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 2071 through 2080 of 3,067.00-
Overall - Very Nice - 2004 Acura TL
By happy0506 - May 15 - 10:00 amIve had my TL for almost 6 months now and overall it has been very good. Its got plenty of power and is very smooth in acceleration. The interior is very well laid out and has almost every feature you could ever want. The interior dash lights up like a cockpit and the navigation system is awesome. I cant believe more cars dont have a navigation system. The screen is very big and the touch screen controls are very convenient.
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love it - 2004 Acura TL
By gooo - May 15 - 10:00 ami love this car
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Reliability/customer care could improve - 2004 Acura TL
By beh_rooz - May 15 - 10:00 amPerformance, tasteful interior, and slick exterior designs are the best features of this car. I chose the Acura TL over its German competitors because of reliability. However, I was let down when after two weeks the sound system started developing a severe static noise such that listening to anything in the car was unberable. I was further let down when the problem was not fixed after the car had been left with the dealer twice for several days. Going for the third time to see if they can figure the problem out. Not an enjoyable experience! So much for reliability and customer care :(
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I miss my BMW - 2004 Acura TL
By angelika - May 15 - 10:00 amThis is a great car for a great price. Unfortunately, after driving only BMWs for the last 10 years, I miss my old car ! The ride is nowwhere as sooth and luxuries feeling than my old BMWs. It also needs a better armrest. My biggest complaint is the steering wheel columm. I am only 57, yet my knee always bumps on the steering wheel even though I have it on the highest setting. But, overall this is a great car for the price !
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The best car Ive ever driven!!! - 2005 Acura TL
By Chris M - May 14 - 5:56 pmIve got to tell you that cars typically do not excite me, Ive had dozens of new company cars all my life... but this one is different. The TL makes me want to drive, it begs to be thrown into turns, it pleads for you to pass slower traffic, it demands you go buy 70s Rock DVD-Audio discs and play them very loud. And yet it does all this while maintaining the image a 47-year old like me needs to portray. If I had to sum up the driving experience in 3 words it would be exhilarating, confident and fun. Go buy this car... you wont be disappointed.
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Recent TL W/NAV & ProPackage purchase - 2006 Acura TL
By shalebrook - May 12 - 9:53 pmBought my TL last week and have put 300 miles on it. Also considered the Lincoln Zephyr (dropped it-the hp and performance was below par for this class and it will be replaced this Oct.by a car with more HP and all wheel drive option-too late for me!)the Avalon-too big and boxy for me and it has major reliability issues, the Cadillac CTS-rear wheel drive only turned me off, and the BMW 325xi. Like all wheel drive, but it was much smaller and lacked the acceleration of the TL, plus it lacked the NAV, sound system and other features of the TL at a lower price. I am 67" tall and weigh close to 240 pounds, so interior room was important to me. Space up front is ample.
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A Fine Automobile - 2005 Acura TL
By A Roberts - May 12 - 5:16 amThe car is a head turner. Excellent styling, quality and performance. Just fun to drive. I got the blue/q best looking of all color combos except black/black.
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TL-S white- good value at $30K - 2003 Acura TL
By edmondso - May 12 - 2:00 amHaving lookes at Passat, Accord, Camry, and the TL, I went for the TL-S. I liked the TL, but it was short on headroom, so I went for the type S (the seat design is different, giving more headroom). The handling is very good, you can actually feel the road. Design is actually cool, according to my teenager. Have yet to use more than a fraction of the power, that could be interesting.
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ACURA TL ARE JUST O.K. - 1999 Acura TL
By ANT612 - May 7 - 2:00 amIVE HAD MY 99 ACURA TL FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS NOW AND HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE IGNITION THE TRANNY AND THE CAT. CONVERTOR AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND IVE ONLY PUT ON ABOUT 12,000 MILES..ITS A BEAUTIFUL CAR DONT GET ME WRONG BUT THE RELIABILITY IS QUESTIONABLE !
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Gas Guzzler - 2000 Acura TL
By Heide - May 7 - 2:00 amI love my tl.The only thing is I feel like Im gasing up every other day. Other than that I love the handling, comfort, and style.
