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2007 Acura RL Performance Review

December 20, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

in road tests we've always been impressed with the Acura TL's performance
Edmunds

the Base and Type-S have strong acceleration, though they're best above 3500 rpm
ConsumerGuide

the TL explores the limit of what is possible with front-wheel drive and a torquey V-6
Kelley Blue Book

Performance results are mixed; reviewers appreciate the power on tap, but there isn't much love for the decision to hang on to front-wheel drive, especially at a time when Acura is giving the TL a sportier look and feel, nor is there much praise for the suspension and handling.

TheCarConnection.com finds reviewers of the 2007 Acura TL generally pleased with the engine and the acceleration it provides. ConsumerGuide sets out the specs: "Base versions have a 258-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine...Type-S models have a 286-hp 3.5-liter V6." The editors of ConsumerGuide have a bit more to say, pointing out "the Base and Type-S have strong acceleration, though they're best above 3500 rpm," and stating the base model would get to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds.

“The standard V-6 worked with either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, the latter has been dropped in the base model but is available in the TL Type-S," explains Cars.com. ConsumerGuide notes that the automatic transmission shifts "more aggressively in Type-S, and “downshifts in both suffer from a slight delay.”

Reports on handling are mixed. Edmunds pretty much sums it up: "In road tests we've always been impressed with the Acura TL's performance and handling abilities, but ultimately find that its front-wheel-drive setup can't compete with rear-drive models like the Infiniti G35, Lexus IS 350 or BMW 335i." Overall, the front-wheel-drive suspension of the 2007 Acura is a disappointment. Kelley Blue Book is the most chipper about the situation, noting that "while rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles can enjoy some performance advantages, the TL explores the limit of what is possible with front-wheel drive and a torquey V-6."

ConsumerGuide attests that the 2007 Acura TL is still fun to drive, and "the base model is agile and well-controlled, with nicely weighted steering." Reviewers goes on to note that Type-S shows better performance than the base model overall, with "even sharper steering response and less cornering lean—though some testers found the steering artificially heavy at low speeds."

Gas mileage is about as expected—or perhaps a bit better—for a mid-size, V-6 sedan. ConsumerGuide gets 23.0 mpg out of the base model, and Kelley Blue Book reports getting as high as 27 mpg on the highway.

Conclusion

Reviewers love the engine and overall power of the 2007 Acura TL, but don’t expect racetrack-ready handling.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:in road tests we've always been impressed with the Acura TL's performanceEdmundsthe Base and Type-S have strong acceleration, though they're best above 3500 rpmConsumerGuidethe TL explores the limit of what is possible with front-wheel drive and a torquey V-6Kelley Blue Book Performance results are mixed; reviewers appreciate the power on tap, but there isn't much love for the decision to hang on to front-wheel drive, especially at a time when Acura is giving the TL a sportier look and feel, nor is there much praise for the suspension and handling. TheCarConnection.com finds reviewers of the 2007 Acura TL generally pleased with the engine and the acceleration it provides. ConsumerGuide sets out the specs: "Base versions have a 258-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine...Type-S models have a 286-hp 3.5-liter V6." The editors of ConsumerGuide have a bit more to say, pointing out "the Base and Type-S have strong acceleration, though they're best above 3500 rpm," and stating the base model would get to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds. “The standard V-6 worked with either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, the latter has been dropped in the base model but is available in the TL Type-S," explains Cars.com. ConsumerGuide notes that the automatic transmission shifts "more aggressively in Type-S, and “downshifts in both suffer from a slight delay.” Reports on handling are mixed. Edmunds pretty much sums it up: "In road tests we've always been impressed with the Acura TL's performance and handling abilities, but ultimately find that its front-wheel-drive setup can't compete with rear-drive models like the Infiniti G35, Lexus IS 350 or BMW 335i." Overall, the front-wheel-drive suspension of the 2007 Acura is a disappointment. Kelley Blue Book is the most chipper about the situation, noting that "while rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles can enjoy some performance advantages, the TL explores the limit of what is possible with front-wheel drive and a torquey V-6." ConsumerGuide attests that the 2007 Acura TL is still fun to drive, and "the base model is agile and well-controlled, with nicely weighted steering." Reviewers goes on to note that Type-S shows better performance than the base model overall, with "even sharper steering response and less cornering lean—though some testers found the steering artificially heavy at low speeds." Gas mileage is about as expected—or perhaps a bit better—for a mid-size, V-6 sedan. ConsumerGuide gets 23.0 mpg out of the base model, and Kelley Blue Book reports getting as high as 27 mpg on the highway. ConclusionReviewers love the engine and overall power of the 2007 Acura TL, but don’t expect racetrack-ready handling. 2007 ACURA TL STYLING | [8 out of 10] Autoblog: "sportier seating, carbon fiber trim, and racy steel pedals" Cars.com: "the current TL sedan exhibits a wider, more aggressive stance" ConsumerGuide: "the TL's cabin is nicely finished" ForbesAutos: "a mid-product-cycle face-lift added a ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

For drivers who are moving up from an entry-level high-end sedan, the 2007 Acura RL is just one of many options. In general, the V-6 engine and all-wheel drive aren't exactly matched elsewhere; other manufacturers offer an available V-8 but don’t necessarily include all-wheel drive. Most rivals employ rear-wheel drive, although the RL stands as surprisingly sporty in feel in comparison. The RL does have a few practical advantages as well―namely, top reliability scores and resale values, making it a great choice for long-term ownership.

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See the Acura RL in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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