I've had my 07 TL-S for 6 weeks now. In many ways it is an amazing vehicle. Unfortunately I find myself judging many of the features as 'almost'. I'm sure this post will drag many reactions and my intent isn't to upset people's investment or vehicle expression, it is simply an evaluation of the vehicle that Acura built that I bought. Remember, I own one too. https://acurazine.com/forums/newthre...newthread&f=1#

1. The seats are Amazing .... almost
The seats are very comfortable, amazing is the word most guest riders use. The driver's seat has the typical infinitely variable controls that Acura seems to be known for. Hope that you never lose your battery and memory settings because it'll take weeks to get them back to your favorite spot. However, even after 6 weeks, I'm noticing 'wearing' on the leather that has plagued Acura for many many years. I am only 190 pounds (fairly lean but muscular) and the leather shouldn't be creasing/wearing already.

2. Voice Controls are feature rich .... almost
Being able to control most sound/climate/phone controls via voice commands is an awesome use of technology. At first I wondered why they didn't have a volume command until I thought it through, laughed a bit too. I was amazed that there was no system training involved, well, except for the user. It is really good, almost. Why is it that they need to have two voice command buttons, one for the hands free phone system and one for the navi/audio system is beyond me. Seems really odd especially since they really don't share any common voice commands. But it is also wierd that setting the male/female voice in the navi system has NO impact on the hands free system. So it would seem that the car has two totally distinct voice recognition systems that do complimentary work. Rumor has it that the Accord has one system that handles both ... I personally don't know, so that is why I say 'rumor'.

3. Having an onboard address book is handy .... almost
The navi system allows you to enter address/phone numbers into its own address book. It even allows separate address books for two different drivers. You can then have the navi system plot out a route to that particular address simply by selecting it from your address book. Handy to say the least. It also allows for entry of a single phone number which can be passed to the distinctly separate hands free phone system for dialing. Still handy. However, the system also allows you to import a phone book from a blue tooth phone for easy number retrieval. Handy, most definately. AND you can store numbers in the hands free system simply by speaking to the system (press the correct button of course). However, each of these handy address book/phone number storage system are independent. This means you could have a number in the system 3 times (once in the hands free available via voice commands, once in the imported phone book on the name system, and once entered into the navi address book for navigation). There is NO way, from what I've found, to import addresses from your phone into the navi address book. Nor can you view addresses in your phone book that were imported from your phone (you have to look in your phone for any address in it). And from the hands free system, you better remember the verbal 'label' you gave it. In this day and age, why cannot there be a single system address book (ok, two, one for each driver) that can be imported from a phone and used to plot a route to?

4. The transmission is quick to respond and shifts great .... almost
The new 5 speed auto shifts with a solid feel. The shift points seem to adjust in an expected manner depending on your driving style. The manual mode is fun (either via the up/down motion of the shifter or the steering wheel shifters). However, I find the 'braking assist' feature of the transmission to be totally annoying. Why they don't allow you to disable this feature is beyond me. Being someone who tries to conserve fuel when I can, I like to 'play' the momentium when coming up to a controlled intersection when suddenly the tranny will downshift unexpectedly to 'help' me brake. I've been trying to figure out what triggers this annoying 'feature'. Some will like this, but I don't care for it.

5. The MID display on the speedo displays a lot of useful information .... almost
Having tire pressure (for each tire), outside temp, oil life, both trips, odo, avg mpg, avg mph, avg speed, distance to empty, setup features available in a single place is handy, almost. The button cycling is annoying to get through things since they took a page out of the Microsoft handbook and loaded it up full of options and levels. And WHY it doesn't display what you had last is beyond me. I'm someone who likes to view the trip computer, but had to train myself in 'clicking' the 'ok' button every time I start the vehicle. They went through the hassle to give you a 'safety' feature of voice controls for climate/phone/audio and not realize that your eyes will be focused on the speedo while you are thumbing through a mountain of items. Why couldn't they put all this stuff in the navi screen? Why create yet another location for this stuff? Also, someone who does try to control his fuel consumption much of the time, I MISS the instant MPG. Why would the Honda Accord have this and not the TL? Yes I realize there is a hack to enable this feature on the navi screen, but why do I need to hack the system of a 6 week old car in order to display a calculation the system is doing natively?

