The performance/luxury midsize TL sedan has been the top-selling model of Honda's upscale Acura division since 1999, and the 2007 TL has been improved to keep it No. 1.
The TL is based on the Honda Accord and thus has a front-wheel-drive layout instead of the conventional rear-drive setup found on most rival sports/luxury sedans. Front-drive provides greater traction, while rear-drive allows more balanced handling during hard driving.
The TL is generally handsome, roomy, comfortable and both practical and sporty. A new higher-performance Type-S version returns to the TL line after a three-year hiatus with a 3.5-liter, 286-horsepower V-6. It's a special kick to drive. The standard TL has a 3.2-liter V-6 with 258 horsepower, so it's also plenty fast.
Special Type-S items include a firmer suspension, exclusive front and rear fascias and bumpers, black chrome trim and wider side sill moldings for a lower look. It also has high-performance seats with extra lateral support and a noise cancellation feature that uses a pair of cabin-mounted microphones and the audio system to cancel exterior noise for a quieter interior. It works if the audio system is on or off.
There also is a limited-slip differential for better traction during acceleration and enhanced handling during cornering. Most cars have single- or dual-exhaust outlets, but the Type-S has four outlets integrated into the rear styling.
The milder standard TL has a larger grille, redesigned bumpers with integrated fog lights, new headlight clusters, redesigned taillights and revised alloy wheels.
The new TL's suspension has been tuned for more ride comfort and both versions have a revised interior with a sporty looking three-spoke steering wheel with integrated audio, cruise and voice navigation controls, redesigned front seats and new gauges. Models without a navigation system have a restyled center console that uses vacuum fluorescent displays for the audio and climate control systems.
The TL costs $33,625, or $36,125 with a revised navigation system. The Type-S stickers at $38,125, and the navigation system comes standard with it.
Few factory options exist because the TL and Type-S are well-equipped. Lush-life features include leather upholstery with power heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, power sunroof, cruise control, 6-disc DVD audio system and the usual power accessories for such things as windows and locks.
Dealer-installed options include an "A-Spec" sport suspension kit for the increasing number of people who want to modify their car. It contains 18-inch (vs. standard 17-inch) tires and performance springs and shock absorbers that lower the TL.
Safety items include front and curtain side air bags, traction/anti-skid control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist for surer panic stops.
The TL comes with a redesigned five-speed automatic transmission, while the sportier Type-S can be had with a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox or the automatic with steering wheel paddles for manual shift operation. The automatic also can be manually shifted with the shifter lever.
Estimated fuel economy with the 3.2-liter V-6 is 20 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. The Type-S engine provides 19 and 28 with the automatic transmission and 19 and 29 with the manual. Premium fuel is recommended for both engines.
The TL has large door handles for easier entry to the quiet, luxurious cockpit and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel to accommodate drivers of various sizes. There's space for four tall adults, although those in the rear don't have much room to spare.
Lower rear door openings should be wider and the back seat cushion should provide more thigh support. A large rear center armrest contains pop-out cupholders. Back windows lower all the way.
Gauges can be quickly read, and controls are clearly marked and easily reached, although some are rather small. All switches are illuminated to make them easy to find at night. Snap-out front door storage pockets are the kind generally found in more expensive cars.
A "Maintenance Minder" system monitors operating conditions to indicate when maintenance is needed, and there is a tire-pressure monitoring system.
The steering of a Type-S version I tested was precise, with good road feel. But some might think it's rather heavy because it has a revised power pump.
Handling is sharp, and the ride is supple, although the suspension is tauter than in more comfort-minded cars. Braking power is strong, especially with the Type-S and its Brembo front brake calipers. But the brake pedal has a somewhat touchy feel.
The large, nicely shaped trunk has a rather high opening, but it is lined. It's treated as an acoustic package, containing the speaker array and trunk hinges and springs in a rigidtructure to improve audio bass performance and reduce interior noise levels.
Rear seatbacks don't flip forward to increase cargo room, but there's a center pass-through area for objects such as skis.
Much technical expertise went into the polished 2007 TL, and the Type-S version is especially impressive.
2007 Acura TL PRICE: $33,625-$38,125
LIKES: New hot Type-S version. Sharp handling. Roomy. Solid. Well-equipped.
DISLIKES: Needs more rear seat support. Narrow rear door openings. Somewhat touchy brake pedal.