Used 1996 Acura TL Consumer Reviews
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Outrates my past Cadillac
Michael, 07/28/2009
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have had this acura for four years now and it out performed my previous STS Cadillac. The only repair which I have had to do in the last four years was to replace the muffler. Yes, I was quoted like $600 for a muffler but, what I did was buy one using the internet with a rebate costing me only $114 usd, and then had it installed at a local mechanic for $25 since it was just three bolts to deal with but it required a lift to replace it. Overall great car!!!! I take care of it so it will last, why deal with car payments for a new one... LOL
Reliable!
Mayra Holguin, 06/03/2010
1996 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Hi there! I just wanted to share my personal experience in driving an Acura 2.5 TL 1996, in stating that it has been a reliable vehicle ever since I purchased it. I'm still driving this vehicle, and it still runs well.
1996 Acura TL for sale near you
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- 2.5 Premium SedanMSRP: $3,499625 mi away
Excellent after 200000
kalz, 06/10/2009
1996 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my acura in 2007 from a private party with about 160,000 miles on it. Since then it's been extremely reliable, the only thing I have spent money on is brake calipers for rear left wheel. Other than that I have had no issues. My car has now 216000 miles on it and it still feels the same. I would highly recommend acura to anybody who wants to buy a used car.
Now has 214k
upotn pt, 02/01/2008
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Back on 2/16/04 I wrote a review when the car had 154k. Well, it now has 214K! It's getting a bit tired now, uses a bit of oil, leaks a bit of oil, bunch more rattles and sqeaks. HOWEVER you can't go wrong with a first generation TL!! Best car I have ever owned. I am in the process of looking to buy for another 96-'98 TL with say 100k miles. I'll be giving my TL to my oldest teenager. He loves the car.
BEST car ever owned
Ed, 04/11/2009
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2.5TL used in 2000 with 26k miles on it. It now has 228k miles and it still going strong. My teen son drove it for 2 years, my teen daughter drove it for 1 year, now I am driving it again, and it takes me everywhere without problems. I commute 4 hours round trip (combo of highway and city) daily!
Inspire is a great car for the money
InspiredTiki, 07/17/2007
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Got this car with 135k on it for $4k and had no real problems till just recently. Ball joint on psgr. side is squeaking, and steering rack leaks p/s fluid (leakstop stopped it tho). No really BIG issues though! Wish I found a 3.2 (drove my friends one, BIG difference!), but the 2.5 is ok. Acceleration is a bit sluggish, but it is over 3k lbs. Proper maintenance keeps this bad boy running smooth. Just replaced the console with the 3.2 premium wood console. Made a world of a difference in the cockpit!
Iowa Green TL
Jeff Durbin, 05/29/2002
1996 Acura TL 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent car. I bought a five-year old '96 with somewhat high miles but I got a very good price. Interior is wonderful and the exterior is solid, if somewhat conservative. The only nit I have with it is that the driver's side window sometimes comes unsealed at 75 or 80 and I get a lot of wind noise. Dealer servicing was obscene so I am finding a new mechanic.
Great Car!
Chuck, 02/08/2006
1996 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Without a doubt, this has been the best car that I have ever owned. I now have 197,000 miles on the car. The only thing that I have replaced on this car outside of normal wear and tear items, is the radiator and fan unit. That's it! This was my first Acura but you can bet it won't be my last.
Excellent Car for the Price
shadowfenrir, 05/21/2004
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this for $13000 ($10000US) after selling my '90 4Runner for gas reasons. This car is good on gas for its size (about 10L/100km or 24mpg in city driving and 6.3L/100km or about 30mpg on the highway). It is very comfortable with its nice leather bucket seats (although the leather isnt as high class as in the newer cars, or even as in the older lexus cars, but its good). The engine is very responsive and refined even at high RPM, but the transmission tends to shift at weird times. I haven't had any problems at 160000km(100000mi) other than c/v boots needing replacement. Great car!
Still Going Strong
Kenny, 05/15/2007
1996 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought my 2.5TL in 2001 with 27k miles. Now at 145k miles and car still is doing fantastic! Service it every 30-45k miles and this car should run for a while. I have no complaints with this car and hope to get a new TL someday. Hopefully not for another 100,000 miles!
