2004 ACURA TL
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Luxurious, extremely well equipped and enjoyable to drive, the stylish new TL should be on your test-drive list if you''re shopping for a sedan over $30K.
Pros
Luxurious interior, long list of standard equipment, powerful V6 engine, slick-shifting six-speed manual, pleasant blend of ride comfort and fun.
Cons
Can''t match the athleticism of some German rivals.
What''s New for 2004
The TL has been completely redesigned for 2004. A 270-horsepower V6 is standard, and both a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic transmission are available. The level of luxury inside the cabin is up, and driving dynamics are better than ever.
Overview
Introduction:
Acura''s TL has never been the premier car in the entry-level luxury sedan segment, but we always counted the 1999-2003 generation among our favorites. Particularly in Type-S form, it offered consumers an appealing blend of performance, luxury content and value. Sure, it wasn''t as fun to drive as a BMW or Audi or as opulently outfitted as either one, but with a fully loaded price under $30,000 for the regular TL and right around $34K for the Type-S, it didn''t need to be. Acura had no difficulty selling upward of 60,000 TLs each year, which was second only to the BMW 3 Series in this price range until the Lexus ES 300 slipped past it last year. Still, the company knew that it was missing out on customers who really did want a bona fide sport sedan and/or a true luxury experience replete with top-grade materials and all the latest convenience and safety features. With the introduction of the 2004 TL, Acura will make a serious bid for these customers. Value is still in the picture, as the company will stick to its practice of offering fully equipped vehicles at competitive prices with short options lists. But with the very desirable TSX now available for buyers who want something (relatively) affordable and compact, this TL doesn''t have to cover as much ground. Gone are base and Type-S distinctions in favor of one 270-horsepower TL available with a choice of a manual or automatic transmission and priced around $35,000. Inside, just about every feature anyone would want in an entry-luxury sedan comes standard, while the overall design and the materials used give up nothing to the Europeans. Far from feeling like the smart financial choice in the over-$30K bracket, this TL could bring out emotions you never thought you''d have for an Acura. Peer inside the cabin and you''ll find a shapely dash generously trimmed in real aluminum. Bright blue electroluminescent gauges (recessed in three pods) and blue backlighting throughout the cabin heighten the cool metal motif. Unlike the previous TL, this one leaves no doubt about its luxury sedan status: Most surfaces are soft to the touch and finished with upscale grain patterns that would be just as acceptable in an Audi or BMW. Among the standard features are supple leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, both side-impact and head curtain airbags and a delightful surround-sound audio system -- the first of its kind in a production vehicle. Meanwhile, firmer suspension tuning makes this TL quite entertaining out on the road without compromising the nameplate''s reputation for a smooth and accommodating ride. The 270-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 offers plenty of power at any engine speed, and when paired with the excellent six-speed manual transmission, this midsize sedan is a blast to drive on curvy roads. If you plan to spend over $30,000 on your next sedan, we''d definitely suggest a visit to your local Acura dealership.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The midsize TL sedan is available in a single version this year with either a manual or automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels and all-season tires; high-intensity discharge headlights; leather upholstery; real aluminum trim; a 10-way power driver seat and a four-way power front-passenger seat, both heated; a telescoping steering wheel; an industry-first 225-watt 5.1 surround-sound audio system that can play both CDs and DVD-Audio discs; satellite radio; Bluetooth hands-free phone compatibility; steering-wheel audio controls; one-touch front windows; and a power sunroof. In addition, manual-shift TLs have front Brembo brakes and bigger stabilizer bars. Among the few options are high-performance tires on manual-shift TLs and a DVD-based navigation system with an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition technology and solar-sensing technology that enhances the performance of the climate control system. Also worth consideration is the A-SPEC kit, which adds performance springs and shocks that lower the car about an inch; 18-inch wheels; an aero body kit; a rear spoiler; a sport steering wheel; and special exterior badging. Automatic-equipped TLs also pick up the Brembo brakes when equipped with this package.
Powertrains and Performance:
All TLs come with a 3.2-liter V6 engine with VTEC (variable valve timing and lift). It''s essentially a carryover from last year''s Type-S model, but horsepower is up to 270, while torque edges up to 238. Meanwhile, emissions meet the LEV-2/ULEV standard. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic with SportShift functionality.
Safety:
Standard safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and BrakeAssist, as well as stability control, seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants and side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants. The TL has not been crash tested, but Acura is predicting a five-star sweep of government front- and side-impact tests, and a top rating in IIHS frontal offset crash testing.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The cockpit has a stylish two-tone color scheme, genuine aluminum inlays and an attractive set of bright blue electroluminescent gauges. Materials quality is excellent; most surfaces are soft-touch, and the standard leather upholstery is quite supple. The front seats offer an excellent blend of cushioning and support, and the rear seat is roomy enough to accommodate a pair of adults in comfort.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
All TLs are entertaining to drive, thanks to their prodigious horsepower, but cars equipped with the slick-shifting six-speed manual are the most rewarding on back roads. The suspension manages to deliver both a comfortable ride and tight handling around corners. Enthusiasts will prefer the sharper reflexes and rear-drive layout of cars like the BMW 3 Series, but in stock form Acura''s driving dynamics are well-balanced. Opt for the lowered suspension and bigger wheels in the A-SPEC kit and you''ll have a sleeper of a sport sedan.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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