2006 Acura TL Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The best-selling car at Honda's upscale Acura division enters 2006 little-changed. The TL is based on the Honda Accord platform, but has different styling, powertrains, and more upscale features. The only engine is a 258-hp V6 with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. TLs with manual transmission include a firmer suspension, Brembo-brand front brakes, and limited-slip differential. They're also available with performance tires instead of all-season treads. Every TL comes with 17-inch wheels, ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Also standard are leather upholstery with heated front seats, aluminum interior trim, sunroof, and an in-dash CD changer that plays DVD Audio discs. TL also comes with Acura's HandsFreeLink, which employs the audio system as a hands-free, wireless link to cell phones. A navigation system with voice command is optional.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

News

A freshening of some kind is said to be in store for the 2007 or '08 TL. One source says it could be fairly extensive and include available all-wheel drive, which we'd welcome. A clean-sheet makeover isn't likely before model-year '09 to keep in sync with the design cycle of the parent Honda Accord. Diesel power may be part of the TL's future. Honda recently announced plans to sell diesel vehicles in the U.S. by 2009, part of a drive to reduce CO2 emissions across its corporate lineup. Two new "clean diesel" engines are promised, a 4-cyl and a V6, but it's unclear yet which one the TL might use.

2006 Acura TL Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Cargo room

Steering/handling

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	6.7

Strong, though best above 3500 rpm. Test automatic-transmission TL did 0-60 mph in about 7.0 sec. Automatic downshifts smoothly, promptly for good midrange response. Manual-transmission test car did 6.2 sec 0-60. Manual has silky, short-throw shift action, but clutch engagement can be abrupt.

Fuel Economy

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
6	5	5	4.6

Test manual-transmission TLs averaged 17.7-23.3 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Test automatic-transmission version averaged 23.0 mpg. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
7	6	5	6.7

Stable, controlled, though tauter than comfort-minded rivals like Lexus ES 330. Manual-transmission models' handling-focused suspension gives even firmer ride, especially with the performance tires. Notably rigid body structure.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
7	7	8	7.1

Agile and well-controlled, abetted by linear, nicely weighted steering. But rapid acceleration at low speed triggers marked torque-steer wander. This unwanted effect is most prevalent in TLs with manual transmission; evident with automatic only when accelerating rapidly out of tight corners. Strong, confident stopping power, enhanced by Brembo brakes on manual-transmission models.

Quietness

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
8	8	7	6.8

Wind rush modest, but available performance tires roar intrusively. Engine note sporty but subdued.

Controls

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
9	8	8	6.7

Clear gauges, well-marked controls. Cutting-edge DVD Audio sounds terrific. HandsFreeLink easy to use. Navigation system doesn't absorb primary audio/climate functions, but does complicate some adjustments, takes time to master, and often needs screen brightness changed to suit light conditions. Cabin near top of class for fit/finish, materials quality, and standard amenities like leather upholstery and heated power front seats.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	7.4

Comfortable seats with good lateral support for spirited driving, though some testers say they're firmer than necessary and too sharply contoured. Sufficient space for six-footers, but cockpitlike design makes for cozy feel.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	5.5

Tight head room for taller riders. Seat cushion low to floor, oddly shaped, lacks thigh support. Leg room gets tight if front seats are more than halfway back. Entry/exit requires negotiating narrow lower door frame.

Cargo Room

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
3	3	3	4

Smallish trunk, but usefully shaped. Low liftover, but constricted opening. Lid hinges intrude, but are covered to prevent cargo damage. Rear seatback doesn't fold, has small center ski pass-through. Modest in-cabin storage.

Value within Class

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
10	9	9	5.9

This Acura is an impressive blend of sport and luxury. Its only real dynamic flaw is the tendency toward torque steer--pulling to the side--during rapid acceleration in the manual-transmission version. Still, the TL is a solid Best Buy, delivering high refinement, solid workmanship, and lots of features at hard-to-beat prices.

Total Score

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
68	64	63	61.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		72

2006 Acura TL Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/13/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan, manual	$33,325	$30,384	$615

Base 4-door sedan w/performance tires, manual	$33,525	$30,566	$615

Base 4-door sedan w/navigation, manual	$35,325	$32,205	$615

Base 4-door sedan w/navigation and performance tires, manual	$35,525	$32,387	$615

Base 4-door sedan, automatic	$33,325	$30,384	$615

Base 4-door sedan w/navigation, automatic	$35,325	$32,205	$615

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control, limited-slip differential (manual).

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, uprated brakes (manual), antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors w/tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD Audio player, satellite radio, digital clock, wireless cell phone link, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, bi-xenon headlights, sport suspension (manual), 235/45WR17 tires, alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

No factory options.

2006 Acura TL Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Acura TL 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	107.9

Overall Length, in.	189.3

Overall Width, in.	72.2

Overall Height, in.	56.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3483

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	12.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.1

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.8

Rear Head Room, in.	37.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.2 /196

Horsepower @ rpm.	258 @ 6200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	233 @ 5000

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	20/29

5-speed automatic	20/29

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Acura TL 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	6/70,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2006 Acura TL Photos

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