bit more power from a 250-horsepower, turbocharged flat-four engine; it doesn't get the gas mileage of the TSX, 9-3, or A4, though. The Maxima is another alternative; it's larger and roomier--the choice for those who want more backseat space--and it has a smooth and powerful 255-horsepower V-6 engine. Acura dealership service is another selling point in itself. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Acura TSX is far from the freshest sport sedan design, but it remains one of the most sensible and fun-to-drive. As the experts at TheCarConnection.com put together this review on the new 2008 Acura TSX, they studied the range of available reviews. Then TheCarConnection.com’s editors incorporated their firsthand experience with the vehicle to help assure the most useful review. Likes: - Very peppy ...

Other Choices:

The 2008 Acura TSX is in a tight size and price bracket, in which people are looking for front-wheel-drive models--possibly with all-wheel drive--and probably rule out the more expensive yet less practical rear-wheel-drive sport sedans like the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35. The Audi A4 2.0T is a close rival to the TSX; its 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is close in output to the TSX's engine, but the Audi's advantage in torque makes it feel faster in most real-world driving. The Audi gets better fuel economy, too, of up to 31 mpg, but it doesn't have handling that's as light and nimble as the TSX. The Saab 9-3 is another close rival, with the base model priced closely to the TSX, with similar power from its 210-horsepower engine, a standard manual transmission, and a similar cabin: spacious in front, with great seats, but rather small in back. The Subaru Legacy GT has the all-weather advantage of all-wheel drive, and a bit more power from a 250-horsepower, turbocharged flat-four engine; it doesn't get the gas mileage of the TSX, 9-3, or A4, though. The Maxima is another alternative; it's larger and roomier--the choice for those who want more backseat space--and it has a smooth and powerful 255-horsepower V-6 engine. Acura dealership service is another selling point in itself.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Acura TSX

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Acura TSX

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Acura TSX near you

See the Acura TSX in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

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