2002 Acura TL: Road Test
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2002 Acura TL ▼
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- MSRP: $28,880 -$33,230
- Invoice: $26,322 -$30,283
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Our road test for the 2002 Acura TL includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Acura TL from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Acura TL, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Acura TL help you decide if a 2002 Acura TL is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | Type-S w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
Lively off the line and strong thereafter. Acura says the base TL needs 8 sec 0-60 mph, the Type-S 7.2; our test Type-S did 0-60 in 6.8 sec. The automatic transmission is always responsive and mostly smooth.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Type-S w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4.6 |
Both engines require premium fuel, but earn identical EPA economy ratings that are quite good for the class. Test TLs averaged 19.3-24.5 mpg, including 20.1 for a Type-S subjected to gas-eating performance tests.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Type-S w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 7.2 |
Controlled and stable, but no magic carpet. Even the base TL is tauter than comfort-minded rivals such as the Lexus ES 300. Type-S is firmer still, but no less comfortable.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Type-S w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.7 |
Base TL behaves like a sportier version of the related Honda Accord--which it partly is. Type-S feels more BMW-athletic, with sharper steering and slightly less cornering lean. Simulated panic stops are short and undramatic in either model.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Type-S w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.8 |
Structural and body-sealing revisions reduce wind rush, but road rumble and tire slap--especially in Type-S--still intrude more than in most rivals. Engines sporty yet muted at high rpm, hushed otherwise.
CONTROLS
| Base | Type-S w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 6 | 6.3 |
A standout, in Acura/Honda tradition. One exception: Navigation system absorbs some climate functions and thus complicates routine adjustments. Understated materials and hard-to-fault workmanship, though a recent test car's heater fan emitted an annoying fluttering sound.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Type-S w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 |
Slightly cozy feel, but head and leg room agree with 6-footers, as does driving stance. Both TLs have supportively comfortable seats; Type-S buckets hug a little more, but don't feel confining.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Type-S w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Head room is tight for taller riders, but knee room is decent even with a front seat pushed fully back. Good foot space too, but cabin is too narrow for three grownups.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Type-S w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.2 |
Not super-size, but low-lip trunk is sufficient for four on a longish trip.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Type-S w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 5.1 |
Solidly built, impeccably finished, and equal or superior to any class rival for refinement, quality, and features per dollar. Type-S imbues the already sporty TL with even better go and extra nimbleness without seriously compromising comfort.
Total Score
| Base | Type-S w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 68 | 65 | 59.5 |
Total Score: 67
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