Poonkla
03-05-2008, 11:45 AM
http://www.ourtribune.com/article.php?id=2775
http://www.hondanews.com/thumbnails/2006/9/8/15796_preview.jpg
What it is: The TL is Acura’s midsized four-door sedan. The Type-S designation indicates it is the sport model which provides a 287hp 3.5L V6, a 30 hp bump over the standard TL. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but I was provided the optional automatic transmission with manu-matic paddle shifters on the steering wheel. I found the transmission to be rather sloppy in the “manual”mode and to be rather refined in the pure automatic mode. If you are looking for performance out of this car, then get the manual. Not only will your acceleration times quicken, but manuals come with a limited slip differential in the front. The differential will keep both front wheels spinning at the same rate, which helps prevent spinning the wheels when powering through a corner. Where the car really shines is it’s handling. The feedback in the steering wheel instills confidence in the driver and it handles any corner you throw at it extremely well. Highlights: The great handling and breaking shine brightly in the TL due to be completely redone in 2009. The optional voice-activated navigation was great and paired with my Blackberry to make phone calls with minimal setup. On most phones (no BlackBerries) it will actually suck your phone book out of your cellphone and shows the caller ID information on the dash whenever you receive an incoming call. The car features some aggressive visuals.
Downsides: The interior feels dated when compared to the new, sporty four-doors. The new Cadillac CTS that we reviewed last week had an interior that blew the TL out of the water for the same price range. The gas mileage is rated at 18 and 27 and in almost exclusive city driving I got about 17. It requires premium, so $50 fill-ups will be a regular occurrence. The $40,000 sticker price feels a little much for this car which is a super-glorified Honda Accord.
Final word: This car, even in the sportier flavor, blends in with the crowd. It’s due to be completely redone next year, so if you were going to buy one, wait it out six to eight months for the new TL. It’s a very polished car that provides a great driving experience, but it seems to be just one puzzle piece short of being complete.
Edit: Yes, I wrote it for my local paper. I don't get paid, but I get to drive a new car every other week :thumb:
http://www.hondanews.com/thumbnails/2006/9/8/15796_preview.jpg
What it is: The TL is Acura’s midsized four-door sedan. The Type-S designation indicates it is the sport model which provides a 287hp 3.5L V6, a 30 hp bump over the standard TL. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but I was provided the optional automatic transmission with manu-matic paddle shifters on the steering wheel. I found the transmission to be rather sloppy in the “manual”mode and to be rather refined in the pure automatic mode. If you are looking for performance out of this car, then get the manual. Not only will your acceleration times quicken, but manuals come with a limited slip differential in the front. The differential will keep both front wheels spinning at the same rate, which helps prevent spinning the wheels when powering through a corner. Where the car really shines is it’s handling. The feedback in the steering wheel instills confidence in the driver and it handles any corner you throw at it extremely well. Highlights: The great handling and breaking shine brightly in the TL due to be completely redone in 2009. The optional voice-activated navigation was great and paired with my Blackberry to make phone calls with minimal setup. On most phones (no BlackBerries) it will actually suck your phone book out of your cellphone and shows the caller ID information on the dash whenever you receive an incoming call. The car features some aggressive visuals.
Downsides: The interior feels dated when compared to the new, sporty four-doors. The new Cadillac CTS that we reviewed last week had an interior that blew the TL out of the water for the same price range. The gas mileage is rated at 18 and 27 and in almost exclusive city driving I got about 17. It requires premium, so $50 fill-ups will be a regular occurrence. The $40,000 sticker price feels a little much for this car which is a super-glorified Honda Accord.
Final word: This car, even in the sportier flavor, blends in with the crowd. It’s due to be completely redone next year, so if you were going to buy one, wait it out six to eight months for the new TL. It’s a very polished car that provides a great driving experience, but it seems to be just one puzzle piece short of being complete.
Edit: Yes, I wrote it for my local paper. I don't get paid, but I get to drive a new car every other week :thumb: