1 month of ownership, 1700 miles.

For reference I came from a 2K1 CL-S, traded in with 90000 miles. My biggest likes about the 2K1 CLS were the interior and the engine, dislikes were the 3 tranny’s that were replaced and lack of braking power. I didn’t plan on buying another Acura, but after test driving everything between 28-35K I thought I’d drop by and check out the new TL, and ended up driving it home that night.

Overall I have been very impressed. I really liked the exterior styling of the new TL when I first saw it, very European lines and proportions. I thought the interior styling and ergonomics were fantastic. Being a gadget freak I was impressed with all the technology that came standard. Love the little blue lights, which shine on the center console. Auto up windows are great. I like the “ Hours Driven “ log on the mileage computer, getting between 9.5 and 11.5 hours of driving per tank, good info. Finally some high quality turn/light/wiper stalks on an Acura vehicle.

Mileage…with 6 fill-ups so far, I’m pretty happy. Best has been 29mpg and worst has been 24. The 24 came on the last tank as I’m starting to explore the upper range of the tach. My daily commute is 25% highway and 75% suburban ( 35 to 50 with lights every 1-3 miles, not really city ).

Performance – first off, need to say that I miss the sound ( and performance ) of my old CAI, the TL is a little tame in stock form. I haven’t really done anything but a ½ launch yet, and I’m still impressed with the performance. I thoroughly impressed with the 4 piston Brembo brakes ( the braking performance / rotor quality of the CLS suk’d ) and I haven’t really even had a chance to really test them yet. The one time I did need to stop fairly quickly, I was surprised how well the brakes worked. They really grabbed hard and stopped with confidence. Haven’t really had a chance to run the car through any major twisties yet, but I’m guessing it should be on par with the old CLS.

Things I don’t like about the TL. Hard to dry off after washing. Only had the chance to wash it 3 times, but there seems to be a lot of areas were the water collects ( under window molding and side marker lights ) and is hard to get at all the remaining water. Take a ride after the wash and lots of water streams out. Oh yeah, brake dust with the Brembo’s is bad, dirty wheels 3-4 days after washing.

EL42 seem a little slimly, easy to spin on mild launch and a little squeal-ly on easy cornering. Will replace with better rubber ( maybe 245/45/17’s ) soon, won’t wait for the EL-42’s to wear out. No flatspotting or balance problems so far.

Overall I’m very impressed with my new car. Luxury, style and comfort in a very quick, tight package. It gets a lot of looks, mostly from 3 series drivers.

I keep catching myself looking back at it or catching a glance as I pass a mirrored building.

I'm very, very happy with my purchase.

 

glad to see you like it. im not a 4dr guy, as i own a 03 cl-s, but the TL is one of the 4drs i actually like and comes with a great package.

 

Glad to hear you made the purchase. I must add a very smart one indeed. Enjoy and Good luck.

 

Glad to know this review. Thanks.

Wish I'd have your MPG everyday...

 

Exellent review! Nice to see a fellow chicagoan enjoying their TL. Which dealer did you get your from? Congrats on the car!

 

McGrath in Westmont ( ogden ave ). Very hassle free buying experience. Great service department, free car washes ( once I get sick of hand washing ) and other perks. Plus its very close to the house.

 

If you get a chance, check out Continental, they just opened up a brand new dealer, its very nice and high tech there, and not too far from you if you're close to McGrath

 

i bought my CL at mcgrath too. i know a lot of people there. if u ever need something, check with me and i might be able to get it for cost.

plus i work like 5 min from there so if ya ever wanna meet up, lemme know.

 

Good review. Worst water pooling place for me is the hood - it pools under the upper portion of the grill. I open my hood and dry it off to avoid the streams up the hood. Mirrors also collect a lot, as does the plastic license plate/reverse lamp fascia on the trunk.

Continental's new dealership is very nice, which you'd expect of a new facility. Complimentary WiFi included.

For new rubber I recommend the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S (can't recommend others as I don't have them, but I'm sure this is not the only good tire out there). I got through last winter just fine on them. Agree that even if you have EL42s that don't flatspot the wet and snow traction just isn't there.

Mike

 

Thanks for the review. Just wait till you run it through the twisties.....enjoyable!