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Acura TL Review: Difference between revisions

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==High Points==
==High Points==
*Fantastic performance
*Good performance
*Powerful and responsive engine
*Powerful and responsive engine
*Voice activated [[Navigation System|navigation system]] (with [[Bluetooth]]) is easy to use and understand  
*Voice activated [[Navigation System|navigation system]] (with [[Bluetooth]]) is easy to use and understand


==Low Points==
==Low Points==
Line 19: Line 19:


==Performance and Handling==
==Performance and Handling==
[[image:solara_engine.jpg|thumb|200px|'''[[Toyota]]'s VVT-i engine''']]
[[image:tl_engine.jpg|thumb|200px|'''2007 [[Acura]] TL type-S engine''']]
[[image:tl_gauges.jpg|thumb|200px|'''2007 [[Acura]] TL type-S gauges''']]
The [[V6]] engine delivers its abundant power smoothly, pulling strongly all the way to its 6800-[[rpm]] [[redline]] to the accompaniment of a deliciously tuned exhaust note. Even with [[traction control]] active, the front [[tires]] can be made to chirp while accelerating out of corners, or when mashing the gas pedal from a full stop. One of the few dynamic complaints we had with the TL [[torque]] steer, has been addressed in the 2006 model. Revised engine management system and steering angle sensors combine to help reduce this phenomenon, common among powerful [[Front wheel drive|front-wheel-drive]] cars.  
The [[V6]] engine delivers its abundant power smoothly, pulling strongly all the way to its 6800-[[rpm]] [[redline]] to the accompaniment of a deliciously tuned exhaust note. Even with [[traction control]] active, the front [[tires]] can be made to chirp while accelerating out of corners, or when mashing the gas pedal from a full stop. One of the few dynamic complaints we had with the TL [[torque]] steer, has been addressed in the 2006 model. Revised engine management system and steering angle sensors combine to help reduce this phenomenon, common among powerful [[Front wheel drive|front-wheel-drive]] cars.  


Line 33: Line 34:


On a track, the SportShift and the all-season tires prove to be a good match. Only carelessness or inattention could get somebody in trouble with this package. The six-speed manual works well, too. Its six, close-ratio gears allow the engine to work in its powerband's sweet spot. And the limited-slip front differential properly apportions the power between the front tires while negotiating fast, sweeping curves and tight, power-sapping, left-right-left esses.  
On a track, the SportShift and the all-season tires prove to be a good match. Only carelessness or inattention could get somebody in trouble with this package. The six-speed manual works well, too. Its six, close-ratio gears allow the engine to work in its powerband's sweet spot. And the limited-slip front differential properly apportions the power between the front tires while negotiating fast, sweeping curves and tight, power-sapping, left-right-left esses.  
The brakes never evidence the slightest fade, despite the ever-present bouquet from super-heated pads at the end of an on-track session. But the [[suspension]] is lacking a bit in quick turn transitions on a track. The experience is no where near egregious or over-the-top, just enough to invite a little earlier brake application and a gentle feathering of the throttle the next time around. In the race to catch BMW, Acura is close, but no cigar. Not yet. Perhaps it's the difference between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.  
The brakes never evidence the slightest fade, despite the ever-present bouquet from super-heated pads at the end of an on-track session. But the [[suspension]] is lacking a bit in quick turn transitions on a track. The experience is no where near egregious or over-the-top, just enough to invite a little earlier brake application and a gentle feathering of the throttle the next time around. In the race to catch BMW, Acura is close, but no cigar. Not yet. Perhaps it's the difference between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.


==Gas Mileage==
==Gas Mileage==
As seen on [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_mpg?cat=passenger_cars&segment=midsize_cars&rank=mpg&year=0 Autos.com], in the mid-size car MPG rankings, the 2007 [[Toyota Camry Solara]] is in 5th place with 24/33 MPG.
As seen on [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_reviews?cat=luxury_cars&segment=near-luxury_cars&rank=mpg&year=2006 Autos.com], in the near-luxury car MPG rankings, the 2006 [[Acura TL]] is in 13th place with 20/29 MPG.


