2008 Acura TL Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 74 TL reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
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.
In government crash tests, the 2008 TL model earned five stars out of five for the driver and passenger in frontal crash tests. In side crash tests, the TL earned four stars for the front seat and five stars for backseat occupant protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave last year's TL its highest ratings all around, with scores of "Good" for both frontal offset and side impact tests.
Accident Avoidance
The TL provides plenty of accident avoidance equipment, such as an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and vehicle stability assist with traction control. In addition to its standard tire pressure monitoring system, TLs also feature "Maintenance Minder" monitors that indicate when maintenance is needed.
The 2008 Acura TL Type-S receives a rear view camera that shows the area behind the car on the navigation system's dashboard screen, but few tested its functionality. Those who did were not pleased. According to the Washington Post, the camera "rendered screen images so grainy and lacking in resolution they were hardly worth watching."
Crash Protection
The TL's crash protection features include dual-stage front air bags, as well as front side air bags with passenger-side Occupant Protection Detection System and side curtain air bags. Impact absorption crumple zones are located in the front and rear, and there are side-impact door beams. TLs also include a collapsible steering column and safety glass, but reviewers note a safety omission. As Cars.com points out, "Adding active head restraints, which the company uses in other models, would likely improve the protection."
