Chicago Tribune TL Review
02-22-2004, 10:52 PM
#1
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Chicago Tribune TL Review
In general, I think this guy is one of the more clueless auto columnists out there. It's obvious that he didn't understand what the HandsFreeLink feature is. But here's his review anyway, published in this morning's paper.
------------------------
Redone TL a drive, if not sight, to behold
Published February 22, 2004
With the Honda Accord redone for '03, it was time for the remake of the Acura TL for '04 that's built off the same platform.
That means new styling, which moves from bland to less bland, though for a brief moment, we thought the young man working valet at the restaurant was going to require a defibrillator when his eyes made contact and he became enamored with the TL we drove up in. Difficult to account for taste.
Have to wonder what designers for the Acura luxury division of Honda must think when they see the creativity that went into a Ford Mustang or Dodge Viper or Chevy SSR--or even a Chrysler PT Cruiser.
But we digress.
The TL gets new dimensions along with new sheet metal. Though the industry trend of late is to go bigger when redoing a model, the TL wheelbase was reduced by 0.2 of an inch while overall length took a hit of 3.2 inches.
Acura spokesman Mike Spencer said the shrinkage was the result of customer complaints the former TL looked "too big and bulky" so some of the rear overhang was lopped off without sacrificing cabin space. In fact, he said, the '04 is nearly 2 inches wider than the former model.
Have to say the extra width is appreciated in providing some more wiggle room as well as space to stretch arms wrapped in winter coats. Those in the back seat, however, might not boast about wiggle or stretch room.
The TL also gets a power boost. The 3.2-liter, 24-valve V-6 now delivers 270 horsepower and 238 foot-pounds of get-away-from-the-line torque, up from 225 h.p. and 216 foot-pounds of torque before the engine was tweaked to generate more muscle.
The power boost in the TL helps explain why Acura has dropped the high-performance Type S from the lineup and let the TL handle the load.
It took only one hard kick of the pedal when moving away from the toll basket to feel the difference a few more horsepower and a little more torque does in improving launch.
However, be prepared for some torque steer, with the car moving sharply to the left or right, as a result of the added power in this front-wheel-drive sedan.
Acura gives you a choice of transmissions, 6-speed manual that's new for 2004 or a 5-speed automatic with a manual mode option. While enthusiasts prefer manual, the 6-speed in the test vehicle was a tad notchy and the clutch just a bit temperamental.
And while the TL is rated at 20 m.p.g. city/30 m.p.g. highway with the 6-speed, the needle tended to move a lot faster toward "E" than you would expect from that rating and a 17-gallon fuel tank.
Ride is smooth, handling effortless and standard vehicle stability assist (VSA) prevents wandering to keep you in control. VSA had been offered on the TL Type S only.
Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are also standard.
As noted, cabin room is good, and the perforated leather seats supportive, especially at playtime.
Gauges are excellent, with a blue background that makes the needles and numbers easy to see. The blue hue also is easy on the eyes--unlike red or orange which is considered decorative, but sometimes blurs at night.
Acura makes it easy to acquire a TL because everything but a navigation system ($2,000) and summer high-performance tires ($200) to replace the 17-inch all-season radials are standard.
New amenities for '04 include a DVD audio system with six-disc CD changer and cassette, a hands-free phone system and XM satellite radio.
When given a choice between watching an arrow float across a map of Illinois on the navigation screen or listening to Jeff Foxworthy on the XM's comedy channel, the map loses.
XM is standard, along with three months free listening. You don't have to pony up the monthly $9.99 fee until month four to enjoy the billion or so static-free satellite stations that provide comedy, talk, sports and music in so many languages that some are tough to spell, much less understand.
Unfortunately, the test car must have been in service for more than three months because, when pressing the XM dial, a recorded voice said the only way to listen was to subscribe--online, difficult because we left the computer in the office, or by phone.
Because a hands-free phone is also standard, we simply pressed the phone icon on the steering column to learn how to bring Foxworthy into the cabin.
Another recorded voice, however, said the phone was not in service, either. So we opted to let the navi provide the entertainment.
The '04 TL tested starts at $32,650. Standard equipment includes power driver/passenger seats (driver 10-way, up from eight-way in the past), power locks, mirrors (heated, too), and windows; power moonroof; dual-zone automatic climate control; rear-window defroster; side-window defoggers; and digital clock.
Also standard are dual-stage driver/passenger front- and side-impact air bags plus air-bag curtains front and rear; outside temperature gauge; Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps; heat-rejecting tinted glass; trunk-to-cabin pass-through for skis; two power outlets; and pull-out storage compartments in the doors.
