Vehicle: 2004 Acura TL
Price as tested: CDN$40800

Performance: 3.2 liter SOHC V6 VTEC with 270 hp and 238 lb/ft of torque is the only powerplant that powered the TL. It has 20 more horsepower and 25 lb/ft of torque more than the outgoing Type-S version. Power has never been an issue with the previous Type-S, let alone the new TL. There are tons of low-end torque while the high revving nature of Honda’s proven VTEC still remains intact. As expected, the throttle response is exceptional without being overly jerky. The 5-speed SportShift provides crisp shifting characteristics through all the gears. The shifts are precise, shift, responsiveness and always willing to up/downshifts when the driver demands. All and all, a very nice combination of engine and transmission.

Handling: Given TL is based on a sketched version of Honda’s Global large Car platform that shares with the Accord, chassis stiffness and ridigty have never been an issue. The real issue is the 280hp going through the front wheels. There is just way too many horses for a front driver to take. That means there are quite a significant amount of torque steer when you pushed the throttle off-the-line, also plenty of understeer when pushed through corners. You better hold on the steering when jumping the powerful TL off the traffic light. Speaking of steering, its very light in nature. It also means its somewhat lack of off-center feedback while on-center feels confident. On the other hand, steering response is more than acceptable. The best merit of TL has to be its sublime ride quality. It absorbs bumps and washboard pavement exceptionally well.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, TL has one of the better brake systems on the market. The pedal modulation and pressure are easily modulated, as well as the stopping distance is short and precise.

Interior: TL’s interior is wonderfully layout. It starts with a great sets of leather seats that provide excellent back, side and thigh supports. The blue instrumentation gauges are cool, analog and easy to read. Auto climate control and stereo all placed on a location that are easy to reach, as well as come with large buttons. The driving position is easy to find with power adjustable seats and tilt/telescope steering wheel. There are plenty of rear seat space with lots of leg and headrooms.

The trunk has a low liftover with padded instrusive hinges that protect from hitting the luggages below.

Conclusion: Despite of my criticisms of TL’s front drive large hp configuration, it remains a very worthy car. It got a sweet V6 engine and a beautiful interior to begin with, along with all the creature comforts which come at a very attractive price tag. All Acura needs to do is to give TL a proper AWD system, something along the line of MDX’s VTM-4 system, would do wonders to its rocket-like 280hp.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 ACURA TL
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5