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:
Showing 2011 through 2020 of 3,067.00-
New TL-S - 2008 Acura TL
By Yohann - August 13 - 10:50 pmI have had my new CBP TL-S with 6M for just over a week now and I am totally in love with it. My old car is a 1998 Maxima 5M and on my daily driving routine (of about 13 miles freeway and 10 miles side streets), I have been averaging 22 mpg. Possibly because I tend to accelerate hard and partly because I typically cruise at 77-80 mph on the interstate (depending on traffic). On my first tank with the TL-S (including 20 minutes idling at the dealer), I averaged about 24 MPG and so far on the second tank my average is between 25-26. Thats pretty impressive considering that the TL is 450 lbs heavier and has a 100 hp over the Maxima, and not to mention just over 300 miles on the engine.
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Very happy - 1999 Acura TL
By AndHeesen - August 13 - 2:00 amIm thrilled with the affordable luxury in the Acura TL.
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awesome!!!! - 2005 Acura TL
By moneyfool - August 11 - 11:30 pmmigrated from honda to acura and this is awesome. all the features are good. nav is amazing and controls are all within easy reach. leg room for the rear seats is a little tight for tall people. i could never get the dvd audio to work on the systems. rear seats do not fold.
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Too Many Problems! - 2004 Acura TL
By YoYo1818 - August 9 - 10:00 amI have owned my TL for almost a year now and have never had so many problems with a car and such bad service from the Acura dealerships!!! My car has been to service over 10 times in the past year for all kinds of different reasons, be careful when buying the TL!
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Awesome - 2004 Acura TL
By TL Lover - August 9 - 10:00 amI tried em all in this class and my friends, Acura is back. I expect a lot and this one delivers. Any negative reviews must come from those with an attitude against FRD vehicles
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My new best friend - 2004 Acura TL
By mrsBenti - August 9 - 10:00 amI love my car. If youre thinking about getting one...dont hesitate and do it. Mike Choate at Clair Acura is the best salesman I have ever dealt with. Good luck
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Do not let the exterior fool you. - 2004 Acura TL
By msdearus - August 9 - 10:00 amAcura TL has a niece new look but overall I am not satisfied with the car. The reviews Ive read before was right on point (I thought that previous purchasers were hard to please). Theres a rattling sound that comes from dash area (near the phone adapter plug) when the car accelerates. The leather is awful, Ive had the car since April 2004 and it looks like Ive had it for years. I do not have anyone the passenger seat is not used on a regular basis and it looks terrible. I am very cautious when placing items on my seats, matter of fact I do not items on the systems trying to avoid staining them.
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A/C OUT - 2000 Acura TL
By mike felix - August 8 - 2:00 amGOT 30000 PLUS MILES ON CAR AND THE A/C STOPPED WORKING.TOOK IT TO DEALER THEY SAY IT HAS A HOLE IN COMPESSOR AND NEED 1250.85 TO FIX.30000 MILES AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR THIS SO CALLED HOLE IN COMPRESSOR.QUESTIOND THE SERVICE MAN AND HE SAID ITS THE SEAL IS BAD NEED TO PUT NEW COMPRESSOR ON TO FIX.30000 MILES AND JUNK BECAUSE ITS OVER ON THE YEAR BY 5 MONTHS.TOLD HIM IS THIS A PROBLEM WITH A/C HE SAID 03 HAVE THAT PROBLEM.I DONT FEEL LIKE PUTTING 1200 DOLLERS EVERY 30000 MILES. JUST MY 2 CENTS
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Great Value - 2005 Acura TL
By Rob R - August 5 - 11:26 amStrengths: Fantastic sound system; smooth, powerful engine; sharp, short- throw manual transmission; perfect driving position; top-notch safety equipment; perfect build quality; enjoyable dealership experience; tons of car for the money. Weaknesses: Manual transmission- equipped cars hard to come by; OK, there is also a little torque steer.
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Big Sporty Value Champ Car - 2002 Acura TL
By davidO - August 5 - 2:00 amIve had my 02 TL-S (non-nav) for some time. Considered BMW 325xi/330xi, Audi A4, Nissan Maxima, Saab 9.3, Lexus IS300/ES300. Acura won by being $10k less than the BMW for the same features and being more reliable. Audi A4 not reliable enough. Maxima not luxury-oriented; Saab to expensive and not reliable. Lexus IS300 is rear-wheel and so not appropriate in the snow; ES300 wont handle -- too soft.
