Overview & Reviews

The Acura TL has traditionally been one of the better choices available for a midsize luxury sport sedan. Though the TL typically does not deliver the excitement or prestige of competing European sedans, it counters with exceptional value and above-average durability and reliability.

The current (fourth) generation may have upped the ante, but cutting-edge technology and bracing performance are nothing new for the TL. Older TLs are still known for their engaging handling and plentiful amenities and should make a fine choice for a used luxury sport sedan.

Current Acura TL
As Acura's midsize sedan offering, the TL offers a roomy interior, a powerful V6 engine and available all-wheel drive. It also boasts a host of gadgets and gizmos that should keep most luxury shoppers satisfied.

There are two trim levels: a base model and the sportier SH-AWD. Base cars (which are front-wheel drive) are motivated by a 3.5-liter V6 that kicks out 280 horsepower. As its name suggests, the SH-AWD version is all-wheel drive, and it's powered by a 3.7-liter V6 good for 305 hp. A six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is standard on both trims and a six-speed manual is available on the SH-AWD.

Base models are pretty well equipped, offering standard features such as 17-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, leather upholstery and an eight-speaker stereo with an in-dash six-CD changer. In addition to all-wheel drive and a more powerful engine, the SH-AWD adds upgraded brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, sportier steering feel and performance-themed upholstery and metallic trim.

TL enthusiasts cherish the car for its cutting-edge gadgetry, and the current model does not disappoint. Standard features on base models include Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, a USB port and a dedicated iPod interface. Optional tech treats include a navigation system that offers real-time traffic and weather updates and a sound system with digital music storage capability.

In reviews of the Acura TL, our editors hailed its abundance of high-tech amenities, its roomy cabin and its sophisticated stereo system. They called out a few missteps as well, such as the car's bland interior and the fact that base models are hampered by uncommunicative steering and unremarkable brakes. Thanks to its much crisper handling and braking, the SH-AWD TL is a more compelling choice than the base model. The current TL is also one of just a few vehicles to earn a top grade in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's revised crash test standards.

Used Acura TL Models
The current (fourth)-generation TL debuted for the 2009 model year. Compared to earlier TLs, the current model boasts a brasher look, highlighted by aggressive lines and a dramatic-looking front grille. The current model offers more interior room than the third-generation TL, as well as more power under the hood, and its ride is more compliant than that of its predecessor. There have been only a few changes since. Most notably, 2009-'11 TLs had a five-speed automatic transmission (compared to the newer six-speed auto) and a more controversial-looking grille.

The third-generation TL was available for model years 2004-'08. This TL was distinguished by its chiseled exterior styling, firm suspension tuning, powerful V6 and impressive level of standard equipment. Both a six-speed manual transmission and a five-speed automatic with shift paddles were available.

Two versions of the TL were offered in this era: base and Type-S. Base-model TLs built in model years 2004 and '05 were rated at 270 hp, while 2006 and later models were rated at 258. Note that this revision merely reflected a change in the standard horsepower rating system -- the TL's engine was unchanged.

Type-S Acuras were equipped with a 286-hp 3.5-liter V6. They also featured a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo high-performance brakes and unique styling elements that included quad tailpipes. Unfortunately for enthusiasts, the Type-S was on hiatus for the first part of the TL's model cycle and didn't hit the market until 2007.

Both versions of the TL came with an attractive, well-built interior designed with a more sporting intent in mind. In road tests, we were impressed with this Acura TL's comfort and dynamic abilities but ultimately found that its front-wheel-drive setup hampered its ability to match the handling dynamics offered by top rear-drive sport sedans. The Type-S upped the performance ante somewhat, boosting power while adding crisper handling.

For a majority of shoppers, a used TL from this era will provide a good mix of fun, comfort and convenience at a reasonable price. Changes during the model cycle were few, but the TL received a midlife freshening for 2007, including minor exterior and interior styling tweaks and an upgraded navigation system.

The second-generation Acura TL was built from 1999-2003. Though it was less exciting than more recent models, our editors gave this TL very positive reviews during its run. Improvements were made throughout this period, and the car had a number of TL firsts, including Honda's VTEC variable valve timing and an optional navigation system. The powerful Type-S version, which debuted in 2002, should be strongly considered by buyers interested in increased performance. Regardless of specific trim level, just about any used second-generation model should serve the used-sedan shopper well.

The original Acura TL debuted in 1995 as a replacement for the unloved Acura Vigor. Two versions were offered: a 2.5 TL with a 2.5-liter inline-5 engine and a 3.2 TL with a 3.2-liter V6. Both models were available throughout the first generation's run, which lasted pretty much unchanged through 1998. As there is now little price difference between the two, we suggest consumers interested in a first-generation used TL go for the more powerful 3.2.