==Safety==
==Safety==
The Toyota Camry Solara comes standard with the following features:
[[image:tl_safety.jpg|thumb|425px|'''2007 [[Acura]] TL chassis and airbags''']]
The Acura TL comes standard with the following features:


*Driver and front passenger Advance [[Airbag]] Systems
*[[ABS|Anti-lock Braking System]] (ABS)
*Front seat-mounted side airbags
*Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
*Rear-seat Child Restraint System (CRS) lower anchors and top tether brackets (LATCH)
*[[Brake Assist]]
*Direct [[Tire]] Pressure Monitor System
*Vehicle Stability Assist
*Engine immobilizer
*[[Traction Control]] System
*[[ABS|Anti-lock breaking system (ABS)]]
*Tire Pressure Monitoring System
*Front and rear side curtain airbags (Excluding the convertible models)
*Rearview camera
*HID headlights
*Front and rear [[crumple zones]]
*Side-impact beams
*Energy-absorbing impact pads in frame
*Front [[airbag|air bags]]
*Front side air bags
*Side curtain airbags
*Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
*Anti-Pinch feature on all windows and moonroof
*[[Remote Keyless Entry|Remote keyless entry]]


==Reliability and Maintenance==
==Reliability and Maintenance==
Because the Camry Solara is based off of the Camry [[sedan]] platform, it also carries on the same long reputation of reliability to its owners.  Above and beyond regular scheduled maintenance, the Camry Solara needs little more to keep it running trouble free for many years.
The [[Acura]] TL offers great reliability for a mid-sized luxury sedan.  ''Autosite.com'' gave the TL a rating of '''93 out of 100''' for durability and '''92 out of 100''' for mechanical quality.


==Interior and Comforts==
==Interior and Comforts==
The Solara adds a dash of panache over the Camry [[sedan]]’s interior with a sweeping console that invokes the intimate atmosphere of a sporty coupe. The seats are relatively flat, which makes sliding in and out easy, but a little more side support would be nice. The cloth is of good quality, though it's a bit bland. But the faux wood in the Solara convertible looks a bit like plastic and some of the silver reflective material on the lower center stack might be too reflective for some tastes.
The [[Acura TL]] features a comfortable cabin. Even the back seats are roomy and comfortable. Its interior space and dimensions are close enough to those of the [[BMW 5 Series]] and the [[Volvo S60]], the two cars Acura expects most buyers to cross-shop.  


In sharp contrast to the sedan's flat dash, the Solara's shapely instrument panel suggests separate nacelles for driver and passenger, giving it more of a cockpit feel. Instrumentation is divided into three pods, with a five-function trip computer sharing the left pod with the [[Tachometer|tachometer]]. A futuristic, multi-function display dominates the bulging center stack. The separate HVAC (heater) controls are easy to operate. On [[V6]] models, a gated [[shifter]] for the [[automatic transmission]] allows manual gear selection.
Interior quality is up to Acura standards. Fit and finish is above average. A nice touch is the grained, matte-finish section on the top of the dash over the instrument cluster that reduces reflective glare off the inside of the windshield on bright, sunny days. A seamless dash masks the presence of the passenger-side front [[airbag]], making for a more elegant and stylish look.  
The rear seats are surprisingly roomy, though less so than in the Camry sedan. Compared to the [[Honda Accord]] coupe, the Solara provides significantly more rear-seat hip room (50.3 inches vs. 46.1) and leg room (35.4 vs. 31.9) and a bit more headroom. The convertible is roomy as well. With the top up, there's actually 2 inches more rear-seat headroom than in the coupe. (And with the top down, there's lots more headroom.)


The Solara coupe can carry a tad more luggage than the Accord coupe, 13.8 cubic feet vs. 12.8. And the rear seats fold down to reveal a big pass-through.
Comfortably bolstered seats brace thighs and shoulders against lateral forces during spirited cornering. The driving position is exemplary, which is no surprise given [[Honda]]'s near obsession with ergonomics. Seat-bottom cushions could extend a bit more beneath the thighs, but overall the seats are quite supportive without being overly firm. The B-pillars are indented in their forward edges about mid-height to make a little more elbow room for front seat occupants. All necessary controls lie within sight and easy reach of the driver. Shift levers and patterns for both [[Transmission|transmissions]] fall readily to hand.  