6. The Suspension suits the car well .... almost
The system is tight and stiff. Those two features can make the car quite fun if you get a nice curvey/hilly road that allows you to be more spirited in your driving. Unfortunately, the rear suspension on this car is obnoxiously loud even under fairly smooth roads. Driving with the radio off an any rough road (even driving conservative) will result in a lot of cabin noise. Guests in the car are amazed at how loud this 'new' car is and usually comment about it. I drove a CL-S 6speed for 4 years with a similar suspension and it was nothing like this. Granted there is a TSB out for my VIN that is supposed to resolve the excessive noise, but until the work is done and I witness the result for myself, it remains an 'almost'.

7. The build quality is good .... almost
Much of the car is screwed together quite well. Honda is fairly known for their quality and longevity. Much of it deserved. However, Acura's quality ratings have been sliding and my particular vehicle definitely reflects that. In fact when I get my survey, I'm going to help lower their quality ratings a bit more. The car is full of squeaks and rattles - I personally don't think that they could purposely design in more squeaks and rattles. One good thing about the loud suspension is that it covers up the squeaks and rattles. My car also had paint runs in it. I'm not talking about a little blotch of paint, I'm talking a full scale paint is subject to gravity type paint run. I've not yet started the whole 'fix' process with the dealer, trying to schedule that now. We'll see how that works out.

8. Acura's Customer Service is highly regarded .... almost
Every dealer has mentioned the TLC program when I'm looking at vehicles as if it is an advantage-Acura item. Right now, in the last 6 weeks of ownership I've had 4 phone calls into American Honda, 3 to Finance and 1 to Ownerlink. The Finance group all agree with me and how my last Acura lease should have ended however, none have been able to complete the lease agreement. They are good at telling me what should happen (and all 3 have told me the same thing) but so far, 6 weeks later, none have been able to follow through. The call to Ownerlink pertains to the lovely messaging service available to those with navi. If you have configured your vehicle in Ownerlink online, you can pick/choose what types of messages Acura can send to your vehicle. However, you MUST call them to active the feature when you add your vehicle to your account. Spent 45 mins on the phone with them in order to get the message configuration activate (the funny part is even if you don't have the configuration in the Ownerlink, you will still receive messages to your car, but there is no way to be selective without configuring Ownerlink). So after that call, I was able to configure which messages I wished to receive (less is better for me). However, I look today and the lovely 'please call this number' appears where the types of messages should appear on Ownerlink. Where did it go? And why the hell do I have to call someone to bring it back? Also, if anyone has called the TLC 800# knows that it is useless for anything other than scheduling a service appointment.

9. The folding key fob is cool ... almost
It is a nice novelty feature to have a folding key. And I must say I've received a lot of comments/interest when I bring it out. However, being able to fold the key in results in a HUGE key fob which to me, defeats the benefit to having such a system. Also, being male, it isn't that much fun to have the key suddenly extend accidently when wearing loose shorts. I would prefer a keyless system such as what Nissan is going to. Yes I fully expect some type of new system for the new TL, but why would they take this intermediate step 2 years before the end of life?

 

I'll give your comments the benefit of the doubt because there's no way I will have time to read all this. Do you have a "cliffnotes" version? Nevertheless, thanks for taking the time out to share your thoughts and constructive criticisms, if any.

 

Sounds like you ought to have shopped more before buying your TL-S.

 

With regards to the leather. Condition it and clean it NOW and it'll help so much.

 

Nothing in life is "perfect" It seems that more and more people become demanding on perfection in every aspect.

The TL, like all Acura's has a little bit of everything. So in order to have one thing you have to sacrifice a little in other areas. I feel that Acura does a very good job at making everything "almost" perfect. They offer an "almost" perfect car with "almost" everything to keep you happy at an affordable price.

