2008 Acura TL [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 74 TL reviews and test drives.
Acura TL - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Acura TL ranks 5 out of 17 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 74 published reviews and test drives of the Acura TL, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The TL is a luxury sedan with a solid combination of comfort and safety on the road. Few cars that are similarly priced offer the same performance.
The 2008 Acura TL continues to ride the momentum created by the 2007's enhanced exterior and performance capabilities. Most auto writers describe the car as a winning combination of sporty performance, good looks and exquisite cabin quality. The biggest nit reviewers list with the TL is the presence of torque steer -- a common problem with front wheel drive cars that causes a tug on the wheel under hard acceleration. Offering a rear- or all-wheel drive option would negate this issue.
A little torque steer doesn't keep the TL off the auto industry's best-picks lists. Forbes lists the TL as one of the "Best Luxury Cars for the Buck," noting the TL is "one of the least expensive cars for running costs at any price." Car and Driver lists the TL's sporty Type-S trim as one of the 10 Quickest Cars of 2008.
The Acura TL is available in two trims: the base TL model and the Type-S, a reviewer-favorite. But if you're thinking of purchasing one, you can wait a little while and probably get a great deal on a 2008 TL. A redesigned Acura TL is to be released soon for 2009, featuring new cabin features and a boosted powertrain. If you're not sold on the Acura TL, consider the rear-wheel drive BMW 3-Series, offered as a coupe, sedan and convertible.
- "Once regarded as just a more luxurious version of the Honda Accord, the TL has evolved into a refined sports sedan with wedgy good looks and ample thrust from a 258-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 that is typically Honda smooth and happiest operating at the upper end of its rpm range." -- Car and Driver
- "The TL is a roomy, comfortable, good-looking, sporty and practical car, but it's not as pure as a rear-wheel driver. Even so, the TL is a great car, and the Type-S is a wonderful car." -- Road and Track
- "The 2008 Acura TL Type-S is very fun to drive, but a number of small issues keep it from being a top performer." -- CNET
- "The most sporting TL is again, the Type-S high-performance version. It's stuffed with a 286-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine as standard equipment, along with a rear spoiler, a sport suspension, ten-spoke alloy wheels, quad exhaust tips, and other upgrades. -- The Car Connection
- "The Acura TL is a great sedan that deftly combines modern styling, advanced engineering, cutting edge technology and an athletic grace, both in its driving demeanor and appearance." -- Automobile.com
- "Acura's midsize TL sedan remains a sporty and luxurious premium sedan with handsome styling, a roomy and thoughtfully designed interior, and engaging performance." -- Forbes
TL Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)
The TL, which receives a high performance score, is classified as a smooth ride with ample power, especially in the Type-S trim. The Washington Post says the TL Type-S "was exactly what we needed: a nimble warrior, a car whose Brembo-caliber brakes stopped it as quickly as its engine helped it to move into battle." Compared to most of its rivals, the TL feels lightweight and responsive." But several test drivers note the Acura TL's is subject to torque steer -- the tendency for a front-wheel drive car to veer slightly under hard acceleration. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn more about the differences between the base TL and the sportier Type-S and to learn how reviewers deal with the TL's occasional torque steer. continue
TL Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)
The 2008 Acura TL gets good reviews for its appearance. According to Road and Track, "It would be hard to find fault with the TL's chiseled good looks and the newest edition builds on that, with integrated foglamps, chrome trim, LED turn signals and more modern Acura badging on the grille." Check out the Acura TL Photo Gallery to view images of the slightly refreshed exterior, or continue with our full Exterior Review to learn how the Type-S' aggressive design ups the TL's appeal. continue
TL Interior - 7.9 (Good)
The Acura TL's functional and luxurious interior is near the top of its class for materials and assembly quality. Forbes reports, "The TL is related to the Honda Accord, yet it feels to be from a higher league, thanks to a beautifully styled interior, including bolstered, perforated leather seats and an available voice recognition system that can be used for audio, climate control, and navigation features. Check out the Acura TL Photo Gallery to see the TL's cabin, or continue with our full Interior Review to learn more about the numerous entertainment options, such as a premium eight-speaker sound system or the optional navigation system with voice recognition. continue
TL Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)
Acura provides plenty of standard safety features for its vehicles, and the 2008 TL is no exception. The TL does very well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review if you want to learn more about the TL's anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and six air bags. continue
TL Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 Acura TL reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Acura provides a four-year or 50,000-mile basic warranty for the sedan. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn more about the warranty and Acura's Total Luxury Car package. continue
