Comments on: Review: 2009 Acura TL Take Two

By: msrsx

msrsx — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:11:20 +0000

okay first of yes its not the best looking acura out there but like honda did to the civic they are trying to branch out and figure out what their consumers like..
i believe that psarhjinian is correct…my first car was a 98 integra ls and i loved it..great on gas good looks i did some after market things to it (tein lowering new rims strut bars) this car was so great when it came to buy car number 2 i had to go with the rsx..acura made the new integra the rsx and upgraded it with better interior bose sound systems (types) but i do wish that they continued the line..i think its time to ressurect the dead here and get some of the younger people in…im 20 and theres no way i would be able to afford a tl or tsx the rsx was priced great esp a great buy for the money!

if people honestly cannot understand that if you want a Acura tsx tl why would you buy a Honda Accord? Acura is luxury for a reason..Honda is great but they dont compare luxury wise there are resons why acura is above honda just like lexus is above toyota..
also just to throw this out there..the G35 drives like shit, the interior is plastic-y and just made me appreciate my RSX..my next car will be the 2008 tl type-s for sure…if you drive and love acura why would you want the hassle of owning a bmw? 200 dollar oil changes? 400 dollar breaks? im good =) acura will hopefully give the new tl tsx a face lift and then you’ll have a all around lovely car

By: ohsnapback

ohsnapback — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 06:00:51 +0000

I thought, initially after the release, it was possible that my eyes would adjust to what I perceived as a monstrosity.

That won’t ever happen. The TL is as hideous now as it was at inception.

I finally got a chance to drive in one again. My initial driving impressions remain intact, also.

Different strokes for different folks, but all I can say is that it is simply mind boggling to me that people are paying what they are for this car, because I wouldn’t want it for free.

Yes, it’s that bad.

I fear the direction both Honda and Acura are headed in. For their sake.

By: fps_dean

fps_dean — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:00:33 +0000

While I have not driven one of these, and while Acuras are far from my style, one-star does seem a bit harsh!

Then again, as I said I have not driven the new TL. It might be too heavy. It may no longer handle like how Acura customers would expect. It might not shift smooth. It might suck down way too much gas for the power. And it might be the ugliest sedan ever created, with its only competition from the Subaru Impreza and some Chrysler vehicles from the 80s.

However, is it really that bad? I mean for what Acura is — faster, lighter cars that are fun to drive with large appeal to the younger audience, many of whom put 6 foot tall spoilers on the backs of their cars so the fact that it’s probably the ugliest production sedan ever won’t even make them look at it twice.

By: ever_green

ever_green — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 05:51:47 +0000

i have always owned an acura in my life since 2000. Currently own two of them and im glad to say that i do not own this one (tl 2009). I did a test drive after i need another car. I have the 2003 tl full package. I was horrified and decided to keep the 2003 tl as i only had 40,000 miles on it. I gave it to my son to help him with transportation to work and university. As for my self i really liked the acura RDX. Its a real blast driving it. doesn’t feel like your driving an suv at all, more like a sports sedan. 5 stars for rdx and 5 stars to 2003 tl. The 2003 has real italian leather unlike the new one and it has extremely comfy furniture. the new 2009 tl is brutally stiff in corners and terrible on gas. RDX is a really great car, the best i have ever owned. Has great acceleration, comfy seats and excellent handling. Only problem is fuel economy. Acura’s SUV market (MDX & RDX) has enjoyed great success here in Canada and i agree they are fabulous.

By: lekar

lekar — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 22:26:41 +0000

1/5 star review for a Honda product? And I was thinking Car&Driver reviews were biased.

I just test drove the car yesterday. It has unreal handling. The car just won’t dive no matter how hard I push it. It is like an affordable and reliable 5-series with larger interior and better ergonomics. Handling is nearly as good, if not better.

However, I still criticize Acura for not having a dedicated rear-wheel-drive platform like other luxury brands do. But the SH-AWD is definitely good enough for most people. It is even good enough for me (my daily driver is an S2000).

I don’t like the looks either. But looks can, and will be fixed in future. What matters for me is handling, price, reliability, build quality, interior volume, quality and ergonomics. No other current car can compete with Acura SH-AWD TL in these aspects.

By: energetik9

energetik9 — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:02:16 +0000

It is an interesting trend to watch where Acura is going. Seems to me that Acura is beginning to suffer what Infinity went through a number of years ago. A brand that’s diluting its image without a clear sense of direction. Acura has always seemed to me to be too closely connected to Honda in looks, image, and in spirit. While I will never understand why Acura got rid of the Legend, why they brought us the Vigor and the CL and why they ever thought the Integra fit into the brand image of the Acura I will never know. To diffuse the statement here, I am not saying the Integra was a bad car, but purely from a marketing perspective, the Integra was too closely related to the Prelude and Accord and did not bring added value to the brand. So all that being said, it seems Acura is slowly driving to the periphery with good but unremarkable cars. Cars like the TL seem lost, the RSX and MDX are simply average and even my wife’s RDX, although a good car in general (but with its own noticeable deficiencies), seems to be just a decent car lost in a field of many.

By: ChrisDC

ChrisDC — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:16:01 +0000

I really disagree with this review. I bought the new ‘09 TL SH-AWD in December and have been very pleased. Just to put it in perspective, I also own a 2002 BMW M5, and have had a BMW 330i in the past as well. I’m not somebody who has never been in a true performance car. I drive on the track and do a lot of events in the car clubs, etc.

I can agree the looks aren’t for all, but this car has a lot to offer. I get compliments on the looks and in person, most agree it is unique and bold. Just as many love the looks as hate it.

My goal was to find an AWD sedan that still had performance and handling. I drove the new 335xi, the Audi A4 and the Infinity G37x. All nice cars, but I actually liked the TL AWD best and found it to be different than these others that really haven’t changed much in the past 5 years.

Is it a BMW-bashing all out performance giant?…no. However, it’s definitely one of the best balanced, solid and stable cars I have driven. It’s a great compliment to the M5 for me on those days when it rains, snows or even when I just want a more comfortable ride on a long trip.

I don’t think editors writing “As far as I can tell, K Mart supplied the Acura’s independent double wishbone….” and some of the other colorful language is a fair and accurate statement. It’s pretty far off the mark…

Drive this car before you make your own assessments. I’m very pleased with the ‘09 TL AWD.

Thanks

By: musah

musah — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:58:56 +0000

The actual shape of this marque put me off. Why the boxy shape with sharp corners?

By: Lantern42

Lantern42 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:14:04 +0000

Davekaybsc:, Jaeger
Last I counted, the 2009 TL w/Nav has FEWER buttons than the 2008 w/nav on its center stack.

What makes you say they’ve gone “button happy”?

By: Dr. No

Dr. No — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:37:34 +0000

What the HELL was Acura thinking. When I see the front end, I reach for a beer bottle to open it on the TL’s grille.

Dare to be different = Dare to be laughed at.

By: Jaeger

Jaeger — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:22:52 +0000

brucek – that was a VERY smart move.

By: brucek

brucek — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 23:31:07 +0000

Although we hadn’t planned on buying until this spring, we bought a new ‘08 TL on Nov. 28 because we refused to get one of the new model. The styling is as bad or worse than in the photos, and the center stack is awful (as is the new Accord’s). We also got it for about $3500 under invoice, so it wasn’t a bad deal. I really like the styling, and the HVAC and audio controls are pretty well laid-out, except for some of the dual-purpose cassette player buttons. It’s not perfect, but we like its Honda-ness.

By: wsn

wsn — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:27:29 +0000

klossfam said:

wsn: Additional info…A mostly loaded 2009 BMW 335ix here in BUF with Prem Pkg, Sport Pkg, 6 Spd Auto, Shift Paddles, etc that lists for $49,050 USD would run around $46,500 USD – or a little less…That would be around $56,900 CAD at today’s exchange rate plus GST/PST, 6% duty, etc. So still a savings but still a pain in the ass to do…

I don’t know BMW’s policy here. But I did hear that to bring a MB from the US to Canada, you need a MB dealer to “modify” the car and give you a permission letter so that you can register it in Canada. And it will cost you $5,000 (<$100 for most economy car).

So, between the $57k base+unwanted options+modification cost+transportation+duty for a 335xi, and $40k (sticker is $50k) no hassle local price for a TL SH-AWD, the latter is very attractive.

This is maybe the best part about the recession: $8k~10k off sticker for a TL or MDX, if you don’t require financing. BMW didn’t offer such a discount, yet. I don’t know if they can sustain much longer. I have never been so close to buying a luxury car. I sure hope there will be a real price war.

By: Lbart

Lbart — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:14:41 +0000

What is Japan thinking these days. The 2009 Acura TL is just plain nasty to look at. Has anyone seen the 2010 Mazda 3 can anyone say fish face, or how about clown face. Just nasty!!!

By: CoffeeJones

CoffeeJones — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 03:23:00 +0000

@psarhjinian
The Legend to RL was handled badly. The first RL was nice enough, but really dull. I don’t know why the second one doesn’t sell: it’s actually a nice car, if anonymously styled. Every time I see one (pre-nosejobbed) I think it’s a handsome, understated car. They drive well, too.