It seems to me like a much more expensive Lexus, Infinity, Mercedes, BMW would make you more happy.

 

No kidding....aren't most of these "almosts" items that one might discover during a routine test drive?

It's amazing what some people expect from a sub $40K car these days.

 

i agree with a lot of ur points. just remember, the car and the features are still better than those in other cars---- even if they are almost perfect.

 

In regards to #2..

What makes more financial sense when you launch a vehicle? If HFL was integrated into the navigation system, then people who bought the non nav version would be shit out of luck, unless Acura developed a non navigation HFL version, which makes no financial nor technical sense.. why develop the same thing twice? They did it because many states, including California in July of 2008, will/currently require handsfree phone operation; while it would be nice to have the nav more integrated with the HFL you have to be able to see my point and why it makes sense, people who don't want nav to begin with sure as hell don't want to spend another $2500 to get bluetooth functionality; making it a standard feature across the board not only makes it more appealing to buyers but makes it something the other cars from competitors do not have.

I personally love my seats; I do not have a Type-S, but I can only imagine them being better because of the additional bolstering.

 

^^^ And again in response your MID comment

Because the non-navi TLs come with the MID standard. It makes absolutely no sense to change the entire software setup of a car because you add the nav unit. So, you put the trip computer into the MID display, then whether or not you have nav it's another standard feature across the line that will attract buyers looking for features but maybe not a navigation system

You may wish to look outside the Acura family for your next car; as many of the standards on the TL will be optional, then you won't have to use them and find the flaws or drawbacks from a personal perspective.


For the record, which I know we are all aware of, these are your personal takes on the car. Some people might totally agree with you, others will disagree with every word you typed.

I find myself loving the TL and think you're a doofus =p (jk)

 

Divindude,

I would just like to say there is NO car in the world that is perfect that will adhere to everyones taste. The only thing that i seriously think would make this car perfect in my eyes is if it was AWD. Other than that im very satisified with my TL-S and wouldnt change it in for anything. Anybody can be picky with any car and find flaws or whatever but as far as im concerned the TL-S is a very well designed Exterior/interior machine.

 

.

 

Well, you knew you were gonna get flamed for some of your comments. However, IMO, your comments are for the most part balanced and constructive.

For me, the TL-S is the best car I've ever owned. Not "Almost" the best. The best - Hands down, no contest. If there are better cars, I either can't afford them or they don't fit my needs and/or tastes.

Here's my take:

1. I've not noticed any unusual wear or creasing in 5k miles. Possible loss of memory positions in not exclusive to the TL. I do have a seat back that popped loose, and that sucks a little, but I can get it fixed.

2. Timmah's explanation sounds about right to me. Intergration would be nice, but may not fit with the various trim levels (Navi/non-Navi).

3. The HFL phonebook import is a joke. I haven't read of a single phone that it's worked with. Again, your suggested integration is a good idea if possible with Navi/non-Navi trims. I don't have addresses in my phone (and to date never have), so I really don't care that they don't import - and I'm guessing that I am average in this regard.

4. I assume this "brake assist" occurs in full auto only? If you want full control of shift points, use the SS.

5. It can be a hassle getting from one MID screen to another. I did find a "short cut" - there are up *and* down arrows. It doesn't take long to learn which direction to go for the shortest route. Same for the sub-levels - it's not rocket science. I'd prefer instant MPG and the TC on the Navi too. There is no hack for the '07/'08 version. If Instant MPG is what separates a great car from an almost great car, then the Chevy Impala is a great car and the TL-S is almost great.

6. I disagree, not only is the handling as good as I've ever had, but this car is the quietest car I've ever owned as well. There are obviously some problem cars - enough for a TSB - but, so far, mine is not one of them.

7. I've had one intermitent rattle. Again, I know there are a lot of reports of rattles, but I don't have them. At this point, I have no meaningful build quality issues - except that seat back thing, which I think is probably a design issue.

