Outstanding value in the near-luxury class
written by Mitch McCullough (print
this article)
Typically Acura, the TL offers performance, style, and
comfort for less money than you might expect. Its powerful
3.2-liter V6 engine, nicely balanced suspension,
rigid structure, and classy good looks make the TL a serious
contender in both the near-luxury and compact sport-sedan
categories.
TL was completely redesigned and re-engineered for 1999.
For 2000, Acura replaced the original four-speed auto-matic
transmission with a wonderful five-speed sequential Sportshift.
Advanced side-impact airbags were added, while revisions
to the engine increased mid-range acceleration and reduced
emissions. So the TL enters 2001 mostly unchanged, beyond
new carpeted floor mats and an emergency inside trunk release.
The 2001 TL-alternately called
the 3.2 TL in reference to its 3.2-liter engine displacement-is
available as one fully loaded model that retails for $28,550.
That's less than many of the TL's current competitors, representing
a strong value. The only option offered is Acura's navigation
system, which adds $2000; the system was updated last year
with a Digital Video Disc (DVD) player for mapping. No manual
transmission is available, although the five-speed Sportshift
automatic offers a convenient, sequential manual override.
Designed,
engineered and manu-factured in the USA, TL maintains a conservative
profile-although it is no longer the wallflower it was prior
to 1999. Its current lines are modern and refined, and its
stance is athletic. As Acura's mid-level luxury sedan, the
TL fits in the so-called near luxury segment of cars in the
$30,000 range, and its upscale looks are in keeping with this
role. A rear spoiler is available--Acura dealers sell it as
an accessory--but it doesn't improve the TL's clean lines.
Probably because of its front-wheel-drive layout, TL
is roomier than the
BMW 3-Series and
Mercedes-Benz
C-Class, although it also tops the front-driven
Lexus ES 300 for interior space. The TL interior is quite attractive,
particularly in the lovely light tan of our test car. Switchgear
is nicely designed. The mirror control is whisper quiet
and the stereo features big, handsome buttons that are
easy to operate. But the front seats, though cushy and attractive,
did not meet our expectations for an upscale Acura sedan;
they lack support and the adjustable lumbar bulge is of
marginal help.
The back seats are roomy. The center position features a
three-point shoulder belt, instead of just a lap belt. The
rear seat doesn't fold down, but a small center section
opens to allow skis, fly rods and other long objects in
the trunk to pass through the seats.
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The TL comes with a high level of standard equipment.
Leather upholstery, heated and powered front seats, wood-grain
trim, automatic climate control, tilt steering column, cruise
control, Bose AM/FM/CD/cassette with steering wheel-mounted
audio controls, power moonroof, power heated door mirrors,
keyless entry, theft-deterrent system, auto-off headlights,
and the Homelink Universal
Transceiver System are all standard. Active safety features
include ABS, traction control, and high-intensity dis-charge
headlights. Passive safety features include dual front airbags
and side-impact door beams.
At $2,000, the navigation system is an expensive option.
It uses Global Posi-tioning Satellites to plot your course
and provide instructions. A brightly lit touch-screen monitor
displays a map or alpine-type route instructions. It works
well and can provide a lot of help in unfamiliar territory.
The verbal instructions can help you avoid missing an exit
and the map can help you figure out your location. It's
always fun when you spontaneously decide to go to a hot
restaurant while you're on the far side of town and it quickly
finds it for you. Like all these systems, however, it's
about 95 percent there in terms of development. It will
occasionally send you the wrong way, and operating the controls
can, at times, be confusing and frustrating. Try the system
out before deciding whether to order it.
