Acura TL 2005: The Weekly Driver Review

Drivers have more stress during the holidays, alcoholplenty to recommend it, the
consumptionadditional exterior and interior standard features only
increases and patience in busy traffic can quicklyfurther distinguish
wane.A 200-mile roundtrip, therefore, is athe TL.The leather upholstery is comfortable,
less-than-ideal way to spent part ofattractive and complemented
Thanksgiving. It's potentially more problematic knowingnicely by stylishly contoured aluminum trim. Bright
the crowded,electroluminescent
late-night return trip could include a stretch ofgauges and blue backlighting throughout the cabin
interstate infamous for itsprovide a sultry
thick, late-night fog.But visiting family outweighs thenight-driving atmosphere.Individually heated front seats,
inconveniences of potential drivingsunroof, XM satellite radio, in-dash CD
hassles. And if the journey is made in a vehicle with achanger with an eight-speaker sound system,
commanding andvoice-recognition
secure road presence, such concerns are sufficientlynavigation system, heated power door mirrors and
eased.So it was during my weekly test drive of theXenon HID
2005 Acura TL. The vehicleheadlights are all standard.And, of course, cruise
was successful for several years, but Acuracontrol, multiple driver and front passenger seat
redesigned it and addedpositions, air conditioning and individual, front-seat
more features in 2004 to offer BMW and Audiclimate controls are
drivers another choice foralso standard.For front-seat passengers there's ample
a luxury sports sedan that combines performanceleg room and plenty of overall
with value.There's little change in the TL from last year.comfort. Back-seat passengers aren't as comfortable,
The vehicle is based on thewith head and leg
Honda Accord platform but has different styling, aroom slightly pinched. Cargo space is also tight, but
different powertrainstyled well. The rear
and more upscale features.Performance to rideseatback doesn't fold, but there's a small pass-through
quality to instrumentation, there's a lot to like aboutport for skis.Just like it has been for the past several
the TL, which is why it's a recommended best buy inyears, the 2005 Acura TL is a
the premiumnicely combined sport and luxury car with great
midsize category by Consumer Guide, among otherattention to refinement
publications.The car's performance begins with aand workmanship.It's a perfect car to drive to a
270-horsepower, 3.2-liter, 24-valvelate-night jazz club or at least to fantasize a
V6 engine with a five-speed automatic or six-speedsimilar journey. And it's a perfect vehicle for managing
manualholiday traffic in
transmission. My vehicle had an automaticany kind of weather.2005 Aura TLSafety features --
transmission. It shiftsDriver and front passenger and side curtain
smoothly into all positions and was tested at 0-60airbags; Antilock brakes; Traction control system.Fuel
mph in 7.0 seconds.Mileage (estimates) -- 20 mpg (city), 29 mpg
The manual transmission was tested at 6.2(highway).Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 4 years
seconds.Among the many standard features are50,00 miles; Corrosion,
17-inch wheels and antilock5 years/unlimited miles; 24-hour roadside assistance: 4
four-wheel disc brakes and an anti-skid system. Theyyears/50,000
all further add tomiles.Base price range -- $32,650-$34,850James Raia
an impressive driving experience. The car handles andis a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, California, who
steers
admirably, and it maneuvers confidentially throughwrites about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle topics
traffic with a strongas well as the car
feel on the road, particularly with its 17-inchreview colum, The Weekly Driver.
wheels.While the vehicle's driving qualities provide