TL Review in NY Times Sunday
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TL Review in NY Times Sunday
Sorry if someone already posted this - I've been away a few days and checked the posts but I don't see it anywhere. Mod: Add this one to our sticky please!
March 21, 2004
BEHIND THE WHEEL
2004 Acura TL: Those German Lessons Are Paying Off
By MICHELLE KREBS
DETROIT
WHEN I first encountered the redesigned 2004 Acura TL, it was like being reintroduced to an old friend. No, not to the 2000-model Acura 3.2 TL that resides in my garage - a car that suddenly looked and felt dowdy by comparison - but to a red-blooded German sport sedan like the Audi A4.
This third generation of the midsize Acura, introduced last fall, resembles a modern German automobile more than it looks like my own beloved but aging TL, or like the original TL of 1995.
Acura officials attribute the exterior design to the Bauhaus aesthetic of form following function. To me, it looks like a knockoff of Audi, at least in its squared-off back end and short deck lid, though Acura retained the TL's slim, slanted headlamps and chevron-shape grille. The crisp styling gives the sedan an athletic appearance intended to appeal more to men; in contrast, Acura officials say, women favored the sweeping, softer lines of the previous model.
The new car is two inches wider but four inches shorter. The trunk is about two cubic feet smaller.
The interior of the five-passenger TL has been designed and put together with exquisite attention to detail. The gaps between panels are sliver-thin. Materials look and feel rich, from the covering of the dash to the seat upholstery. The leather on the seats and doors is much softer than that in my old TL, and it is pulled taut, in contrast to the loose-fitting upholstery in my own car. This, too, says Audi to me.
At night, the light-emitting displays on the instrument panel cast a blue glow, à la Volkswagen.
Acura officials seem pleased by comparisons with Audi and its sibling brand, VW, which have some of the best interiors in the business. Acura engineers and designers, in fact, used German cars as their benchmarks, from the exterior design to interior craftsmanship to features like cup holders. However, Acura benchmarked not the similarly priced Audi A4, but the more expensive A6, and not the BMW 3 Series, but the larger 5 Series. They also took a careful look at a head-on competitor, the Lexus ES.
The goal for the TL is bigger than just one car. Having lost its focus in recent years, Acura is seeking to reclaim its original niche, selling cars that emphasize performance and technology as much as luxury.
Established by Honda in 1986, Acura was the first luxury subbrand of a Japanese automaker, and it was an instant success. With a separate dealer network, Acura sold upscale versions of Hondas, starting with the compact Integra and the midsize Legend. Other models, including the TL, the exotic NSX sports car and the MDX sport utility, came later.
So, too, did luxury brands from Toyota (Lexus) and Nissan (Infiniti). Despite its value for the dollar and outstanding quality, Acura fell behind Lexus in its model selection, customer service and sales volume. Nor has Acura established the sort of reputation among enthusiasts that BMW and Audi enjoy. And now Acura faces increased competition, especially in the TL's midsize entry-luxury segment, from Infiniti with its G35 and Cadillac with its CTS.
Acura edged into its new direction with the Type S version of its previous 3.2 TL, which had a more powerful engine and a sporty suspension. For the 2004 TL, Acura uses the Type S as its basis, but drops that model designation. It also omits the "3.2" from the name even though the engine is still a 3.2-liter V-6.
The updated engine is rated at 270 horsepower, a gain of 45 from the previous base model and 10 from the Type S. Torque has also increased, to 238 pounds-feet.
The gain in power puts the TL well ahead of its competitors. In testing by Motor Trend magazine, the Acura accelerated to 60 miles an hour in 6.1 seconds, an advantage of a second or two. Yet the new TL delivers reasonable fuel economy - up to 30 m.p.g. on the highway - and is classified as an ultra-low-emissions vehicle.
Two transmissions are offered for the same price, a five-speed automatic that can be shifted manually or a short-ratio six-speed manual that lets you run effortlessly and accurately through the gears.
The TL has one shortcoming, however, a consequence of sending so much power through the front, driving wheels. It suffers from severe torque steer, with the front wheels pulling to one side or the other under hard acceleration. Engineers tried to reduce the problem on stick-shift cars by installing a limited-slip differential to modulate the power between the left and right wheels.
Living in the Snow Belt, I prefer front drive to rear drive in the winter. But two tests of the TL convinced me that Honda has reached the limit of how much power can be smoothly channeled to the front wheels.
