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2007 Acura TL Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2007 Acura TL Review:
2007 Acura TL Review
New features and the return of a performance-oriented model mark 2007 for Acura's best-selling car. The TL is based on the Accord platform from parent-company Honda, but has unique styling, different powertrains, and more upscale features. Base and revived Type-S models are offered; a Type-S was last available for 2003. The base model has a 258-hp V6 engine teamed with 5-speed automatic transmission. The Type-S has a 286-hp V6 mated to either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. Type-S also includes firmer suspension, Brembo-brand front brakes, and specific interior and exterior trim. Exclusive to the Type-S is Honda's Active Noise Cancellation, designed to electronically quell mechanical, road, and wind noise. Standard on both models are ABS, traction/antiskid control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Also standard are leather upholstery with heated front seats, sunroof, wireless cell phone link, and DVD Audio. A navigation system with voice command is standard on Type-S, optional on base; for '07 it includes a rearview camera and real-time traffic information. Other changes include revised instrument panel graphics and one-touch starting on models with automatic transmission.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
News
A redesigned TL is forecast for 2009. Few specifics have emerged yet, but the package should be based on the upcoming new 2008 Honda Accord. All-wheel drive, perhaps standard, may be a first-time feature to more clearly separate the TL from its traditional Honda parent. Diesel power may also be in the picture. Honda plans to sell diesel vehicles in the U.S. by 2009 as a way to reduce CO2 emissions across its entire lineup. To that end, it's developing two "clean diesel" engines, a 4-cyl and a V6, though it's unclear whether the TL would offer either one.
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2007 Acura TL Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Cargo room |
| Steering/handling | |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Base and Type-S both strong, though best above 3500 rpm. Test base TL with automatic transmission did 7.0 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity to time Type-S, but its power difference is most noticed at high rpm, where it feels marginally stronger than base TL. Automatic transmission shifts smoothly in base model, more aggressively in Type-S; downshifts in both suffer slight delay. Manual transmission has silky, short-throw shift action, but clutch engagement can be abrupt.
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Type-S, man. | Type-S, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Base and Type-S both strong, though best above 3500 rpm. Test base TL with automatic transmission did 7.0 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity to time Type-S, but its power difference is most noticed at high rpm, where it feels marginally stronger than base TL. Automatic transmission shifts smoothly in base model, more aggressively in Type-S; downshifts in both suffer slight delay. Manual transmission has silky, short-throw shift action, but clutch engagement can be abrupt.
Fuel Economy
Test automatic-transmission base model averaged 23.0 mpg. Type S with automatic transmission averaged 19.9 mpg. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Type-S, man. | Type-S, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
Test automatic-transmission base model averaged 23.0 mpg. Type S with automatic transmission averaged 19.9 mpg. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
Ride Quality
Notably rigid body structure. Base model stable, controlled, though suspension notably tauter than in comfort-minded rivals like Lexus ES 350. Type-S's handling-focused suspension gives even firmer ride.
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Type-S, man. | Type-S, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6.6 |
Notably rigid body structure. Base model stable, controlled, though suspension notably tauter than in comfort-minded rivals like Lexus ES 350. Type-S's handling-focused suspension gives even firmer ride.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Base model agile and well-controlled, abetted by linear, nicely weighted steering. Type-S exhibits even sharper steering response, less cornering lean. In both, rapid acceleration at low speed triggers some torque steer, especially with manual transmission. Strong, confident stopping control, enhanced by Brembo brakes on Type-S.
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Type-S, man. | Type-S, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Base model agile and well-controlled, abetted by linear, nicely weighted steering. Type-S exhibits even sharper steering response, less cornering lean. In both, rapid acceleration at low speed triggers some torque steer, especially with manual transmission. Strong, confident stopping control, enhanced by Brembo brakes on Type-S.
Quietness
Wind and road noise modest, engine note sporty but subdued. Type-S has electronic noise-canceling feature that seems of some benefit mostly on coarse pavement.
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Type-S, man. | Type-S, auto. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Wind and road noise modest, engine note sporty but subdued. Type-S has electronic noise-canceling feature that seems of some benefit mostly on coarse pavement.
Controls
Clear gauges, well-marked controls. 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 materials and assembly quality, and for standard amenities such as leather upholstery and heated power front seats.
