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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  Have Fun, be Responsible! - 2006 Acura TL
  By PT - October 11 - 11:21 pm

  Interior: superb electronics and AC (a must in AZ), very stylish seats are short, lack thigh support. Exterior: good curb appeal. Large turning radius front bumper scrapes every driveway. Visibility is more sporty than sedan like. 0-25 is good, 25-80 is smooth and superb. Handles brilliantly, feels safe. Feel the road - rides best with (costly) Michelins - everything else detracts from sporty feel. This is a firm, not cushy ride. Quieter than an Accord, but more road noise than a Mercedes or Camry. Everyone likes driving this car. Smallish trunk, rear seats do not fold down, so, not good for moving stuff. If you can afford it, I doubt you can find a better car.

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  Love This Car - 2004 Acura TL
  By artflyman - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Most fun I have had with a car in years. Sound system is better than anything I have heard in a car or in a house. navigation system, with voice activation, is fun and very helpful. Love the fact that there are so few options, because just about everything you want is already on the car. Exterior design gets many comments and looks.

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  8 years of reliability and comfort - 2008 Acura TL
  By Jim Blair - October 10 - 6:11 pm

  Have really enjoyed my TL. nothing except routine maintenance and a timing belt which I replaced based on the manuals recommendation. Only issue is the bluetooth link went out and havent wanted to spend the 350 to replace it. I highly recommend the car.

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  GREAT CAR!! - 2003 Acura TL
  By REE - October 10 - 4:32 pm

  I owned at 1993 Acura Vigor GS with 260k miles and had it for 13 yrs before I decided to get a new one. I kept it for awhile after purchasing this TL 3.2S type w/navi sys. I am very happy with this car and have no regrets. The only cons I have is the middle front armrest is not secure and keeps opening up. I use unleaded plus and have never had a problem in either car by doing this.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Acura TL
  By johnwilliams - October 7 - 1:54 pm

  I bought my TL-S with 60K miles on it 2 years ago and love everything about it. Great power, really good handling, exterior style is head turning, very comfortable ride, decent gas mileage (if you can keep your foot of the fantastic accelerator), and while the interior style is simple all you have to do is put a little leather conditioner on the seats and it stays perfect. My seat heater (driver side) and light for the clock did break as did the radio control on the steering wheel but this is minor stuff. If maintained this thing will run for 250K miles + no question.

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  I love this car! - 1998 Acura TL
  By Acura32tl - October 7 - 9:26 am

  I have been the proud owner of my 3.2 TL for nearly 10 years now and its been amazing. Wonderful, well rounded vehicle thats attractive and engineered like a dream. My TL has 162000 miles and has seen less than $2000 in non maintenance repairs to date! Thats pretty remarkable in my opinion. The service has been solid, but I must admit that I perform most maintenance personally (mobil 1 only). As much as I love this car, I will probably go to Lexus next as Acura styling has degraded over the years.

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  Terrible transmission - 1999 Acura TL
  By Sam - October 6 - 9:30 am

  Wheel bearings have been replaced 3 times, worst is transmission was replaced at 7K, 50K and 100K miles. Reliability of this vehicle is very poor. Honda should be ashamed of this car.

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  Great car, but... - 2003 Acura TL
  By Dino - October 5 - 7:29 pm

  Overall this has been a fantastic car, enough so that I will probably buy another when this has come to term (currently 120k). Great performance, and other than a warranty covered transmission problem at 45k, this car has had no work done at all other than routine maintenance. However there are several design flaws that have bugged me ever since purchasing it: no auto headlights, the wipers are under the hood (cant raise them to wash the windshield), the top console compartment spills change out the back end when lifted up, the navi maps lack a ton of US city streets, especially in smaller <250,000 pop cities, and more.

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  It wont let me by a new car! - 2000 Acura TL
  By playday rider - October 5 - 7:03 pm

  8 years ago it was time to get serious and buy a car I was going to keep for the next 8 years. Of course, we all say that, but how many of us keep a car that long. This car is the exception, not the rule. I love this car, always have. It drives as smooth and as quiet, and as much power and is as comfortable as when it was new, perhaps even more so. Well designed, perfect size and weight, plenty of power. I didnt get the nav system, but I hear the older ones arent really that great anyway and they were overpriced. So today, it probably would be worthless. Ill probably keep this car another 8 years or until I get tired of it. Only drawback is it calls for premium - but runs good on plus.

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  1st Acura - 2005 Acura TL
  By Dr. Sprocket - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Nice performance and auto transmission. Could use a slightly higher spring and shock rate, though it handles well for a more lux. oriented car. The TL can be slightly floaty feeling at higher speeds.