The Acura brand, founded in 1986, was created as an extension of Honda Motor Company with the intentions of becoming a luxury vehicle division. The Acura brand markets luxury and performance vehicles with a heavy focus in up-to-date technology. One of the most successful makes of the Acura division has been the Acura TL, the "Touring Luxury," which first went in to production in 1996 in an attempt to replace the Acura Vigor. Up until 2007, the Acura TL was Acura's best-selling model; it was out-sold by the MDX.
The first generation of the Acura TL debuting in 1996 with the 2.5 L 176 horsepower 5-cylinder engine from the original Acura Vigor while the 3.2 L, a more luxury version of the 2.5 L sporty sedan, featured the 200 horsepower engine from the Acura Legend. Standard features of the original first generation TL included antilock brakes, automatic climate control, dual airbags, power windows and locks and a cassette/CD player sound system. In 1997, a power moonroof and alloy wheels were added to this mix.
The second generation TL went in to production in 1999, featuring a hard drive-based navigation system. In 2000, the TL was revamped to have a 5-speed automatic transmission called the SportShift, which gave the TL better fuel economy and acceleration compared to the previous 4-speed model. The TL's navigation system transition from a hard-drive database system to a DVD-based navigation system. Side impact airbags were also added in the front-seat of the TL. In 2001, a Coupe version of the TL, the 3.2CL, first hit the streets. However, its sales never neared the TL Sedan's sales and therefore, was discontinued in May of 2003. Unsatisfied with the anti-climactic 3.2CL, Acura gave the TL a slight makeover, redesigning its taillights and giving it a 6 CD in-dash changer. Acura also created the Type-S model, which boosted the horsepower by 35 and adding 17-inch wheels.
The third generation Acura TL, was derived from the seventh generation Honda Accord, powered by a 270 horsepower (later changed to a 258 horsepower). The third generation TL , first seen as a 2004 model year, was the first car in the United States to include a 6-disc DVD-Audio system. The TL's state of the art audio system features an 8-speaker 225-wayy system tuned by Grammy-award winner Elliot Scheiner. All United States models of the third generation TL were equipped with Bluetooth and a navigation system that responded to voice commands. With the improvements in technology, design and performance, the third generation Acura TL became Acura's best-selling luxury sedan in 2004, selling over 79,000 cars just that year. The 2006 TL was upgraded with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is an electronic system that monitors the tire's air pressure. In 2007, the third generation TL was given another mini makeover, with a new steering wheel, foot-well lighting and new interior and exterior color options. Some models of the 2007 TL featured a new rear view camera as well as an MP3/WMA compatible sound system. The Type-S edition also returned in 2007 with the Acura RL's 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Type-S TL also featured quad exhaust pipes, restyled rear lamps, a lip spoiler, a 'black chrome' grille and a new color option, "Kinetic Blue Pearl."
The fourth generation TL, which debuted in the 2009 model year, took on a more aggressive branding strategy by using terms such as the "Keen Edge Dynamic" and "Power Plenum." The new TL Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) replaced the third generation Type-S with a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower. The fourth generation Acura TL also features substantial technology items, including XM Satellite Radio, USB port connectivity with full iPod control support and Bluetooth Audio. The fourth generation TL also offers a Technology Package, which features Milano leather seats, keyless start, a navigation system with full VGA display and the capability to provide weather information and traffic-base rerouting, surround sound and an internal hard drive dedicated to audio. The 2012 model of the Acura TL is now equipped with Honda's 6-speed automatic multi-clutch transmission, which is designed to improve performance and efficiency. The newest version of the TL also includes a blind-spot information system, ventilated seats and upgraded wheels.
According to US News's Best Cars & Trucks rankings, the 2011 Acura TL received a "Very Good" ranking on its performance and interior and a perfect score on its safety rating. The controversial exterior, namely due to the "beak-like" appearance of the front of the TL, received an 8.5 ranking. But remember-it's what is on the inside that counts; and with the latest in technology, the best in luxury, an excellent rating in safety, a first-class sound system and more, the Acura TL is a great choice midsize luxury sedan!
The first generation of the Acura TL debuting in 1996 with the 2.5 L 176 horsepower 5-cylinder engine from the original Acura Vigor while the 3.2 L, a more luxury version of the 2.5 L sporty sedan, featured the 200 horsepower engine from the Acura Legend. Standard features of the original first generation TL included antilock brakes, automatic climate control, dual airbags, power windows and locks and a cassette/CD player sound system. In 1997, a power moonroof and alloy wheels were added to this mix.
The second generation TL went in to production in 1999, featuring a hard drive-based navigation system. In 2000, the TL was revamped to have a 5-speed automatic transmission called the SportShift, which gave the TL better fuel economy and acceleration compared to the previous 4-speed model. The TL's navigation system transition from a hard-drive database system to a DVD-based navigation system. Side impact airbags were also added in the front-seat of the TL. In 2001, a Coupe version of the TL, the 3.2CL, first hit the streets. However, its sales never neared the TL Sedan's sales and therefore, was discontinued in May of 2003. Unsatisfied with the anti-climactic 3.2CL, Acura gave the TL a slight makeover, redesigning its taillights and giving it a 6 CD in-dash changer. Acura also created the Type-S model, which boosted the horsepower by 35 and adding 17-inch wheels.
The third generation Acura TL, was derived from the seventh generation Honda Accord, powered by a 270 horsepower (later changed to a 258 horsepower). The third generation TL , first seen as a 2004 model year, was the first car in the United States to include a 6-disc DVD-Audio system. The TL's state of the art audio system features an 8-speaker 225-wayy system tuned by Grammy-award winner Elliot Scheiner. All United States models of the third generation TL were equipped with Bluetooth and a navigation system that responded to voice commands. With the improvements in technology, design and performance, the third generation Acura TL became Acura's best-selling luxury sedan in 2004, selling over 79,000 cars just that year. The 2006 TL was upgraded with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is an electronic system that monitors the tire's air pressure. In 2007, the third generation TL was given another mini makeover, with a new steering wheel, foot-well lighting and new interior and exterior color options. Some models of the 2007 TL featured a new rear view camera as well as an MP3/WMA compatible sound system. The Type-S edition also returned in 2007 with the Acura RL's 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Type-S TL also featured quad exhaust pipes, restyled rear lamps, a lip spoiler, a 'black chrome' grille and a new color option, "Kinetic Blue Pearl."
The fourth generation TL, which debuted in the 2009 model year, took on a more aggressive branding strategy by using terms such as the "Keen Edge Dynamic" and "Power Plenum." The new TL Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) replaced the third generation Type-S with a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower. The fourth generation Acura TL also features substantial technology items, including XM Satellite Radio, USB port connectivity with full iPod control support and Bluetooth Audio. The fourth generation TL also offers a Technology Package, which features Milano leather seats, keyless start, a navigation system with full VGA display and the capability to provide weather information and traffic-base rerouting, surround sound and an internal hard drive dedicated to audio. The 2012 model of the Acura TL is now equipped with Honda's 6-speed automatic multi-clutch transmission, which is designed to improve performance and efficiency. The newest version of the TL also includes a blind-spot information system, ventilated seats and upgraded wheels.
According to US News's Best Cars & Trucks rankings, the 2011 Acura TL received a "Very Good" ranking on its performance and interior and a perfect score on its safety rating. The controversial exterior, namely due to the "beak-like" appearance of the front of the TL, received an 8.5 ranking. But remember-it's what is on the inside that counts; and with the latest in technology, the best in luxury, an excellent rating in safety, a first-class sound system and more, the Acura TL is a great choice midsize luxury sedan!