96 Acura problems
henry49, 09/30/2011
1996 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
200k mi(9-30-11) oil leak-filter neck gasket, then water pump alternater moter mounts($400ea) fuel pump And relay(stuck on freeway) oil leak on distributor gasket seats crack oil leaks valve cover(numerous)and on cam seal oil burns and smells(must fix) harmonic balancer wheel to alt bad,(must replace) front wheel bjoints radio(cd trouble) I fix one thing then next week or day here comes another, boy, glad I'm blessed that I can fix my own vehicle! (I really ain"t finished)
great buy!
reesk, 04/03/2002
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for six months now with no problems whatever. I am so happy. I researched a million cars before buying and I am defintely a satisfied consumer! It handles well with good pick up. It's so quiet which is a MUST with me. It's roomy but not too big. Jumping from a Nissan Sentra to this I was a little worried feeling like I was driving "too" big of a car but I don't feel like that at all. The only downside I had to that is getting used to the lower miles/gallon.
excellent
josuesmith, 05/25/2002
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is the most wonderful car I have owned...am a senior widow...going to part with it as my daughter is giving me a car...Have been widowed for over two years & have not had any problems..Change the oil every 3000 miles & this car purrs right along, wheather on a long road trip or in the city..I am the only one who has driven this car & someone is going to get one special, outstanding, used car...Acura,,,they are the very best!!
Acura 3.2
Bob Daugherty, 06/10/2002
1996 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car continues to be a strong performer.
Beautiful car!
chrism, 08/03/2002
1996 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Acura! Its a pleasure to drive, luxurious, and extremely reliable.
1996 2.5tl/premium
redbadger, 09/01/2002
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just the greatest car. Have owned BMW's, Corvettes, Jags and this is the best car! Extremely reliable, comfortable and fun to drive. Like the '96 better than newer styles. Have had this car for 5 years and have 120,000 plus-only problem was wind shield wiper arm needed replacement at 70,000! ($65). Thinking of getting a used cl to keep this one company.
Too smallfor over 6 feet tall!
Tidepride824, 09/03/2002
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like my car, but my dad cannot fit in it well, and he is only 6'1"! The leather feels a little rubbery and not luxurious enough, the Accord feels more luxurious with its velour.The engine is smooth and peppy, but mileage is a litle on the low side for such a small engine.
1996 3.2, get good comments all the time
TheBest, 09/16/2002
1996 Acura TL 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it in 98', now at 68k mile. Very responsive, nice interior, engine is very quite. Love the car.
Best car I've owned
CarNut, 11/08/2002
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is extremely reliable, very comfortable, nice engine sound, great looks.
great car for the money
LA Denizen, 02/20/2002
1996 Acura TL 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife & I bought our TL used from a Honda dealer in suburban Seattle. For what we were spending (~$20k), it was the best deal in a 4-dr sport luxe sedan. It's extremely reliable (Honda!), very practical (Honda!), and quite upscale (Honda?!). For a long car, it handles well. Not BMW precise, and it's too softly tuned, but good. The turning radius is astounding. Passengers love the interior for its simplicity yet elegance. I feel the same about the exterior styling, tho it's conservative.
Acura 3.2 TL Premium
Tyler , 11/11/2002
1996 Acura TL 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in November and love it so far. I find myself wanting to drive every time me and my friends go out. The car feels solid and is extremely reliable. This is all you need in a vehicle.
Acura 1996 3.2TL
jeffjlw, 12/22/2002
1996 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great looking car with plenty of power. Climate control system is great as is the sound system. Handling is very good. Not real great in the snow. Rides like a luxury car as it should.
Excellent used vehicle
D. Mullaly, 08/30/2003
1996 Acura TL 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought a wll-maintained 3.2TL Premium and can only marvel at it. Love the understated exterior (take that, Aurora!), and the interior is ergonomically perfect. Only wish the shift points on the automatic transmission were smoother, but I am comparing them to a much newer Honda Odyssey and realize the advances in technology since 1996. Ride quality nicely toes the line between sport and comfort, but body lean is slightly pronounced. Overall, this is a great car.
The Perfect Car
BB, 08/27/2003
1996 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car! When I decide to trade this car in or sell it, it will be a sad day. I will looking at replacing it with a newer Acura TL version. This is my third Honda product and I am a loyal customer. I recommend the TL to anyone wanting a sports sedan with luxury elements at an economic value!
Great car
John, 05/15/2005
1996 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Major maintenance service completed at 95,000 miles . Runs perfectly. I would recommend highly . Have a 2001 Mercedes E-320 wish I had the same realiability.
Performance, at a price!
Comfortable, zippy, 10/21/2005
1996 Acura TL 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fell in love with this car, a local trade-in, at Toyota dealership. Had 90K miles, but had been maintained by Acura as a leased car. Soon learned that parts were VERY expensive, as was service by Acura dealership. I love its style and features. Tight quality, firm shift, responsive handling. Handles extremely well - has saved my grace a couple of times with its quick response in heavy traffic.