The Solara convertible features a glass rear window but rearward visibility is hampered when the top is up by the small window and rear headrests. Release a pair of latches and the power top folds down in just 10 seconds. One touch of a button lowers all four windows. A vinyl boot cleans up its appearance when the top is down, but installing it is a hassle. And it takes up a lot of space in the diminutive trunk when not being used.
Backlit LED gauges look out from inside three pods tucked under a hood shading them from the noon-time sun. They're easy on the eyes, with a blue-around-white motif. A large, round speedometer sits directly in front of the driver and is centered on the steering column, which is also properly centered on the driver's seat. To the left is a slightly smaller, but no less legible [[tachometer]]. The right-hand pod contains the fuel and water temperature gauges.  


==Exterior==
The melding of function with form works extremely well in the Acura TL. Topmost in the center stack is the LCD screen that displays the climate control and audio settings as well as the optional [[Navigation System|navigation system]]'s visual aids. With the navigation system comes a line of PDA-like buttons and cursor controller arrayed beneath the screen. Bracketing the screen are perpendicular rows of large, finger-friendly buttons for setting driver and front passenger climate control preferences; a useful Off switch is provided that instantly shuts everything off. Separating the climate controls from the touch-screen this way makes changing fan speeds or adjusting the temperature easy in the TL. With the navigation system, buyers get what Acura calls 3D Solar Sensing Climate Control. Using time of day and direction of travel, this gadget calculates the sun's position relative to the car to adjust side-to-side interior temperatures to maintain desired settings.  
The Solara shares the [[sedan]]'s 107-inch wheelbase, but is 3.3 inches longer overall than the Camry, measuring 192.5 inches from bumper to bumper.


The Solara coupe looks like a stylized version of the sedan. It's a more adventurous design. The roofline is sleeker and the rear is totally different from the Camry sedan's, reminding us of the [[Lexus SC 430]]. The arc-shaped theme features a continuous line from the front bumper, over the roof, and down to the rear bumper. Just below the beltline, a character line flows in a gentle S-curve from the teardrop headlamps to the teardrop taillights. The Solara looks aerodynamically efficient, and it is, with a drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd, making it slip through the air much more easily than the previous Solara, good for wind noise, gas mileage, and speed. The outside door handles are easy to grab, much better than lever-style handles.
Navigation systems are getting better each year and Acura's is one of the best if not the best. It's easy to program and gives clear and accurate descriptions visibly and audibly. The big display and combination of hard buttons and context-sensitive on-screen menus work very well. Still, you have to call up a menu to change radio stations. The navigation system can recognize nearly 300 verbal commands, including adjustments to the stereo and climate control and selection of more than 7 million points of interest (restaurants, lodging, airports, shopping malls, etc.).  


[[Toyota]] says the convertible's body structure was designed from the ground up for topless motoring, unlike the previous-generation convertible, which was adapted from the then-current coupe. The current Solara offers improved torsional rigidity over the previous model, which translates into a more solid feel and a quieter ride. The Solara was designed and engineered in the U.S. and is built in the U.S.
Lower on the center stack are controls for the sound system. Large, round knobs adjust volume and other functions. Right-sized station preselect buttons easily pass the fingernail and winter glove tests. Still, to change CD tracks you have to press the Audio button and go to a menu. In terms of technology, the standard stereo redefines the overused term premium. Not content with a multi-speaker, externally power-amplified, DVD/CD/cassette/AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio system, Acura added a new technology known as DVD-Audio 5.1. DVDs recorded with this technology triple the channels in traditional stereo and virtual (electronically synthesized) surround sound systems, from two to six. The hope is to do for digital recordings what Dolby did for analog tapes. This more discrete surround sound is common in recording studio gear and has only recently begun appearing in home entertainment systems.  


