Acura TL 2004 - 2008 review

Overview

2006 Acura TL. (Photo: Acura) 2004 Acura TL interior. Click for larger photo 2004 Acura TL engine. Click for larger photo The 2004-2008 Acura TL is a well-built sporty upscale sedan with sharp styling, solid handling and high-tech interior with luxury feel. The list of available features includes HID headlights, Bluetooth and Navigation System with Voice Recognition. The TL scored high in the NHTSA frontal crash tests. On the downside, the TL requires premium gasoline and Acura parts aren't cheap. The 2004-2008 Acura TL has front-wheel drive with a 3.2L SOHC VTEC V6 engine. The sporty Acura Type-S model added for 2007 offered more powerful 286-hp 3.5L V6. Transmission choices included a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. Acura TL has a double-wishbone setup in the front and multi-link rear suspension. All four wheels have disk brakes. The Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control are standard. The TL's interior is a blend of sportiness and luxury. The fit and finish is excellent. The driver's seat is very supportive and comfortable on long trips. The instrument panel looks sharp. I like controls on the steering wheel and the fact that many features can be personalized. The audio system sounds great and if you still can find some audio tapes - there is even a tape player. On the downside, the thick left windshield pillar slightly obstructs front visibility, the metal trim around the center console is easy to scratch and the back seat doesn't fold down. On the road, Acura TL offers sporty handling with precise responsive steering. The ride is firm, but road bumps are nicely absorbed. The car feels very stable and comfortable on a long highway drive. It's pretty quiet inside the cabin, but you can hear the muted hum of the engine. The 3.2L V6 offers plenty of power yet is very smooth. One complaint: the turning radius is quite wide. In the NHTSA frontal crash tests, the 2004-2008 Acura TL scored five stars for both the driver and the front passenger. In the NHTSA side-impact crash tests, the 2004-2008 Acura TL received four stars for the front and five stars for the rear seat protection. For more details, visit Safercar.gov. The 2004-2008 Acura TL also received "Good" overall rating in the frontal offset crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS).

Pros

- Good frontal crash tests scores
- Smooth and powerful V6 engine
- Sharp styling
- Sporty handling
- Highway ride
- High level of standard equipment
- Premium sound system

Cons

- Requires premium gasoline
- The rear seat doesn't fold down
- Wheel rims scratch easily when parking near the curb
- Parts are quite expensive
- Turning radius could be better

Overall

The 2004-2008 Acura TL is an upscale sedan with sporty handling, smooth and powerful V6 engine and well-designed near-luxury interior. On the downside, the turning radius is wide, the rear seatback doesn't fold down, parts aren't cheap and premium gasoline is required. Look for 2005 and newer models; as with any car, first year models tend to have more issues. The 2004-2008 Acura TL's engine has a timing belt that needs to be replaced in recommended intervals. Consider an extended warranty to protect from unexpected repair costs.

What to look for buying a used Acura TL

Before buying a car, check used car history records to find out about previous accidents and other issues. Follow this link: How to check used car history.
During a test drive, watch for shudder or vibration on light or medium acceleration; a slipping torque converter can cause these type of symptoms. Transmission problems are quite expensive to repair. If you are planning to use the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, make sure it's working, there are some complaints about the issues with this system. Watch for cracks in the dashboard. Check the condition of rims and tires; they can be easily damaged by hitting the curb. Check with the Acura dealer if all necessary recalls have been performed. Learn more what to look for when buying a used car. Before buying a car, have it properly inspected by a mechanic.
Don't look for the lowest price; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition. Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information. Check the insurance quotes first, as this car may be costly to insure.

Few maintenance tips

Regular oil changes are important to keep your engine in a good shape. Change the transmission fluid in recommended intervals; use only the fluid type listed in your owner's manual. The owner's manual for 2007 Acura TL says "Always use Honda ATF-Z1 (automatic transmission fluid)". If you hear a whining noise from the steering when the car is started cold, there was a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on this issue describing a problem with the air entering the power steering fluid through a bad O-ring at the steering pump; the repair is fairly simple: replace the O-ring.
To keep you car safe, have it inspected at least once a year in a repair shop on the lift. Keep all the fluids clean and topped up. Read more: How to keep your car running longer. Check more Car maintenance tips. If your Check Engine light comes on, read what it means here: Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light. If you need a DIY repair manual, follow this link: Where to find a repair manual for your car.

2007 Acura TL short specifications (US model)

Acura TL Photos

2007 Acura TL Type-S. 2007 Acura TL Type-S. 2004 Acura TL Interior. 2007 Acura TL Type-S Interior. 2007 Acura TL Type-S Instrument cluster. 2007 Acura TL Type-S Center console display.

2007 Acura TL Type-S. Photos: Acura