Acura TL History
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With a price tag that's a bargain compared to some other German sport sedans—if all-out athleticism isn't your top priority—the front-wheel-drive TL models emphasize technology over more traditional luxury. These TL models are more comfort- and design-oriented, and are rivals to the likes of the Nissan Maxima, Lexus ES 350, and Lincoln MKZ. All-wheel-drive versions do tackle a tougher competitive set, including the BMW 5-Series, the Infiniti M sedans, and the Lexus ES and GS range of cars; unfortunately they've also landed in tougher pricing territory.
For all the latest information on the TL—including pictures, specs, and pricing, see our full review of the 2013 Acura TL.
The Ohio-built Acura TL has been on sale in the U.S. since 1996, when it replaced 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 model and 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.
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.
In the 2013 model year, the TL is 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.