==Styles and Options==
The moonroof switch is located on the overhead control pod, more intuitive than having it on the dash.  
The [[Toyota]] Camry Solara is available as a ''coupe'' or ''convertible''.  There are 3 trims available: '''SE''', '''Sport''', and '''SLE'''.


===SE===
Storage places abound but lack flexibility. Seatback-mounted magazine racks are solid, hinged affairs, for example, as are the front door-mounted map pockets, meaning they'll hold only magazines and maps and maybe a slim, self-guide tour book. The center console is a deep, bi-level affair, with a power point in the lower level and a notch in the upper tray to accommodate a cell phone cord. The armrest on the front center console adjusts fore and aft.
[[Image:solara_interior1.jpg|thumb|300px|'''[[Toyota]] Camry Solara SE interior]]
'''The SE is your base model coming standard with:'''


*Power automatic door locks and windows
Trunk space is just 12.5 cubic feet, and the opening is somewhat smaller, further limiting the size of parcels it will accept. Ordering the navigation system cuts trunk space to 12.3 cubic feet. The trunk is fully finished, however, with an inside pull down; and the goose-neck hinges are encased to avoid threatening fragile contents of grocery bags.
*[[Remote Keyless Entry|Remote keyless entry system]]
*[[Cruise control]]
*[[Steering Wheel Audio Controls|Steering wheel audio controls]]
*AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with [[Satellite Radio|satellite radio]] capability
*16-in. aluminum alloy [[wheels]] with P215/60R16 [[tires]]
*Silver metallic-style interior trim
*Multi-function trip computer


===SPORT===
==Exterior==
[[Image:solara_interior3.jpg|thumb|300px|'''Sport Convertible interior shown in Dark Charcoal with available JBL audio system''']]
The [[Acura]] TL has a solid stance, tall and lean, with muscular lines. It looks compact and coiled, tensed, ready to move in any direction with quickness, certainty and precision. The designers say they kept the image of a soccer player in mind as they sketched the latest TL. To some the result looks a little forced, even melodramatic; but a close look at the car's proportions and styling cues gives the design credence. And it looks better in person than in photos.
'''The Sport offers sportier looks and performance including:'''


*17-in. aluminum alloy [[wheels]] with P215/55R17 [[tires]]
The current TL is more than 3.5 inches shorter overall than the previous-generation (pre-2004) TL, yet the wheelbase is essentially the same. (The wheelbase in the distance between the front and rear [[wheels]].) That made the front and rear overhangs shorter, an improvement in the design. The current model is 2 inches wider than the previous version, spreading the [[tires]] an inch farther apart in front and an inch and a half farther apart in the rear. This wider track improves handling and stability. The roof is a half-inch taller. And yet the TL claims one of the lowest coefficients of drag (0.29 Cd) in its class. In short, the current TL offers improved space efficiency and better packaging than the previous model.
*Front and rear underbody [[spoiler|spoilers]] and side rocker panel moldings
*Sport-tuned [[suspension]]
*Rear sport [[spoiler]]
*Stainless steel exhaust tip
*Black graphite-style interior trim
*Unique sport gauge cluster
*Leather-wrapped steering wheel, [[Shifter|shift knob]] and parking brake handle
*Chrome-accented parking brake button and air vents
*Aluminum sport pedal covers


===SLE===
The strong, chin-like front end is braced by two low-mounted openings feeding cooling air to the engine, the minimalist grille above serving primarily to frame the Acura badge and trademark polished horizontal bar. Squinting headlights wrap around the front fenders, drawing the eye to the character line that begins in the side-marker light just forward of the front door, integrating the perfectly aligned door handles and running the length of the car to terminate in the rear side-marker lights. Molded rocker panels beneath the doors (with a chip-resistant finish) visually widen the car's lower body. Fender flares stretch the body over and wrap snugly around the tires. The tallish greenhouse tapers gracefully inward as it rises from the beltline, giving geometric balance to the rake of the windshield and backlight. The C-pillar, or sail panel, flows smoothly down into the trunk lid, adding substance and solidity to the rear quarters and embellishing the TL's mild, wedge-like profile.
[[Image:solara_interior4.jpg|thumb|300px|'''SLE Convertible interior shown in Ivory leather''']]
'''The most expensive SLE offers a more luxurious interior with:'''  


