Acura’s TL executive sedan was introduced in 2005 by Acura as a replacement for the Acura Vigor. The TL is a very important car to the company’s history as it ended up being their best-selling model for a while, eventually being overtaken by the MDX. It also ranked as the second best-selling luxury sedan in the USA the year it was introduced. It’s easy to see why that happened. Acura has become famous for its entry-level luxury selections and the TL is no different. While a lot of other companies will give you the bare minimum for this price, the TL is so much more than that. With a suspension system that provides the perfect amount of comfort and convenience for its class and excellent handling, it’s no surprise the TL achieved what it did. But all of that is what’s on the surface. Let us take a deeper look at the TL and how it managed to become such an iconic milestone in Acura’s history.
Exterior & Interior
The exterior of the TL is the perfect mix of style and substance. Any sedan lover will immediately notice the TL’s understated, but upscale qualities. Qualities like solid construction, better than expected aerodynamic flow, and sleek design. The TL’s wedge-like shape makes it stand out as soon as you lay your eyes on it, but it does so without taking too much space. This is surprising considering the actual car is roomy with plenty of leg and headroom for both the passengers and the driver. The interior is well-crafted and will please any comfort-minded person without a problem. Leather seating with great back support will keep their ride as enjoyable as possible and the sunroof comes as a neat bonus.
Technology
Space is not the only thing the interior has going on for it. The TL is filled with gadgets like voice-activated navigation with real-time traffic information and a rearview camera. The 8-speaker surround sound system is really good even on the base model and will provide crisp quality audio, regardless if you are listening to music or a podcast. This paired with the way above average sound insulation makes for a great package. Of course, it also packs all of the standard connectivity features like Bluetooth and even a dedicated iPod interface. The seats are heated and the driver’s seat is 10-way adjustable. What’s amazing about most of these features is that they came with even the base model, which is something that a lot of the competition wouldn’t do. Then again Acura is renowned for the value they bring to the table in exchange for relatively less cash.
Performance
There are plenty of front-wheel-drive, entry-level sedans out there, but few of them can feel really sporty. The TL is an enormous exception to this, especially the Type-S model. It’s capable of keeping up and even surpassing some of the competition. The base model is pushed forward by a 3.2L V6 engine that can produce 258 horsepower. In terms of transmission, our choice lands between a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic. Both are very sleek, feel great and as a bonus, the automatic comes with paddle shifters. Regardless of choice, owners can expect to hit 0-60 in the general 5-second range. The suspension and handling are both great as well. Driving is comfortable in most general situations and the TL is quite easy to steer. The fuel economy is decent, but nothing to brag about. This can be easily forgiven as the TL packs so much value that this is far from a deal-breaker.
In Short
The Acura TL is an incredible value for its price. It’s really hard to find a better, more economical choice than what Acura usually puts forward. This car is perfect for those looking to dive into a more luxurious and fine-crafted experience, but without having to spend an enormous sum of money.