I also found the steering twitchy. Keeping the car on course on curves required constant tiny adjustments.
The new TL uses suspension underpinnings from the previous Type S. The ride is firm but comfortable and extremely quiet. The brakes come from a famous supplier, Brembo, and stop the car with confidence.
The TL also tries to re-establish Acura as a leader in technology, with what the company says is the first North American application of a standard DVD-A 5.1 audio system. The 225-watt, eight-speaker surround-sound system (with a six-CD changer and XM satellite radio) was developed with Elliot Scheiner, the Grammy-winning music producer who has worked with artists from Sting to Pavarotti. Acura even used acoustic glass for the windshield.
The TL also comes with a hands-free wireless phone connection using Bluetooth technology. Voice recognition lets you operate the audio, navigation and cruise control with spoken commands. A power moonroof, larger than before, is standard. High-tech L.E.D. lighting is used extensively inside and out.
For increased safety, Acura added side-curtain air bags to protect front and rear passengers. Other safety features include antilock brakes, a panic braking aid, traction and stability controls.
The TL even has pedestrian impact protection; the hood and front fenders are designed to deform if the car strikes someone, cushioning the blow.
With the new TL, Acura continues the keep-it-simple pricing formula that attracted me to an Acura four years ago. The new model starts at $33,195; the chief options are a $2,000 navigation system and $200 high-performance tires. In contrast, options can bump up the price of a Lexus ES 330 by $6,000.
A competitive, easy-to-understand price is just one of the TL's many attributes, which include the handsome, sporty styling; the inviting cabin; the long list of features; the power combined with efficiency.
But as rewarding as this Acura is, its performance comes up a bit short of the best rear-drive German sedans. Perhaps the time has come for Acura to switch to a rear-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration. The new and improved TL is now about as good as a front-drive car can be.
copyright 2004 The New York Times Company
--------------
FYI I printed it out because you need to subscribe to the Times' website to read stories online.
The article featured a photo of an SSM TL.
March 21, 2004
BEHIND THE WHEEL
2004 Acura TL: Those German Lessons Are Paying Off
By MICHELLE KREBS
DETROIT
WHEN I first encountered the redesigned 2004 Acura TL, it was like being reintroduced to an old friend. No, not to the 2000-model Acura 3.2 TL that resides in my garage - a car that suddenly looked and felt dowdy by comparison - but to a red-blooded German sport sedan like the Audi A4.
This third generation of the midsize Acura, introduced last fall, resembles a modern German automobile more than it looks like my own beloved but aging TL, or like the original TL of 1995.
Acura officials attribute the exterior design to the Bauhaus aesthetic of form following function. To me, it looks like a knockoff of Audi, at least in its squared-off back end and short deck lid, though Acura retained the TL's slim, slanted headlamps and chevron-shape grille. The crisp styling gives the sedan an athletic appearance intended to appeal more to men; in contrast, Acura officials say, women favored the sweeping, softer lines of the previous model.
The new car is two inches wider but four inches shorter. The trunk is about two cubic feet smaller.
The interior of the five-passenger TL has been designed and put together with exquisite attention to detail. The gaps between panels are sliver-thin. Materials look and feel rich, from the covering of the dash to the seat upholstery. The leather on the seats and doors is much softer than that in my old TL, and it is pulled taut, in contrast to the loose-fitting upholstery in my own car. This, too, says Audi to me.
At night, the light-emitting displays on the instrument panel cast a blue glow, à la Volkswagen.
Acura officials seem pleased by comparisons with Audi and its sibling brand, VW, which have some of the best interiors in the business. Acura engineers and designers, in fact, used German cars as their benchmarks, from the exterior design to interior craftsmanship to features like cup holders. However, Acura benchmarked not the similarly priced Audi A4, but the more expensive A6, and not the BMW 3 Series, but the larger 5 Series. They also took a careful look at a head-on competitor, the Lexus ES.
The goal for the TL is bigger than just one car. Having lost its focus in recent years, Acura is seeking to reclaim its original niche, selling cars that emphasize performance and technology as much as luxury.
Established by Honda in 1986, Acura was the first luxury subbrand of a Japanese automaker, and it was an instant success. With a separate dealer network, Acura sold upscale versions of Hondas, starting with the compact Integra and the midsize Legend. Other models, including the TL, the exotic NSX sports car and the MDX sport utility, came later.
