By J.T. Hills

   TOP
   • 205 hp 4-cylinder engine
   • Option packed all  standard
   • Strong resale value

   BOTTOM
   • Looks sportier than it drives
   • Could use two more cylinders
   • Ride is a bit rough

   Introduced in 2003 at the North American Automotive Show in Detroit, the TSX replaced the Integra in the Acura line-up. The 2008 TSX is largely unchanged from the ’07 model with its last minor revamp done in ’06. The test model came equipped with a five speed automatic transmission and the only available option on the TSX, a Navigation system. After a week with the 2008 Acura TSX with Navi I’ve compiled a brass tacks list of highly technical scientific data based upon observations, experimentation, tabulations, inspections and so forth.
Here we go:

   It’s supposed to have voice activated commands… but for some reason it just doesn’t want to listen to me… it’s like living with my ex.
   For some reason when you purchase a luxury brand car these day’s, $30+ g’s doesn’t get you much anymore. Most European car manufactures just give you the bare bones and popular upgrades can add another five to six thousand dollars to the price tag. With the Acura TSX there is only really one upgrade, and that’s a model upgrade to the TSX with Navi (not a fancy name, but to the point), and all the options you could want come in one tidy price tag minus a destination charge. The 2008 TSX with Navi comes with a comparably reasonable (that is if you’re in the market for an A4 or 3-series BMW) price tag of $32,290 plus $650 destination charge.
What you get is a lot. The test model comes standard with such features as the a lot mentioned Navigation system, 8-speaker surround sound audio system with six disc CD changer and XM satellite radio, and voice activated dual climate control system. Now you’d think that a voice activated climate control system would be something great and innovating. Really though, I just found it aggravating. It’s kind of like the automated line when you call the bank, in the end it really doesn’t care what you say… it’s just easier to punch in the
numbers manually.
The interior of the TSX is nicely done in a conservative manner. There are really no gratuitous embellishments of leather or wood. It’s all really sedate and functional. All the controls are in a natural easy to find place. The seats are comfortable and the leather is of a high quality. Seat heaters come standard too, and the memory function is also easy to use. The Navigation system doesn’t take much thought to figure out. So there no need to spend hours with the owners’ manual to punch in the directions to find a restaurant. In fact the Nav system comes pre-programmed with Zaggat rated restaurants for every city in North America. How gay is that?

   Under the hood the TSX comes with a 205 hp Inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 164 lbs ft of torque at 4,500 rpm’s. The car’s fun when pushed and behaves much like any other Honda product (which is way above average), but I wouldn’t really call the TSX a sports sedan per say. The driving manners are all very predictable (nice) but not that much more exciting than lets say a Civic. If you’re looking for some pizzazz to you’re commute for a few thousand dollars more you could get into the TL; which is probably why they don’t offer the TSX with a V-6. The 4-cylinder TSX does get fairly decent gas mileage though at 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, I averaged around town in mixed driving at 22 mpg.

OK, for a before tax price of $32,960 what do you get?
   The 2008 Acura TSX with Navi does come complete with every convenience and want. A quick look at the favorites includes:

   Performance
   • 205 hp Inline-4 engine
   • 5-speed automatic transmission with
      sequential sportshift
   • Independent rear multi-link suspension
      with anti roll bar
   • Speed-sensitive hydraulic power-assist
      rack-pinion steering
   • 17” wheels

   Safety
   • Driver and front passenger front airbags,
      side curtain airbags
   • Anti-lock brakes, electronic
      stability control
   • Active front head restraints
   • Side impact door beams
   • Flat tire monitor
   • Xenon HID headlights
   • Fog lamps

   Comfort and Convenience
   • Acura Navigation system with
      voice recognition
   • 8-speaker sound system with 6-disc
      CD changer AM/FM/MP3 and
      XM satellite radio
   • Dual zone climate control
   • Heated leather seating surfaces
   • Dual front passenger 8-way power
      seats with heat
   • Hands free telephone interface
   • Sunroof
   • Power windows, locks and mirrors

   Additional Charges
   • Destination and Handling ($670)