What I liked about the Acura TL:
- Good to drive
- Great-sounding stereo
- It's one of the few Japanese luxury sedans built in the United States
What I didn't like:
- Awkward styling
- Overly-complicated controls
- Small trunk
Who should buy the Acura TL:
Satisfied former Honda owners who don't mind doing without the advanced technological features that competing cars offer for the same price
Who should not buy the Acura TL:
Everyone else
Details and specs:
- Body style: 4-door sedan
- Seating capacity: 5
- Trim levels: Base, SH-AWD
- Price range (including options): $35,715 - $43,995
- Test vehicle/price as tested: 2009 Acura TL Base with Technology Package, $39,445
- Base engine: 3.5 liter V6, 280 hp @ 6200 RPM, 254 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM
- Optional engine: 3.7 liter V6, 305 hp @ 6200 RPM, 273 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM
- Premium fuel required? Yes
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic
- Driveline: Front engine, front- or all-wheel-drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 18 MPG city/26 MPG highway (front-wheel-drive), 17/25 (all-wheel-drive)
- Powertrain tested/observed fuel economy: 3.5 V6, 23.9 MPG
- Where built: United States
- Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted side (torso) airbags, two-row side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control
- Optional safety equipment: None
- Major standard features: Power windows, mirrors, locks and front seats, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control,, leather upholstery, alloy wheels, cruise control, 6-disc CD changer, iPod adapter
- Major options: Technology Package (navigation, backup camera, premium stereo with single DVD/CD player, XM and 12.7 GB hard drive, Bluetooth phone connectivity, GPS-linked adaptive climate control, proximity key with push-button ignition, trunk spoiler), performance tires (SH-AWD only)
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 6 years/70,000 miles powertrain, 5 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
- Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 4 years/50,000 miles roadside assistance
Best rivals:
The vehicle for this test drive was provided by Acura.