So, too, did luxury brands from Toyota (Lexus) and Nissan (Infiniti). Despite its value for the dollar and outstanding quality, Acura fell behind Lexus in its model selection, customer service and sales volume. Nor has Acura established the sort of reputation among enthusiasts that BMW and Audi enjoy. And now Acura faces increased competition, especially in the TL's midsize entry-luxury segment, from Infiniti with its G35 and Cadillac with its CTS.
Acura edged into its new direction with the Type S version of its previous 3.2 TL, which had a more powerful engine and a sporty suspension. For the 2004 TL, Acura uses the Type S as its basis, but drops that model designation. It also omits the "3.2" from the name even though the engine is still a 3.2-liter V-6.
The updated engine is rated at 270 horsepower, a gain of 45 from the previous base model and 10 from the Type S. Torque has also increased, to 238 pounds-feet.
The gain in power puts the TL well ahead of its competitors. In testing by Motor Trend magazine, the Acura accelerated to 60 miles an hour in 6.1 seconds, an advantage of a second or two. Yet the new TL delivers reasonable fuel economy - up to 30 m.p.g. on the highway - and is classified as an ultra-low-emissions vehicle.
Two transmissions are offered for the same price, a five-speed automatic that can be shifted manually or a short-ratio six-speed manual that lets you run effortlessly and accurately through the gears.
The TL has one shortcoming, however, a consequence of sending so much power through the front, driving wheels. It suffers from severe torque steer, with the front wheels pulling to one side or the other under hard acceleration. Engineers tried to reduce the problem on stick-shift cars by installing a limited-slip differential to modulate the power between the left and right wheels.
Living in the Snow Belt, I prefer front drive to rear drive in the winter. But two tests of the TL convinced me that Honda has reached the limit of how much power can be smoothly channeled to the front wheels.
I also found the steering twitchy. Keeping the car on course on curves required constant tiny adjustments.
The new TL uses suspension underpinnings from the previous Type S. The ride is firm but comfortable and extremely quiet. The brakes come from a famous supplier, Brembo, and stop the car with confidence.
The TL also tries to re-establish Acura as a leader in technology, with what the company says is the first North American application of a standard DVD-A 5.1 audio system. The 225-watt, eight-speaker surround-sound system (with a six-CD changer and XM satellite radio) was developed with Elliot Scheiner, the Grammy-winning music producer who has worked with artists from Sting to Pavarotti. Acura even used acoustic glass for the windshield.
The TL also comes with a hands-free wireless phone connection using Bluetooth technology. Voice recognition lets you operate the audio, navigation and cruise control with spoken commands. A power moonroof, larger than before, is standard. High-tech L.E.D. lighting is used extensively inside and out.
For increased safety, Acura added side-curtain air bags to protect front and rear passengers. Other safety features include antilock brakes, a panic braking aid, traction and stability controls.
The TL even has pedestrian impact protection; the hood and front fenders are designed to deform if the car strikes someone, cushioning the blow.
With the new TL, Acura continues the keep-it-simple pricing formula that attracted me to an Acura four years ago. The new model starts at $33,195; the chief options are a $2,000 navigation system and $200 high-performance tires. In contrast, options can bump up the price of a Lexus ES 330 by $6,000.
A competitive, easy-to-understand price is just one of the TL's many attributes, which include the handsome, sporty styling; the inviting cabin; the long list of features; the power combined with efficiency.
But as rewarding as this Acura is, its performance comes up a bit short of the best rear-drive German sedans. Perhaps the time has come for Acura to switch to a rear-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration. The new and improved TL is now about as good as a front-drive car can be.
copyright 2004 The New York Times Company
--------------
FYI I printed it out because you need to subscribe to the Times' website to read stories online.
The article featured a photo of an SSM TL.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,637
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
Re: TL Review in NY Times Sunday
Originally posted by narnia
Sorry if someone already posted this - I've been away a few days and checked the posts but I don't see it anywhere. Mod: Add this one to our sticky please!
March 21, 2004
BEHIND THE WHEEL
2004 Acura TL: Those German Lessons Are Paying Off
By MICHELLE KREBS
DETROIT
WHEN I first encountered the redesigned 2004 Acura TL, it was like being reintroduced to an old friend. No, not to the 2000-model Acura 3.2 TL that resides in my garage - a car that suddenly looked and felt dowdy by comparison - but to a red-blooded German sport sedan like the Audi A4.
