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2008 Acura TSX Sedan
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What Changed for 2008:
The TSX is the entry-level sedan from Acura, Honda’s luxury division. The TSX was introduced as a 2004 model. It is based on the European version of the Honda Accord and thus has Euro-tuned suspension and sporty dynamic capabilities, according to the automaker. The TSX was extensively updated for the 2006 model year. It has changed little since then, getting standard tire-pressure-monitoring technology for the 2007 model year and for 2008 adding voice recognition to the optional navigation system for consumers living on the Hawaiian Islands.
The 2008 Acura TSX is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty that includes roadside assistance as well as a 6-year/70,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
Model Lineup
The 2008 Acura TSX sports sedan is available in only one trim. In fact, there is only one factory-installed option: an Acura navigation system with voice recognition. Except for the optional navigation equipment, all TSXs come with a leather-wrapped steering wheel; tilt and telescoping steering column; perforated leather seats with 8-way power for the driver’s seat and 4-way power adjustment for the front passenger’s seat; a 60/40-split and folding rear seat; power windows and locks; heated power exterior mirrors; dual-zone automatic climate controls; keyless entry; 8-speaker, 360-watt premium audio system with XM satellite radio with in-dash, 6-disc CD changer; and a power moonroof. Like all 2008 Acura models, the TSX includes Bluetooth HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface as standard equipment.
Though classified as a compact vehicle by the EPA, the 2008 Acura TSX has a 13.2-cubic-foot trunk, which features a trunk lid that reveals a 44.9-inch-wide opening to ease access to the cargo area. The cargo area can be greatly expanded by flipping sections of the 60/40-split rear seatback forward.
Powertrain
The 2008 Acura TSX was designed as a sporty sedan. Its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine uses Acura’s variable valve timing technology to pump out 205 hp. The engine can be linked to either a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox. The manual is rated at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway by the EPA. The automatic version is rated at 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway. The engine’s output goes to the ground through the front wheels. The car rides on racing-style double-wishbone suspension at all four corners with 17-inch alloy wheels wearing high-performance Michelin all-season tires.
Safety
To assist the driver in emergency maneuvers, the 2008 Acura TSX is equipped with Acura’s Vehicle Stability Assist, a traction control system, and anti-lock braking technology. Tire-pressure monitors also are standard equipment. Passive safety features include driver and front-passenger front and side (thorax) air bags and side curtain air bags that cover outboard occupants in both rows.
The TSX earns a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in protecting the driver and front-seat occupant in frontal crashes; it gets a 5-star rating for front-seat protection and 4 stars for back-seat protection in side impacts. The TSX also earns 4 stars for resistance to rollover. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the TSX “Good” in frontal-impact and “Acceptable” for side-impact protection.
Technology
The 5-speed automatic transmission in the 2008 Acura TSX features what the automaker calls Sequential SportShift technology with a Grade Logic Control system. The shifter can be left in fully automatic mode or the driver can select gears by tipping the lever forward or back. The Grade Logic Control system combines with what Acura calls “intelligent shift programming” to enhance performance. When the gearbox is in its manual mode, shift logic provides firmer, faster gear changes that feel more like those done with a traditional manual transmission, while making sure not to over-rev the engine, the maker explains. Further, Grade Logic Control is designed to provide a smooth start regardless of road gradient. The system also adjusts the shift schedule for improved climbing power or downhill engine braking, again mimicking a traditional manual transmission, the automaker adds.
- Navigation system with voice recognition now available in Hawaii
The TSX is the entry-level sedan from Acura, Honda’s luxury division. The TSX was introduced as a 2004 model. It is based on the European version of the Honda Accord and thus has Euro-tuned suspension and sporty dynamic capabilities, according to the automaker. The TSX was extensively updated for the 2006 model year. It has changed little since then, getting standard tire-pressure-monitoring technology for the 2007 model year and for 2008 adding voice recognition to the optional navigation system for consumers living on the Hawaiian Islands.
The 2008 Acura TSX is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty that includes roadside assistance as well as a 6-year/70,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.
Model Lineup
The 2008 Acura TSX sports sedan is available in only one trim. In fact, there is only one factory-installed option: an Acura navigation system with voice recognition. Except for the optional navigation equipment, all TSXs come with a leather-wrapped steering wheel; tilt and telescoping steering column; perforated leather seats with 8-way power for the driver’s seat and 4-way power adjustment for the front passenger’s seat; a 60/40-split and folding rear seat; power windows and locks; heated power exterior mirrors; dual-zone automatic climate controls; keyless entry; 8-speaker, 360-watt premium audio system with XM satellite radio with in-dash, 6-disc CD changer; and a power moonroof. Like all 2008 Acura models, the TSX includes Bluetooth HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface as standard equipment.
Though classified as a compact vehicle by the EPA, the 2008 Acura TSX has a 13.2-cubic-foot trunk, which features a trunk lid that reveals a 44.9-inch-wide opening to ease access to the cargo area. The cargo area can be greatly expanded by flipping sections of the 60/40-split rear seatback forward.
Powertrain
The 2008 Acura TSX was designed as a sporty sedan. Its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine uses Acura’s variable valve timing technology to pump out 205 hp. The engine can be linked to either a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox. The manual is rated at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway by the EPA. The automatic version is rated at 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway. The engine’s output goes to the ground through the front wheels. The car rides on racing-style double-wishbone suspension at all four corners with 17-inch alloy wheels wearing high-performance Michelin all-season tires.
Safety
To assist the driver in emergency maneuvers, the 2008 Acura TSX is equipped with Acura’s Vehicle Stability Assist, a traction control system, and anti-lock braking technology. Tire-pressure monitors also are standard equipment. Passive safety features include driver and front-passenger front and side (thorax) air bags and side curtain air bags that cover outboard occupants in both rows.
The TSX earns a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in protecting the driver and front-seat occupant in frontal crashes; it gets a 5-star rating for front-seat protection and 4 stars for back-seat protection in side impacts. The TSX also earns 4 stars for resistance to rollover. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the TSX “Good” in frontal-impact and “Acceptable” for side-impact protection.
Technology
The 5-speed automatic transmission in the 2008 Acura TSX features what the automaker calls Sequential SportShift technology with a Grade Logic Control system. The shifter can be left in fully automatic mode or the driver can select gears by tipping the lever forward or back. The Grade Logic Control system combines with what Acura calls “intelligent shift programming” to enhance performance. When the gearbox is in its manual mode, shift logic provides firmer, faster gear changes that feel more like those done with a traditional manual transmission, while making sure not to over-rev the engine, the maker explains. Further, Grade Logic Control is designed to provide a smooth start regardless of road gradient. The system also adjusts the shift schedule for improved climbing power or downhill engine braking, again mimicking a traditional manual transmission, the automaker adds.