*Wood-grain-style interior trim
The rear of the TL looks like a [[Honda]]. The rear looks conservative when compared to the dramatic styling of the rest of the car. The trailing edge of the trunk lid is sharply crested, with a pleasing Kamm-like aero-overhang. Taillights are severely functional. The black surround setting off the rear license plate is a bit loud. But the body sculpturing produces surface planes that generate some exciting shadows, and dual exhausts with squarish tips in matching lower bumper cutouts boost the sporty image, as do pushing the wheels out toward the corners.
*Power-adjustable driver seat
*Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade
*JBL premium AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with [[Satellite Radio|satellite radio]] capability
*Heated outside mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming feature
*Front-console illumination panel
*Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass
*Hands-free phone-calling capability via [[Bluetooth]]
*Anti-theft system


==Main Competitors==
==Styles and Options==
* [[Honda Accord]] coupe: [http://www.carsdirect.com/research/compareresults?acodes=USB70TOC141A0,USB70HOC012C0 side-by-side comparison]
The [[Acura]] TL is available in 2 trims: '''base''' and '''type-S'''.
===Base===
[[Image:tl_interior.jpg|thumb|300px|'''2007 [[Acura]] TL interior''']]
'''The base model comes standard with:'''
 
*Aluminum-alloy SOHC VTEC 3.2L 258[[hp]] [[V6]]
*4-[[wheel]] independent [[Double wishbone suspension|double-wishbone suspension]]
*17" x 8" aluminum-alloy [[wheels]]
*MP3 player auxiliary input jack
*Power moonroof
*(HID) headlights
*[[Remote Keyless Entry|Remote keyless entry]]
 
===Type-S===
[[Image:tl_quarter2.jpg|thumb|300px|'''2007 [[Acura]] TL type-S''']]
The type-S offers sportier looks and better performance including:


* [[Pontiac G6]]: [http://www.carsdirect.com/research/compareresults?acodes=USB70TOC141A0,USB70POC122A0  side-by-side comparison]
*Aluminum-alloy SOHC VTEC 3.5L 286[[hp]] [[V6]]
*Brembo 4-piston brakes
*Aluminum interior trim with cross-hatch finish
*Two-tone seats with sport side-bolsters
*Rear view camera
*Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
*Quad exhaust outlets
*Rear lip [[spoiler]] and Lower body-side molding


* [[Ford Mustang]]: [http://www.carsdirect.com/research/compareresults?acodes=USB70TOC141A0,USB70FOC051A0 side-by-side comparison]
==Main Competitors==
*  [[Audi A4]] [? side-by-side comparison]
*  [[BMW 3 Series]] [? side-by-side comparison]
* [[Infiniti G35]] [? side-by-side comparison]
*  [[Lexus ES 350]] [? side-by-side comparison]
*  [[Lexus IS 350]] [? side-by-side comparison]
*  [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class]] [? side-by-side comparison]
* [[Buick Lucerne]] [? side-by-side comparison]


==External Links==
==External Links==
'''''WikiCars Contributor Favorites'''''
'''''WikiCars Contributor Favorites'''''


'''''Toyota Manufacturer Sites'''''
'''''Acura Manufacturer Sites'''''
*[http://www.toyota.com/camrysolara/index.html Toyota Camry Solara] - Official US Site
*[http://www.acura.com/index.aspx?initPath=TL Acura TL] - Official US Site