User Reviews:

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  Not up to Honda quality standards - 2004 Acura TL
  By outside - October 24 - 9:20 am

  When I get this car on an open stretch of smooth highway on a nice sunny day with the sunroof open and the music blaring from its awesome stereo its an awesome feeling that soothes the pain I feel over the 10 days it has spent back at the dealer in the first 1000 miles. Call me a stickler if you want but Ive owned only Honda cars since 1990 and this one doesnt measure up to the quality standard I had come to expect. The dealer has literally had the entire interior disassembled in an attempt to find and repair the constant rattling the goes on inside the cabin. How Honda could let a car like this slide through their QA is beyond me.

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  2003 TL is a Great Car! - 2003 Acura TL
  By edmundlee2 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent drivers car with fun sport-shift pseudo-manual transmission, nicely placed guages and controls. Interior space is good for family use (2 adults, 2 teens) and a sensible trunk. Engine has lots of pull even at low rpm and corners incredibly well. Good feedback from the steering wheel on road surface (how do they do this?). Better than the Volvo S80 (which costs much more) which was also being considered.

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  Follow Up Review - 2007 Acura TL
  By Bryan - October 20 - 10:57 pm

  10,000 miles into my silver TL Type-S with 6 speed manual, and I figure I would give you all a follow-up. First, the bad: rattles in the door and steering column. Tsk, tsk in a near 40-grand sports sedan. Interior materials scratch real easily, and dashboard is starting to lose its color really quickly (from dark gray to milky gray). Torque-steer is getting old now. The good: this thing should be called a muscle-sedan instead of a sports sedan, because thats the demeanor it has. Big, mean looking, mean sounding, and fast. Handling is second only to BMW. Interior is very comfortable, and very spacious.

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  Acura was the car - 2006 Acura TL
  By babeh123 - October 20 - 8:56 am

  I thought I had a good car. No such luck. First the steering wheel was aligned crooked and the ride is horrible. The ride is too rough and bumpy. You feel it on smooth roads and it shakes the car on rough roads. I thought the tires were out of balance but after 3 times in the shop, no improvement. Mine is a 2006 and I am going to trade it in for a rear wheel drive car. No more Acuras for me

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  TL is Junk - 2003 Acura TL
  By Acura TL is Junk - October 19 - 1:34 pm

  I have never felt so badly about a product as to write a review, but this car is so awful that I cant let it go. I drive the car very conservatively and cautiously. The transmission has failed three times. Exterior paint scratches and chips easily. Exterior sheetmetal is thin and dents easily. Brake rotors warp and require maintenance frequently. Seat heaters no longer work. CD changer has stopped working. Interior has numerous rattles, squeaks, buzzing noises. Air conditioner has needed refrigerant refill two times. Moonroof leaked and flooded interior, car interior now has disgusting mold odor. I am sorry I purchased this vehicle.

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  30k Review - 2006 Acura TL
  By Bernard - October 16 - 10:16 pm

  Good car overall. Reliable. Good gas mileage for power. Power is good but not good enough. Horrible in snow!! Squeaking noises from interior once in a while. Good build overall.

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  Best Car I Ever Bought.....!! - 2006 Acura TL
  By Bill B. - October 15 - 2:35 pm

  Previous to owning the TL I had a purchased new Jaguar XK8. While I miss the "sizzle" of the Jag, the Acura has it beat by a long shot in terms of comfort, style, performance, reliabililty, quality of workmanship, etc. The car does not break!

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  tl-s with navi is a great car - 2003 Acura TL
  By ed2321 - October 15 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR!!!

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  Excellent Car - few nits - 2003 Acura TL
  By Old Joe - October 15 - 10:00 am

  This car has every option I can think of, good power and handling, and the price was very good. Resale is very good (from what I understand) as demand is high for Honda products - so I wont have to break my neck to sell it one day. Yes - I have a few nits with it but for the price, I dont think you can beat it. The Accord is close - especially the new one but the price is very close too if you opt for a loaded Accord EX vs the base TL (which is already loaded). I also find our area Acura dealer a lot better to work with than the Honda dealers in our area (better respect for customers, better treatment overall).

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  I love this car!!! - 2005 Acura TL
  By Jon R - October 13 - 11:03 am

  After about a year the only matinence on the car is oil changes and with a little disappointment tires. It seems the bridgestones that they use on the Navigation cars use a softer compound that wears faster though they do handle incrediblely well. Be it snow or rain the car sticks. With the tires wearing there has only been a slight loss in traction. The performance is top notch and the car is loads of fun to drive. Great for that long road trip too.