Acura TL History
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As a mid-size, front-wheel drive luxury sedan that emphasizes tech features, the Acura TL takes on a wide range of models, including the-BMW 5-Series, the Infiniti M sedans, and the Lexus ES 350 and GS range of cars. Base front-wheel-drive TL models, however, are more comfort- and design-oriented and are rivals to the likes of the Nissan Maxima or Lexus ES 350.
The Ohio-built Acura TL has been on sale in the U.S. since 1996, when it replaces the Acura Vigor. Since then, it's grown and has become a technology leader and Acura’s best-selling vehicle. Early models were powered by small yet powerful four- and five-cylinders or compact V-6s. The four-cylinder models were discontinued after the first generation, and the five-cylinder unit was dropped after the second generation ended in 2003.
Four generations of the car have been built, with the first run lasting just two years. The second-gen car offered a choice of 2.5- or 3.2-liter engines, automatic transmissions only, and a Type S variant that boosted horsepower of the 3.2-liter V-6 to 260 horsepower. The third generation car is perhaps the most beloved, its attractive lines still turning heads today. The Acura TL grew slightly in size, but its engines dropped the 2.5-liter option, adding a 286-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 above the now-standard 258-horsepower 3.2-liter engine. The fourth generation of the TL started in 2008 as a 2009 year-model as a completely fresh design. Its controversial styling have won it fans and foes alike--and its seemingly robot-inspired front end has been toned down a bit since (most recently, again for 2012)--but its competence on the road, particularly in SH-AWD form, which features a 3.7-liter, 305-horsepower engine and all-wheel drive, has proven the new TL is a solid package.
As of 2012, the TL remains offered in base and SH-AWD models, with the base car powered by a 280-horsepower V-6 engine driving the front wheels. Key features of the current Acura TL include Acura’s standard navigation system, automatic climate control, a five-speed sequential SportShift automatic transmission (six-speed manual available on the SH-AWD) and more high-tech communications, audio and safety gadgetry than you can shake a stick at. Optional upgrades include a rear-view backup camera, GPS-linked temperature control, a hard-drive-based navigation system with live-traffic features, excellent premium audio, and a voice-recognition system.
For the current TL, the only major disappointment is trunk space--a measly 13.2 cubic feet. And shoppers should also be aware of the greater road noise in all-wheel drive cars and those with the larger 19-inch wheels. Recent years have brought a top Advance Package that includes ventilated front seats and a blind-spot system.