TL owners wanting a sportier look can opt for a new A-Spec package available at dealerships for $5,200 plus installation--figure $200 to $250 depending on location. It adds ground effects and performance-tuned shocks and springs.
Acura also has developed an A-Spec concept to explore an even higher-performance upgrade with a more than 300-h.p. V-6, 21-inch tires, track-tuned suspension, as well as adaptive cruise control that automatically applies the brakes if you approach a vehicle too closely. Stay tuned on that one.
- - -
TEST DRIVE
2004 Acura TL
Wheelbase: 107.9 inches
Length: 186.2 inches
Engine: 3.2-liter, 270-h.p., 24-valve V-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel economy: 20 m.p.g. city/30 m.p.g. highway
Base price: $32,650
Price as tested: $34,650. Includes $2,000 for navigation system. Add $545 for freight. Only other options (a 5-speed automatic is a no-cost option) are summer performance tires at $200 and monthly XM satellite radio subscription fee of $9.95 that doesn't start until month four.
Pluses: Redesign. More powerful V-6 with added horsepower and torque. A 6-speed manual now offered. New standard features include DVD audio system, hands-free phone, XM satellite radio, vehicle stability assist and 17-inch radials. Loaded.
Minuses: Notchy manual. Mileage rating seemed a bit optimistic.
----------
------------------------
Redone TL a drive, if not sight, to behold
Published February 22, 2004
With the Honda Accord redone for '03, it was time for the remake of the Acura TL for '04 that's built off the same platform.
That means new styling, which moves from bland to less bland, though for a brief moment, we thought the young man working valet at the restaurant was going to require a defibrillator when his eyes made contact and he became enamored with the TL we drove up in. Difficult to account for taste.
Have to wonder what designers for the Acura luxury division of Honda must think when they see the creativity that went into a Ford Mustang or Dodge Viper or Chevy SSR--or even a Chrysler PT Cruiser.
But we digress.
The TL gets new dimensions along with new sheet metal. Though the industry trend of late is to go bigger when redoing a model, the TL wheelbase was reduced by 0.2 of an inch while overall length took a hit of 3.2 inches.
Acura spokesman Mike Spencer said the shrinkage was the result of customer complaints the former TL looked "too big and bulky" so some of the rear overhang was lopped off without sacrificing cabin space. In fact, he said, the '04 is nearly 2 inches wider than the former model.
Have to say the extra width is appreciated in providing some more wiggle room as well as space to stretch arms wrapped in winter coats. Those in the back seat, however, might not boast about wiggle or stretch room.
The TL also gets a power boost. The 3.2-liter, 24-valve V-6 now delivers 270 horsepower and 238 foot-pounds of get-away-from-the-line torque, up from 225 h.p. and 216 foot-pounds of torque before the engine was tweaked to generate more muscle.
The power boost in the TL helps explain why Acura has dropped the high-performance Type S from the lineup and let the TL handle the load.
It took only one hard kick of the pedal when moving away from the toll basket to feel the difference a few more horsepower and a little more torque does in improving launch.
However, be prepared for some torque steer, with the car moving sharply to the left or right, as a result of the added power in this front-wheel-drive sedan.
Acura gives you a choice of transmissions, 6-speed manual that's new for 2004 or a 5-speed automatic with a manual mode option. While enthusiasts prefer manual, the 6-speed in the test vehicle was a tad notchy and the clutch just a bit temperamental.
And while the TL is rated at 20 m.p.g. city/30 m.p.g. highway with the 6-speed, the needle tended to move a lot faster toward "E" than you would expect from that rating and a 17-gallon fuel tank.
Ride is smooth, handling effortless and standard vehicle stability assist (VSA) prevents wandering to keep you in control. VSA had been offered on the TL Type S only.
Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are also standard.
As noted, cabin room is good, and the perforated leather seats supportive, especially at playtime.
Gauges are excellent, with a blue background that makes the needles and numbers easy to see. The blue hue also is easy on the eyes--unlike red or orange which is considered decorative, but sometimes blurs at night.
Acura makes it easy to acquire a TL because everything but a navigation system ($2,000) and summer high-performance tires ($200) to replace the 17-inch all-season radials are standard.
New amenities for '04 include a DVD audio system with six-disc CD changer and cassette, a hands-free phone system and XM satellite radio.
When given a choice between watching an arrow float across a map of Illinois on the navigation screen or listening to Jeff Foxworthy on the XM's comedy channel, the map loses.
XM is standard, along with three months free listening. You don't have to pony up the monthly $9.99 fee until month four to enjoy the billion or so static-free satellite stations that provide comedy, talk, sports and music in so many languages that some are tough to spell, much less understand.
Unfortunately, the test car must have been in service for more than three months because, when pressing the XM dial, a recorded voice said the only way to listen was to subscribe--online, difficult because we left the computer in the office, or by phone.