Solid after 154k
upton pt, 02/16/2004
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in '97 as a certified pre-owned. With 154k miles, the car has held up extremely well and still going strong.
Getting The Looks
SCB81, 02/20/2004
1996 Acura TL 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 71,000 miles. It now has 87,000. this car has been good to me so far. The only problem I've had thus far is a ball joint is starting to fail and cause a loud squeeking noise from under the driver's side fender. I replaced the stock wheels with the '02 3.2 TL Type S wheels and the car looks almost brand new, despite the fact that it's 8 years old. This car always turns heads. I love it!
Great Car
CGKansas, 03/09/2004
1996 Acura TL 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Extremely reliable and great ride. I bought it as a certified used car and I'm planning to buy a new 2004 TL replacement.
Acura 2.5TL Premium Sedan
Joannie621, 04/24/2004
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If I could buy this car brand new, I would! I have driven and experienced just about any other car out there- and I'm always happier and more comfortable in my Acura. The car is classy, sporty, and reliable. Mine has 125K miles and running amazingly. I have driven about 60 miles a day to college for the past 4 years and my car has never let me down. Now I can afford any other car but seriously don't want to give it up!
Best car I've had so far
tjael, 08/25/2004
1996 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this Acura in 1996 and it was a terrific car It has/had 157,000 miles on it. We had major maintenance work done at 100,000 miles, new belts, timing belt, etc. Other than that no major expenses. Just last week my teenage son totalled it, and at time of wreck the car was still running extremely well. Am now looking for another Acura to replace the TL.
Great for the $
V-6 3.2TL P, 09/06/2004
1996 Acura TL 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great! Fun to drive, good performance for size and type of car. There are some minor issues but nothing major. Can't beat the performance, comfort, and value.
A FAN
John, 06/22/2006
1996 Acura TL 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owned four Acura over the years - all were great. Bought this TL and have put over 150,000 miles on it. Its a classy looking car w/o being over the top. Its amazing that the car is over 10 years old and people think its a newer model. Acura created a design with some legs on it - it stays contemporary looking well beyond the norm. Only repairs in the last 10 years is a new starter(very expensive $600) and new rear calipers. Everything else has been normal wear and tear maintenance.
Acura
Smith, 04/18/2003
1996 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent Vehicle. Would buy another if they handn't changed the exterior. Very, very smooth ride and steering. Very responsive. Plenty of power.
Acura Produces Great Autos
Jbrown500, 06/24/2003
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this one used but it feels, smells, and acts like new. Very reliable and handles like a charm. As a medium size luxury car it is a great value and is probably one of the more underappreciated cars in this class. My TL2.5 is as reliable as the day I purchased it, even with 117,000.
Great car for the money
Trey, 03/31/2002
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am 16 and this is my first car. From the first time that I saw it, I knew it was the one I wanted. It has the Acura/Honda name so you know it is reliable and luxurious. There aren't that many performance parts and stuff for it out there, but you can do a lot of stuff to it and make it look really nice. check out www.acura-tl.com if you want to see some of them fixed up!
i love my tl
tony95608, 08/02/2002
1996 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
they should never have changed the body
Plymouth Acura experience in Michigan
haydn kramer, 05/19/2002
1996 Acura TL 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Just a fantastic car from every perspective...
Must have gotten a dudd
Dissapointed, 06/24/2005
1996 Acura TL 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wanted it as soon as I saw it. Bought a 8 yr old car with 69,000 miles on it, expecting to make it to 100,000 with grace (Honda engine!). In the first 6 months replaced battery, starter, had random misfire, replaced sparkplugs, heater failed, sound system failed. NOW I am replacing a blown head gasket and am worried about the antifreeze that was BURNING out my tail pipe. Minor cosmetics were fixed like cupholder cover. Not only did I pay too much at the dealership originally but I could have bought a new car for the amount of money I have put into this one. As soon as this car is out of the shop I am selling it to someone who can deal with fixing it every week.
A Very Mixed Bag
WavyGravy, 05/26/2003
1996 Acura TL 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is in one word interesting. The materials and design on the inside and out are of top quality, but the engine is another story. The inline 2.5 Litre inline 5 cylinder is the outcast of Acura engines. While it loves to rev high and sound very buzzy, it doesn't move you as fast as you would expect it too. With some very agressive driving in my automatic 2.5, I've been able to squeeze out a 0- 60 time of 7.4 seconds. Not too bad in my book, especially since it's a 5 banger pulling around 170 horses. Not a fast car, but one that will move you around in style and almost guranteed to fire up every morning.