'''''Community Sites'''''
'''''Community Sites'''''
*[http://www.solaraguy.org Solaraguy.org] - a site dedicated to the Camry Solara
*[http://tl.acurazine.com/ Acurazine]  - Acura TL Forum
*[http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/f47 Toyota Nation Solara Forum]
*  [http://www.djdreamcars.com/Cars/Acura/tl.html DJ Dream Cars] - [[Acura]] TL Specifications & Information
* [http://www.allcargarage.com/2006-acura-tl.html All Car Garage] - 2006 [[Acura]] TL
*  [http://acura-tls.blogspot.com/ Acura TL Type-S Resource Site] Acura TL Type Resource Site
*  [http://www.all-car-photos.com/Acura/Acura-TL-photos.php all-car-photos.com]  - Acura TL photo gallery
 
[[Category: Model Reviews]]

Latest revision as of 12:05, 3 February 2009

2007 Acura TL
2007 Acura TL type-S

The Acura TL was introduced in 1996 as a mid-sized luxury car from Honda Motor Corporation’s luxury Acura brand name. A true sports luxury sedan, the Acura TL provides sharp looks, V6 power, cutting edge technology, and a great driving experience. It is no wonder the TL is Acura’s best selling car.

New for 2007, Acura brings even more performance to the TL with the return of the type-S trim. With an even more aggressive look, 286 3.5-liter V6 engine, sport tuned suspension, Bridgestone Potenza RE030 tires (235/45R17 93W), and subtle interior changes, the Acura type-S offers that extra performance edge to the sports car enthusiast.

See also the main fact sheets for the Acura TL.

High Points

Low Points

  • Voice recognition system often mis-interprets voice commands
  • Steering wheel feel is stale--not up to the level of a true sports sedan
  • The trunk trim is minimal inside
  • Some interior parts appear too plain for a luxury car

Performance and Handling

2007 Acura TL type-S engine
2007 Acura TL type-S gauges

The V6 engine delivers its abundant power smoothly, pulling strongly all the way to its 6800-rpm redline to the accompaniment of a deliciously tuned exhaust note. Even with traction control active, the front tires can be made to chirp while accelerating out of corners, or when mashing the gas pedal from a full stop. One of the few dynamic complaints we had with the TL torque steer, has been addressed in the 2006 model. Revised engine management system and steering angle sensors combine to help reduce this phenomenon, common among powerful front-wheel-drive cars.

TL is powered by a 3.2-liter, single overhead camshaft, 24-valve, 60-degree V6 with Honda's F1 racing-developed variable valve timing and lift system (VTEC). It's rated at 258 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is an EPA-rated 20/30 mpg City/Highway when fitted with the six-speed manual transmission. The engine meets California's LEV-2 ULEV standards, the second most stringent in the nation for gasoline-fueled cars and exceeded only by limited production, small-engine subcompacts and hybrids (some of them Hondas).

The automatic transmission works well. With the SportShift left in auto mode, gear changes are almost imperceptible, slicker and smoother than in some cars costing more than twice the TL's price of entry. After shifting the automatic into the manual mode, only the upshift from first is automatic, occurring just south of 5000 rpm. Higher gears are held right up to the rev limiter, which steps in around 7000 rpm.

The shift linkage on the manual gearbox is taut and precise, though clutch takeup requires a little getting used to.

The variable-assist steering reacts to road speed and driver input to make for effortless parking and sure tracking on the highway. Hours spent in the wind tunnel reduced to a whisper the inevitable whistles around the outside mirrors. Barely noticeable hissing around the side windows' trailing edges could well have been more reflective of the test car's early production status than of any design shortcoming.

The TL feels comfortable and relaxed at speed on the Interstates, although there is more road noise with the fatter, stickier tires on the six-speed model. On two-lanes, the standard setup was no slouch, feeling ill at ease only when taken where most drivers will never go, and by which time all the assorted active safety technologies will have been alerted. At these extremes, the sportier version delighted, its Brembo brakes confidently hauling it down from mildly irresponsible speeds before it tracked unerringly and with aplomb through tight corners over sometimes bumpy pavement. Perhaps, just maybe, Acura has unearthed the secret to BMW's vice-like grip on the top rung of the sports sedan ladder. Unlike BMWs, though, the TL is front-wheel drive, and the front washes out when accelerating hard around a bumpy corner, a point at which the TL does not feel like the ultimate driving machine.

