2008 Acura TL

Something for Everyone

The Acura TL sedan offers a softer ride in its base version, and sportier handling with a stronger engine in Type-S trim.

Acura's midsize TL sedan remains a sporty and luxurious premium sedan with handsome styling, a roomy and thoughtfully designed interior, and engaging performance. It is loaded with standard amenities while undercutting comparable European competitors in price, and so represents a good value. The Acura TL is based on parent company Honda's superb Accord sedan, though it includes exclusive powertrains and features as well as more elegant styling inside and out.

The Acura TL Type-S, with a sticker price that is $4,500 above the base version, has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 10 percent more power than the base model’s 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine. The Type-S also gets a sportier suspension and upgraded brakes for added stopping power.

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For those who prefer a more sedate experience, the base model’s suspension is calibrated to deliver a smoother ride, albeit with a loss of handling prowess.

The Acura TL has few available options, and include Acura's well-executed voice-activated navigation system, and for the Acura TL Type-S only, high-performance tires at no extra cost — recommended for use only in summer or fair-weather climates.

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Both versions of the Acura TL offer revised front bumpers, headlamps, and taillights. The Type-S adds some exclusive finishes and materials, plus special logos and wheels. Inside, the Type-S receives carbon-fiber and chrome trim, aluminum pedals, a three-spoke steering wheel, and sport seats. It gets features that are optional on the base version, like a navigation system and rear back-up camera.

The Acura TL Type-S is offered with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.

• Acura TL Vehicle Summary

The high level of standard amenities is an advantage over some competing European sedans, which charge extra — sometimes a lot extra — for commonly ordered options, like sunroofs. Pair this with good marks for safety and the automaker's solid record for reliability, and the Acura TL becomes a compelling alternative.

Unlike some competitors, the TL is front-wheel drive only and cannot be ordered with all-wheel drive. Side-curtain airbags for both rows of seats are included.

Audiophiles will find the surround-sound DVD-audio system in the Acura TL to be truly first-rate. The bad news is that it requires special DVD-audio discs to fully appreciate it. Regular CDs and the radio still sound great, though. Active Noise Cancellation also helps counteract road noise and vibrations.

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The current generation of the Acura TL began in 2004, with a face-lift for the 2007 model year. A full redesign is expected for the 2009 model year and is rumored to include an all-wheel-drive version.