I have a first generation QX4 suv with the weak v6 engine. 0-60 is somewhere around 12. Before that i had an even slower SUV and that was my first car!! So i have only driven slow sport utes.

While the TL may not be an m3, with a 6~ second 0-60 time its gotta be damn fast. I cant believe when people on here say it is not a street light rocket or it doesnt have any low end power. Is this just because you have driven sport cars all your life? I havent test driven this thing but given when i have previously driven, am i going to be blown away? I have *never* driven a fast car

 

Honestly, I think you will be blown away. I'm not like these other guys that have the fast muscle cars and M3's and AMG's and stuff...but I'm no stranger to sports cars. I still have a '95 Prelude with some standard performance mods (I/H/E) and was pretty impressed with the power of this car. I was just impressed by the interior and all the hidden features...then I gave it a little more gas...definitely nice! You'll like it.

BTW, I'm from the DC area myself. Just moved to NC last year. (Woodbridge, VA - near Potomac Mills Mall)

 

well i know i was, because i too had never really driven a fast car. well i drove my dads S8 a couple times, so it wasnt anything realy special, but consdiering i was getting it for me, when i first drove it i thought it was a rocket. i now know a few of the cars weaknesses and whatnot, but i still think it is a great car with ample power for everyday driving and even maybe a litle racing .

 

Anything is faster than the 168hp QX4 your talking about. The TL is damn swift period. You will love the speed and acceleration.

 

am i reading this right? did u just give the TL a compliment?

i've only redlined twice in my car and that's coz i wasn't paying attention lol. other than that i haven't really punched the car. there were a couple of occasions some ricer in an eclipse or accord (prior to 2003s) would try to get me on a stop sign but they get left and i'm still in second gear. all i know is if i have to change lanes, i can do so safely

 

People read only what they want from me. It's okay. Makes me none.

 

I test drove many quick cars when choosing the TL and I have to say that the TL has the best combination of power and luxury. I was considering Lexus IS300, Mecedes C-Class, Infiniti G35, BMW 3 Series, Audi A6, Saab 9-3, Nissan Ultima, and even Subaru Legacy and STi.

I felt the TL was the smoothest ride of all. Quiet, great smooth acceleration, and you can't beat the interior features and sound system. Especially for the price. Yes, some of those cars above where faster, but what I felt is that out of the cars I was looking at you either sacrificed luxury and interior for speed or speed and a nice ride for lazy luxury. The TL hands down has my vote for the best of both worlds in one nice package.

 

Remember, it's all in your point of reference. chkelly says he has never driven a fast car. Based upon that, the TL will definitely feel pretty quick to him. If you come from the 4-cylinder or more mundane 6-cylinder sedan world, then the TL is going to be a refreshing change.

I have past experience with cars having over 400 HP and in the mid 400 lb/ft torque area, and have ridden in cars with well over 550 HP. So my point of reference is significantly different and the TL does not even come close to those. But I wouldn't expect a 196 cubic inch normally aspired engine in a car weighing over 3400 pounds to be a match for them so such comparisons are not really relevant.

However, I am still pleasantly surprised and pleased with the performance of this car and tend to view it in context with current offerings.. not those made 40 years ago. And in this field, it is quite a package. What I like most is the normal, everyday driving experience with the TL. The throttle response is superb and makes you feel as though there is a direct one-to-one relationship between throttle opening and the feeling you get in the small of your back as the engine moves the car to your inputs. This you get constantly, everytime you tip into the throttle. Nice... very, very nice.

 

Although they are slow they are great problem free engines.

 

i had a 2000 toyota rav4 with 2.0l I4 127HP before the TL. so....you know what i mean?

 

The TL is deceptively fast. The engine is marvelous!

 

I just came from an M3 and I'd say the TL is fast enough. People who are comparing this car to M5s and such are having delusions of grandeur.

But I think that using this car as a street light racer isn't the right way to appreciate it. There are faster, sportier, lighter cars if that's your bag. The TL's a nice comfy yet sporty heavy cruiser that 's not so hard on the wallet. It'll leave you enough money to go and buy your real starfighter to race down those corvettes.

 

chkelly, if you test-drive a 6 speed, and you are used to SUV acceleration, you are going to crap yourself. I was thoroughly impressed with the TL, and I have driven plenty of 300hp plus sports cars in my day. The TL is incredible for a four door sedan! There is a tremendous difference between the 6 speed and the auto, though. I drove the 6 speed, went back to the dealer, hopped in an auto, and the huge-ass grin on my face faded, and my choice of transmission was made.