Please vote only if you have owned/leased TLs of at least two generations.

 

how about starting a poll to see whether you think gainful should...

1. get a 06 TL
2. get a Infiniti
3. stay with his TL
4. don't care what gainful should do

 

1st generation by far has the best build quality. the 2nd generation is alright. third generation is at least as good as second generation.

 

#4



oh gainful, why do you always start threads like this...

 

i had an 03 TL type S & i dont miss it now that i have the 06. i can always find flaws though

 

Its funny that you ask! I have an 06 Tl and just purchased an 03 Tl for my Fiance 2 days ago. Although they are both TL's, they seem to offer a different experience. The 2nd generations since to offer more comfort and space: padded ride and passenger relaxation. The 3rd generation seems to offer sport, speed, and semi luxury. To compete with the BMW 3 series and Lexus IS series, Acura had to redesign the TL. That's why its not as long nor spacious and built on a more sport set up. All in all all generations of Acura are good quality.

 

You have to agree that the 3rd Generation had better Technology than its previous models.

 

I like both of my TLs.

2G: Gentler ride, subdued engine sound, fast enough, two-tone taupe and parchment dash looks richer. After 61,000 miles, I've experienced a couple of very minor problems including a sunroof rattle fixed by dealer.

3G: Sharper handling, aggressive engine sound, faster, sporty interior, much better looking exterior. Love the XM radio. After 11,000 miles, I've experience no problems and no rattles.

 

My 00 TL: decent acceleration, looked great, pretty decent build quality except for having 1 transmission replaced in 88K miles, faded B pillars, and 1 seat heater burn out. Car definetely leaned more towards luxury, especially ride.

06 TL: love the looks, handling, motor, gadgets, and the interior (Quartz).

Build quality is probably on par or maybe even somewhat better than the 00.

Loved 'em both!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

2002 TL: The only issue I had was that I didn't buy a navi. The build quality was great in the 33k miles I drove it. had to have my rotors resurfaced once. Had no rattles even after dropping it 1.5 inches with Comptech springs and upgrading to TL-S 17" wheels.

2004 TL: More rattles (luckily intermittent) but I don't have to worry about the transmission falling apart. (I hope ) More toys and navi + Acura-designed A-Spec suspension + better driving dynamics than the 2G TL even before the A-Spec=3G better overall.

 

I know this thread is primarily about quality and performance, but a big factor for me was appearance. I don't mean to insult any 1G or 2G owners, but for me there was just nothing exciting about the earlier generations appearance-wise. This is pretty much the same way I feel about Lexus and Infinity: great cars (luxury & comfort, etc.) but I want some excitement to go with. For me, the 3G offers just about the perfect combination of luxury, comfort, performance, technology and appearance.

 

Well I've owned all three generations.

1997
2003
2005

All three have been very reliable with excellent build quality.

1997 TL: Smoothest ride, a bit of road noise (fixed that by coating the wheel wells). For its day, it had excellent materials. A little bit boaty with the stock 15 inch wheels, but secure and predictable handling. GREAT steering feel, doesnt feel artificially heavy. Good stereo, better than my 2003. Overall, it makes for a great highway crusier. I still own it in fact. My only real complaint is gas mileage, it gets anywhere from 25 to 28 mpg. Higher than its EPA rating for sure, but it really needs an extra gear.

2003 TL: Excellent ride, nearly as good as the '97. Less body lean in the corners and quite a bit more interior space. Interior materials were a bit cheap, dash looked plain and was a step down from the '97. Leather of lower quality than '97 TL. Stereo was ok. Less wind noise and road noise (comparing them stock vs stock) Stock tires were awful, wandered at highway speeds. New tires fixed that. Got about 32 to 34 mpg on the highway on regular gas (it wasnt a Type S, so it wasnt an issue)

2005 TL: Far improved interior over '03, excellent acceleration (as we all know) I so far have only had the woofer rattle, fixed that. Ride is a bit choppy, might switch the tires soon to fix that. I don't like the smaller trunk but I'll live. Getting high 20's for gas mileage with premium.