2007 Acura TL Review

PROS
Powerful engine, Handsome and functional interior, Fantastic value

CONSToo much tire noise, Small trunk, Low seating position

The original entry-lux sedan ages like a fine wine.Acura invented the entry-level luxury sedan when it introduced the TL in 1996. A dressed-up version of the Honda Accord, the first-generation TL was more affordable than European competitors and more fun to drive than domestic rivals. TL set sales records as other automakers scrambled to play catch up.

Today, the entry-lux segment is crowded by no less than eleven vehicles. Like the TL, most are four-door sedans, but a few automakers offer wagon and coupe versions as well. Some are front-wheel drive, others offer rear-wheel drive, and a few offer all-wheel drive.

Like the original, the TL shares chassis and engines with the Honda Accord. TL has a wheelbase of 107.9 inches and is 189.3 inches long overall. When compared to other entry-level luxury cars, it is larger than the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series and smaller than the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti G37. TL is offered only with front-wheel drive and comes in Base and sporty S-Type trim.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, tire-pressure monitor, HID headlamps, theft-deterrent system, and front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags. Models equipped with the navigation system also get a backup monitor.

Base models include air conditioning, dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt-telescope steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, memory system, trunk pass through, power windows, locks, and mirrors, keyless entry, sunroof, 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD changer, satellite radio, Bluetooth cell-phone connection, fog lights, and alloy wheels. S-Type models add a front limited slip differential, sport suspension, Brembo brakes, navigation system with voice control and real-time traffic information, and active noise control. A navigation system for the base model is the sole option.

Get up and Go
The S-Type's 3.5-liter engine is a true powerhouse. It provides ample scoot away from stoplights and strong passing response. Power is most impressive at higher engine speeds. In other words, keep your foot on the gas and you will be rewarded. Acura doesn't quote a 0 to 60 mph time for TL S-Type, but it is easily less than seven seconds. That's comparable to other sport-luxury sedans.

Though TL S-Type is a front-drive sedan with a lot of horsepower, there's little wheel spin when exiting tight corners under power. This has more to do with the limited slip differential that standard on S-Type than the traction control.

The automatic transmission is designed to get the most of the 3.5-liter's high-strung nature. As a result, it holds gears a little longer than you might expect and doesn't shift as smoothly as transmissions found in some other luxury sedans. In manual mode, the transmission responds very quickly to driver input.

The TL S-Type is EPA rated at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. In routine driving expect to average close to 20 mpg. If your commute includes a fair amount of highway driving, you might see 23-24 mpg. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel for best performance and fuel economy.

On the Road
The base TL has a compliant suspension that rides comfortably and stays under control when the road grows bumpy. The S-Type has a much firmer suspension and sport tires. Those lead to a firm, almost hard, ride, which is noticeably harsher than most competitors.

Despite a compliant ride, the base TL does a decent job of getting around corners without too much body lean. There's too much understeer to call the TL sporty; competent might be a better word. Steering feels a little light at highway speeds and stopping power is good.

S-Type is a different beast all together. Its tires grip the road aggressively. There is very little body lean. The sharp steering has a meaty feel and is dead accurate. The brakes are strong and can be touchy until you get used to the firm pedal.

TL isn't the quietest luxury car, not by a long shot. Wind and engine noise are low, but there's too much road noise at highway speeds. Even the S-Type, with its fancy electronic-noise-canceling system, seems overly buzzy on just about any road surface.

Behind the Wheel
Unlike many luxury sedans--even some from Acura--TL has a simple and well-designed dashboard. Gauges are easy to read, day or night. Audio and climate controls are simple and well marked. Even the navigation system can be programmed in a snap. Add to this class-leading materials and great fit and finish and it is easy to see why TL is so popular.

The TL has a low-slung seating position that may not be to the liking of those who routinely drive sport-utility vehicles. TL drivers sit in a reclined position that has more in common with a sport coupe than with a sedan. Standard tilt-telescope steering wheel and power driver seat make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Outward visibility is great.

The low roofline means that there's only adequate rear-seat headroom. Leg room is good, even with the front seats all the way back. Doors are large but the openings are narrow at the bottom, complicating entry.

Trunk is small for the class and the rear seats don't fold, though a center-armrest pass-through does help when loading long items. Interior storage is adequate with a couple of covered bins in the bottom of the center stack that are nice for cell phones and garage door openers. Front-seat map pockets are large and deep.

Bottom Line
TL isn't alone in the entry-level luxury marketplace, and the current version is one of the older designs in the class. That doesn't stop it from being one of the best all-around performers. What the TL lacks is an all-wheel-drive version and an optional V8 engines. Both are features that aren't necessary, but are offered by most competitors.

Acura makes up for those deficiencies by offering the TL at very reasonable prices. The base lists for $33,625. That includes everything except for navigation. Even a fully-loaded S-Type costs less than $39,000. At those prices, a smart shopper would be silly not to consider TL.