Performance and Handling
Honda builds amazing engines that love to be revved. But this TL also had plenty of torque (272 lb-ft) to keep this 4000+ pound athlete responsive at all speeds. This torque and 305 horsepower combined with the slick-shifting manual transmission create a very quick car with 0-60 in the mid 5 second range.
To manage the extra power and torque, the new manual gear box gets stronger architecture and better engineering compared to its older siblings. Aside from the tougher aluminum casing and rigid internals, the gearbox is equipped with specially designed synchronizers to make transmission smoother. The clutch also gets a new build to blend well with the naturally strong torque of the V6 3.7L power train. We enjoyed how the six-speed manual was easy to engage and its smooth action encouraged even more changing of the gears. However, downshifting from sixth gear took some practice to hit fifth instead of third.
The six speed overdrive helps to extend freeway MPG to 25 while city is rated at 17mpg. I averaged 18.5 with my typically spirited driving.
As stated earlier, this car has fantastic handling with an amazing ability to transform from sedate cruiser to sports sedan instantly. It really offers the best of both worlds.
Value
At $44,195 fully loaded, the TL’s pricing is similar to a BMW 3-series and Audi A4. However it is a larger and more spacious vehicle, closer in size to the 5-series and A6 — but $10,000 less expensive when similarly equipped. Given this competition, the Acura TL is a fantastic value. Additionally, with Acura’s excellent resale value, the TL will maintain its worth while its German rivals plummet in value once you drive them off the lot.
More Bang for the Buck
This is an awesome sports sedan. I was amazed at the incredible blend of luxury, power, and spectacular handling. While I have reservations about its controversial styling, empirically, the TL offers a lot for the money. Those looking to spend $40-50k on a new sports sedan should really give the TL a thorough consideration.
BUILD | INTERIOR | PERFORMANCE | HANDLING | STYLING | VALUE | OVERALL | |
RATING | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 4.5/A- |
MORE EXPERT REVIEWS | |
2009 Acura TL Review Rating: By Kirk Bell “The TL has a lot of virtues, including excellent handling, an impressive interior, powerful engines, and striking looks” |
|
2009 Acura TL First Impressions – Its inner beauty wins me over Rating: By Derek Mau “They say beauty is only skin deep. For the redesigned 2009 Acura TL you have to look under the skin to find its true beauty.” |
|
2009 Acura TL SH-AWD – First Impressions Rating: By Holly R. “It’s the luxury sedan that drives like a sports car, rides like a luxury car and is so hot looking that your heart beats faster walking up to it…” |
|
2008 Acura TL Type-S Video Review Rating: By Derek Mau “The 2008 Acura TL Type-S provides a blend of comfort, convenience, and sportiness, at a reasonable price.” |
|
2008 Acura TL Type-S Review – Acura Tests Your Self-Control Rating: By Holly R. “Wow, what a car! I was thrilled to drive it, to say the least.” |
|
2010 Acura TL 6-spd Manual SH-AWD Specs |
|
|
|
The official website of Acura – www.acura.com |
Pingback: büyü ve nazar
Pingback: cheapsflightsecretsreveals
I have a 2002, TL and really liked this model before the 2009 version. Great review. May have to go used if I want another one.
Hideous ugly awful what was Honda this when they signed off on this mess.