Acura TL

Price Paid:  $34400.00 from luther acura bloomin

Year / Model Reviewed:
2007 acura tl w/ navigation

Summary:
Great car. Test drove G36x, Altima and Altima coupe(all great cars), but after driving the Tl and TL type s, my wife and I agreed it was the best fit for us. Another option was waiting for the 2008 CTS, but the Acura really looked like a better deal compared to expected pricing on the CTS.

Strengths:
Ride, good power, great handling. Exterior improvements for 2007 really enhanced the look over 2006 model. The nav and sound system coupled with a quiet interior make for a comfortfable ride. Look forward to drving with it.

Weaknesses:
The passengar seat height is a bit short for me (I am 6'), but the driver's seat is great. I have one complaint on the trunk lid fit and will be talking to the dealer about it.

Similar Products Used:
Test drove Infiniti's, Nissans. Have Nissan Titan, Mazda Protege, Chrysler Sebering Coupe LXi (2004)and also helped purchase a Nissan Sentra Spec V for relative and test drove similar sport entry cars (Civic Si)

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Price Paid:  $37000.00 from Joe Rizza Acura

Year / Model Reviewed:
2007 Acura TL

Summary:
Great combo of power, handling and features.

Strengths:
Handling, no need to add endless/overlapping option "packages," fuel economy.

Weaknesses:
AM section of radio is awful,interior plastic trim is soft and becomes "marred" with almost minor contact, low front spoiler makes contact easily with barriers and high curbs

Similar Products Used:
Saab 9-5, Nissan Maxima

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
2.60 of 5, 5.00 votes

Price Paid:  $25000.00 from Suburban

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Acura TL

Summary:
Well, I traded in my 01 TL because I liked the look of the 2004-2007 model. The '01 had 88,000 miles on it and was still running great. The '04 has great power and great looks! It has treated me well up to this point. I do get a little bit of a vibration at certain speeds. I took it in and nothing was wrong. The car has everything! Lots of power and smooth and quiet ride. People are also envious of the hands free. I love my car and I will keep updating the post for this vehicle. Great high intensity lights also on this vehicle.

Strengths:
Power, good in snow, lots of options, handsfree is great, good looks, Great Car!

Weaknesses:
Occassional vibration at certain speeds, No Fog lights.

Similar Products Used:
Acura TL, Acura CL, BMW 323,Lincoln LS,Maxima

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
3.73 of 5, 11.00 votes

Price Paid:  $34000.00 from Tustin Acura, Califo

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Acura TL

Summary:
This review is to help answer all the unique questions I had when I was researching entry level luxury sedans -If you've had a hard time finding answers about about some of the TL's unique features, maybe this will help. I actually have a 2005 (but review sheet isn't allowing for 2005's yet) As far as I know, the 2005 is basically the same as the 2004. I've been driving an SUV for the past 8 years, but now that my wife is driving the 2004 MDX, I wanted a car to avoid owning two SUVs. We love the MDX, so I decided to buy the TL - now we're a two Acura family. I love the look of the TL. Mine is the dark gray (anthracite metallic) with quartz interior, with Navigation. I love technology, gadgets, quality and style, so this is the car for me. I have read some consumer reviews about some tech difficulties. I've had none so far and have been very pleased. The Motorola V710 Bluetooth phone has proven to work very well with the TL Handsfree Link. I had to fork out about $400, but well worth it. I use HFL all the time. You have to pair it each time you remove the phone from the car or when you turn off the engine, but it's way easier than the innitial pairing. I can now do it without looking. Callers have no difficulty hearing even the backseat passengers as if they were talking directly into the phone. It's a great feeling when I'm listening to music and the radio turns itself down to allow for the incoming call ring. All I have to do is push a button,(I recommend waiting about a second) then say "hello". I had some difficulties at first with outgoing calls because I thought I had to hold the button in the whole time while giving voice commands. The HFL works best if you push the button, release it, then give your command immediately. Never wanted XM Radio, but now I'm hooked. I love showing off the DVD surround sound system by playing the demo disk. Hearing is believing - the Steeley Dan song with the instruments to the left and right and the backup singers sounding like their in the back seat - wow! The navigation system is great and very easy to use. I wish it had Infiniti's birdseye view, but it's still far superior to others. Having the dedicated dvd player for the Nav system is essential. I've been in BMWs and Hummers that didn't have that. Way to go Acura! The voice recognition works really well now that I read the directions and follow the rules. The TLs interior seems first class to me. Not a Bently, but great for the price. The dash is not molded plastic, but padded. The brushed steel and black carbon fiber style accents are very attractive. I really like the little compartments everywhere, the sliding center arm rest and the deep cup holders. Just wish that the center compartment's power outlet would work with the engine off so I could charge my phone when not in the car. Way cool are the blue lights that shine on the center console at night. I really like how the car's computer can recognize driver 1 and 2 by the key used. Everything just slides into place. I know most luxury cars have similar features today, but what sold me was that Acura offers only two basic packages: everything and everything with Navigation. I looked seriously at the Infinity G35 and BMW 3 series. They all started around the same price, but with Infinitie's and especially BMW's a la carte menus, they ended up costing way more than Acura. Same applied when I bought our MDX. I really like the exterior design of the TL. In a time where cars seem to come out of a cookie cutter, I think the TL really stand out nice. Without going over the top like let's say, the Infinity FX. I am especially attracted to the back profile and the side lines. I seriosly considering upgrading to chrome wheels, but can't completely justify the expense. I don't like the 20 spoke chrome Acura offers. One option is to have the existing wheels chromed for about $150 each, not including the tempory wheels I would have to find while mine are being worked on for two weeks (all according to estimate). I have had a few positive comments about the look of my TL, which is nice to hear. I am not a racecar driver, so the comments about the TL's less than perfect handling at high speeds don't really concern me. All I care about is having the ability to accelarate quickly when I really need to and to feel fairly comfortable negotiating turns at a moderately fast speed. I feel the TL acchieves this just fine. As for the front wheel drive, I have to agree that rear wheel would be better. Maybe Acura will listen to everyone's comments and switch to rear wheel drive for the TL's future re-design. I've had a couple probems so far. Just like another reviewer, I received my TL with a minor ding on the trunk. I didn't notice it for a couple days, but I'm 99% sure I didn't do it. That .1% unsurity kept me from taking the problem to Acura. See below for more problems.

