Mediocre Acura 2.5 TL

By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor

Acura, in an effort to get you to remember the company name instead of the car, is moving to alphanumeric car names. The TL stands for Touring Luxury; 2.5 is the engine size.

The 2.5L, SOHC, 176hp, 5-cylinder is not the best compromise between a 4 cylinder and V-6. The engine seems under powered to move this luxury sedan. Yet, the TL handles well with speed sensitive steering making maneuvers through traffic easy.

The TL was designed with safety in mind; it includes dual airbags, side impact protection, front and rear crumple zones and 4 wheel ABS disc brakes.

The interior, as you would expect in a luxury car, is well appointed with leather seats and steering wheel, power windows, locks, moonroof and mirrors. Cruise control, tilt steering, cupholders and a wonderful Bose stereo with cassette, 8 speakers, an a CD player are all standard.

Acura offers 24 hour roadside assistance with all of their new vehicles a comforting thought when driving any car. Our no option 2.5 TL had a base price of $29,950 plus destination of $420 for a total as test $30,370.

According to Acura the new TL was designed as a touring luxury automobile which offers a sportier and more youthful alternative in the mid-luxury segment. It misses the mark.. Competition includes a well-equipped Mercury Sable, BMW 3 series, or a Lexus ES300 all of which are better designs.

For an all-new design, the Acura 2.5 TL breaks no new ground and makes no new achievements in the mid-range luxury-sedan market; which is unfortunate for the struggling Acura division.