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Type-S, man. | Type-S, auto. | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Clear gauges, well-marked controls. 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 materials and assembly quality, and for standard amenities such as leather upholstery and heated power front seats.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Seats afford good lateral support for spirited driving, though some testers say cushions are firmer than necessary and uncomfortably shaped. Sufficient space for six-footers, but cockpitlike design makes for cozy feel.
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Type-S, man. | Type-S, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
Seats afford good lateral support for spirited driving, though some testers say cushions are firmer than necessary and uncomfortably shaped. Sufficient space for six-footers, but cockpitlike design makes for cozy feel.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Tight head room for taller riders. Seat cushion low to floor, oddly shaped, lacks thigh support. Leg room gets tight if front seats are well aft. Entry/exit requires negotiating narrow lower door frame.
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Type-S, man. | Type-S, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Tight head room for taller riders. Seat cushion low to floor, oddly shaped, lacks thigh support. Leg room gets tight if front seats are well aft. Entry/exit requires negotiating narrow lower door frame.
Cargo Room
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. Adequate in-cabin storage.
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Type-S, man. | Type-S, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
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. Adequate in-cabin storage.
Value within Class
This Acura is an impressive blend of sport and luxury. Its only real dynamic flaw is the tendency toward torque steer, most notably in the manual-transmission Type-S. Still, the TL is a solid Best Buy, delivering high refinement, solid workmanship, and lots of features at hard-to-beat prices.
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Type-S, man. | Type-S, auto. | Class Average |
| 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6.1 |
This Acura is an impressive blend of sport and luxury. Its only real dynamic flaw is the tendency toward torque steer, most notably in the manual-transmission Type-S. 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 | Base w/nav. sys. | Type-S, man. | Type-S, auto. | Class Average |
| 66 | 64 | 62 | 62 | 62.2 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 49 | |
| Average Score | 62 | |
| High Score | 75 |
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2007 Acura TL Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/12/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 4-door sedan, automatic | $33,625 | $30,677 | $670 |
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| Base 4-door sedan w/navigation, automatic | $36,125 | $32,953 | $670 |
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| S-Type 4-door sedan, manual | $38,125 | $34,771 | $670 |
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| S-Type 4-door sedan w/performance tires, manual | $38,325 | $35,151 | $670 |
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| S-Type 4-door sedan, automatic | $38,125 | $34,771 | $670 |
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| S-Type 4-door sedan w/performance tires, automatic | $38,325 | $34,956 | $670 |
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, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
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/MP3/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 headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, bi-xenon headlights, 235/45WR17 tires, alloy wheels.
Base w/navigation adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation w/voice recognition, traffic information, rearview camera.
S-Type adds to Base w/navigation:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, limited-slip differential (manual).
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Active noise control.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2007 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. | 3623 |
| 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 | sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.2 /196 | 3.5 /212 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 258 @ 6200 | 286 @ 6200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 233 @ 5000 | 256 @ 5000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 19/29 |
| 5-speed automatic | 20/29 | 19/28 |
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
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: N/A Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 19.9 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Chuck Giametta A $38,000 sticker pits the 286-hp front-wheel-drive Type S against very attractive alternatives, such as Audi's suave 255-hp A4 3.2 quattro sedan or wagon, BMW's brilliant new rear-drive 300-hp 335i sedan, and Infiniti's outstanding 306-hp G35 sedan in rear or all-wheel drive. The TL is a nice enough car, but any of those rivals is the better choice for ride quality and balanced power delivery. Stick with the base model for top value in the TL line. Ed Piotrowski It may be fun to drive, but its overly firm ride makes the Type-S difficult to live with as a daily driver. The Base model is the Best Buy choice of the TL line, and you can get it sans navigation system. These Acuras are still rightfully near the top of the premium-midsize car class, but that superiority is challenged now by the revamped Infiniti G35 and in the future with the impending refresh of the Cadillac CTS. Kirk Bell Given the strong new Infiniti G35, I feared the TL wouldn't live up to its Best Buy rating. I was pleasantly surprised to find the TL to be worth its billing, though I might still choose the G35 due to rear-drive handling and the benefits of AWD security. I like the TL Type S tuning, though many would probably prefer the base model. If I were in the market for a car, the TL would be on my short list. Tom Appel Skip the Type S. The S's sport suspension reduces the otherwise sophisticated TL to the automotive equivalent of a goat cart with a rocket pack. Non-S TLs have sporty enough moves to make the more aggressive tuning unnecessary. |
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Also in the 2007 Acura TL Review:
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