Acura TL
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Acura TL | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Manufacturer | Acura |
| Parent company | Honda |
| Production | 1996–present |
| Predecessor | Acura Vigor |
| Class | Mid-size luxury car |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
The Acura TL is a mid-size luxury car from Honda's Acura brand. It was introduced in 1996 to supplant the Acura Vigor and was rebadged for the Japanese-market from 1996 to 2000 as the Honda Inspire and from 1996 to 2004 as the Honda Saber. The TL is Acura's best-selling model, and it has ranked as the second best-selling luxury sedan in the United States behind the BMW 3 Series.[1]
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[edit] 1996 (1G TL)
| First generation (UA2) | |
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| Also called | Honda Inspire Honda Saber |
| Production | 1996–1998 |
| Assembly | Sayama, Japan |
| Engine(s) | 2.5L 176 hp (131 kW) I5 3.2L 200 hp (150 kW) V6 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in (2840 mm) |
| Length | 2.5TL: 191.5 in (4864 mm) 3.2TL: 191.7 in (4869 mm) |
| Width | 2.5TL: 70.3 in (1786 mm) 3.2TL: 70.9 in (1801 mm) |
| Height | 2.5TL: 55.3 in (1405 mm) 3.2TL: 55.7 in (1415 mm) |
| Related | Acura CL Honda Accord Honda Odyssey Isuzu Aska Isuzu Oasis |
The TL debuted as 1996 model, first with the 1996 2.5 TL available with the 2.5 L 176 hp (131 kW) SOHC 20-valve 5-cylinder engine from the Vigor. The 3.2 TL used the 3.2 L 200 hp (149 kW) SOHC 24v V6 from the second-generation Acura Legend. The 2.5 TL was positioned as the sporty model and the 3.2 focused more upon a luxurious ride. The very first 1996 Acura TL rolled off the assembly line on March 28, 1995.
[edit] 1999 (2G TL)
| Second generation (UA5) | |
|---|---|
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| Also called | Honda Inspire |
| Production | 1999–2003 |
| Assembly | Marysville, Ohio |
| Engine(s) | 3.2L 225 hp (168 kW) V6 3.2L 260 hp (194 kW) V6 (Type-S Models) |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic (2000 and later) |
| Wheelbase | 108.1 in (2746 mm) |
| Length | 1999–2000: 192.9 in (4900 mm) 2001–03: 192.5 in (4890 mm) |
| Width | 70.3 in (1786 mm) |
| Height | 1999–2000: 56.1 in (1425 mm) 2001–03: 53.7 in (1364 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3447 lb (1564 kg) |
| Related | Acura CL Honda Accord Honda Odyssey Honda Pilot Acura MDX |
In 1998, Honda revealed the TL-X concept car, showing a preview of the second-generation TL which would debut a year later. The second-generation TL (now called 3.2 TL) was released in 1999 and was now derived off the US-market Honda Accord platform. It was available with a newly-designed 3.2 L 225 hp (168 kW) SOHC VTEC J32 V6 mated to a four-speed electronic automatic transmission with SportShift.
The second-generation 3.2 TL (the 2.5 was dropped) was built in Marysville, Ohio, alongside the Honda Accord, at Marysville Auto Plant. These cars were imported into Japan and sold as Honda Inspire in the Honda Clio dealer network, and as Honda Saber in the Honda Primo and Verno dealer networks. The main difference between the two cars were the front grille; the Inspire and Saber were also available with a 2.5 L Honda J-series V6 exclusive to the Japanese market.
The very first 1999 Acura TL (2G) rolled off the assembly line on August 4, 1998. The only option on the sedan was a hard drive-based navigation system. The 1999 TL's navigation system stored the maps in zones; there were 5 different zones for the U.S.
[edit] 2000
In the second year of production, the Acura TL was given slightly more features, including a 5-speed automatic transmission, with SportShift. The added gear allowed for slightly better fuel economy and acceleration when compared to the previous 4-speed automatic transmission with SportShift. In many vehicles, the 5-speed automatic transmission failed: as the third clutch pack wore, particles blocked off oil passages and prevented the transmission from shifting or holding gears normally. The transmission would slip, fail to shift, or suddenly downshift and make the car come to a screeching halt from expressway speeds. This problem was highlighted in the Los Angeles Times in September 2002. Consumer Reports took note and awarded the TL and CL the black spot, the worst rating for transmission reliability. In response to the recurring problem, the manufacturer extended the warranty covering the transmission to 7 yrs or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) on U.S.A. models. A class action lawsuit was settled to extend the transmission warranty for U.S.A. owners or entities but not Canadians to 7.75 years for all 99 to 02 and some 03 by VIN. For details see http://www.hondatransmissionsettlement.com Transmissions replaced prior to March 2005 usually fail again. Transmissions replaced 3/2005 and later include a redesigned third gear clutch pack reported to fix the problem.