8. TLC and OwnerLink are cute after-sale marketing gimmicks, but you didn't really expect to get any significant value from them did you? I did not buy this car for TLC or OwnerLink; I paid nothing for it and expect nothing from it. Do you think that BMW, Infinity or Audi are going to put more than the bare minimum into their after-sale customer care gimmicks, just like Acura does? Really?

9. It's definetly cool. No bigger than a regular fob plus key. And shape-wise it fit in pockets better. Mine has never popped open. Keyless is the way to go and I'll be surprised if we don't get an RL type system in the 4G.

 

LOL. The things you find annoying and you dislike about the TL are so small compared to its competitors. You would not find this type of review in a magazine because people would think your some type of OCD crazy guy. Im not trying to disrespect you but come'on now, the TL-S has the full package; technology, performance, safety, reliability, resale, and looks.

 

Looks like you ALMOST should have bought something else!

 

I read all your comments but I disagree with your conclusion. I haven't had any significant issues with my TL and I think you are focusing too much on the negative. Look at all the positives the TL give you. I love the fact that the TL-S is a complete package Just pick color and transmission and go. I hate the BMW philosophy of adding $10,000 in options to get a nicely equipped car... I mean come on, fake leather on a $40,000 car.

Before I bought the TL, I test drove a Lexus ES-350. It was a great car...Almost.
It had pretty good acceleration but I felt totally disconnected from the road. The handling was not anywhere near as good as the TL.

Bottom line, no car is perfect, you buy a package and have to take the good with the bad. I think Acura has a great product now and the 4G will be even better.

 

I have owned 3 3G TLs and now a 08 TL-S and I wil say most of your observations are decent and on track to some degree, but every car will have "almost" on just about everything. I love the TL so much I have owned now 4. I do hate Acura interior fit and finihs, every one of my TLs has had various squeaks and rattles and fit/finish isses on interior. I came real close to buying a G35 becasue every one I took out was well assemebed, but int he nd I love the balance of TL styling, handling and execution. While many love the TL-S I actually prefer the standard TL, but opted for a TL-S becasue I preferred the subtle styling differences. I actually prefer the smoother ride of the regular TL. The TL-S does seem a bit choppy or jittery on some roads, but nothing extreme. I do find the TL-S engine and transmission to be extremely refined and smoot during operation, more so than the base 3.2. I opted for a forth and TL-s becasue I really feel the 3G is one of the best damn cars ont he road and form what I have seen of the 09 spy shots doubt I will feel the same aboutthe 4G. Hate the navi hump (ala MDX) and the edgy driving lights as well as the MDX like grill. So I drive what I suspect may be my final TL for a while and enjoy it. Other than squeaks, and the wimpy ELS every one of my 4 3G TLs has invoked me constantly saying " I LOVE THIS CAR", which no car I have ever owned has casued me to say almost every time I drive it. Is it perfect, no way. Is it as close to perfect as I think one can reasonably come in a sub $40K car, hell yeah! As for your leather get some LeatherCPR and treat it once a month and it will stay soft and supple.

 

You can never please all the people all the time....

 

geez... what car do you know that is perfect? cause you are one discerning driver. i would buy the next car recommend.

didnt even notice all the stuff you mentioned.

 

wow i would hate to see what you would say about my CLS...

 

I've had my car for 7 weeks now and love it.

If you're regretting your purchase of the TL, go trade it in for something else.

 

WOW. Go get a Buick.

About #1. I am 6'1" 190# and I could care less about the memory seat. NEVER used it.

I keep the seat tilted as much as possible, and just adjust front to back. Never really

adjust anything. I can't understand why you would take SO MUCH time to complain

about EVERY feature the car has. YOU must HATE IT I guess ???

 

this might be a biased opinion ... but the 3rd gen tl - S is currently the best car on the market for its price range ... no regrets of buying it ... everything is perfect except the fugly rims, but that is an ez fix

 

Sounds like you needed a little more Divin intervention before you paid some $37K for a car you don't like. You had the opportunity to try out all of the items you mention except number 8 BEFORE you paid out for it.

