2009 Acura TL: Tester's Comments
2009 Acura TL ▼
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- MSRP: $34,955 - $43,235
- Invoice: $32,136 - $39,729
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2009 Acura TL. See if the 2009 Acura TL is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg. |
| Arrival Date: | 11/17/2008 |
| Engine: | sohc V6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 42,235 |
| Price as Tested: | 42,995 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 189 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 1505 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 1316 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 59.331 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 22.18 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
The new TL's styling is controversial, its instrument panel is a bewildering jumble of many, many small buttons, and the SH-AWD model's snappy throttle and relatively stiff suspension might be a bit too sporty for some luxury buyers. That said, this TL SH-AWD is a tremendously capable machine that is rewarding to drive and offers some first-rate luxury features.
Don Sikora
The 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD is clearly more refined, and dare I say, a bit more mature than last year's TL Type S. The engine is willing and smooth, and the ride is noticeably more comfortable. Styling is subjective, but this TL seems like an acquired taste, inside and out. The biggest issue for me is the completely out-of-control button count in the interior. What ever happened to the elegance of simplicity?
Ed Piotrowski
This TL test example stickers for a couple bucks under $43,000. That seems like a lot, but this is for a fully loaded version that includes navigation, premium audio, and other luxury features. It has just about everything one would expect in a car such as this. It's refined, and with all-wheel drive, has great all-weather handling. A hard ride, excessive tire noise, and beaten-with-the-ugly-stick styling are the only real demerits. Unfortunately, they're significant enough to where buyers probably ought to look elsewhere (Infiniti G37, Cadillac CTS, Lexus ES) before giving TL a try.
Tom Appel
Rear-drive purists are overplaying their collective hand. For the other 98 percent of us, this lively handling, plenty quick sedan offers a good balance of fun, luxury, and value. Looking a little larger yet more affordable than a 3-Series, think TL.
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