On a track, the SportShift and the all-season tires prove to be a good match. Only carelessness or inattention could get somebody in trouble with this package. The six-speed manual works well, too. Its six, close-ratio gears allow the engine to work in its powerband's sweet spot. And the limited-slip front differential properly apportions the power between the front tires while negotiating fast, sweeping curves and tight, power-sapping, left-right-left esses. The brakes never evidence the slightest fade, despite the ever-present bouquet from super-heated pads at the end of an on-track session. But the suspension is lacking a bit in quick turn transitions on a track. The experience is no where near egregious or over-the-top, just enough to invite a little earlier brake application and a gentle feathering of the throttle the next time around. In the race to catch BMW, Acura is close, but no cigar. Not yet. Perhaps it's the difference between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.

Gas Mileage

As seen on Autos.com, in the near-luxury car MPG rankings, the 2006 Acura TL is in 13th place with 20/29 MPG.

Safety

2007 Acura TL chassis and airbags

The Acura TL comes standard with the following features:

Reliability and Maintenance

The Acura TL offers great reliability for a mid-sized luxury sedan. Autosite.com gave the TL a rating of 93 out of 100 for durability and 92 out of 100 for mechanical quality.

Interior and Comforts

The Acura TL features a comfortable cabin. Even the back seats are roomy and comfortable. Its interior space and dimensions are close enough to those of the BMW 5 Series and the Volvo S60, the two cars Acura expects most buyers to cross-shop.

Interior quality is up to Acura standards. Fit and finish is above average. A nice touch is the grained, matte-finish section on the top of the dash over the instrument cluster that reduces reflective glare off the inside of the windshield on bright, sunny days. A seamless dash masks the presence of the passenger-side front airbag, making for a more elegant and stylish look.

Comfortably bolstered seats brace thighs and shoulders against lateral forces during spirited cornering. The driving position is exemplary, which is no surprise given Honda's near obsession with ergonomics. Seat-bottom cushions could extend a bit more beneath the thighs, but overall the seats are quite supportive without being overly firm. The B-pillars are indented in their forward edges about mid-height to make a little more elbow room for front seat occupants. All necessary controls lie within sight and easy reach of the driver. Shift levers and patterns for both transmissions fall readily to hand.

Backlit LED gauges look out from inside three pods tucked under a hood shading them from the noon-time sun. They're easy on the eyes, with a blue-around-white motif. A large, round speedometer sits directly in front of the driver and is centered on the steering column, which is also properly centered on the driver's seat. To the left is a slightly smaller, but no less legible tachometer. The right-hand pod contains the fuel and water temperature gauges.

The melding of function with form works extremely well in the Acura TL. Topmost in the center stack is the LCD screen that displays the climate control and audio settings as well as the optional navigation system's visual aids. With the navigation system comes a line of PDA-like buttons and cursor controller arrayed beneath the screen. Bracketing the screen are perpendicular rows of large, finger-friendly buttons for setting driver and front passenger climate control preferences; a useful Off switch is provided that instantly shuts everything off. Separating the climate controls from the touch-screen this way makes changing fan speeds or adjusting the temperature easy in the TL. With the navigation system, buyers get what Acura calls 3D Solar Sensing Climate Control. Using time of day and direction of travel, this gadget calculates the sun's position relative to the car to adjust side-to-side interior temperatures to maintain desired settings.

Navigation systems are getting better each year and Acura's is one of the best if not the best. It's easy to program and gives clear and accurate descriptions visibly and audibly. The big display and combination of hard buttons and context-sensitive on-screen menus work very well. Still, you have to call up a menu to change radio stations. The navigation system can recognize nearly 300 verbal commands, including adjustments to the stereo and climate control and selection of more than 7 million points of interest (restaurants, lodging, airports, shopping malls, etc.).