This third generation of the midsize Acura, introduced last fall, resembles a modern German automobile more than it looks like my own beloved but aging TL, or like the original TL of 1995.
Acura officials attribute the exterior design to the Bauhaus aesthetic of form following function. To me, it looks like a knockoff of Audi, at least in its squared-off back end and short deck lid, though Acura retained the TL's slim, slanted headlamps and chevron-shape grille. The crisp styling gives the sedan an athletic appearance intended to appeal more to men; in contrast, Acura officials say, women favored the sweeping, softer lines of the previous model.
The new car is two inches wider but four inches shorter. The trunk is about two cubic feet smaller.
The interior of the five-passenger TL has been designed and put together with exquisite attention to detail. The gaps between panels are sliver-thin. Materials look and feel rich, from the covering of the dash to the seat upholstery. The leather on the seats and doors is much softer than that in my old TL, and it is pulled taut, in contrast to the loose-fitting upholstery in my own car. This, too, says Audi to me.
At night, the light-emitting displays on the instrument panel cast a blue glow, à la Volkswagen.
Acura officials seem pleased by comparisons with Audi and its sibling brand, VW, which have some of the best interiors in the business. Acura engineers and designers, in fact, used German cars as their benchmarks, from the exterior design to interior craftsmanship to features like cup holders. However, Acura benchmarked not the similarly priced Audi A4, but the more expensive A6, and not the BMW 3 Series, but the larger 5 Series. They also took a careful look at a head-on competitor, the Lexus ES.
The goal for the TL is bigger than just one car. Having lost its focus in recent years, Acura is seeking to reclaim its original niche, selling cars that emphasize performance and technology as much as luxury.
Established by Honda in 1986, Acura was the first luxury subbrand of a Japanese automaker, and it was an instant success. With a separate dealer network, Acura sold upscale versions of Hondas, starting with the compact Integra and the midsize Legend. Other models, including the TL, the exotic NSX sports car and the MDX sport utility, came later.
So, too, did luxury brands from Toyota (Lexus) and Nissan (Infiniti). Despite its value for the dollar and outstanding quality, Acura fell behind Lexus in its model selection, customer service and sales volume. Nor has Acura established the sort of reputation among enthusiasts that BMW and Audi enjoy. And now Acura faces increased competition, especially in the TL's midsize entry-luxury segment, from Infiniti with its G35 and Cadillac with its CTS.
Acura edged into its new direction with the Type S version of its previous 3.2 TL, which had a more powerful engine and a sporty suspension. For the 2004 TL, Acura uses the Type S as its basis, but drops that model designation. It also omits the "3.2" from the name even though the engine is still a 3.2-liter V-6.
The updated engine is rated at 270 horsepower, a gain of 45 from the previous base model and 10 from the Type S. Torque has also increased, to 238 pounds-feet.
The gain in power puts the TL well ahead of its competitors. In testing by Motor Trend magazine, the Acura accelerated to 60 miles an hour in 6.1 seconds, an advantage of a second or two. Yet the new TL delivers reasonable fuel economy - up to 30 m.p.g. on the highway - and is classified as an ultra-low-emissions vehicle.
Two transmissions are offered for the same price, a five-speed automatic that can be shifted manually or a short-ratio six-speed manual that lets you run effortlessly and accurately through the gears.
The TL has one shortcoming, however, a consequence of sending so much power through the front, driving wheels. It suffers from severe torque steer, with the front wheels pulling to one side or the other under hard acceleration. Engineers tried to reduce the problem on stick-shift cars by installing a limited-slip differential to modulate the power between the left and right wheels.
Living in the Snow Belt, I prefer front drive to rear drive in the winter. But two tests of the TL convinced me that Honda has reached the limit of how much power can be smoothly channeled to the front wheels.
I also found the steering twitchy. Keeping the car on course on curves required constant tiny adjustments.
The new TL uses suspension underpinnings from the previous Type S. The ride is firm but comfortable and extremely quiet. The brakes come from a famous supplier, Brembo, and stop the car with confidence.
The TL also tries to re-establish Acura as a leader in technology, with what the company says is the first North American application of a standard DVD-A 5.1 audio system. The 225-watt, eight-speaker surround-sound system (with a six-CD changer and XM satellite radio) was developed with Elliot Scheiner, the Grammy-winning music producer who has worked with artists from Sting to Pavarotti. Acura even used acoustic glass for the windshield.
