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Test Drives:
2006 Acura TL
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This was a short test-drive of the Acura TL during a ride and drive event for the new
Lexus ES 350. The Acura TL has enjoyed great success in the North American
entry-level luxury sedan market. A front-wheel-drive V6-powered Japanese sedan is a
popular choice in North America. You get quality, reliability and a stable alternative to an
AWD sedan in the winter.
The TL has tended to gravitate towards the sportier end of the entry level luxury
segment. This decision gives the TL a more dynamic ride than some of its competitors
such as the Nissan Maxima and Lexus ES. Unfortunately, it comes at the expense of
luxurious appointments. Put the TL head-to-head with the new Lexus ES 350, and the
Lexus wins hands-down in the comfort department. Materials used on the interior of
the Acura TL are not up to luxury standards. True it feels sporty, but Acura is a luxury
brand. In an effort to move the brand upmarket, Acura is making some business
decisions which will improve its image. The RSX sports coupe has been dropped, and
the MDX is being repositioned slightly higher than its first-generation SUV.
In the brief time spent on the road with this car, overall impressions were mixed. The
FWD drivetrain limits the sporty edge to its ride. This hasn't stopped Acura from
introducing a sportier edition of the TL, the Type-S. As output nears 300-hp, you can't
help but relate this sedan to the 90s Cadillac STS. FWD and mega-loads of
horsepower don't always produce a favourable mix.
It is difficult to criticize such a popular sedan. The TL has been instrumental to the
success of the Acura brand in North America. The TL started off as incredible value
back in the 90s. As the vehicle grew up, so did its price. Value is still an attribute the TL
has on its side. In the future, Acura will need to consider adding AWD to the TL option
list, since AWD is becoming an increasingly-common option in this segment.
Oh, and thank you Acura, for relocating the moonroof controls from left-of-the-steering
column, to the conventional roof-mounted location.
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