1SICKREVIEW: 2008 Acura TL "Great at being Good"
06-17-08, 04:56 AM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks, SICK. 
Nice job.
The TL transmission issues you mentioned generally went out after 2003, and most Acura automatics today shift smoothly, unlike Honda-Acura transmissions of years past, at least when brand-new......that's why I'm a little surprised to hear you got a thumper. Maybe, as you say.....accumulated mileage on a hard-driven car.
Still, overall, the TL has never been one of my favorite cars. I've always prefered the RL and the last-generation TSX.....the new 2009 TSX is more cheaply done.
I would agree with your assessment that the TL is a somewhat sportier version of the Lexus ES, but not directly.....the TL's FWD set-up, as you note, adds understeer and works against sharp cornering. Much of what you blame in the tires for the so-so handling probably comes from its nose-heaviness more than the tires themselves. And though both the ES and TL are FWD, the new ES350 is firmer-riding (and with a cheaper interior) than the ES330, so its handling is slightly closer to the TL's.
I plan to do a new TL-S soon..........I have a request for one.
Again, thanks for the write-up.
Nice job.The TL transmission issues you mentioned generally went out after 2003, and most Acura automatics today shift smoothly, unlike Honda-Acura transmissions of years past, at least when brand-new......that's why I'm a little surprised to hear you got a thumper. Maybe, as you say.....accumulated mileage on a hard-driven car.
Still, overall, the TL has never been one of my favorite cars. I've always prefered the RL and the last-generation TSX.....the new 2009 TSX is more cheaply done.
I would agree with your assessment that the TL is a somewhat sportier version of the Lexus ES, but not directly.....the TL's FWD set-up, as you note, adds understeer and works against sharp cornering. Much of what you blame in the tires for the so-so handling probably comes from its nose-heaviness more than the tires themselves. And though both the ES and TL are FWD, the new ES350 is firmer-riding (and with a cheaper interior) than the ES330, so its handling is slightly closer to the TL's.
I plan to do a new TL-S soon..........I have a request for one.
Again, thanks for the write-up.
06-17-08, 05:37 AM
#17
Lexus Champion
... I think it was even stated the TL-S was as fast or faster than the 335i around the track. lolI'll warn you though... if you get your hands on the TL-S... I could barely tell an improvement in handling at all.
The TL was designed by Americans in California and was built for the American market and is built in Ohio by Americans. I find it to be one of the best American made cars ever built, period. It is clear why this car is such a hit here, it does everything good/well and nothing poorly, with a good size and a good price.
BTW did you not try out the stereo at all? I think you would have been pretty impressed with a DVD-Audio disc and the ELS Panasonic system in that TL.
06-17-08, 07:19 AM
#18
Lexus Champion
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06-17-08, 08:07 AM
#19
Lexus Champion
You can call me biased if you want but I think it has been well established on this board that I am just as quick to be critical of the flaws of this car and any other car I owned or have owned as I am to praise the areas it excels in.
06-17-08, 03:21 PM
#20
Lexus Champion
More points to you for pulling things out of thin air... I never once said or insinuated anything about an M3 in this thread.
Lame post.
I never liked your posts. All of them were so negative and argumentative... argumentative with any people in this forum. I don't need an advice but if I ever do need advice I would ask everyone, except you.
I never liked your posts. All of them were so negative and argumentative... argumentative with any people in this forum. I don't need an advice but if I ever do need advice I would ask everyone, except you.
The TL is quick on a track for a FWD car but it is NOT an impressive car at the track. While you mag race I actually go to SCCA track days and run the courses and run at the 1/4-mile strip. You talk, I do. You see the TL in some grand light, I see it for what it is (as well as I see my own cars for what they are).
1Sick has seen the TL for what it is... a mediocre handling and accelerating car. I'd love for him to test the TL-S 6MT side by side with a 335i 6MT and see which he'd suspect to be the stronger performer at the road course. Again, of all the people that I have come across that have driven both cars but don't own either... none of them are impressed with the TL-S in terms of performance. In terms of interior, comfort, value, and more... TL-S blows the 335i away IMO... but not performance.
Have you actually driven the 335i or raced on a road course? Answer honestly. If no then what are you even doing talking about it just because you read some skid pad numbers in a magazine?
06-17-08, 04:03 PM
#21
Lexus Fanatic
I have a review request for a Type S, and will take that into consideration.
Surprising, because few Japanese-designed cars in this class still offer one.
06-17-08, 07:16 PM
#24
Lexus Fanatic
I'll do a 6MT if I can get one.....otherwise an auto. Probably a good idea, since SICK, above, has already done the automatic on the regular TL.
06-17-08, 09:37 PM
#25
Speaks French in Russian
Nice review Mike. Agree that there really isnt anything that is mind blowing about the car any longer. I do remember when it first came out and I drove it and thought it was easily one of the best in class. Value, performance, its all there for what it was.
As far as the handling, I read somewhere awhile back that for 07, the base TL was actually made to ride more luxurious than the 04-06 models. Reason being because they wanted a bigger differential between that and the TL-S which may be the main reason as to why you think the difference between a TL and ES350 is small. Plus because of complaints from owners of the to stiff ride. Remember how smooth and different the previous generation base TL rode? That was silky smooth.
In my findings, the auto zaps power from this car. Much different from the manual cars, but as you stated still no faster than the competition.
I still do like the interior layout a lot and IMO is still very competitive and modern. Looks and feels of high quality, nice huge Navi screen. Its a shame because I know the next gen interior will take a step back (Look at the MDX, new TSX, RDX interiors and compare it to the TL. Big difference there.)
By the way, the TL-S 6-speed I drove 2 weeks ago was your favorite color combo. White on black (2 toned interior). Looked freakin sweet!!
When I left my test drive, I kept asking myself "why does this car cost $39 grand??" I know you didnt test drive the TL-S, but with so many other choices, do you think the TL is still an outstanding buy these days?
Agree that there really isnt anything that is mind blowing about the car any longer. I do remember when it first came out and I drove it and thought it was easily one of the best in class. Value, performance, its all there for what it was. As far as the handling, I read somewhere awhile back that for 07, the base TL was actually made to ride more luxurious than the 04-06 models. Reason being because they wanted a bigger differential between that and the TL-S which may be the main reason as to why you think the difference between a TL and ES350 is small. Plus because of complaints from owners of the to stiff ride. Remember how smooth and different the previous generation base TL rode? That was silky smooth.
In my findings, the auto zaps power from this car. Much different from the manual cars, but as you stated still no faster than the competition.
I still do like the interior layout a lot and IMO is still very competitive and modern. Looks and feels of high quality, nice huge Navi screen. Its a shame because I know the next gen interior will take a step back (Look at the MDX, new TSX, RDX interiors and compare it to the TL. Big difference there.)
By the way, the TL-S 6-speed I drove 2 weeks ago was your favorite color combo. White on black (2 toned interior). Looked freakin sweet!!
When I left my test drive, I kept asking myself "why does this car cost $39 grand??" I know you didnt test drive the TL-S, but with so many other choices, do you think the TL is still an outstanding buy these days?
Last edited by GFerg; 06-17-08 at 09:48 PM.
06-17-08, 09:43 PM
#26
Speaks French in Russian
There is some active noise cancellation technology in the TLs which mutes external noises. I believe some people have disabled that as well.
Ahhh, well that makes sense. It boggled my mind as to why the old TL's exhaust note resonated throughout the cabin, while the TL-S, the factory performance version was so quiet in comparison. Well at least I know the active noise cancellation feature works!!
06-18-08, 06:24 PM
#28
Lexus Fanatic
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