The TL also comes with a hands-free wireless phone connection using Bluetooth technology. Voice recognition lets you operate the audio, navigation and cruise control with spoken commands. A power moonroof, larger than before, is standard. High-tech L.E.D. lighting is used extensively inside and out.
For increased safety, Acura added side-curtain air bags to protect front and rear passengers. Other safety features include antilock brakes, a panic braking aid, traction and stability controls.
The TL even has pedestrian impact protection; the hood and front fenders are designed to deform if the car strikes someone, cushioning the blow.
With the new TL, Acura continues the keep-it-simple pricing formula that attracted me to an Acura four years ago. The new model starts at $33,195; the chief options are a $2,000 navigation system and $200 high-performance tires. In contrast, options can bump up the price of a Lexus ES 330 by $6,000.
A competitive, easy-to-understand price is just one of the TL's many attributes, which include the handsome, sporty styling; the inviting cabin; the long list of features; the power combined with efficiency.
But as rewarding as this Acura is, its performance comes up a bit short of the best rear-drive German sedans. Perhaps the time has come for Acura to switch to a rear-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration. The new and improved TL is now about as good as a front-drive car can be.
copyright 2004 The New York Times Company
--------------
FYI I printed it out because you need to subscribe to the Times' website to read stories online.
The article featured a photo of an SSM TL.
Sorry if someone already posted this - I've been away a few days and checked the posts but I don't see it anywhere. Mod: Add this one to our sticky please!
March 21, 2004
BEHIND THE WHEEL
2004 Acura TL: Those German Lessons Are Paying Off
By MICHELLE KREBS
DETROIT
WHEN I first encountered the redesigned 2004 Acura TL, it was like being reintroduced to an old friend. No, not to the 2000-model Acura 3.2 TL that resides in my garage - a car that suddenly looked and felt dowdy by comparison - but to a red-blooded German sport sedan like the Audi A4.
This third generation of the midsize Acura, introduced last fall, resembles a modern German automobile more than it looks like my own beloved but aging TL, or like the original TL of 1995.
Acura officials attribute the exterior design to the Bauhaus aesthetic of form following function. To me, it looks like a knockoff of Audi, at least in its squared-off back end and short deck lid, though Acura retained the TL's slim, slanted headlamps and chevron-shape grille. The crisp styling gives the sedan an athletic appearance intended to appeal more to men; in contrast, Acura officials say, women favored the sweeping, softer lines of the previous model.
The new car is two inches wider but four inches shorter. The trunk is about two cubic feet smaller.
The interior of the five-passenger TL has been designed and put together with exquisite attention to detail. The gaps between panels are sliver-thin. Materials look and feel rich, from the covering of the dash to the seat upholstery. The leather on the seats and doors is much softer than that in my old TL, and it is pulled taut, in contrast to the loose-fitting upholstery in my own car. This, too, says Audi to me.
At night, the light-emitting displays on the instrument panel cast a blue glow, à la Volkswagen.
Acura officials seem pleased by comparisons with Audi and its sibling brand, VW, which have some of the best interiors in the business. Acura engineers and designers, in fact, used German cars as their benchmarks, from the exterior design to interior craftsmanship to features like cup holders. However, Acura benchmarked not the similarly priced Audi A4, but the more expensive A6, and not the BMW 3 Series, but the larger 5 Series. They also took a careful look at a head-on competitor, the Lexus ES.
The goal for the TL is bigger than just one car. Having lost its focus in recent years, Acura is seeking to reclaim its original niche, selling cars that emphasize performance and technology as much as luxury.
Established by Honda in 1986, Acura was the first luxury subbrand of a Japanese automaker, and it was an instant success. With a separate dealer network, Acura sold upscale versions of Hondas, starting with the compact Integra and the midsize Legend. Other models, including the TL, the exotic NSX sports car and the MDX sport utility, came later.
So, too, did luxury brands from Toyota (Lexus) and Nissan (Infiniti). Despite its value for the dollar and outstanding quality, Acura fell behind Lexus in its model selection, customer service and sales volume. Nor has Acura established the sort of reputation among enthusiasts that BMW and Audi enjoy. And now Acura faces increased competition, especially in the TL's midsize entry-luxury segment, from Infiniti with its G35 and Cadillac with its CTS.
