2008 Acura TSX Review

What the reviewers like:
Attractive styling and superb handling are high points of the 2008 Acura TSX. The exterior is distinctive, and the TSX's cabin is refined, comfortable and constructed from premium-quality materials. Reviewers especially like the available navigation system and full complement of standard safety features, including stability and traction control. Steering is precise, and testers note that the 6-speed manual transmission is engaging.

What the reviewers don't like:
Reviewers agree that the TSX could use more horses under the hood; the TSX lacks the get-up-and-go of other sedans in its price range. Braking and stopping distance are mediocre in tests, and rough roads can diminish the ride quality a bit. For a family car, the Acura TSX is compact by most standards, and trunk space is a bit below average. The sunroof can also compromise headroom for taller drivers.

2008 Acura TSX review highlights

The Acura TSX debuted for 2004 and has seen only modest revisions since then (most sources report that a fairly extensive redesign is in the works for 2009). The TSX comes in just one trim level, with available options, including a navigation system. The TSX is considered by most sources to be an entry-level luxury sedan. Car shoppers may recognize Acura as Honda's premium car badge, and experts agree that both brands share the same reputation for exceptional reliability and resale value. Crash-test ratings are impressive. Overall the near-luxury Acura TSX gets good reviews, but is eclipsed by less expensive family cars, including the top-rated Honda Accord (*est. $20,360 to $28,060).

We found the most up-to-date and credible reviews for the 2008 Acura TSX at Consumer Reports and Consumer Guide, where staff conduct hands-on tests on vehicles, ranking them against individual competitors or an average score for the segment, respectively. Editors at Edmunds.com also offer detailed single-car evaluations. They cover the 2008 TSX on a number of measures, including driving impressions, safety and design elements. Car and Driver's most recent comparative test of the TSX dates from the 2006 model year; it's matched up with four other entry-level sedans that are similar in size and price. The Institute for Consumer Automotive Research (IFCAR) evaluates a 2007 Acura TSX as part of a pool of 21 family sedans (ranking the TSX fifth overall). Cars.com doesn't engage the TSX in a formal road test, but reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder does select the 2008 model as one of Cars.com's annual "Best Bets" in the luxury car category.

Also see full report: Family Sedans

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
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Acura TSX Review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports tests virtually every family sedan on the market, including the Acura TSX. One of the best aspects of this review is Consumer Reports' documentation on predicted reliability, based on past-model-year reader-survey data. The analysis here focuses mainly on reliability, ride quality, handling and safety.

2. Edmunds.com
2008 Acura TSX Review
Editors at Edmunds.com

Edmunds hasn't done a comparison test on family sedans in several years, but editors do publish a comprehensive standalone evaluation for the 2008 Acura TSX. Editors evaluate the TSX on measures such as performance, design and safety, and include easy-to-understand narrative analysis of the results. Editors also note of the TSX that "it's hard to find a better value in the entry-level luxury sedan market."

3. Consumer Guide.com
2008 Acura TSX Review
Editors at ConsumerGuide.com

Consumer Guide performs road-testing on most cars and trucks, ranking them against a class average. While Consumer Guide's test results are reported primarily in numerical format and can be difficult for some users to interpret, the thorough nature of the performance analysis as well as the editors' value-based recommendations make this a helpful resource. The Acura TSX's ratings are a bit above the average for its class, and its scores in the areas of fuel economy, handling and value are impressive.

4. Car and Driver
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Everyday Heroes – Comparison Test
Tony Swan
Feb. 2006

Evaluators at Car and Driver designed this head-to-head test of five "do-it-all" sedans, each of which was selected for its ability to blend practicality, affordability and driving enjoyment. The 2006 Acura TSX falls mid-pack in these evaluations, though editors are mostly complimentary of the TSX's performance. Editors have not included the 2008 TSX sedan in tests.

5. Cars.com
2008 Acura TSX Review
Joe Wiesenfelder
Sept. 6, 2007

Reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder considers issues like safety, practicality, comfort and performance when selecting the representatives for Cars.com's annual compilation of Best Bets; the Acura TSX makes the list for 2008. This is a fairly long list, and the attached reviews aren't lengthy or comparative, but they do offer a balanced approach thanks to the above-listed criteria. Handling and ride comfort are high points, while editors question the engine power and "largely unsporty nature."

6. IFCAR.net
Comparison Test: Premium Family Sedans
Staff of IFCAR.net

This article includes 2006 and 2007 family sedans under $28,000 with an automatic transmission and an engine greater than 180 hp. The 2006 Acura TSX is included in fifth place. While now somewhat dated, the results may still be useful for those looking for a detailed review with a high volume of vehicles. Strengths include the Acura's premium design and reasonable sticker price.

Also see full report: Family Sedans