1996 Acura TL Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.69/5 Average
40 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Vigor replacement designed to do battle with new Infiniti I30 and the Lexus ES 300 in the near-luxury segment. Cleanly styled with room for four, the new TL comes with either a 2.5-liter, inline five-cylinder or a smooth 3.2-liter V6.

Pros:
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 40.00
  • 96 Acura problems - 1996 Acura TL
    By -

    200k mi(9-30-11) oil leak-filter neck gasket, then water pump alternater moter mounts($400ea) fuel pump And relay(stuck on freeway) oil leak on distributor gasket seats crack oil leaks valve cover(numerous)and on cam seal oil burns and smells(must fix) harmonic balancer wheel to alt bad,(must replace) front wheel bjoints radio(cd trouble) I fix one thing then next week or day here comes another, boy, glad Im blessed that I can fix my own vehicle! (I really ain"t finished)

  • Reliable! - 1996 Acura TL
    By -

    Hi there! I just wanted to share my personal experience in driving an Acura 2.5 TL 1996, in stating that it has been a reliable vehicle ever since I purchased it. Im still driving this vehicle, and it still runs well.

  • Outrates my past Cadillac - 1996 Acura TL
    By -

    I have had this acura for four years now and it out performed my previous STS Cadillac. The only repair which I have had to do in the last four years was to replace the muffler. Yes, I was quoted like $600 for a muffler but, what I did was buy one using the internet with a rebate costing me only $114 usd, and then had it installed at a local mechanic for $25 since it was just three bolts to deal with but it required a lift to replace it. Overall great car!!!! I take care of it so it will last, why deal with car payments for a new one... LOL

  • Excellent after 200000 - 1996 Acura TL
    By -

    I bought my acura in 2007 from a private party with about 160,000 miles on it. Since then its been extremely reliable, the only thing I have spent money on is brake calipers for rear left wheel. Other than that I have had no issues. My car has now 216000 miles on it and it still feels the same. I would highly recommend acura to anybody who wants to buy a used car.

  • BEST car ever owned - 1996 Acura TL
    By -

    I bought my 2.5TL used in 2000 with 26k miles on it. It now has 228k miles and it still going strong. My teen son drove it for 2 years, my teen daughter drove it for 1 year, now I am driving it again, and it takes me everywhere without problems. I commute 4 hours round trip (combo of highway and city) daily!

  • Now has 214k - 1996 Acura TL
    By -

    Back on 2/16/04 I wrote a review when the car had 154k. Well, it now has 214K! Its getting a bit tired now, uses a bit of oil, leaks a bit of oil, bunch more rattles and sqeaks. HOWEVER you cant go wrong with a first generation TL!! Best car I have ever owned. I am in the process of looking to buy for another 96-98 TL with say 100k miles. Ill be giving my TL to my oldest teenager. He loves the car.

  • Inspire is a great car for the money - 1996 Acura TL
    By -

    Got this car with 135k on it for $4k and had no real problems till just recently. Ball joint on psgr. side is squeaking, and steering rack leaks p/s fluid (leakstop stopped it tho). No really BIG issues though! Wish I found a 3.2 (drove my friends one, BIG difference!), but the 2.5 is ok. Acceleration is a bit sluggish, but it is over 3k lbs. Proper maintenance keeps this bad boy running smooth. Just replaced the console with the 3.2 premium wood console. Made a world of a difference in the cockpit!

  • Still Going Strong - 1996 Acura TL
    By -

    Bought my 2.5TL in 2001 with 27k miles. Now at 145k miles and car still is doing fantastic! Service it every 30-45k miles and this car should run for a while. I have no complaints with this car and hope to get a new TL someday. Hopefully not for another 100,000 miles!

  • A FAN - 1996 Acura TL
    By -

    Owned four Acura over the years - all were great. Bought this TL and have put over 150,000 miles on it. Its a classy looking car w/o being over the top. Its amazing that the car is over 10 years old and people think its a newer model. Acura created a design with some legs on it - it stays contemporary looking well beyond the norm. Only repairs in the last 10 years is a new starter(very expensive $600) and new rear calipers. Everything else has been normal wear and tear maintenance.

  • Great Car! - 1996 Acura TL
    By -

    Without a doubt, this has been the best car that I have ever owned. I now have 197,000 miles on the car. The only thing that I have replaced on this car outside of normal wear and tear items, is the radiator and fan unit. Thats it! This was my first Acura but you can bet it wont be my last.

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