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1996 Acura TL Review

4.8 out of 5 stars(40)
1996 Acura TL-Series 4 Dr 3.2 Sedan
Used TL for sale
List Price Estimate:$551 - $1,328
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Acura TL model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review

Vehicle overview

Acura's all-new TL replaces the defunct Vigor in the lineup, and heralds the debut of a new nomenclature scheme at Honda's upscale division. Seems consumers were getting too cozy with names like Legend, Vigor and Integra, and weren't paying much attention to the fact that these were Acuras. By switching to letters and numbers, Acura hopes to focus more attention on the Acura brand name. Within several years, all Acuras will be designated by alphanumeric names, except the NSX, which won't be changing.

The TL comes in two flavors: 2.5-liter five cylinder (2.5) and 3.2-liter V6 (3.2). Each model gets unique front styling, though at first glance you'll be hard-pressed to see the differences. The V6 is shod with larger tires as well, though the 2.5TL is marketed as the sportier version. Hmmm....

Inside, the TL is sumptuously comfortable, as long as you're riding in the front seat. While the TL is larger inside than the Vigor it replaces, the rear seat is still no picnic for big passengers, and the rear windows won't go all the way down. Smaller people will feel quite comfortable on the supportive rear bench. Classy gauge markings compliment tasteful wood appliqués on the dash, which is laid out in typical Acura fashion: perfectly. The quality of the interior materials and the feel of the switchgear approaches that of the vaunted Lexus ES 300, though some glossy plastic on the armrest door handles detract from the ambiance.

Exterior styling is attractive, but unadventurous. Still, we prefer the Acura to the Infiniti I30, which looks like a Maxima with lots of aftermarket garbage hung on it. The TL looks sleek, with a long, high hood, small greenhouse, and abbreviated rear deck. The tail treatment is too close to Toyota's Avalon, and the rear bumper fascia is too characterless for a near-luxury entry.

Overall, we like the conservative TL. It should compete fairly well in this crowded price segment, if it can manage to steal some attention from the I30 and Oldsmobile Aurora.

1996 Highlights

Vigor replacement designed to do battle with new Infiniti I30 and the Lexus ES 300 in the near-luxury segment. Cleanly styled with room for four, the new TL comes with either a 2.5-liter, inline five-cylinder or a smooth 3.2-liter V6.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Acura TL.

5(77%)
4(20%)
3(3%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
4.8 out of 5 stars
40 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
Outrates my past Cadillac
Michael,07/28/2009
2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
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
5 out of 5 stars
Reliable!
Mayra Holguin,06/03/2010
2.5 4dr Sedan
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent after 200000
kalz,06/10/2009
2.5 4dr Sedan
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.
4.63 out of 5 stars
BEST car ever owned
Ed,04/11/2009
2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
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!
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Features & Specs

See all Used 1996 Acura TL specs & features 

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
  • Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
    OverallNot Rated
    Driver4 / 5
    Passenger4 / 5
  • Side Crash Rating
    OverallNot Rated
  • Side Barrier Rating
    OverallNot Rated
    DriverNot Rated
    PassengerNot Rated
  • Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
    Front SeatNot Rated
    Back SeatNot Rated
  • Rollover
    RolloverNot Rated
    Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
    Risk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
  • Side Impact Test
    Not Tested
  • Roof Strength Test
    Not Tested
  • Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
    Not Tested
  • IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
    Not Tested
  • Moderate Overlap Front Test
    0
More about the 1996 Acura TL

Used 1996 Acura TL Overview

The Used 1996 Acura TL is offered in the following submodels: TL Sedan. Available styles include 2.5 Premium 4dr Sedan, 2.5 4dr Sedan, 3.2 4dr Sedan, and 3.2 Premium 4dr Sedan. Pre-owned Acura TL models are available with a 2.5 L-liter gas engine or a 3.2 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 200 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1996 Acura TL comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic.

What's a good price on a Used 1996 Acura TL?

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Which used 1996 Acura TLS are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1996 Acura TL for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1996 Acura TL.

Can't find a used 1996 Acura TLs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a used Acura TL for sale - 10 great deals out of 12 listings starting at $24,654.

Find a used Acura for sale - 1 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $11,508.

Find a used certified pre-owned Acura TL for sale - 7 great deals out of 24 listings starting at $7,932.

Find a used certified pre-owned Acura for sale - 4 great deals out of 22 listings starting at $13,780.

Should I lease or buy a 1996 Acura TL?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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