Review: 2009 Acura TL
#31
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Thanks, 4TehNuygen...appreciate it.
Those interior shots are excellent. ![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Not having a digital camera (or the knowledge/ability to download one), I searched the Goggle image sites for good 2009 TL shots, and posted the very few I could find with the review.....1SICKLEX provided the shot of the white TL. The Goggle labelling, on their image search, is awful.......most of them are mislabelled 2009 TSX/RL or 2008 RL shots.
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Not having a digital camera (or the knowledge/ability to download one), I searched the Goggle image sites for good 2009 TL shots, and posted the very few I could find with the review.....1SICKLEX provided the shot of the white TL. The Goggle labelling, on their image search, is awful.......most of them are mislabelled 2009 TSX/RL or 2008 RL shots.
#32
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I had a older body TL back in the day. I think it was a 2003??? Anyway, I liked it for the money I paid. However, it was a very bland car as I recall. After owning a Lexus IS350 and BMW 335i it really gets lost in the shuffle of cars. The FWD thing really kills acura. You just can't put too much in the way of torque and hp in a FWD car like that. I used to think my TL was fast. I was wrong after driving other cars.
#33
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I had a older body TL back in the day. I think it was a 2003??? Anyway, I liked it for the money I paid. However, it was a very bland car as I recall. After owning a Lexus IS350 and BMW 335i it really gets lost in the shuffle of cars. The FWD thing really kills acura. You just can't put too much in the way of torque and hp in a FWD car like that. I used to think my TL was fast. I was wrong after driving other cars.
#35
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OK...you got it.
I'll do the 2009, for now.
2009 will be the last year for this-generation Legacy/Outback. They are going to redesign it for 2010, and, probably, screw it up like they did the new Forester.
....though a high-mileage, flat-boxer diesel is rumored to be coming with it as an option. I'm looking (strongly) at a new 2009 Legacy or Outback for a purchase myself, before they're gone.
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
2009 will be the last year for this-generation Legacy/Outback. They are going to redesign it for 2010, and, probably, screw it up like they did the new Forester.
![Mad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/mad.gif)
Last edited by mmarshall; 09-26-08 at 10:26 AM.
#36
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I had a older body TL back in the day. I think it was a 2003??? Anyway, I liked it for the money I paid. However, it was a very bland car as I recall. After owning a Lexus IS350 and BMW 335i it really gets lost in the shuffle of cars. The FWD thing really kills acura. You just can't put too much in the way of torque and hp in a FWD car like that. I used to think my TL was fast. I was wrong after driving other cars.
#37
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#38
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OK...you got it.
I'll do the 2009, for now.
2009 will be the last year for this-generation Legacy/Outback. They are going to redesign it for 2010, and, probably, screw it up like they did the new Forester.
....though a high-mileage, flat-boxer diesel is rumored to be coming with it as an option. I'm looking (strongly) at a new 2009 Legacy or Outback for a purchase myself, before they're gone.
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
2009 will be the last year for this-generation Legacy/Outback. They are going to redesign it for 2010, and, probably, screw it up like they did the new Forester.
![Mad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/mad.gif)
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#39
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#40
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Acura/Lincoln use 70/30 under normal driving, which is what will be done 99% of the time.
Audi uses 50/50 systems in the past and is moving to 40/60 to compete more with BMW for driving feel and sport. (I think FKL had a typo)
Lexus/Infiniti/Benz use 30/70 systems.
Of course all these systems vary when AWD is needed.
#41
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It has the ability to transfer up to 70% to the rear and 100% side to side I believe when it is NEEDED. Not just under heavy acceleration. That is a big difference in words. The beauty of the SH-AWD system is that when you don't need a RWD bias, it doesn't have it. When you need it, it has it, and anything in between.
#42
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The chestnut wood is only standard in a NON-tech TL, both in FWD and SH-AWD models.
When you get the tech package in both models, it is replaced with the metallic trim.
Even as an imitation - i think the chestnut wood trim looks real nice
When you get the tech package in both models, it is replaced with the metallic trim.
Even as an imitation - i think the chestnut wood trim looks real nice
#43
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I mean't 40/60, my mistake. My only point was, Audi's Quattro system IS in fact RWD bias, the Japanese version ain't.
#45
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Mmarshall,
Thanks for this great review. I know there was a lot of anticipation for this one, well done!
I’m trying really hard to like this car as I did the last gen TL. Trying to the point that I wanted to see the car in person before I responded to your review.
As you pointed out, and I agree, the interior design looks good and I’m certain the handling and drivability is exactly as you described. But I just can’t seem to get past the front end of the car.
I find the front overhang (as others have mentioned) to be too long for a newly redesigned car. Even Audi with its new A4 and A5 architecture has shortened the overhang for both styling and performance reasons. Add to this the front grill that you and others have mentioned and it’s just not possible for me at this time to say this is a car I would buy.
At the dealership the 09 was parked next to the 08 and it just made the 09 look bulky. Not big but bulky which is not what I was expecting for the 09. I snapped a picture of the 2 cars (sorry it’s a cell phone pic) and pasted it below.
![](https://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/0928080932c.JPG)
To me it looks like the Acura designers said, hmmmm, if the 2008 TL was allergic to bee stings, ‘what would it look like if it actually got stung?’ Viola! The 2009 TL
j/k
Thanks again Mmarshall.
TripleL
PS I see you’ve met John Davis, too cool! I’ve been watching him on TV for more years they he’d probably care to have me remember.
Thanks for this great review. I know there was a lot of anticipation for this one, well done!
I’m trying really hard to like this car as I did the last gen TL. Trying to the point that I wanted to see the car in person before I responded to your review.
As you pointed out, and I agree, the interior design looks good and I’m certain the handling and drivability is exactly as you described. But I just can’t seem to get past the front end of the car.
I find the front overhang (as others have mentioned) to be too long for a newly redesigned car. Even Audi with its new A4 and A5 architecture has shortened the overhang for both styling and performance reasons. Add to this the front grill that you and others have mentioned and it’s just not possible for me at this time to say this is a car I would buy.
At the dealership the 09 was parked next to the 08 and it just made the 09 look bulky. Not big but bulky which is not what I was expecting for the 09. I snapped a picture of the 2 cars (sorry it’s a cell phone pic) and pasted it below.
To me it looks like the Acura designers said, hmmmm, if the 2008 TL was allergic to bee stings, ‘what would it look like if it actually got stung?’ Viola! The 2009 TL
![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Thanks again Mmarshall.
TripleL
PS I see you’ve met John Davis, too cool! I’ve been watching him on TV for more years they he’d probably care to have me remember.
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)