Because a hands-free phone is also standard, we simply pressed the phone icon on the steering column to learn how to bring Foxworthy into the cabin.
Another recorded voice, however, said the phone was not in service, either. So we opted to let the navi provide the entertainment.
The '04 TL tested starts at $32,650. Standard equipment includes power driver/passenger seats (driver 10-way, up from eight-way in the past), power locks, mirrors (heated, too), and windows; power moonroof; dual-zone automatic climate control; rear-window defroster; side-window defoggers; and digital clock.
Also standard are dual-stage driver/passenger front- and side-impact air bags plus air-bag curtains front and rear; outside temperature gauge; Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps; heat-rejecting tinted glass; trunk-to-cabin pass-through for skis; two power outlets; and pull-out storage compartments in the doors.
TL owners wanting a sportier look can opt for a new A-Spec package available at dealerships for $5,200 plus installation--figure $200 to $250 depending on location. It adds ground effects and performance-tuned shocks and springs.
Acura also has developed an A-Spec concept to explore an even higher-performance upgrade with a more than 300-h.p. V-6, 21-inch tires, track-tuned suspension, as well as adaptive cruise control that automatically applies the brakes if you approach a vehicle too closely. Stay tuned on that one.
- - -
TEST DRIVE
2004 Acura TL
Wheelbase: 107.9 inches
Length: 186.2 inches
Engine: 3.2-liter, 270-h.p., 24-valve V-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel economy: 20 m.p.g. city/30 m.p.g. highway
Base price: $32,650
Price as tested: $34,650. Includes $2,000 for navigation system. Add $545 for freight. Only other options (a 5-speed automatic is a no-cost option) are summer performance tires at $200 and monthly XM satellite radio subscription fee of $9.95 that doesn't start until month four.
Pluses: Redesign. More powerful V-6 with added horsepower and torque. A 6-speed manual now offered. New standard features include DVD audio system, hands-free phone, XM satellite radio, vehicle stability assist and 17-inch radials. Loaded.
Minuses: Notchy manual. Mileage rating seemed a bit optimistic.
----------
02-22-2004, 10:59 PM
#2
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So yet another guy writes about the car and doesn't read up on how any features work yet writes about it. Oh well, no accounting for ignorance. He doesn't like the look either, well, no accounting for taste. 
02-22-2004, 10:59 PM
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The guy obviously didn't do a lot of homework before his article which is pretty typical. The only comment I have is the one about how fast the needle moved to the left. That damn needle does move fast because there are about 6 gallons left when it gets to the E, LOL! Did this guy bother to actual compute the mpg?
I am completely impressed by the gas mileage. I got 32 mpg with the cruise set at 72 mph (5AT) and I think that is just dang impressive for a 270 hp, 3500 lb. car!
I am completely impressed by the gas mileage. I got 32 mpg with the cruise set at 72 mph (5AT) and I think that is just dang impressive for a 270 hp, 3500 lb. car!
02-22-2004, 11:10 PM
#4
I noticed the same thing, a few observations svtmike,
1. Jim Mateja is a respected auto writer who I happen to really like because he reports on the feel and character (good or bad) of the car in addition to the obvious features. Some writers (eg. Dave Boe) just seem to be reporting the features and never say anything bad - afraid of losing advertisers or something.
2. That said, Mr. Mateja did seem to not understand that the hands-free phone only works if you have a blue-tooth phone programmed to the system. Maybe, because it was a reviewer test car, he thought that this particular TL would be preprogrammed and that a car phone was somehow already installed. I agree with you that this looks like poor research however.
3. He did bring up the dreaded "torque steer" comment which I believe is greatly exagerated but always seems to find its way into articles when something negative has to be said.
3. Thanks for posting the whole article as not everyone has access to the Chi Trib. Did you type the whole thing or cut and paste an OCR copy? Either way, nice work.
1. Jim Mateja is a respected auto writer who I happen to really like because he reports on the feel and character (good or bad) of the car in addition to the obvious features. Some writers (eg. Dave Boe) just seem to be reporting the features and never say anything bad - afraid of losing advertisers or something.
2. That said, Mr. Mateja did seem to not understand that the hands-free phone only works if you have a blue-tooth phone programmed to the system. Maybe, because it was a reviewer test car, he thought that this particular TL would be preprogrammed and that a car phone was somehow already installed. I agree with you that this looks like poor research however.
3. He did bring up the dreaded "torque steer" comment which I believe is greatly exagerated but always seems to find its way into articles when something negative has to be said.
3. Thanks for posting the whole article as not everyone has access to the Chi Trib. Did you type the whole thing or cut and paste an OCR copy? Either way, nice work.