Lower on the center stack are controls for the sound system. Large, round knobs adjust volume and other functions. Right-sized station preselect buttons easily pass the fingernail and winter glove tests. Still, to change CD tracks you have to press the Audio button and go to a menu. In terms of technology, the standard stereo redefines the overused term premium. Not content with a multi-speaker, externally power-amplified, DVD/CD/cassette/AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio system, Acura added a new technology known as DVD-Audio 5.1. DVDs recorded with this technology triple the channels in traditional stereo and virtual (electronically synthesized) surround sound systems, from two to six. The hope is to do for digital recordings what Dolby did for analog tapes. This more discrete surround sound is common in recording studio gear and has only recently begun appearing in home entertainment systems.

The moonroof switch is located on the overhead control pod, more intuitive than having it on the dash.

Storage places abound but lack flexibility. Seatback-mounted magazine racks are solid, hinged affairs, for example, as are the front door-mounted map pockets, meaning they'll hold only magazines and maps and maybe a slim, self-guide tour book. The center console is a deep, bi-level affair, with a power point in the lower level and a notch in the upper tray to accommodate a cell phone cord. The armrest on the front center console adjusts fore and aft.

Trunk space is just 12.5 cubic feet, and the opening is somewhat smaller, further limiting the size of parcels it will accept. Ordering the navigation system cuts trunk space to 12.3 cubic feet. The trunk is fully finished, however, with an inside pull down; and the goose-neck hinges are encased to avoid threatening fragile contents of grocery bags.

Exterior

The Acura TL has a solid stance, tall and lean, with muscular lines. It looks compact and coiled, tensed, ready to move in any direction with quickness, certainty and precision. The designers say they kept the image of a soccer player in mind as they sketched the latest TL. To some the result looks a little forced, even melodramatic; but a close look at the car's proportions and styling cues gives the design credence. And it looks better in person than in photos.

The current TL is more than 3.5 inches shorter overall than the previous-generation (pre-2004) TL, yet the wheelbase is essentially the same. (The wheelbase in the distance between the front and rear wheels.) That made the front and rear overhangs shorter, an improvement in the design. The current model is 2 inches wider than the previous version, spreading the tires an inch farther apart in front and an inch and a half farther apart in the rear. This wider track improves handling and stability. The roof is a half-inch taller. And yet the TL claims one of the lowest coefficients of drag (0.29 Cd) in its class. In short, the current TL offers improved space efficiency and better packaging than the previous model.

The strong, chin-like front end is braced by two low-mounted openings feeding cooling air to the engine, the minimalist grille above serving primarily to frame the Acura badge and trademark polished horizontal bar. Squinting headlights wrap around the front fenders, drawing the eye to the character line that begins in the side-marker light just forward of the front door, integrating the perfectly aligned door handles and running the length of the car to terminate in the rear side-marker lights. Molded rocker panels beneath the doors (with a chip-resistant finish) visually widen the car's lower body. Fender flares stretch the body over and wrap snugly around the tires. The tallish greenhouse tapers gracefully inward as it rises from the beltline, giving geometric balance to the rake of the windshield and backlight. The C-pillar, or sail panel, flows smoothly down into the trunk lid, adding substance and solidity to the rear quarters and embellishing the TL's mild, wedge-like profile.

The rear of the TL looks like a Honda. The rear looks conservative when compared to the dramatic styling of the rest of the car. The trailing edge of the trunk lid is sharply crested, with a pleasing Kamm-like aero-overhang. Taillights are severely functional. The black surround setting off the rear license plate is a bit loud. But the body sculpturing produces surface planes that generate some exciting shadows, and dual exhausts with squarish tips in matching lower bumper cutouts boost the sporty image, as do pushing the wheels out toward the corners.

Styles and Options

The Acura TL is available in 2 trims: base and type-S.

Base

2007 Acura TL interior

The base model comes standard with:

Type-S

2007 Acura TL type-S

The type-S offers sportier looks and better performance including:

  • Aluminum-alloy SOHC VTEC 3.5L 286hp V6
  • Brembo 4-piston brakes
  • Aluminum interior trim with cross-hatch finish
  • Two-tone seats with sport side-bolsters
  • Rear view camera
  • Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
  • Quad exhaust outlets
  • Rear lip spoiler and Lower body-side molding

Main Competitors

External Links

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Acura Manufacturer Sites

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