2008 Acura TSX - Review

The Basics:

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.