If you ever wanted to pick up a previous generation RL there are loaded 06 models with < 20k miles going for < $25k, and Consumer Reports talks about Lexus like reliability.
I want one, but this economy…

Aaaaaah WTF, Japan gets a decent front grill.
http://www.honda.co.jp/LEGEND/

By: klossfam

klossfam — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:41:52 +0000

By: klossfam

klossfam — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:16:37 +0000

wsn: Now I’m with you…Didn’t know you were from the Great White North…I live in Buffalo, so I’m well aware of the screw job the Canadian consumer gets by most auto makers. In fact, one of my Canadian friends tried to buy a 328i from our local dealer here in BUF and was told “no” due to BMW franchise rules for N. American…He eventually worked himself far enough away from the border (White Plains by NYC) to get a dealer to do it…still owed GST/PST, duty, etc but he saved a bundle. Some lines like Infiniti will do the deal regardless of location but with the incentives in place in Canada – to keep the pricing close to US – you don’t necessarily save a ton of money. A vendor of mine in Montreal only would have saved about $2,500 CAD on a fully loaded G35xS – so he just bought local in QC. The BMW prices I listed were FULL US list at base price (no BMW is that “de-optioned” but with the economy, you can get a 335ix for low $40s with several options). Obviously, they need to move iron at any reasonable offer…I’m sure things are a lot less flexible in “oil rich” Alberta…

By: wsn

wsn — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:37:33 +0000

klossfam:

I live in Edmonton, Canada.

An Acura TL without SH-AWD typically cost $38k after rebate. The one with SH-AWD maybe a couple grand more.

A BMW 335ix, typically > $60k, or even $70k.

If you know for sure there is any new BMW 335ix can be found for $42.3k (I assume it has leather seats, since the TL has it), please tell me the name of the dealer and the phone number. I am very interested.

By: klossfam

klossfam — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:39:16 +0000

wsn – Do you know what these cars list for in the “artifical” world of list price? I think not…Actual prices, regardless of brand or city will be less, of course…Please check your info before posting erroneous replies…The 3-Series is now close to 18″ shorter than a TL, so they are a tough to compare anyways, but believe me, the 3 is way better (and having driven both 335’s and G’s A LOT – I still like the G better)…

This LIST comparison very similarly equips the TL and G – and only uses base on the x Drive Bimmers (too many crazy options to figure in)…

TL SH-AWD – no Tech – $38,505

G37x with Premium/No Tech – $38,050

BMW 335ix – Base $42,300

BMW 328ix – Base $37,400

By: wsn

wsn — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:37:28 +0000

klossfam said:
Less expensive, RWD-based, better sized for the class, more powerful, lighter, a REAL 3-Series and even 5-Series competitor…I drive a 2008 G35xS and the G-Series is simply in a different league now than Acura’s FWD-based button-filled blobs…

Let’s compare apples to apples please. The Acura TL is cheaper than a BMW 1-series, at least in my city. It’s not fair to say a 3-series is better, since it’s so much more expensive.

By: klossfam

klossfam — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:20:37 +0000

Damn – I was out of town and I love to jump into the fray on these reviews – especially as a former dedicated Acura owner (2004 TSX and 2002 TL-S)…but the TL is Aztec-level in the ugly stick dept. Acura REALLY picked the wrong time to make BIG mistake…Especially considering a primary competitor is the G35 – now G37 Sedan. Less expensive, RWD-based, better sized for the class, more powerful, lighter, a REAL 3-Series and even 5-Series competitor…I drive a 2008 G35xS and the G-Series is simply in a different league now than Acura’s FWD-based button-filled blobs…

By: Jaeger

Jaeger — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:15:34 +0000

A wretchedly ugly gimmick-mobile. Thanks again to TTAC for telling it like it is.

Davekaybsc – thanks for pointing out the interior. Honda / Acura seem to have adopted a “more is better” philosophy when it comes to buttons, knobs, switches and toggles. I thought the new Accord was bad for the Starship Enterprise approach – but with a few extra gimmicks ladled on, this thing REALLY takes the cake.

By: potatobreath

potatobreath — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:42:25 +0000

>Why would I want to burn CDs onto a built-in hard drive when I can just plug-in my iPhone?

Rip a CD?

By: PG

PG — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:00:00 +0000

I truly think Audi makes the best looking cars on the road today. The worst? Probably Acura or Subaru, although as bad as the new Impreza is, it’s a beauty queen compared to this TL. The car is simply hideous, and grafting that stupid nose onto their other vehicles has made the whole line look terrible.

I miss the Integra/RSX.

By: jybt

jybt — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:59:09 +0000

Sigh. Why must TTAC always trash cars and attributes of cars everyone else likes? It’s not that hard to determine whether the ride of a car is stiff or supple, yet two different sites publish those two opinions of the same car. It’s not hard to determine whether the TL “exudes quality”. C/D found it did in their road test. TTAC finds that it feels cheap on the highway.