 

+1
I agree with this guy.

The OP sounds just like my dad. I took him with me to try out TL's, he really likes mine, but doesn't want to pay that much. He is thinking about a new Accord, but its more expensive and bigger than he wants. I suggested a TSX, he said he wanted a V6, not enough power in the TSX 4. I suggested an Altima, he said "it looks cheap" although he has not seen one since the 1st gen Altima. I suggested a Mazda 6, he said he dosn't want a Mazda. I suggested a Saab, he said he didn't want to drive that far to get it fixed. I said what about a Camry he said "everyone has one" (unlike the Accord in what way?). He refuses to consider an American car, Hundai or Kia because he says the build quality is crap. Basically, no matter what car he gets, he will complain about it not being the way he wants it. I guess for some people it's not just the car that's important, it's having something to complain about.

 

With everything your dad said, is the reason I have a 3G TL.

 

DivinDude, I agree that the car isn't completely perfect, but the issues you listed really don't seem very 'high priorty'. I don't like the engine breaking thing either, but it's not a real problem to me. BTW not all TLs rattle

It sounds like you have had some really great cars in the past. Out of curiousity, what cars did own prior to the TL?

 

I think this sums everything up right here about the the person reviewing.

If it takes you "weeks" to get your seat set how you want it, you've got serious issues.

 

DivinDude-
I agree with you, ALMOST! Acura did almost build a perfect car. With that being said, NASA built a perfect spcae shuttle, ALMOST. Engineering is a very tough job when you factor in the cost of building a vehicle, and the price range that you want to sell it at. They designed a perfect car, and then had to go back and change it over and over, because none of us would have paid $50,000 for this car. A friend of mine bought an 07 TL, and tells me that I was stupid for spending the extra to get the Type S. He paid $34,500, I paid $36,600. Total up buying the after market upgrades. Brembo Brakes, 25+ HP, great suspension, wheels, much better looking and sounding exaust, plus more. He feels that all I spent the money on is that big S on it's ass. That is all he ever sees is the ass end pulling away, and what a pretty ass it is! You bought an almost perfect car, at a PERFECT price. Love it for what it is!

 

The more I read threads like this, the more I wonder to myself - "Why did some of these people actually BUY this car?" Honestly, did you not test drive the car? Did you not read about the car? Did you ask NO questions? It just doesn't make sense. How do you spend this amount of money and not have the majority of these issues already settled in your mind? Sorry you aren't "perfectly" satisfied, but you were the buyer...there's an element of responsibility in that role.

 

Almost all those features you mentioned I wish I had in my gen 2 TL-S. It will be at least 5 years before I can actually decide to step up to a gen 3 simply because I don't want to pay full retail and love the fact I can buy the cars at a depreciated value and can expect them to last. Just like there are no perfect humans there are no perfect cars. Let us know when you find one though.

 

WELL SAID!!!!!! Perfect Answer.

 

i appreciate the detailed comments regarding this car... if i wasnt so in love with my 07 TL-S all these things would annoy me a little bit too

 

Wow, it's amazing how defensive people are regarding this list you put together...

No car is perfect and I'm sure you(plural) could put together a list this long for a ~$200k Mercedes simply because the more you spend the more you expect. For me, the things that frustrated me initially about my TL-S were the differences in how Acura handled things compared to what I had grown used to in my last car, like guages, trip computer, etc.

While I agree with some of the points, though not all of them, I can understand why most, if not all of them, are listed. (especially #4, which I just started to notice more and more last week...)

Thanks for the write up.

 

i like my 07 TL-S

 

I have not posted here in quite some time because I no longer own my 2005 Acura TL. I traded it in for a car I always wanted that's completely different...a 2007 Mustang GT Convertible.

However...I did not trade in my Acura because I was unhappy with it. As a matter of fact I loved my TL but just decided to live out a dream. If I had enough money I would have both my TL and my Mustang.

