Acura TL 2005: The Weekly Driver Review

Overview of the 2005 Acura TL

The 2005 Acura TL, a luxury sports sedan, was designed to compete with BMW and Audi by offering a blend of performance and value. Based on the Honda Accord platform, the TL features distinct styling, a unique powertrain, and upscale amenities. Consumer Guide and other publications have recommended it as a best buy in the premium midsize category.

Performance and Specifications

The Acura TL is powered by a 3.2-liter, 24-valve V6 engine that delivers 270 horsepower. It comes with either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The automatic version accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, while the manual version achieves this in 6.2 seconds.

Key Performance Features:

• Engine: 3.2-liter V6
• Horsepower: 270 hp
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
• 0-60 mph: 7.0 seconds (automatic), 6.2 seconds (manual)

Driving Experience

The TL's driving experience is enhanced by its 17-inch wheels, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, and an anti-skid system. These features contribute to its impressive handling and steering, providing a confident feel on the road.

Standard Driving Features:

• Wheels: 17-inch
• Brakes: Antilock four-wheel disc
• Safety: Anti-skid system

Interior and Exterior Features

The Acura TL's interior is both comfortable and stylish, featuring leather upholstery and contoured aluminum trim. The cabin is illuminated by bright electroluminescent gauges and blue backlighting, creating a pleasant night-driving atmosphere.

Interior Amenities:

• Upholstery: Leather
• Trim: Aluminum
• Lighting: Electroluminescent gauges, blue backlighting
• Seats: Individually heated front seats
• Audio: XM satellite radio, in-dash CD changer, eight-speaker sound system
• Navigation: Voice-recognition system
• Mirrors: Heated power door mirrors
• Headlights: Xenon HID

The TL also includes standard features like cruise control, multiple driver and front passenger seat positions, air conditioning, and individual front-seat climate controls. While front-seat passengers enjoy ample legroom and comfort, back-seat passengers may find head and legroom slightly limited. Cargo space is also tight, with a small pass-through port for skis.

Safety and Fuel Efficiency

The 2005 Acura TL is equipped with several safety features, including driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, and a traction control system.

Safety Features:

• Airbags: Driver and front passenger, side curtain
• Brakes: Antilock
• Traction Control: Yes

The TL offers respectable fuel efficiency, with an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Fuel Mileage (Estimates):

• City: 20 mpg
• Highway: 29 mpg

Warranty and Pricing

The Acura TL comes with a comprehensive warranty package, including a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 5-year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty, and 24-hour roadside assistance for 4 years/50,000 miles.

Warranty:

• Bumper to Bumper: 4 years/50,000 miles
• Corrosion: 5 years/unlimited miles
• Roadside Assistance: 4 years/50,000 miles

The base price range for the 2005 Acura TL is between $32,650 and $34,850.

Conclusion

The 2005 Acura TL is a well-rounded luxury sports sedan that combines performance, comfort, and style. Its refined workmanship and attention to detail make it an excellent choice for navigating holiday traffic or enjoying a night out.

Interesting Stats:

• The Acura TL was one of the best-selling luxury sedans in the U.S. during its production years, with over 78,000 units sold in 2005 alone (source).
• The TL's 270-horsepower engine was one of the most powerful in its class at the time, outperforming many competitors (source).

For more detailed information on the 2005 Acura TL, you can visit Edmunds or Car and Driver.

This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a comprehensive review of the 2005 Acura TL, including performance specs, interior and exterior features, safety, fuel efficiency, warranty, and pricing.