2000 Acura TL: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A 5-speed automatic transmission and front side airbags are 2000 additions to this American-built sedan from Honda's upscale division. Acura's best-selling model, the TL shares its platform with Honda's Accord and the redesigned Acura CL coupe.
A 3.2-liter V6 and automatic transmission continue, but the engine is tuned to deliver more low-speed power, and a 5-speed automatic replaces last year's 4-speed. The transmission retains Acura's SportShift manual gear-selection feature. Correcting another competitive deficit is the addition of standard front side airbags. Shared with Acura's RL and CL is a sensor system in the right front seat designed to prevent that side airbag from deploying if it would injure a small child. The right front dashboard airbag now also bases the rate of its deployment on collision severity.
TLs have standard leather upholstery, heated front seats, power moonroof, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and high-intensity discharge headlamps. The sole factory option is an in-dash navigation system. For 2000, its touch-screen gets a matte finish designed to make it easier to read, and the database is upgraded to use DVD (digital video disc) technology. There's also now lighting for all power-window switches, not just the driver's switch.

COMPETITION

This hotly contested segment has a clear benchmark, it is the Acura TL (and its 2-door cousin Acura CL). The TL succeeds in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price.
But the Acura's not for everyone. We also recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored Audi A6, the comfortable Buick Park Avenue, the affordable and fast Infiniti I30, and the luxury-orientated Lexus ES 300.