As a former Acura owner....there is not much about the Acura TL you can be displeased with. It's a powerful and smooth 4 door sports sedan with many luxury features included. Really about the only complaint I ever had with my TL was that it had several annoying buzzes and rattles that I could never seem to get rid of. But even those were tolerable.

When you consider the Acura TL is well under 40,000.00.....it's a major bargain if you ask me. I would not hesitate to buy another one some day. There are not many cars that are as refined as the TL is in it's price range. Plus the car is just plain great looking.

I'm not here to compare my Mustang with my former TL....they are cars that are on 2 different planets. But when I saw this huge writeup about the TL and the "almosts". well I wanted to chime in.

Just seemed like someone was being a little too picky.....

 

I don't think it's so much about being defensive as it is being a little fed up with the endless threads nitpicking this car. If there's a significant problem, I get that...post away and let's see if the community can help with resolving the problem, etc. But, at some point in all of this, threads like this have become a nuisance and completely fail to demonstrate any element of objectivity or reasonable expectations. I said before, and I'll say again, "WHY did [the OP] buy this car?"

 

Maybe you should buy looser shorts.

 

I agree with a lot of your points, but I think your delivery and phrasing was pretty bad. Instead of appreciating everything the car has for the price you paid, and then pointing out how Acura could have made things perfect with a few minor fixes, you simply come off as whiny and unnappreciative of the features you did get for the price you paid.

i.e. would you rather have almost all those features for the price you paid or all those features to the fullest for 10k more like the competition?

 

I think the OP has very valid points. But that's what the TL is - it's the bargain car for it's segment.

However, to davejsbx - people wouldn't pay $50K for this car? Well, based on the current exchange rate of the CDN dollar to the US dollar, and factor in that we have 14% taxes up here... it's safe to say that I paid about $50K USD for my car. Sad. But true... sigh.

 

I think posts like this serve some purpose. I've no idea if anyone from Acura bothers to read this forum (or similar ones), but if they do, these are the kinds of posts you'd hope they read. If they don't read it, then they are missing a great source of user-feedback. As the OP said in his opening,
He owns the car, and finds it 'almost perfect'. That's pretty high praise. He doesn't say any other car is perfect either; I'm sure he can find the same type of nit-picks with any other car out there.

I do find the list to be a bit extreme - finding fault with the key fob is a bit much ... but if that's the most one can criticise, then that's fine praise indeed. The issues with the address book(s) are spot on, and the HID is a bit clunky ... you'd think 'Language Selection' would be buried somewhere, and not have to be cycled through each time ...

$35k is a lot of money for a car in my book. Yes, there are far more expensive cars out there, but there are also a hell-of-a-lot of cheaper ones. For $33k, I expect to be wowed. I came within inches of buying the Accord V6 EX-L for about $26k; it had all the power I need, and handles well enough for me (not as good as the TL, but I don't need that 'extra' personally). I ponied up the extra $7k or so because of a few very simple things - the Accord front-end appearance is the worst of any Accord ever, nowhere near as pretty as the Civic, let alone the TL (which is gorgeous); The TL had a better sound system; and finally - the real clincher for me - the TL had what I considered to be a 'perfect' interior - the look, the feel, the layout, was very satisfying. For that, I happily paid the extra.

Now, I'm struggling to accept the drivetrain vibration, the host of rattles, and the brain-dead navigation 'search' features - not things I discovered during test drives. I've been a honda/acura man since 1983, starting with a 1st gen Accord (purchased used for $3,500!). I've had tremendous reliability from them, and that's why I keep coming back. I would say I truly loved my last car - the Acura Legend LS - which I had for 14 years. I'd buy that car again today if it were still made - 15" wheels and all!

Anyway, my hope is that posts like this will get read by Acura, and also by potential buyers who should see the negatives as well as the positives. I also came very close to buying a BMW 5 series (used, previous gorgeous body style), but reading the bmw forums re-inforced what I had heard elsewhere - that I was about to buy a car that would cost a fortune to maintain, and have sub-par reliability. If the worst I can read about the TL is that the key fob may make someone think I'm happy to see them, I think I'll take that as a plus!