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2008 Acura TSX Full Review
Date Published: 5/08/08
Also in the 2008 Acura TSX Review:
5.
6.
Acura TSX Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Acura TSX Review
The 2008 Acura TSX, is basically unchanged from 2007. This premium compact car is the entry-level vehicle at Honda's upscale division. TSX uses a 205-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Manual or automatic transmission is offered. The lone factory option is a navigation system. Priced as a separate model, it includes voice control for some navigation, audio, and climate functions. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard. So are a sunroof, xenon headlamps, and Bluetooth cell-phone link.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.
Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.
News
A redesigned TSX is being rumored for 2009 with turbo power and all-wheel drive. If that's accurate, the powertrain would likely come from Acura's RDX compact SUV. Diesel power could also be available. Parent Honda is developing 4-cyl and V6 "clean diesel" engines for several vehicles expected in the U.S. by 2009. An "oil burner" TSX, if there is one, would likely use the 4-cyl, also perhaps with a turbocharger. Intriguingly, sources believe the 2009 sedan will get a convertible companion at some point, not a coupe as once suggested. That could mean a hideaway hardtop design, though a conventional ragtop is just as likely.
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2008 Acura TSX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Navigation-system controls |
| Instruments/controls | |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
With a manual transmission, a TSX did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph. The car delighted with light, precise shift/clutch action. The high-revving 4-cylinder engine produces modest power below 3000 rpm, so highway passing or merging demands careful gear selection. The automatic transmission dulls off-the-line snap, but alert throttle response means good highway punch.
| Base w/navigation, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6.6 |
With a manual transmission, a TSX did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph. The car delighted with light, precise shift/clutch action. The high-revving 4-cylinder engine produces modest power below 3000 rpm, so highway passing or merging demands careful gear selection. The automatic transmission dulls off-the-line snap, but alert throttle response means good highway punch.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission TSXs averaged 22.6-30.2 mpg. Automatic versions averaged 26.4 mpg. TSX requires premium-grade fuel.
| Base w/navigation, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission TSXs averaged 22.6-30.2 mpg. Automatic versions averaged 26.4 mpg. TSX requires premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Firm, but never jarring, even on badly cratered pavement. Body motions are well-controlled.
| Base w/navigation, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Firm, but never jarring, even on badly cratered pavement. Body motions are well-controlled.
Steering/Handling/Braking
TSX is impressively agile on challenging mountain roads with assured grip and minimal body lean. Quick, responsive steering adds to the fun. Powerful brakes have excellent pedal feel.
| Base w/navigation, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
TSX is impressively agile on challenging mountain roads with assured grip and minimal body lean. Quick, responsive steering adds to the fun. Powerful brakes have excellent pedal feel.
Quietness
For a small sport sedan, the TSX is quite refined. The ultrasmooth engine is audible but not unpleasant at high rpm. Tire noise intrudes some on coarse pavement but isn't enough to be bothersome. Wind rush is minimal.
| Base w/navigation, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
For a small sport sedan, the TSX is quite refined. The ultrasmooth engine is audible but not unpleasant at high rpm. Tire noise intrudes some on coarse pavement but isn't enough to be bothersome. Wind rush is minimal.
Controls
Most controls are simple and smart, though the available navigation system takes learning. It absorbs some climate and audio functions, which can frustrate simple adjustments, and its voice recognition understands only clearly spoken, precisely worded commands.
| Base w/navigation, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
Most controls are simple and smart, though the available navigation system takes learning. It absorbs some climate and audio functions, which can frustrate simple adjustments, and its voice recognition understands only clearly spoken, precisely worded commands.
Details
Good detail finish and classy materials are the rule inside the cabin.
| Base w/navigation, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
Good detail finish and classy materials are the rule inside the cabin.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Spacious enough for most, though the overall feel is a bit cozy. Firm, supportive seats are bolstered to keep occupants secure in spirited driving. A standard tilt/telescope steering wheel and power seat help tailor a sound basic driving stance. All-around visibility is good.
| Base w/navigation, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 |
Spacious enough for most, though the overall feel is a bit cozy. Firm, supportive seats are bolstered to keep occupants secure in spirited driving. A standard tilt/telescope steering wheel and power seat help tailor a sound basic driving stance. All-around visibility is good.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Headroom is tight for six-footers, but there's surprisingly good leg and toe space even with the front seats fully aft. Leg support is lacking due to a short seat cushion. Entry/exit is slightly constricted by narrow floor passages.
| Base w/navigation, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Headroom is tight for six-footers, but there's surprisingly good leg and toe space even with the front seats fully aft. Leg support is lacking due to a short seat cushion. Entry/exit is slightly constricted by narrow floor passages.
Cargo Room
Not bountiful, but good for a compact, and most all the space is usable. The trunklid hinges don't intrude much and are designed so as not to crush packages. The standard split folding rear seatback has an interior key lock and in-trunk releases. Cabin storage is just adequate.
| Base w/navigation, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Not bountiful, but good for a compact, and most all the space is usable. The trunklid hinges don't intrude much and are designed so as not to crush packages. The standard split folding rear seatback has an interior key lock and in-trunk releases. Cabin storage is just adequate.
Value within Class
TSX delivers the same solid quality and high features-per-dollar quotient as Acura's larger TL but ups the fun-to-drive factor with a trimmer, lighter package. Automatic transmission steals some scoot, and the engine can feel lazy at low speeds, but those are minor blemishes to what is a very strong premium compact car.
| Base w/navigation, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
TSX delivers the same solid quality and high features-per-dollar quotient as Acura's larger TL but ups the fun-to-drive factor with a trimmer, lighter package. Automatic transmission steals some scoot, and the engine can feel lazy at low speeds, but those are minor blemishes to what is a very strong premium compact car.
Total Score
| Base w/navigation, manual | Base, automatic | Class Average |
| 68 | 68 | 65.5 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 59 | |
| Average Score | 65 | |
| High Score | 72 |
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2008 Acura TSX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/12/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door sedan, manual | $28,190 | $25,915 | $670 |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door sedan, automatic | $28,190 | $25,915 | $670 |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door sedan w/navigation, manual | $30,290 | $27,841 | $670 |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door sedan w/navigation, automatic | $30,290 | $27,841 | $670 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
|
|||
| TSX | $1000-$1500 dealer incentive. | Dealer | 06/30/08 |
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media connection, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights, fog lights, 215/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
Base w/navigation adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system w/voice recognition.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2008 Acura TSX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Acura TSX 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 183.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3257 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 205 @ 7000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 164 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed manual | 19/28 |
| 5-speed automatic | 20/28 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Acura TSX 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 6/70,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Acura TSX Review:
5.
6.
Acura TSX Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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