40k no thanks
What do you think of the new Acura TL?
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,222
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From: CA
What do you think of the new Acura TL?
I've now started seeing them on the road, and I have very mixed feelings. It certainly looks more sporty and aggressive, but less distinctive to me. (I know, I know... no one has ever called the old TL "distinctive" before, but at least it was recognizable as an Acura and as a TL.) The crease along the side of the car screams "failed BMW 7-series cue" to me, and the tail has a lot of Infiniti G35 in it.
That being said, I went to the Acura website to the "build your own" section, slapped an under-body spoiler kit on that bad boy, and even I was impressed with how it looked! You can get 18's from the factory, it has more choices of exterior and interior colors than before, 6-speed manual transmission option, loaded with luxury goodies, 270 hp, and on and on. If they ever come out with a Type-S version, I might get interested in Acura sedans again...
That being said, I went to the Acura website to the "build your own" section, slapped an under-body spoiler kit on that bad boy, and even I was impressed with how it looked! You can get 18's from the factory, it has more choices of exterior and interior colors than before, 6-speed manual transmission option, loaded with luxury goodies, 270 hp, and on and on. If they ever come out with a Type-S version, I might get interested in Acura sedans again...
Last edited by Iceman; Nov 5, 2003 at 07:01 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,851
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From: Arkansas
I'm with you, Iceman. H/A has been pretty good at handsome but bland exteriors and I think this is one of the better efforts. Quality of interior materials may not be Lexus-grade but fit and finish almost always right there. Yes, it's FWD, but again, H/A is the best in the business at engineering good road behavior into the driving experience.
A lot of car even for $40k.
A lot of car even for $40k.
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,281
Likes: 362
From: Canada
I test drove it & like it very much. The exterior is handsome but maybe not exiting enough for some. Like most, I dislike the rear end & the tail lights. More power & handles better than the previous, & if you prefer a sportier feel, may pick it over the ES.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,271
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From: Annapolis, Md
Actually at first I thought the car was just another acura until I took a ride. Most people that purchase cars can't even tell whether a car is rwd or fwd. Ask your wife?
How many of you take the curve while driving in to work, probaly just a few. Stock for stock the 6 speed tl is probaly dead end with the fastest lexus car.
How many of you take the curve while driving in to work, probaly just a few. Stock for stock the 6 speed tl is probaly dead end with the fastest lexus car.
Last edited by rogers2; Nov 7, 2003 at 10:49 AM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,222
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From: CA
Originally posted by Hameed
I would not buy one simply because it is based on the Accord platform and is FWD. I do like the overall style and looks though.
I would not buy one simply because it is based on the Accord platform and is FWD. I do like the overall style and looks though.
In any event, Acura is going to great lengths to show how much more different this TL is from the Accord than ever before. It only shares something like 10% of its parts, has a different wheelbase, different interior and exterior dimensions, etc.As rogers said, the general public doesn't care about FWD, RWD, or AWD. Of course Acura, Lexus, and the other luxury makes are not going after the general public, but in many ways FWD is a plus. For instance, my GS becomes totally undriveable in even the lightest snowfall. It might be nice to have a sporty, luxurious sedan that can handle all weather conditions. And how often does even an aggressive driver take advantage of the minor advantage RWD gives you in cornering?
Don't get me wrong--I have no intention of going out and trading in my GS on a new TL. But I was just somewhat impressed with Acura's newest effort (kind of like I was when the MDX first came out). Now I'm even more curious to see what the new NSX and RL will be like...
The new TL looks nice. Someone in my neighborhood just bought a black one. It's like a bigger TSX (especially the front and the side.)
270hp is pretty nice. I've heard alot of good things about driving experiences. However some things still annoy me about it:
FWD (enough people talk about this so I don't wanna get into the debate.)
Made in US - just 1 reason that I would NEVER buy it. I've seen enough TLs in my life to reassure me that the built quality is not up to par with Japanese made Hondas. The Integra Type-R that I've ride in had better built quality than the TLs I've seen.
Same old 5-speed automatic - The one that haunts previous generation TL owners. I don't know if they improved it or something, but with all these Honda recalls I wouldn't touch that tranny with a 10 ft. pole.
I would probably buy a TSX if I had to choose between the new TL and the TSX. I've ride in my bro's GF's new TSX and the quality is really amazing.
270hp is pretty nice. I've heard alot of good things about driving experiences. However some things still annoy me about it:
FWD (enough people talk about this so I don't wanna get into the debate.)
Made in US - just 1 reason that I would NEVER buy it. I've seen enough TLs in my life to reassure me that the built quality is not up to par with Japanese made Hondas. The Integra Type-R that I've ride in had better built quality than the TLs I've seen.
Same old 5-speed automatic - The one that haunts previous generation TL owners. I don't know if they improved it or something, but with all these Honda recalls I wouldn't touch that tranny with a 10 ft. pole.
I would probably buy a TSX if I had to choose between the new TL and the TSX. I've ride in my bro's GF's new TSX and the quality is really amazing.
EV ftw!!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,045
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From: Lake Ontario
Originally posted by Iceman
What's wrong with the Accord? In any event, Acura is going to great lengths to show how much more different this TL is from the Accord than ever before. It only shares something like 10% of its parts, has a different wheelbase, different interior and exterior dimensions, etc.
As rogers said, the general public doesn't care about FWD, RWD, or AWD. Of course Acura, Lexus, and the other luxury makes are not going after the general public, but in many ways FWD is a plus. For instance, my GS becomes totally undriveable in even the lightest snowfall.
What's wrong with the Accord?
In any event, Acura is going to great lengths to show how much more different this TL is from the Accord than ever before. It only shares something like 10% of its parts, has a different wheelbase, different interior and exterior dimensions, etc.As rogers said, the general public doesn't care about FWD, RWD, or AWD. Of course Acura, Lexus, and the other luxury makes are not going after the general public, but in many ways FWD is a plus. For instance, my GS becomes totally undriveable in even the lightest snowfall.
As far the public not caring about FWD or RWD, your question was a simple "What do you think of the new Acura TL?" and I stated my opinion.
I drove my GS through the last winter and as far as it being non drivable in snow goes, I disagree. My car has crappy all-season tires on it and I had absolutely no problems driving it in snow. Enough said. Peace!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: CA
I hope you didn't think I was attacking your opinions--they're totally valid and I appreciate you sharing them after I asked. All I was trying to do was share my opinions back, not to invalidate your point of view but to put a different perspective on things.
You're lucky you can drive your GS in the snow. Mine with 18s and summer tires slides all over the place!
You're lucky you can drive your GS in the snow. Mine with 18s and summer tires slides all over the place!
