1996-1998 Acura TL: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1996-1998 Acura TL and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Visibility
- Acceleration (3.2TL)
- Instruments/controls
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Road noise (3.2TL)
- Engine noise (2.5TL)
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Redesigning of the in-between sedan (previously called Vigor) from Honda's luxury division brought slightly larger dimensions and also something new: an available V6 engine. At 191.5 inches overall, the TL fits right in between the older Vigor and the Legend sedan. Dual airbags were standard, along with antilock brakes, automatic climate control, cassette and CD players, and power windows and door locks. Leather seating was standard in the more costly 3.2TL with its V6 engine and optional in the five-cylinder 2.5TL. A firmer suspension went into the 2.5TL, which was marketed as the sportier of the two. The 2.5TL went on sale in spring of 1995, but the 3.2TL was delayed until fall of that year, due to a trade dispute with Japan.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Acura TL Type-S Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 61 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1996-1998 Acura TL. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1996-1998 Acura TL.
Year to Year Changes
1997 Acura TL:
The V6-powered 3.2TL gained a standard power moonroof for 1997, and all models got variable-speed intermittent wipers. The 5-cylinder 2.5TL added new alloy wheels.
1998 Acura TL:
Little changed for 1998 except for the addition of some standard equipment to the 2.5TL. This car was completely redesigned for 1999, and production shifted from Japan to the United States.
Our road test for the 1996-1998 Acura TL includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1996-1998 Acura TL and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1996-1998 Acura TL is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Superior in road behavior, both versions of the TL handle well and inspire confidence, helped by precise, neatly assisted steering with ample feedback, plus fine high-speed braking. Front-drive cornering is predictable, with modest body lean and good grip. With less weight up front, the 2.5TL tends to corner with a crisper feel and slightly less understeer. Each model rides well, the fully independent suspension delivering solid comfort and taut control while smoothing out the rough spots with ease. Road noise is most prominent in the 3.2TL. The automatic transmission is slow to kick down for passing. Also, its "Grade Logic" feature sometimes drops down a gear or two, whether you want it to or not. Though generally smooth, the 5-cylinder engine gets noisy when worked hard, emitting a coarse, throaty growl. Though not a slouch, it delivers only adequate pickup. Acceleration off-the-line is a bit lethargic, but the 2.5TL passes and merges quite quickly. Somewhat lumpy at idle, it's not as smooth as the silky, quiet V6 in the 3.2TL, which promises greater performance. Gas mileage is close to average for this league. In a mix of city, suburban, and highway driving, we managed 19.2 mpg with a 2.5TL and 18.3 mpg from the 3.2TL. Both engines demand premium gasoline, however. Interior space overall ranks as adequate rather than generous--unexceptional for the car's size, partly as a result of the typical Acura low profile. Head room is just adequate for 6-footers. The same is true of rear leg space, though it's five inches larger than in the prior Vigor. Not every driver and passenger might be delighted with seat comfort--especially the occupant of the center rear position, who must endure a hard seat and straddle a tall tunnel. Despite the low-slung styling, a glassy greenhouse with thin pillars produces easy viewing all around. Entry/exit is easy and the driving position is accommodating, facing fine instruments and controls.
Value for the Money
Although these TL sedans are well-constructed, pleasant, and better than the previous Vigor in every way, they still fail to overshadow the competition in the midluxury league.
Although these TL sedans are well-constructed, pleasant, and better than the previous Vigor in every way, they still fail to overshadow the competition in the midluxury league.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Acura TL Type-S Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 61 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Acura TL includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Acura TL .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
The grille cloth pulls loose from the tweeter (speaker). (1996)
Audio system:
Radio interference is caused by the ignition coils. (1996-97)
Steering problems:
Power-steering pump leaks because the pump shaft was not machined properly causing the seal to wear. (1996)
Vehicle noise:
Wind noise from the moonroof. (1996)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $725 |
| Alternator | $395 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,270 |
| Brakes | $215 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $1,010 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $810 |
| Exhaust System | $610 |
| Radiator | $445 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $995 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $230 |
Our price chart for this generation Acura TL details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 1998 | |||
| 2.5TL | $4,000-4,800 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| 3.2TL | $4,600-5,300 | $3,900-4,500 | $1,700-2,000 |
| 1997 | |||
| 2.5TL | $3,200-3,900 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| 3.2TL | $3,800-4,500 | $3,100-3,700 | $1,200-1,400 |
| 1996 | |||
| 2.5TL | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| 3.2TL | $3,100-3,700 | $2,400-2,900 | $700-900 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Acura TL include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3252 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.7 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
The base 2.5TL sedan carries the previous Vigor's 2.5 liter inline 5-cylinder engine (with four valves per cylinder), developing 176 horsepower. Beneath the upscale 3.2TL's hood sits a 24-valve 3.2-liter, 200-horsepower V6, borrowed from the larger Legend L/LS. Both engines connect to an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with "Grade Logic" control and a gated gearshift lever. No manual-shift models have been produced.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.2 / 196 | 200 | 210 | 4-speed automatic: 19/24 | 4-speed automatic: 18.3 |
| ohc I5 | 2.5 / 152 | 176 | 170 | 4-speed automatic: 20/25 | 4-speed automatic: 19.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Acura TL include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1998 TL |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1996-1998 Acura TL directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1996-98 3.2:
Bolt can loosen and fall out, allowing transmission to disengage from differential. Not only would the vehicle lose power to drive wheels without warning, but shifting into "Park" would not lock the wheels.
1996-98:
Ball joints on certain cars could wear out prematurely and, in worst case, separate and cause front suspension to collapse.
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