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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  Best car Ive owned - 1996 Acura TL
  By CarNut - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is extremely reliable, very comfortable, nice engine sound, great looks.

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  2000 Acura TL - 2000 Acura TL
  By Jiml - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a huge disappointment. At 1,000 miles my dealer replaced the radiator and at 35,000 miles the entire oil pump and seal assembly was replaced. I dont know if my dealer is trying to rip off Acura or if the vehicles reliability is really that bad.

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  Best Car ever owned - 2005 Acura TL
  By Mark - November 6 - 10:43 am

  This car is by far the best car I have ever owned. I love the Navigation and the cellphone bluetooth wireless feature. The car drives beautifully. When your foot hits the gas the response is excellent. I recommend this car to anyone who is looking for an upscale sedan that can beat the new BMW 3 series,any Infiniti, or a Lexus.

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  be aware - 2000 Acura TL
  By johno - November 5 - 2:00 am

  my 3.2TL is 2 yrs, 9 mo. old with 63,000 miles - out of warranty... my transmission was fried... acura chaged me $800 and supplied a tranny free... have heard it said that acuras are having tranny problems - I know mine did... also, have a piece of paint flake off the front of the roof... finally, while under warranty I complained about the CD player not playing CDs I burned at home they said it must be the PCs fault... after the warraty ran out, it stopped playing at all - I had to get it repaired on my own - they said the laser was malfunctioning...

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  Poor quality control - 2004 Acura TL
  By fmahler2 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  When braking the car still down shifts hard. The poor quality control refers to the interior. We have owned many cars and this one had more rattles and noises coming from the headliner, and the center column, than all the cars we have ever owned. When taken in for service to try and fix the problem, we were always told they couldnt hear for find any problem. Needless to say we only kept the car for 5 months.

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  im a big fan! - 2004 Acura TL
  By goodkarma - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Went looking for a FWD car with a blend of luxury and sport and found it in the TL. Closest comparison for me was the G35x, but the interior (and features) of the TL was far superior and cost about $3k less. All the standard features (sunroof, leather, high end sound system, heated seats, hands free voice activated dialing, etc.) make buying this car a breeze.

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  I love this car - 2004 Acura TL
  By gtb - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive never had a car I loved, until now. The car for the price is the best deal you can get. (over LS 330 or BMW) I priced out an Audi A4 and to get the same options, youd have to pay over $5k more. No question, the nicest car Ive ever driven and that includes, the 745i, and a Mercedes 300 coupe. The front wheel drive hurts it against the competition, but living in the northest, I wont doing a lot of autobahn driving.

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  Plain Old TL? - 2005 Acura TL
  By Goldfinger - November 4 - 4:40 pm

  Absolutely Not.. This cars got enough fun power to make you feel 18 again. And you do... if you use the manual shift. Only improvement needed: Stiffer shock absorbers to handle high speeds.

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  2009 Acura TL - 2009 Acura TL
  By ms - November 3 - 6:23 pm

  I am a fan of Acura cars, having owned a 2003 Acura TL, 2004 TL and 2008 TSX. Overall I found the 2009 TL to be an improvement over the 2004 TL, but there are some little things that I dislike: The soft armrest for your right elbow that slides forward that was present in preceding models is now gone. I miss this.The trunk lid is now higher so you have to lift things higher to put them in the trunk. When accelerating, the engine revs more than the older TLs. What I dislike most is that the steering is too light and feels unnatural. Pros: The interior feels luxurious and upscale. The navi is quicker and the screen sharper and brighter.

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  2001 Acurat TL is a 10!!! - 2001 Acura TL
  By kcchef - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Its the best ride ever!!! Its amazing and FUN TO DRIVE!!! YEs, its a big car, too, with plenty of room for five and gear. The styling is luxurious and I get LOTS of compliments. Simply the best ride on the road for under $30,000.