Acura edged into its new direction with the Type S version of its previous 3.2 TL, which had a more powerful engine and a sporty suspension. For the 2004 TL, Acura uses the Type S as its basis, but drops that model designation. It also omits the "3.2" from the name even though the engine is still a 3.2-liter V-6.
The updated engine is rated at 270 horsepower, a gain of 45 from the previous base model and 10 from the Type S. Torque has also increased, to 238 pounds-feet.
The gain in power puts the TL well ahead of its competitors. In testing by Motor Trend magazine, the Acura accelerated to 60 miles an hour in 6.1 seconds, an advantage of a second or two. Yet the new TL delivers reasonable fuel economy - up to 30 m.p.g. on the highway - and is classified as an ultra-low-emissions vehicle.
Two transmissions are offered for the same price, a five-speed automatic that can be shifted manually or a short-ratio six-speed manual that lets you run effortlessly and accurately through the gears.
The TL has one shortcoming, however, a consequence of sending so much power through the front, driving wheels. It suffers from severe torque steer, with the front wheels pulling to one side or the other under hard acceleration. Engineers tried to reduce the problem on stick-shift cars by installing a limited-slip differential to modulate the power between the left and right wheels.
Living in the Snow Belt, I prefer front drive to rear drive in the winter. But two tests of the TL convinced me that Honda has reached the limit of how much power can be smoothly channeled to the front wheels.
I also found the steering twitchy. Keeping the car on course on curves required constant tiny adjustments.
The new TL uses suspension underpinnings from the previous Type S. The ride is firm but comfortable and extremely quiet. The brakes come from a famous supplier, Brembo, and stop the car with confidence.
The TL also tries to re-establish Acura as a leader in technology, with what the company says is the first North American application of a standard DVD-A 5.1 audio system. The 225-watt, eight-speaker surround-sound system (with a six-CD changer and XM satellite radio) was developed with Elliot Scheiner, the Grammy-winning music producer who has worked with artists from Sting to Pavarotti. Acura even used acoustic glass for the windshield.
The TL also comes with a hands-free wireless phone connection using Bluetooth technology. Voice recognition lets you operate the audio, navigation and cruise control with spoken commands. A power moonroof, larger than before, is standard. High-tech L.E.D. lighting is used extensively inside and out.
For increased safety, Acura added side-curtain air bags to protect front and rear passengers. Other safety features include antilock brakes, a panic braking aid, traction and stability controls.
The TL even has pedestrian impact protection; the hood and front fenders are designed to deform if the car strikes someone, cushioning the blow.
With the new TL, Acura continues the keep-it-simple pricing formula that attracted me to an Acura four years ago. The new model starts at $33,195; the chief options are a $2,000 navigation system and $200 high-performance tires. In contrast, options can bump up the price of a Lexus ES 330 by $6,000.
A competitive, easy-to-understand price is just one of the TL's many attributes, which include the handsome, sporty styling; the inviting cabin; the long list of features; the power combined with efficiency.
But as rewarding as this Acura is, its performance comes up a bit short of the best rear-drive German sedans. Perhaps the time has come for Acura to switch to a rear-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration. The new and improved TL is now about as good as a front-drive car can be.
copyright 2004 The New York Times Company
--------------
FYI I printed it out because you need to subscribe to the Times' website to read stories online.
The article featured a photo of an SSM TL.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
Re: TL Review in NY Times Sunday
Originally posted by narnia
But as rewarding as this Acura is, its performance comes up a bit short of the best rear-drive German sedans. Perhaps the time has come for Acura to switch to a rear-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration. The new and improved TL is now about as good as a front-drive car can be.
But as rewarding as this Acura is, its performance comes up a bit short of the best rear-drive German sedans. Perhaps the time has come for Acura to switch to a rear-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration. The new and improved TL is now about as good as a front-drive car can be.
Andrenaline Junkie
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Re: TL Review in NY Times Sunday
Originally posted by narnia
The TL even has pedestrian impact protection; the hood and front fenders are designed to deform if the car strikes someone, cushioning the blow.
The TL even has pedestrian impact protection; the hood and front fenders are designed to deform if the car strikes someone, cushioning the blow.
