Acura TL
| Acura TL | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Production | 1996-present |
| Assembly | Marysville, Ohio |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size luxury car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Acura Vigor |
The Acura TL is an entry-level luxury car from Honda's Acura brand. It was introduced in 1996 to supplant the Acura Vigor and was a rebadged Japan-market Honda Inspire sedan until the third-generation version. The TL is Acura's best-selling model, and it's the second best-selling luxury sedan in the United States behind the BMW 3-Series.[1] Acura achieved such success in this segment that it created a smaller "entry-level" car - the Acura TSX.
The TL's competitors include the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Buick Lucerne, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type, Nissan Altima, Volvo S60, Lexus ES, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
1996 (1G TL)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Honda Inspire |
| Production | 1996–1998 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Related | Acura CL Honda Accord Honda Odyssey Isuzu Aska Isuzu Oasis |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.5L 176 hp I5 3.2L 200 hp V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in |
| Length | 191.5 in |
| Width | 70.3 in |
| Height | 55.3 in |
The TL debuted as 1996 model, first with the 1996 2.5 TL available with the 2.5 L 176 hp (131 kW) SOHC 20-valve 5-cylinder engine from the Vigor. The 3.2 TL used the 3.2 L 200 hp (149 kW) SOHC 24v V6 from the second-generation Acura Legend. The 2.5 TL was positioned as the sporty model and the 3.2 focused more upon a luxurious ride. The very first 1996 Acura TL rolled off the assembly line on March 28, 1995.
Although it was designed to replace the Vigor, it also technically replaced the Acura Legend coupe. The 3.5 RL (Honda Legend in Japan) that debuted alongside the TL was a large car designed for a soft ride, in marked contrast to the previous two generations of Legends which were sport sedans with taut proportions.
The second-generation 3.2TL (the 2.5 was dropped) was built in Marysville, Ohio, alongside the Honda Accord, at Marysville Auto Plant. These cars were imported into Japan and sold as Honda Inspire in the Honda Clio dealer network, and as Honda Saber in the Honda Primo and Verno dealer networks. The only difference between the two cars were the front grille; the Inspire and Saber were also available with a 2.5 L Honda J-series VTEC V6 engine exclusive to the Japanese market.
1999 (2G TL)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| 2002 Acura TL Type S | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Honda Inspire |
| Production | 1999–2003 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Related | Acura CL Honda Accord |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.2L 225 hp V6 3.2L 260 hp V6 (Type-S Models) |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic (2000 and later) 6-speed manual (3.2 CL Type-S model only) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108.1 in |
| Length | 192.9 in |
| Width | 70.3 in |
| Height | 55.7 in |
| Curb weight | 3447 Lbs |
In 1998, Honda revealed the TL-X concept car, showing a preview of the second-generation TL which would debut a year later. The second-generation TL (now called 3.2 TL) was released in 1999 and was now derived off the USDM Honda Accord platform. It was available with a newly-designed 3.2 L 225 hp (168 kW) SOHC VTEC J32 V6 mated to a four-speed electronic automatic transmission with SportShift.
The very first 1999 Acura TL (2. generation) rolled off the assembly line on August 4, 1998. The only option on the sedan was a hard drive-based navigation system.
2000
In the second year of production, the Acura TL was given slightly more features, including a five-speed automatic transmission, with SportShift. The added gear allowed for slightly better fuel economy and acceleration when compared to the previous 4-speed automatic transmission with SportShift. The 5-speed automatic transmission often failed; a major problem was wearing of the third clutch pack, which gave off particles which would block oil passages so that oil could not flow where it was supposed go to shift and hold the transmission in gear. The transmission would slip, fail to shift, or suddenly downshift and make the car come to a screeching halt from expressway speeds. This problem was highlighted in the Los Angeles Times in September 2002. Consumer Reports took note and awarded the TL and CL the black spot, the worst rating for transmission reliability. In response to the recurring problem, the manufacturer extended the warranty covering the transmission to 100,000 miles or 7 years. Other notable changes include the addition of side impact airbags for the front passengers and a change of format for the navigation system. The 2000 TL switched the hard drive for a DVD-based navigation system. Now the entire continental United States was accessible with the navigation system; one could theoretically drive from one coast to the other with the new navigation system. The 1999 TL's navigation system stored the maps in zones; there were 5 different zones for the U.S.
2002
In 2002, the TL got a minor makeover, with a refreshed front fascia, redesigned taillights, an in-dash CD changer as well as a few other features. A Type-S model was also added, adding 35 hp (26 kW) as well as 17 in wheels, firmer seats and suspension.
For the 2001 model year, a redesigned coupe version of the TL was introduced, the 3.2CL. While it was mechanically identical to the TL, its sales never came close to that of its sibling model, and as a result, it was discontinued in May 2003. The automatic transmission in these cars was NOT recalled en masse by Honda due to mass failure; instead they posted a technical service bulletin and offered an extended 7 year/100,000 mile warranty for affected vehicles.
2004 (3G TL)
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2004–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Related | Honda Accord |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.2L 258 hp V6 3.5L 286 hp V6 (Type-S only) |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 107.9 in |
| Length | 189.3 in |
| Width | 72.2 in |
| Height | 56.7 in |
The first third generation Acura TL rolled off the assembly line on September 30, 2003. On October 6, 2003, the third generation Acura TL (the 3.2 moniker was dropped) was released for sale in North America. Developed mainly in the United States by a team led by Erik Berkman with bodywork penned by American Honda designer Jon Ikeda, the new TL is built in Marysville, Ohio, and is derived from the latest USDM Honda Accord. It is powered by a 270 hp (201 kW; later revised to 258 hp, based on the new SAE measurement standard for horsepower and 233 lb/ft of torque), 3.2 L 24 valve SOHC VTEC V6 engine mated to either a 5-speed automatic with SportShift or 6-speed manual.
