Well I test drove an auto TL w/Navi and full rear spoiler (black pearl w/camel int). The sales guy gave my wife and I the keys and let us go on a prolonged test drive.

The ergonomics while driving were excellent; probably the second best car ergonomics I've ever experienced (the best being the Lexus SC400). Simply awesome.

As for the power delivery: from a roll, it didnt feel much quicker than my 2k2 Max. But from a standing start, it was clearly quicker and didnt have the acceleration lull that my Max has once it shifts into 3rd gear. (5sp auto vs 4sp auto) Though clearly quicker, it wasnt overwhelmingly quicker than my Max; I'd wager to guess that its probably good for a 14.5-14.7 sec ET with the auto tranny.

As part of my test drive (seeing as the sales guy didnt come with us), I drove to the Lexus Dealership down the road to check out the GS430. $52,XXX and 16" wheels shocked the heck out of me; though the GS430 clearly leans more towards luxury than performance, I cant see how they justify that MSRP. (Though I've seen them run mid 14s @ the track, the setup of the car doesnt seem to encourage performance oriented driving) So the GS is out.

That said, I came VERY CLOSE to dumping the Max for this TL on the spot. However, I need to test drive the G35S, Audi A6 2.7T and 2k4 Maxima SE to gain some perspective.

But the TL is now TOPS on my list.

 

Good review. I think after driving all the cars on your list you will get the TL. You must get black or white though. Those are the 2 best colors IMO.

Happy Hunting.

 

Whatever you do, please don't buy that new Maxima. Oh man. I think I would go with the TL too, but it might be a tossup with that A6 in the mix. Good Luck!!

 

Although I haven't driven the new TL yet, my impression from test driving a new 'Max was that it had better part throttle and low-mid rpm power than my CL-S. I'm surprised that the extra 10 hp would make much of a difference.

 

i had a 1999 maxima then went to go look at the new tl and put a depsoit that day. its a great car never would go back to a maxima again.

 

the new tl will prevail.

 

Good to hear your leaning towards the TL. Its a great car.

However definitely finish your research b/c those other cars may just appeal to you more. Happy shopping.

 

If Acura builds a TL AWD I will definetely consider it.

 

I couldnt agree more ; especially when I went Nissan to buy a 3.5SE Alty and drove away with a 2k2 Maxima instead.