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One on the right for me
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,914
Likes: 272
From: Bay Area, CA
Originally Posted by narnia
DETROIT
WHEN I first encountered the redesigned 2004 Acura TL, it was like being reintroduced to an old friend. No, not to the 2000-model Acura 3.2 TL that resides in my garage - a car that suddenly looked and felt dowdy by comparison - but to a red-blooded German sport sedan like the Audi A4.
The interior of the five-passenger TL has been designed and put together with exquisite attention to detail. The gaps between panels are sliver-thin.
wait sliver thin??? I dont know about the rest of you but I seem to remember quite a few of us complaining about the gaps between the dash and the driver side door and how uneven the glove box can sit. I know its just a nit picky complaint...maybe his car doesnt have the same problems mine does.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by narnia
March 21, 2004
BEHIND THE WHEEL
2004 Acura TL: Those German Lessons Are Paying Off
By MICHELLE KREBS
DETROIT
WHEN I first encountered the redesigned 2004 Acura TL, it was like being reintroduced to an old friend. No, not to the 2000-model Acura 3.2 TL that resides in my garage - a car that suddenly looked and felt dowdy by comparison - but to a red-blooded German sport sedan like the Audi A4.
This third generation of the midsize Acura, introduced last fall, resembles a modern German automobile more than it looks like my own beloved but aging TL, or like the original TL of 1995.
Acura officials attribute the exterior design to the Bauhaus aesthetic of form following function. To me, it looks like a knockoff of Audi, at least in its squared-off back end and short deck lid, though Acura retained the TL's slim, slanted headlamps and chevron-shape grille. The crisp styling gives the sedan an athletic appearance intended to appeal more to men; in contrast, Acura officials say, women favored the sweeping, softer lines of the previous model.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
2004 Acura TL: Those German Lessons Are Paying Off
By MICHELLE KREBS
DETROIT
WHEN I first encountered the redesigned 2004 Acura TL, it was like being reintroduced to an old friend. No, not to the 2000-model Acura 3.2 TL that resides in my garage - a car that suddenly looked and felt dowdy by comparison - but to a red-blooded German sport sedan like the Audi A4.
This third generation of the midsize Acura, introduced last fall, resembles a modern German automobile more than it looks like my own beloved but aging TL, or like the original TL of 1995.
Acura officials attribute the exterior design to the Bauhaus aesthetic of form following function. To me, it looks like a knockoff of Audi, at least in its squared-off back end and short deck lid, though Acura retained the TL's slim, slanted headlamps and chevron-shape grille. The crisp styling gives the sedan an athletic appearance intended to appeal more to men; in contrast, Acura officials say, women favored the sweeping, softer lines of the previous model.
When I saw the TL, my first thought was, "boy, that looks a lot like an Alfa." And I meant it in a good way. Alfa Romeos are gorgeous cars. Case in point: http://www.alfa159.co.uk/indexFlash.htm They just don't hold up very well in the long term. And you can't buy one here even if you wanted to.
My next thought was, "Hey, they only want 34 grand for this thing!" For the price I was willing to pay for a used Audi, I could get a brand new car with a warranty!
I especially liked Ms. Krebs' remark about how women like the sweeping, softer lines. Not looking to get flamed by the proud owners of any first or second gen TLs, but I was never atttracted to that particular body style. It looked too much like my mom's car. Those Ron Jon kits do an amazing job of changing the entire personality of the 2G TLs
, but wasn't looking to spend extra cash to make the car into what I want.I think Road & Track said it best. The older TL's are like British Q ships. Q ships were fishing trawlers fitted with torpedoes and loaded to the gunnels with cork. The Q Ships would shadow WWII convoys in the north sea and if the U-Boats attacked, they usually surfaced to finish the job. Then the Q-ship would get 'em on the surface. Basic point being that the TL is the last car on the highway that you would suspect could blow your doors off. Lots of go with not much show.
BMW and Audi are much better at this kind of subtlety, perhaps because we equate them with performance cars. Hopefully the new 3G TL and RL will push that perfomance identity with the Acura brand name.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 709
From: Vancouver, Canada
Originally Posted by narnia
Acura officials attribute the exterior design to the Bauhaus aesthetic of form following function. To me, it looks like a knockoff of Audi, at least in its squared-off back end and short deck lid, though Acura retained the TL's slim, slanted headlamps and chevron-shape grille. The crisp styling gives the sedan an athletic appearance intended to appeal more to men; in contrast, Acura officials say, women favored the sweeping, softer lines of the previous model.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
Originally Posted by subinf
wait sliver thin??? I dont know about the rest of you but I seem to remember quite a few of us complaining about the gaps between the dash and the driver side door and how uneven the glove box can sit. I know its just a nit picky complaint...maybe his car doesnt have the same problems mine does.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by mickey3c
At a 50K price tag. That price is not really targeting the masses....
