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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Unreliable dressed up Honda - 2002 Acura TL
By Hate TL-S - July 23 - 3:01 amI bought this car for its power and handling - was I in for a let down. I have a vibration from the front end - I use only Michelin Sport A/S - had this issue with OEs too. Well major issue is the transmission. I am on my 3rd. Seems to go out every 30k on me. I have 70k miles on it. Since the last transmission - car does not have the kick / pick-up. Revs like a rocket before I get any good speed. Not sure what they have done since the last transmission repair. Ive lost lot of power and handling in this car. Acura TL-S has a known tranmission problem - would stay away from it. All they do is replace it with a remanufactured transmission and hope it last.
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I LOVE THIS CAR - 2004 Acura TL
By JoJoRocks - July 22 - 10:00 amI BOUGHT MY 2004 ACURA TL IN OCTOBER 2003, 2 WEEKS AFTER IT CAME OUT TO BUY, I HAD BEEN LOOKING AT THE 2003 TL WAS GOING TO BUY IT AND WHEN I SEEN THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE 2004 I SAID "THATS IT, THATS THE ONE IM GOING TO BUY" SO I WENT TO THE DEALER THEY HAD ONE IN THE SHOW ROOM WITH ALL THE OPTIONS,SO I BOUGHT MINE AND PUT ALL THE OPTIONS ON MINE. I LOVE MY CAR BEST DECISION I EVER MADE.I GET COMPLIMENTS ALL DAY LONG. ITS AN AWESOME CAR THANKS
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Best Car Out of Last 10 I Owned - 2004 Acura TL
By Spensky - July 22 - 10:00 amBest Car Out of Last 10 I Owned.. I drive 25000 miles a year and for the money this is the best car I have ever had. Plus I am looking forward to the higher than most trade in value Acure is known for.
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Rick - 2004 Acura TL
By RixToy - July 22 - 10:00 amGreat car. Fun to drive. Great blend of performance, luxury and comfort. Looks great, very quick and agile. A great value. Super sound system.
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Very Happy with our TL - 2004 Acura TL
By Meena - July 22 - 10:00 amMy wife keeps cars forever and we have been looking for her next car for the past couple of years as her 93 Honda Civic EX Coupe passed 100,000 miles was still running and looking great but needed to become our sons car. We looked at the Infinity but they were ugly and not nearly as nicely appointed as the TL. We looked at the Lexus but it was a car for old people and fairly plain inside compared to the TL. The BMW was asking too much for what they provided. The reviews and our experience have been great. All the technology is easy to use and the looks are great. This is the best riding and handling car we have ever owned.
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nice for a Japanese car! - 2005 Acura TL
By Brett - July 21 - 6:40 amThe TL is nice, needs rain sensing wipers and auto headlights. Very fun to drive, quiet and smooth, good gas mileage, wonderful 6 speed manual transmission, comfortable, neeeds work on the trip computer display and the radio display, why not make them so you can see more than one thing at once? You can only get the radio to display one thing at once? Why not always have the channel number up there when in XM, along with at least one of he other things like the station name, song title, artist, etc. The engine transmission is best, loads of power, good handling, space inside the car is very good!
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One great car - 2008 Acura TL
By AK - July 21 - 3:46 am -
Great car; buy one - 2003 Acura TL
By dsymoniak - July 19 - 2:00 amGreat combination of comfort and performance. Unless you plan on driving at 10/10 ths this car is all the performance youll ever need or want at the best price around.Plus front wheel drive if snow is a factor.
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very disappointed - 2003 Acura TL
By banditday - July 14 - 5:56 pmI loved my car when I first bought it. Put the CompTech headers, exhaust, springs, swaybars plus Koni shocks and Brembo Gran Turismos on it under factory warranty. Well, less than 6 months after I bought the car I start having paint problems - horrid peeling, bird doo eating through the paint (my other car is 8 years old and looks amazing - this Acura looks 20 years old at 2). Now Im in the tranny recall issues.... on my third tranny. Tranny #2 had zero power to the ground. The car was being outgunned by delivery trucks! I am furious with Acura - my family has owned 8 or 9 Acuras, ranging from Type R Integras to TLs and CLs.... and Acura wont do a thing :-(
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everthing i thought it would be - 2003 Acura TL
By oldguy22 - July 13 - 2:00 amfun to drive, easy to keep and reliable