Strengths:
The styling. How everything is include, makes the price good, especially if you like "bells and whistles". 270 horsepower is nice - definately enough to get out of a jam. If great styling and high tech for a low price is more important than that extra edge of power and handling, buy the TL. If you don't mind a bit of a sacrifice in styling and don't mind paying a bit extra for upgrades and want a small edge on handling and horsepower, buy the G35. If handling and power is really important and you can either go without upgrades, or pay a lot more, buy a BMW. I forgot to mention that I really like how both front windows have auto up AND down. And I've had my care for almost two months and just figured out that you can roll all windows open and closed with the key in the drivers door - cool feature. The Navigation System is very user friendly. The Handsfree Link is very good and easy to use if you take the time to master it.

Weaknesses:
Continued from above: the driver's side window had a bubble right in the center. It bothered me so I had it swapped out. The back glass had three rings that looked like coffee cup rings whenever it rained. My guess is that it came from the suction cups that were used to install the glass at the factory. I had no problem having both windows swapped out for no charge in just a couple hours - took several days for the parts to come in. The back window is kind of small which creates rather big blind spots. I guess this is one sacrifice for the great design. I installed wide angle mirror circles on my side mirrors to help remedy the problem. I'm also surprised that the turning radius is not better. Also, the trunk is smallish, another sacrifice for design. I would love to see an MP3 jack incorporated on future models.

Similar Products Used:
Infinity G35 BMW 330ci BMW 535c Acura TSX (my dealer loaned me one when my windows were being replaced - for those who can't decide between the TSX and the TL, go for the TL if you can afford it! The TSX is nice, but not as quiet, not as quick and not as luxurious as the TL. I think you're getting way more for the extra money when choosing the TL.

Price Paid:  $34500.00 from Los Gatos Acura

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 TL

Summary:
Test drove a BMW 325i, 330i, Mercedes C230 Kompressor, C240, Infinity G35, Audi A4 1.8T, A4 2.4, Lexus EX 330 and the GS 300, along with the Acura. The only factory option is the voice reconition navigation system, which I got and had dealer install rear wing and wheel locks. I chose the Acura because it was the best car and the best value for the money. It's the only car to come with a dvd based audio system and and bluetooth technology. The engine produces 270 hp and getting 20 mpg around town and 29 freeway driving which is quite good. 17" wheels and double wishbone suspension for great handling and a comfortable ride. The interior is just beautiful and well done. 8" navigation touch screen which also intergrates the 6 disc cd, cdr,dvd-a changer, XM radio and 7 speakers ( 2 tweeters in dash with a middle speaker, 2 spealers in the door, 2 speakers and 1 subwoofer in the rear deck) fill out the system. There are many more features, but just too many to list. The Acura TL comes with a new exterior styling which in my opinion is a vast improvement over the older model TL models. Given all the features, performance, handling, creature comforts and at the price point it is was the best value for the money. Sports car handling and performance and the luxury of some of the best luxury cars, the combination can't be beat.

Strengths:
Quality craftsmanship, very powerful smooth and quiet motor. Quiet interior and cutting edge technology. Fun car to drive and looks great.

Weaknesses:
Front wheel drive

Similar Products Used:
Nissan Maxima, Altima 3.5S, Honda Accord, Camaro Z28, Ford Mustang, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Cadillac STS