As of March 2004, Honda offers to the public a factory-sanctioned "tuner package" version of the TL: the TL A-SPEC. This version features a suspension tuned by Makoto Tamamura, an indication of the TL A-SPEC's aggressive engineering. In addition, an underbody kit, spoiler, limited edition A-SPEC steering wheel, "A-SPEC" badge on the back, and 18 in wheels are standard issue on the A-SPEC package. When installed at purchase, the car's 4 year/50,000 mile warranty applies to the package as well.
The third generation TL is also the first car in the American market to include a 6 disc DVD-Audio system, output through an 8-speaker system, engineered by Panasonic and tuned by Elliot Scheiner. The system also plays back normal audio CDs as well as DTS audio discs, CD-Audio, CD-Rs and CD-RWs. The car is also equipped with a Bluetooth HandsFree Link (HFL) system, integrated with the audio system, to allow for hands-free usage of one's cell phone (provided the phone also supports Bluetooth and is compatible with the HFL's hands-free profile). The driver can simply voice-dial the number and carry the entire conversation over the car's built-in audio system; when receiving a phone call a display will show caller ID if it is supported by the phone. The driver also has the capability to transfer current calls between the car and his phone when exiting or entering the TL. There is also a phone book which can store personal phone numbers within the car's memory. With the built-in XM Radio tuner, owners can elect to pay a monthly subscription after the complimentary 3 months subscription expires from Acura for XM radio, which provides over 100 digital channels via satellite.
Sporting an Alpine-designed navigation system, the third generation TL also accepts voice commands like "Find nearest police station" to "Go home." The navigation system features an 8 in touch-screen LCD, which allows for easy viewing of the road ahead.
The JDM Honda Inspire debuted around 4 and a half months earlier (on June 11, 2003) and marked the branching out of the TL line from the Inspire. The Inspire is basically a seventh generation USDM Honda Accord V6 with minor trim changes, and the addition of Variable Cylinder Displacement, which shuts off half of the engine when not needed to boost fuel economy. The Saber was discontinued and the new Inspire is being sold at Clio, Primo, and Verno dealerships.
Honda is currently silent on the prospects of exporting the newest Acura TL to Japan, but sources point it out as highly likely, either being badged as the Honda Vigor (most likely) or Honda Saber. It is rumored that the TL might also make it to Europe, as the first and second generation Legends were popular there.
The TL became Acura's best selling luxury sedan in 2004 with more than 79,000 sold that year.
The debut of the Acura TSX took over from the TL as Acura's entry-level sedan for the United States; the TL is known for more as a luxury car, while the TSX is known for more of a balance between sport and luxury.
2005
The 2005 TL received a passenger airbag cutoff switch and extra stitching on the front seats. There were several minor changes made (such as changes in seat belt anchor mounts) which are not published. With a very competitive MSRP range, the TL is often seen as "Unbelievable Value For the Money" among car critics.
2006
The 2006 TL received TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), a new computer (for manual transmission models only), and an active system to control torque steer. The new horserpower rating of 258 hp is due to a change in testing procedures, despite the engine remaining the same since 2004.
2007
TL is due for a refresh before a 2009 redesign. TLs sold in Canada and the United States are confirmed to have XM Satellite Radio starting in 2007. The 2007 Acura TL features a slightly revised exterior as well as a revised interior with a new steering wheel and new gauges, plus new colors like Carbon Gray Pearl and Carbon Bronze Pearl (for the TL). The 2007 TL (non Type-S) received suspension changes to improve ride comfort. Also new for the 2007 model year were LED signal blinkers on the side mirrors and fog lights on the bumper. TL with navigation models sport a new rearview camera with image displayed on the navigation screen as well as XM NavTraffic. In addition to the new standard auxiliary audio jack, the sound system is now MP3/WMA compatible. The manual transmission option has been dropped from the base TL.
The most notable revision is the return of the Type-S edition of the TL. The Acura TL Type-S will receive the Acura RL's 3.5-liter V6 engine tuned for 286 horsepower and 256 lb.-ft. of torque with either a 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters or a 6-speed manual transmission. Exterior differences include quad exaust pipes, restyled tailights and front fascia, lip spoiler, LED lights, Brembo brakes, dark silver 10-spoke wheels, and exclusive Type-S badging, plus an exclusive new color option, Kinetic Blue Pearl. The interior has unique Type-S trim on the headrests and steering wheel, racing pedals, carbon fiber trim, and red interior lighting (as opposed to blue in the base TL). Navigation is standard and the suspension has been re-tuned.
It has been rumored that the 2009 TL redesign will receive SH-AWD.
Awards
- The 2006 Acura TL won ConsumerSearch's best Sports sedan with luxury touches in Best Luxury Cars in September 2006.[2]
- The 2006 Acura TL won ConsumerSearch's Best blend of sport and luxury in Best Sports Sedans in June 2006.[3]
References
- "2004 Acura TL A-SPEC: No assembly required to enjoy this factory-spec tuner package", an article by John Kiewicz on page 136 of the March 2004 issue of Motor Trend
- "Honda's Unexpected Gear Shift", an article by John O'Dell in the September 11, 2002 edition of the Los Angeles Times
External links
- Acura USA
- Acura TL - Official US Site
- DJ Dream Cars - Acura TL Specifications & Information
- Acura TL Type-S Resource Site - Acura TL Type-S Resource Site
- 2006 Acura TL - 2006 Acura TL at All Car Garage
- AcuraWorld - Largest online community discussion of the Acura TL
- Acura TL spare parts
- AcuraZine - Acura Owner and Enthusiast Community