Don't feed the...WTF?
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 612
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, MN
Damn - beat me to it.
OK.. The TL's are by no means elite. I see at least 3 or 4 everyday on my way to work. And from what I can tell, it's not the same one.
And secondly - why in the hell did you feel so obligated to quote someone from 3 years ago? Let it go man - let it go.
(I think threads without activity for like 6 months should be automagically locked if you ask me..... but that's just me and nobody has asked yet)
OK.. The TL's are by no means elite. I see at least 3 or 4 everyday on my way to work. And from what I can tell, it's not the same one.
And secondly - why in the hell did you feel so obligated to quote someone from 3 years ago? Let it go man - let it go.
(I think threads without activity for like 6 months should be automagically locked if you ask me..... but that's just me and nobody has asked yet)
AZ Community Team
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 32,488
Likes: 7,771
From: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Depends where you live.
TL's around here are a dime-a-dozen.
Can't swing a dead cat without hitting a handful (make that a double fistful) of Bimmers, MB's, Acura, Lexii, Rovers, whatever.
Exclusive? Maybe Aston-Martin or the GT-3. Acura? Hardly.
TL's around here are a dime-a-dozen.
Can't swing a dead cat without hitting a handful (make that a double fistful) of Bimmers, MB's, Acura, Lexii, Rovers, whatever.
Exclusive? Maybe Aston-Martin or the GT-3. Acura? Hardly.
Keep Right Except to Pass
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,411
Likes: 45
From: Kingstowne, VA
Originally Posted by Bearcat94
....
TL's around here are a dime-a-dozen.
....
TL's around here are a dime-a-dozen.
....
) in which several people noted that the DC area is "TL City" or something like that.Amazing thing, though, is that I've had my TL since August 2004 and I STILL have the only 3G TL in my office's garage. There is one 2G TL, but no other 3G. I find that quite surprising.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 10,497
Likes: 279
In NYC, there is a sea of base TLs.... And now slowly TL-S are popping around.... I'm not happy.
I've seen a middle aged woman drive a NBP TL-S like 10 mph in 40mph with no cars around.... I had no words...only shame...
I've seen a middle aged woman drive a NBP TL-S like 10 mph in 40mph with no cars around.... I had no words...only shame...
Registered but harmless
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14,887
Likes: 1,164
From: Los Angeles, CA
Originally Posted by 1995hoo
Amazing thing, though, is that I've had my TL since August 2004 and I STILL have the only 3G TL in my office's garage. There is one 2G TL, but no other 3G. I find that quite surprising.
And this thread is so old...
Your Friendly Canadian
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17,447
Likes: 1,506
From: Toronto, Ontario
Originally Posted by TeknoKing
In NYC, there is a sea of base TLs.... And now slowly TL-S are popping around.... I'm not happy.
I've seen a middle aged woman drive a NBP TL-S like 10 mph in 40mph with no cars around.... I had no words...only shame...
I've seen a middle aged woman drive a NBP TL-S like 10 mph in 40mph with no cars around.... I had no words...only shame...
Acuras Only in
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
it used to be rare back in days in 98-2000 ... then one would see more & more TLs, esp. 3G on the road nowadays ...
might not feel exclusive anymore but still good feeling that more people are smart drivers/shoppers like us ... LOL
might not feel exclusive anymore but still good feeling that more people are smart drivers/shoppers like us ... LOL
Racer
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 338
Likes: 152
From: DFW TX
I find this thread interesting from a historical perspective. It began long before my 2008 Type S was built. I'm glad the OP actually copy-pasted the review, it's probably long deleted from the magazine's servers. Blast from the past, like the 1973 Road & Track I scored at a used book sale years ago.
So many of those $34k luxury sedans are still running. I see them all the time, some in better shape than others.
So many of those $34k luxury sedans are still running. I see them all the time, some in better shape than others.
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acura_driver
3G TL (2004-2008)
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Nov 25, 2003 09:48 AM