Other notable changes include the addition of side impact airbags for the front passengers and a change of format for the navigation system. The 2000 TL switched the CD for a DVD-based navigation system. The entire continental United States became accessible with the navigation system; it was possible to drive from one coast to the other with the new navigation system.
[edit] 2001
For the 2001 model year, a redesigned coupe version of the TL was introduced, the 3.2CL. While it was mechanically identical to the TL, its sales never came close to that of its sibling model, and as a result, it was discontinued in May 2003. The 2001 added one feature that the 2000 didn't have, a new redesigned cupholder insert. The automatic transmission in many of these cars were also defective. In response to the recurring problem, the manufacturer extended the warranty covering the transmission to 109,000 miles (175,400 km) or 7.75 years for all 99 to 02 and 03 partial per VIN. Acura dealers replace the transmissions under warranty. Transmissions replaced prior to March 2005 usually fail again. Transmissions replaced 3/2005 and later include a redesigned 3rd gear clutch pack reported to fix the problem.
[edit] 2002
In 2002, the TL got a minor makeover, with a refreshed front fascia, redesigned taillights, a 6 CD in-dash changer as well as a few other features. A Type-S model was also added, adding 35 hp (26 kW) as well as 17-inch (430 mm) wheels, firmer seats and suspension. The automatic transmission in a large number of these cars were also defective. In response to the recurring problem, the manufacturer extended the warranty covering the transmission to 109,000 miles (175,400 km) or 7.75 years for all 99 to 02 and 03 partial per VIN. Acura dealers replace the transmissions under warranty. Transmissions replaced prior to March 2005 usually fail again. Transmissions replaced 3/2005 and later include a redesigned 3rd gear clutch pack reported to fix the problem.
[edit] 2003
Available only in Canada, Acura released an A-SPEC version of its popular TL Type-S. This edition was limited to 800 units, 400 in Nighthawk Black Pearl (NBP) and 400 in Aegean Blue Pearl {ABP}. The differences between the A-SPEC and non-A-SPEC were cosmetic. This trim came with a full painted skirt kit. The A-SPEC featured blue perforated leather accents found on the steering wheel, the shift knob ( which was also different), the seats and the door panels. The rest of the black leather was stitched with a matching blue thread. The front headlights, front grille and door handles were painted same as the body color instead of the chrome found on other trims. Side turning markers were also exclusive to this model. Aluminum accents replace the black ones on the center console and the doors. There were also aluminum Acura door sills on the A-SPEC. The wheels were also model specific. The A-SPEC also got a new spoiler with red lights on either side of it. To top it off there were subtle A-SPEC badges on the carpets and under the usual 3.2 TL Type-S badges.
[edit] 2004 (3G TL)
| Third generation (UA6/7) | |
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| Production | 2004–2008 |
| Assembly | Marysville, Ohio |
| Engine(s) | 3.2L 258 hp (192 kW) V6 3.5L 286 hp (213 kW) V6 (Type-S only) |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed automatic 6-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 107.9 in (2741 mm) |
| Length | 189.3 in (4808 mm) Type-S: 189.8 in (4821 mm) |
| Width | 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
| Height | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
| Related | Honda Accord Honda Odyssey Honda Pilot Acura MDX |
The first third generation Acura TL rolled off the assembly line on September 30, 2003. On October 6, 2003, the third generation Acura TL (the 3.2 moniker was dropped) was released for sale in North America. Developed mainly in the United States by a team led by Erik Berkman with bodywork by American Honda designer Jon Ikeda, the new TL is built in Marysville, Ohio, and is derived from the 7th generation US-market Honda Accord. It is powered by a 270 hp (201 kW; later revised to 258 hp (192 kW), based on the new SAE measurement standard for horsepower and 233 lb·ft (316 N·m) of torque), 3.2 L 24 valve SOHC VTEC V6 engine mated to either a 5-speed automatic with SportShift or 6-speed manual.
As of March 2004, Honda offers to the public a factory-sanctioned "tuner package" version of the TL: the TL A-SPEC. This version features a suspension tuned by Makoto Tamamura, an indication of the TL A-SPEC's aggressive engineering. In addition, an underbody kit, spoiler, limited edition A-SPEC steering wheel, "A-SPEC" badge on the back, and 18-inch (460 mm) wheels are standard issue on the A-SPEC package. When installed at purchase, the car's 4 year/50,000 mile warranty applies to the package as well.
