Acura TL 2005: The Weekly Driver Review
By James Raia
Drivers have more stress during the holidays, alcohol consumption
increases and patience in busy traffic can quickly wane.
A 200-mile roundtrip, therefore, is a less-than-ideal way to
spent part of Thanksgiving. It's potentially more problematic
knowing the crowded, late-night return trip could include a
stretch of interstate infamous for its thick, late-night fog.
But visiting family outweighs the inconveniences of potential
driving hassles. And if the journey is made in a vehicle with a
commanding and secure road presence, such concerns are
sufficiently eased.
So it was during my weekly test drive of the 2005 Acura TL. The
vehicle was successful for several years, but Acura redesigned it
and added more features in 2004 to offer BMW and Audi drivers
another choice for a luxury sports sedan that combines
performance with value.
There's little change in the TL from last year. The vehicle is
based on the Honda Accord platform but has different styling, a
different power train and more upscale features.
Performance to ride quality to instrumentation, there's a lot to
like about the TL, which is why it's a recommended best buy in
the premium midsize category by Consumer Guide, among other
publications.
The car's performance begins with a 270-horsepower, 3.2-liter,
24-valve V6 engine with a five-speed automatic or six-speed
manual transmission. My vehicle had an automatic transmission. It
shifts smoothly into all positions and was tested at 0-60 mph in
7.0 seconds. The manual transmission was tested at 6.2 seconds.
Among the many standard features are 17-inch wheels and antilock
four-wheel disc brakes and an anti-skid system. They all further
add to an impressive driving experience. The car handles and
steers admirably, and it maneuvers confidentially through traffic
with a strong feel on the road, particularly with its 17-inch
wheels.
While the vehicle's driving qualities provide plenty to recommend
it, the additional exterior and interior standard features only
further distinguish the TL.
The leather upholstery is comfortable, attractive and
complemented nicely by stylishly contoured aluminum trim. Bright
electroluminescent gauges and blue backlighting throughout the
cabin provide a sultry night-driving atmosphere.
Individually heated front seats, sunroof, XM satellite radio,
in-dash CD changer with an eight-speaker sound system,
voice-recognition navigation system, heated power door mirrors
and Xenon HID headlights are all standard.
And, of course, cruise control, multiple driver and front
passenger seat positions, air conditioning and individual,
front-seat climate controls are also standard.
For front-seat passengers there's ample leg room and plenty of
overall comfort. Back-seat passengers aren't as comfortable, with
head and leg room slightly pinched. Cargo space is also tight,
but styled well. The rear seatback doesn't fold, but there's a
small pass-through port for skis.
Just like it has been for the past several years, the 2005 Acura
TL is a nicely combined sport and luxury car with great attention
to refinement and workmanship.
It's a perfect car to drive to a late-night jazz club or at least
to fantasize a similar journey. And it's a perfect vehicle for
managing holiday traffic in any kind of weather.
2005 Aura TL
Safety features -- Driver and front passenger and side curtain
airbags; Antilock brakes; Traction control system.
Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 20 mpg (city), 29 mpg (highway).
Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,00 miles; Corrosion, 5
years/unlimited miles; 24-hour roadside assistance: 4
years/50,000 miles.
Base price range -- $32,650-$34,850
James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, Calif., who
writes about sports, fitness and business topics as well as the
syndicated car review column, The Weekly Driver.
To read more of his car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver
http://www.byjamesraia.com/?showcat=4
<<---------------- End of Free Reprint Article ------------->>
Find More Free Articles
All Free Automotive & Truck Articles
All
Free Motorcycle & Off Road Articles
Index of All Free Reprint Articles
