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2004 Acura TL 6-Speed Road Test

Shaming the Competition Must Be Satisfying

Acura, the other premium Japanese brand that often stands in the shadows of the more upscale Lexus and Infiniti marques, is making serious headway as of late. No, there isnt any talk of a rear-drive V8-powered luxury sedan scheduled for the near future, at least not that Ive heard. Rather, the automaker still maintains its core front-wheel drive, fuel efficient ideals while pushing overall refinement beyond many of its contemporaries.

I started to get intrigued about the new TL when I first drove the recently launched TSX. Let me explain. While the previous generation midsize Acura TL was an excellent car, with attractive if understated lines, a smooth and energetic powertrain,

Acura maintains its core front-wheel drive, fuel efficient ideals while pushing overall refinement. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

in Type-S trim especially, and more room inside than the majority of its competitors, it still didnt come across as a premium car. It featured too many Honda sourced interior switches and buttons, and while the fit and finish was above average the tactility of its cabin plastics and faux wood trim was nowhere near BMW or Audi levels of perceived quality.

The TSX

The 2004 TL features one of the best laid out interiors in the business, let alone the midsize class. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

raised the bar so far in the compact luxury category that I just new the next-generation TL would do likewise to its midsize segment. Suffice it to say that Im not disappointed. The 2004 TL features one of the best laid out interiors in the business, let alone the midsize class. Its not only pleasing to the eye, with one of many highlights being its recessed sculpted shoulder line that starts part way through the front door panels, seamlessly connects

Etched aluminum trim flanks each edge of the center stack and lower console. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

to the dash, and then spans one third of its width before arcing southward as it integrates with the cars superbly detailed center stack, but everything, including the power sunroof switches, are optimally placed for intuitive use.

The same etched aluminum trim flanks each edge of the stack and lower console that highlights the aforementioned recessed shoulder line, embellished with tastefully applied wood in the luxury version or carbon fiber-like accents in the sportier 6-speed manual shifting

The TLs 3.2-L V6 is gloriously smooth, whirring a mechanical note that speaks volumes about its state-of-the-art hardware. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Dynamic package model.

Ive driven both and the Dynamic would be my choice, but I would have just as easily lived happily with the regular TL if I hadnt known any better. Both are sprung for sport, maybe a little too much sport for the Acuras class as the ride can be a bit harsh over speed bumps and potholes. It pays dividends when a stretch of uncluttered highway opens up though, snaking through twisting tarmac with balance and poise.

Power comes on immediately too, more of a sophisticated

Could an AWD TL be in the not-too-distant future? (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

surge than an abrupt charge. The 3.2-L V6 is gloriously smooth, whirring a mechanical note that speaks volumes about its state-of-the-art hardware. Its not the most powerful in the pack at 270-hp and 238 lb-ft of torque, but there arent many that upstage it either. Whats more important is the efficient way it goes about its business. Winding up to a breathy 6,800 rpm before hitting redline, it transmits a linear power delivery with few peaks and valleys. Along with its self confident stride, the Acura V6 boasts decent fuel economy considering its power.

Part of the kudos for efficiency must go to cars short throw 6-speed manual transmission

Acuras new 225-watt ELS DVD-audio surround sound system might just be the best Ive ever heard. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

- incidentally a 5-speed auto with manual mode is offered in base TLs. First of all the fact that Acura once again chose to offer a do-it-yourself gearbox in a four-door sedan is a testament to the sporting nature of the brand. And its a good shifter too, capable of dicing through the cogs with short flicks of the wrist, finding its own way into each. The clutch is set up to near perfection, not too light but nowhere near as heavily sprung as some of its rivals. Even its placement among the pedals allows for heal-toe application, an art I admittedly am still attempting to master.

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