The third generation TL is also the first car in the American market to include a 6 disc DVD-Audio system, output through an 8-speaker 225-watt system, engineered by Panasonic and tuned by Elliot Scheiner. The system also plays back normal audio CDs as well as DTS audio discs, CD-Audio, CD-Rs and CD-RWs. The car is also equipped with a Bluetooth HandsFree Link (HFL) system, integrated with the audio system, to allow for hands-free usage of one's cell phone (provided the phone also supports Bluetooth and is compatible with the HFL's hands-free profile). The driver can simply voice-dial the number and carry the entire conversation over the car's built-in audio system; when receiving a phone call a display will show caller ID if it is supported by the phone. The driver also has the capability to transfer current calls between the car and his phone when exiting or entering the TL. There is also a phone book which can store personal phone numbers within the car's memory. With the built-in XM Radio tuner, owners can elect to pay a monthly subscription after the complimentary 3 months subscription expires from Acura for XM radio, which provides over 100 digital channels via satellite.
Sporting an Alpine-designed navigation system, the third generation TL also accepts voice commands like "Find nearest police station" to "Go home." The navigation system features an 8-inch (200 mm) touch-screen LCD, which allows for easy viewing of the road ahead.
The JDM Honda Inspire debuted around 4 and a half months earlier (on June 11, 2003) and marked the branching out of the TL line from the Inspire. The Inspire is basically a seventh generation US-market Honda Accord V6 with minor trim changes, and the addition of Variable Cylinder Management, which shuts off half of the engine when not needed to boost fuel economy. The Saber was discontinued and the new Inspire is being sold at Clio, Primo, and Verno dealerships.
The TL became Acura's best selling luxury sedan in 2004 with more than 79,000 sold that year.[2][3]
[edit] 2005
The 2005 TL received a passenger airbag cutoff switch and extra stitching on the front seats. Manual transmission models featured Brembo 4 Piston brake calipers for the front wheels. There were several minor changes made (such as changes in seat belt anchor mounts) which are not published.
[edit] 2006
The 2006 TL received the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), an improved weight ratio (now 60:40 front/back) and a new engine management system to help reduce torque steer. The new horsepower rating of 258 hp (192 kW) is due to a change in testing procedures, despite the engine remaining the same since 2004.
[edit] 2007
The 2007 Acura TL features a slightly revised exterior as well as a revised interior with a new steering wheel, new gauges, and footwell lighting, in addition to new colors like Carbon Gray Pearl and Carbon Bronze Pearl (for the TL). The 2007 TL (non Type-S) received suspension changes to improve ride comfort. Also new for the 2007 model year were LED signal blinkers on the side mirrors and fog lights on the bumper. TL with navigation models sport a new rear view camera with image displayed on the navigation screen as well as XM NavTraffic. In addition to the new standard auxiliary audio jack, the sound system is now MP3/WMA compatible and offers Dolby Pro Logic II decoding and speed-sensitive volume compensation. The manual transmission option has been dropped from the base TL due largely to extremely low sales (roughly 1 out of 40 TLs sold across America were equipped with a manual gearbox).
The most notable revision is the return of the Type-S edition of the TL. The Acura TL Type-S will receive the Acura RL's 3.5-liter V6 engine tuned for 286 horsepower (213 kW) and 256 lb·ft (347 N·m). of torque with either a 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters or a 6-speed manual transmission. Exterior differences include quad exhaust pipes, restyled taillights and front fascia, lip spoiler, LED lights, Brembo brakes, dark silver 10-spoke wheels, and exclusive Type-S badging, plus an exclusive new color option, Kinetic Blue Pearl. The interior has unique two tone Type-S trim on the headrests and steering wheel, racing pedals, carbon fiber trim, and red interior lighting (as opposed to blue in the base TL). Touch screen navigation is standard and the suspension has been re-tuned.
[edit] 2008
The 2008 TL features an improved new immobilizer system, a separate Tire Pressure Monitoring System warning lamp and two new body colours. The navigation system has been updated to work in Hawaii, and the AcuraLink has been expanded to incorporate 76 markets (up from 38 markets for the 2007 model).
[edit] 2009 (4G TL)
Acura will be having the TL redesigned for 2009. This model will be the same platform as the Honda Accord. It is expected to be available in November, 2008 to dealerships.
[edit] Awards
- The 2006 Acura TL won ConsumerSearch's best Sports sedan with luxury touches in Best Luxury Cars in September 2006.[4]
- The 2006 Acura TL won ConsumerSearch's Best blend of sport and luxury in Best Sports Sedans in June 2006.[5]
[edit] References
- "[2004 Acura TL A-SPEC: No assembly required to enjoy this factory-spec tuner package", an article by John Kiewicz on page 136 of the March 2004 issue of Motor Trend 2004 Acura TL A-spec
- "Honda's Unexpected Gear Shift", an article by John O'Dell in the September 11, 2002 edition of the Los Angeles Times
[edit] External links
- Acura USA
- Acura TL - Official US Site
- 2006 Acura TL - 2006 Acura TL at All Car Garage
- AcuraWorld - Largest online community discussion of the Acura TL
- AcuraZine - Acura Owner and Enthusiast Community
- Acura TL Type S review at About.com Cars
- Motortrend - Long-Term Review
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