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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  Love this car ! - 2004 Acura TL
  By Brian19 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Forget the bmw 3 series, infiniti g35, The new Acura TL is the better car by a mile. The best nav. system with voice activation, dolby digit DVD dts 5.1 sound is unreal. stablity system and traction control. and 270 horsepower! IF you do not test drive this car youll be kicking your self later!

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  Bad Transmission by Darius Erby - 2001 Acura TL
  By Darius Erby - October 19 - 9:15 pm

  I love this vehicle, but the only issue I have with this vehicle is that it has transmission issues. I knew that the Acuras and Hondas from year 98 to 04 had transmission issues, but they extended the warrany out to 100000 miles. My trans went out at 90000 miles. It had 50000 on it when I bought it. I bought it in Atlanta. My trans went out on me in the mountains in Tennessee. I was frightened because my rpms just started going crazy, I was driving about 70 mph and then my car just stopped accelerating and it started rolling backwards down the mountain, as it was rolling back I was able to roll into the emergency lane, and I almost got hit by a few 18 wheelers.

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  I Love my TL - 2004 Acura TL
  By RubenR2445 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Best car ever owned, just love it!

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  Awesome car - 2004 Acura TL
  By P McKenna - October 16 - 12:24 am

  Great car. Fun to drive. A great looker. I love the 6 speed manual transmission. Nice short throw. I love the Bluetooth which is now hooked up to a Treo 650. My only complaint is a rattling noise in the coin tray. Im actually disappointed with the sound system, its ok, but not as good as the marketing brochures.

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  my acura - 2004 Acura TL
  By PAG - October 14 - 2:57 pm

  Ive only had excellent experiences with my Acura 3.2TL. I have the 2004 model with Navigation, and fully loaded. The Navigation in this vehicle is a touch screen, which is much easier than my Jeep Cherokee Limited, and my Mertcedes S430 Navigation systems. The reliability is ougtstanding. I will definitely get a new Acura, or Honda loaded, at the end of my lease (3 months).

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  Dont Buy This Car - 2004 Acura TL
  By Dissatisfied - October 14 - 10:03 am

  Owning this car was a nightmare! The interior quality was poor, parts and materials did not wear well. It had all kinds of interior rattles that the dealer could not fix. The car was in the service dept for a total of 18 days out of the 3.5 months I owned the car for many warranty issues. The final straw came after I picked it up from the dealership and the 6 disc CD changer jammed. I traded it in for a Saab 95 and have never looked back since. More power and better handling. Dont let the Acura name fool you. It did not stand for quality craftsmanship in this case.

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  Best Buy for the Dollar - 2002 Acura TL
  By Scott JT - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my TL for 1.5 years and the car has been wonderful. I looked at the competition (Infinity, BWM, Audi) and for the dollar none of these compared. I have had absolutley no issues with the vehicle.

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  My New TL - 2003 Acura TL
  By cknelson - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. Things that I like best about this car is the feel of it when I drive it. I also loved the heated seats. At first, I thought this feature was not needed and I would never use them. But I use them all the time and I can not imagine not having them now. This is a great car. The only item that I do not like is I think the car is a little too loud when you step on the gas. I would like to hear a very quiet engine and I dont hear a quiet engine. Otherwise, I love my new Acura TL.

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  I Love This car! - 2000 Acura TL
  By DickZinya - October 6 - 5:47 am

  Great car, value for price, comfort, reliability. And it looks great too.

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  Ashus point of view - 2003 Acura TL
  By Ashtan - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This is an amazing vehicle...it is so powerful, stable and simply fun to drive. The navi system is extremely helpful and even helps locate the smallest of streets.