The TL is an Acura sedan , Honda’s luxury label , which belongs to the Mid-size category , the North American equivalent of road transport. The TL is actually a rebadged American Honda Accord (from the second generation). Launched in 1995, TL succeeds the Vigor that was launched in 1991. The TL is now one of the best selling Acura and allows it to seat the young brand in the same world as Lexus , Infiniti , BMW , Audi …
First Generation (1995-1999)
Launched in 1995 to replace the Vigor , the first TL remains close to her in style. It has either a five-cylinder (2.5 TL) 176 hp from the Vigor sedan . Or a 3.2 liter V6 200 hp from the second generation of Acura Legend . She is assembled in Sayama , Japan . Its equipment includes two airbags , ABS , automatic climate control, a radio cassette, electric windows and a central locking of the doors. In 1997 , Acuraprovide all TLs on the power sunroof and intermittent wipers as standard. The 3.2 version receives a new 205/65 R15 tires and the 2.5 is fitted with new alloy wheels. With the end of production of this first generation in 1998 , the assembly lines are moving from Japan to Ohio , where will be produced the second generation.
Motorizations
It existed with two gasoline engines:
5 cylinders, 2.5 liters, 176 hp.
V6, 3.2 liters, 200 hp.
These two engines were coupled to four-speed automatic gearboxes.
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Second generation (1999-2003)
In 1998, Acura introduced the TL-X concept car announcing the second generation of the TL sedan. It is called 3.2 TL at its release in 1999 and derives from the Honda Accord sold on the US territory. It is equipped with a brand new 3.2-liter 225-hp V6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5 TL declination of the previous generation is not renewed. It is produced in the Honda plant in Marysville. The Japanese versions of this model are called Honda Inspire and Honda Saber. The main difference between these two cars is the grille. They are not entitled to V6 3.2 but to a V6 2.5 reserved for the Japanese market. The very first copy was released on August 4, 1998, and the only option available was GPS.
In 2000 the TL receives new equipment and a new five-speed automatic gearbox that improves both performance and consumption. Nevertheless, the reliability problems of this new box are quite numerous with notably a block at the level of the 1-2. To overcome this problem of reliability and improve its image, Acura extends the warranty to 7 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km). The problem affected either the TL sedan or the CL coupe until 2002. We also note the arrival of front side airbags and a new GPS either based on a CD but on a DVD. Unlike the old one, the storage capacity (due to the DVD format) allows the entire US map to be available.
In 2001 comes out the declination cut: the 3.2 CL takes the engine of the sedan. Due to too much competition between the two models, the declination will be discontinued in May 2003. The equipment list is evolving with a new cupholder. In addition, transmission problems will only be dealt with in 2005 by changing the clutch. Meanwhile Acura, extends the warranty to 109,000 miles.
Third generation (2004-2008)
The third generation of TL arrives in 2004. Compared to the previous version, the new loses 8 to 9 cm in length, but it has widened (+4 cm) and is higher (+ 2 to 8 cm). She abandons the coupe, but renews the Type-S.
