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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  Got to get me one of these! - 2004 Acura TL
  By lpdud - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive. Awesome radio, Good overall car.

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  TOOTS TL - 2004 Acura TL
  By DAVE WIERER - May 22 - 2:00 am

  CAR WAS BOUGHT IN FLORIDA, DROVE BACK TO WISCONSIN THROUGH ICE & SNOW,DIDNT PUSH TO THE LIMITS YET, ONLY HAVE HAD IT FOR 1 WEEK, 1700 MILES. PRVOUSLY HAD A 1999 3.2 TL. WIFE ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT , WOUNDNT LET MY DRIVE IT MUCH, I PUT ON LOTS OF MILES ON MY CARS. OUR 24 YEAR OLD SON NOW LOVES IT. HE WANTS TO BUY THE 2004 TL WHEN SHE WANTS TO SELL. ACURA SHOULD MAKE A SAN MARINO RED TL, THE BRIGHTER THE BETTER, COPS LIKE IT.SO DOES MY WIFE.

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  Cannot beat this baby for the price - 2003 Acura TL
  By Paradox - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money and I got it for 2,000 off sticker. Much better deal than the 300M Special i was considering. Cheaper and has navigation which chrysler doesnt even offer. Plus you get Japanese reliability compared to American junk!

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  Still Going Strong - 1996 Acura TL
  By Kenny - May 15 - 3:58 pm

  Bought my 2.5TL in 2001 with 27k miles. Now at 145k miles and car still is doing fantastic! Service it every 30-45k miles and this car should run for a while. I have no complaints with this car and hope to get a new TL someday. Hopefully not for another 100,000 miles!

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  "Superb Machine" - 2003 Acura TL
  By bleamoney - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 other Acuras and I have loved them all equally. Of course some had features that others lacked but over all I was satisfied with them. Acura knows how to build a quality vehicle.

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  A few issues make it irritating - 2004 Acura TL
  By irritated_driver - May 11 - 10:00 am

  A few small issues irritate me. 1) Lights do not turn on when it is dark out. 2) The DVD Navigation screen goes into night mode when you turn on the lights, even if its during the day. The system should go into night mode *at night*. 3) This car will continuously beep at you if you do not have your seatbelt on. I usually were my seat belt, but if I take it off IT IS MY choice, not Acuras. This is especilly frustrated given issue #4 4) The car will not beep to warn that you are low on gas. I havent run out of gas yet, but Im sure if I did and unbuckled my seat belt..it would beep at me.

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  2005 Acura TL - 2005 Acura TL
  By Lucius B. Fetner - May 9 - 9:02 am

  Good driving car. A little stiff around town but excellent on the road.

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  Money Talks - 2006 Acura TL
  By Rob - May 7 - 9:55 am

  Folks Ive owned just about every type of import on the market, and Im here to tell ya that there is no better value than the Acura TL. Im one of the few people left who still prefers a clutch pedal, and Acura is more than willing to cater to me! Buying the stick doesnt make the car less expensive, but Acura hooks you up with Brembo 4 Piston brakes up front with pretty black calipers that read "Acura." DOES NOT perform like a BMW, DOES NOT ride like a Lexus, interior IS NOT as nice as an Audi, but come on, I paid $31k for this thing! Really should be rear wheel drive, then I think it could take a 3 series. Torque steer isnt bad, you get a better diff and reprogrammed software with the 6M!

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  Comfy - 2003 Acura TL
  By jfbrown42 - May 6 - 11:44 am

  I was looking for a sporty family car, something better than the Mazda 626 ES my wife was driving - bigger, sportier, better gas mileage. We looked at a 2003 TL Type-S and the 2004 models. The 2004s were more edgy looking, had more horspower, and had more tech (bluetooth) but my wife didnt feel that they would go when she stepped on the gas pedal. Also, the 2004 felt smaller on the inside and had a smaller trunk. The trunk is important because we have two little kids. Wed like to be able to go on vacation and not have to rent an SUV for the luggage. I dont really push this car, but it performs well enough and is quite comfortable.

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  Rattle and Whine - 2004 Acura TL
  By Motoracer - May 5 - 10:00 am

  This could be a great car, but the poor quality of the interior construction has been a constant source of irritation for me. The chief problem has been squeeking and popping noises from both front-side window trim pieces. I think this is a design/build problem and not something the dealer can repair unless new components are developed. If it wasnt for this problem, I would be very happy with the car. The off- center steering feel isnt great but otherwise the car handles very well at any reasonable street pace. The torque steer isnt intrusive and Im happy giving up some RWD handing characteristics to have FWD for New England winter.