Chassis tuners win some, lose some
Once again, Honda uses a control arm (or double wishbone) design for the TL's front suspension, and a new multilink setup at the rear. Both versions of the car have been engineered to better resist body roll, brake dive, and squat under acceleration. The SH-AWD has further stiffened springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars. The overall effect is that the new TL is remarkably tied down over busy, bumpy roads, shrugging off dips, heaves, and bumps in the manner of the best European cars. The new TL remains poised and planted charging down back roads in a way that its predecessor never did. We'd say the new car inspires more confidence as well, but the switch to electric-assist power steering, which is too light and too quick on-center, unfortunately has sabotaged some of that confidence. Despite the firmer suspension, the TL still rides agreeably, but buyers who prize bump isolation should pass up the optional nineteen-inch wheels, which telegraph impacts more faithfully than the standard seventeens.
Still one for the head more than the heart
Once again the TL is a very good choice among luxury, or near-luxury, sedans. The exterior styling is a matter of personal taste, of course, but we find ourselves preferring the appearance of the old car; the new interior, however, is indeed seductive. The addition of all-wheel-drive is a bonus not just for bad weather but for drivability as well; too bad it extracts a fuel economy penalty in highway driving. If you're fine with front-wheel drive, the base car is roomier and more powerful than before, yet it's just as economical. We're impressed with the new chassis tuning, but would like to see Acura work harder to regain the natural steering feel of the old hydraulic system. We're also sad to lose the manual transmission option, even just for a year. The TL is certainly a techno-geek's delight, with its all-singing, all-dancing stereo and up-to-the-minute navigation system. Aside from the items covered here, the TL has also earned a reputation for solid reliability and good resale value, two items which we expect will continue with this new model.
Acura TL
Base Price: $34,000 (est)
Powertrains
Engine: 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6
Horsepower: 280 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 254 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Engine: 3.7-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6
Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drive: Front-wheel, all-wheel
Measurements
L x W x H: 195.3 x 74.0 x 57.2 in
Legroom F/R: 42.5/36.2 in
Headroom F/R: 38.4/36.7 in
Cargo capacity: 13.1 cu ft
Curb Weight: 3708-3989 lb
EPA Rating (city/highway): 18/26 mpg (base), 17/25 (SH-AWD)