02-22-2004, 11:14 PM
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I've been reading Mateja for years, and though he may be respected I frequently disagree with his take on cars. The guy has nice things to say about Buicks.
But then again my automotive tastes are outside the mainstream, so maybe it's me.
I didn't type or OCR, just cut/paste. I'd have linked, but for the registration that the Trib website requires.
Mike
But then again my automotive tastes are outside the mainstream, so maybe it's me.
I didn't type or OCR, just cut/paste. I'd have linked, but for the registration that the Trib website requires.
Mike
02-22-2004, 11:17 PM
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This bad torque steer seems to be something the 6mt gets because my 5at has very little and is nothing bothersome.
In 1986 I drove a Dodge Omni GLH Shelby that near riped the steering wheel out of my hand, now that sucker had torque steer! Now that car was a blast to drive!
In 1986 I drove a Dodge Omni GLH Shelby that near riped the steering wheel out of my hand, now that sucker had torque steer! Now that car was a blast to drive!
02-22-2004, 11:20 PM
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Mike,
I agree with you about Mateja, I agree with him less and less. Hard to take a guy seriously when he just writes and doesn't check into why something happened (cell phone) or that mpg might "seem" optimistic.
How hard would it be to look up what that little phone icon does?
I agree with you about Mateja, I agree with him less and less. Hard to take a guy seriously when he just writes and doesn't check into why something happened (cell phone) or that mpg might "seem" optimistic.
How hard would it be to look up what that little phone icon does?
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02-23-2004, 09:53 AM
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Originally posted by Norse396
This bad torque steer seems to be something the 6mt gets because my 5at has very little and is nothing bothersome.
This bad torque steer seems to be something the 6mt gets because my 5at has very little and is nothing bothersome.
With all of that wrestling for control over the drive wheels it's not surprising there's a little bit of play. I sometimes think the problem is lessened when I turn off VSA but that may just be wishful thinking.
02-23-2004, 10:24 PM
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Originally posted by jdriver
That could be. On my 6mt there is definitely something akin to torque steer going on. Very mild, though. Not surprising since the wheels are taking input from four sources: driver, limited slip diff, vsa, and the engine. I don't think it affects performance but it does affect the feel.
With all of that wrestling for control over the drive wheels it's not surprising there's a little bit of play. I sometimes think the problem is lessened when I turn off VSA but that may just be wishful thinking.
That could be. On my 6mt there is definitely something akin to torque steer going on. Very mild, though. Not surprising since the wheels are taking input from four sources: driver, limited slip diff, vsa, and the engine. I don't think it affects performance but it does affect the feel.
With all of that wrestling for control over the drive wheels it's not surprising there's a little bit of play. I sometimes think the problem is lessened when I turn off VSA but that may just be wishful thinking.
02-23-2004, 10:49 PM
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Isn't his data on the A-spec wrong? I don't recall that it had any more HP, nor that it had adaptive cruise control.. Can anyone comment?
PS. Everyone stop being so touchy about the torque steer! It's definately there, it's definately a minus (although you may disagree about how much) , and I'm buying one anyway.
PS. Everyone stop being so touchy about the torque steer! It's definately there, it's definately a minus (although you may disagree about how much) , and I'm buying one anyway.
02-23-2004, 11:30 PM
#13
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Originally posted by nologic98
Isn't his data on the A-spec wrong? I don't recall that it had any more HP, nor that it had adaptive cruise control.. Can anyone comment?
PS. Everyone stop being so touchy about the torque steer! It's definately there, it's definately a minus (although you may disagree about how much) , and I'm buying one anyway.
Isn't his data on the A-spec wrong? I don't recall that it had any more HP, nor that it had adaptive cruise control.. Can anyone comment?
PS. Everyone stop being so touchy about the torque steer! It's definately there, it's definately a minus (although you may disagree about how much) , and I'm buying one anyway.
Re: torque steer. My 5AT has it. Every FWD car has it. I find it extremely manageable in the TL. But I've got 20 years of high-power FWD driving under my belt.
Mike
02-24-2004, 07:25 AM
#14
Originally posted by nologic98
Isn't his data on the A-spec wrong? I don't recall that it had any more HP, nor that it had adaptive cruise control.. Can anyone comment?
PS. Everyone stop being so touchy about the torque steer! It's definately there, it's definately a minus (although you may disagree about how much) , and I'm buying one anyway.
Isn't his data on the A-spec wrong? I don't recall that it had any more HP, nor that it had adaptive cruise control.. Can anyone comment?
PS. Everyone stop being so touchy about the torque steer! It's definately there, it's definately a minus (although you may disagree about how much) , and I'm buying one anyway.
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