1999 Acura TL Review
Price Estimate: $1,221 - $1,979





+6
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Near-luxury pricing with full-luxury equipment.
Cons
- Styling may be too conservative, and where are the side airbags?
What’s new
The TL has been redesigned for 1999, with everything just getting better. The 2.5-liter engine is gone, making way for an all-new 3.2-liter V6. The transmission has been refined, the interior design makes better use of space, and the exterior is updated.
For sale near Eugene, OR
1 listings
- $6,990
- 134,357 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 17 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- Pacific Motors (101 mi away)
- Leather seats
- Heated seats
- Moon roof
Close
Located in Hillsboro, OR
CLEAN TITLE *1-OWNER* 1999 ACURA TL 3.2 * LEATHER SEATS* HEATED SEATS* MOON ROOF * 30 SERVICE HISTORY RECORDS* Presented by: Pacific Motors LLC -- (9*...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 19UUA5641XA006594
Stock: 006594
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-21-2025
Vehicle overview
As Acura's torch bearer into the rapidly growing near-luxury market, the TL is pitted against some stiff competition in the form of the Audi A4, Infiniti I30, Lexus ES300 and Mercedes C-Class. Each of these models is already well established in the marketplace, which puts the pressure on Acura not only to meet but exceed what those cars have to offer. The new TL, with its combination of luxury, performance, and value, is prepared to meet the challenge.
Introduced in 1995, the TL replaced the Vigor as Acura's mid-level luxury sedan. The car remained largely unchanged from its introduction until this new 1999 model. Gone is the smaller 2.5-liter inline five that was standard in the first generation TLs. This year's only engine option is an all-new 3.2-liter V6 that utilizes VTEC technology to produce 225 horsepower and 216 foot-pounds of torque while still returning 19/27 mpg in city/highway driving. This puts the TL ahead of much of its competition in the horsepower race, and after driving the car we can confirm that it definitely gets out of its own way. In addition, with an initial service interval of 100,000 miles you can rest easy knowing that this engine will run in typical Honda fashion--a long time with little or no problems.
This year's changes are not just mechanical. In addition to the new engine and improved transmission, the TL has been molded to create more interior space. The revisions provide 2.4 more inches of front headroom (it loses an inch of legroom), and shoulder and hip room are increased for all passengers despite the car losing half an inch of exterior width. The new TL has a shorter wheelbase than its predecessor, and it has shed 59 lbs. of weight. Acura claims that zero-60 times have been improved by a full second. As for the new styling, the TL is attractive but still conservative.
As a near-luxury vehicle, the TL offers more than just air conditioning and leather. What you may not expect is a list of over 100 standard features including heated outside mirrors, heated front seats, steering wheel audio controls, rear heat/air vents, micron air filtration system, traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes and an electronic immobilizer system. In fact, the only option available on the TL is a navigation system that uses a central monitor with touch screen controls. All this for $3,000 less than last year's 3.2TL now that's what we call value.
In the final analysis, this is a car that offers performance, interior room, and luxury features for a price that is well below the class average. These days, anything less from Acura would be a major disappointment; we've come to expect a lot of car for not a lot of money from Honda's upscale division. The TL delivers this value in typical Acura fashion.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Oregon
$260/mo for TL 3.2
TL 3.2
vs
$205/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 1999 Acura TL has 4 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
4 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 20V026000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- K6P, S6Q
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1500705
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1997-1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1997-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, when the replacement parts become available. Owners were notified of the issue beginning March 4, 2020. A second letter will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
- Recall Number:
- 05V025000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- P68, P69
- Manufactured from:
- 1999-02-16 to 1999-07-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 486659
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTERLOCK OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO PARK.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT CONFIRMS INTERLOCK FUNCTION. VEHICLES WILL BE UPDATED WITH A REDESIGNED INTERLOCK LEVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
- Recall Number:
- 03V423000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 03-088/03-
- Manufactured from:
- 1998-01-07 to 1999-02-15
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 563861
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO "PARK."
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF CYLINDER BODY WEAR. IF SIGNIFICANT WEAR IS INDICATED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CYLINDER BODY, COLLAR, AND LATCH PLATE. IF NO SIGNS OF WEAR ARE INDICATED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LATCH PLATE WITH A REDESIGNED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
- Recall Number:
- 02V120000
- Manufactured from:
- 1998-01-07 to 1999-08-26
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1000000
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.
- Defect Consequence:
- WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Acura TL Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Hard to look beyond Acura/Honda
4.63 out of 5 starsHondas 4 life, 09/20/2006
1999 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
This Acura is a benchmark for value & rigid construction. Excellent feel & bang for the buck. Offers many standard features that are often expensive options on other entry luxury sedans. Decent mileage & get go for its not too powerful 3.2 4 speed auto trans. Even though only 4 speed still a performer. Ride is compliant & quiet, not Lexus quiet but defintely more fun. Engine is top … notch, idles silently after +150k miles! Longevity of electronics, mechanics, etc. are phenomenal! Only problem we had was a clogged EGR port that was easily taken care of @ the dealer. Love it so much we went out & got the beautiful '06 TL. Just watch out for the trans. problems from 2000-2003 thats all.
Recall the Transmission
3.75 out of 5 starsAngela, 10/10/2009
1999 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
I feel the transmission should have been recalled. The manufacturer is more than aware that the transmission in this car was poorly made, and I am quite upset that I am having to replace it. I have always driven a Honda or Acura and this is the first time I've had major problems. I am told that the issue has been resolved mechanically, but that does little to help my out of pocket fee.
Change transmissions every 50,000 miles
3.88 out of 5 starsfrances, 07/25/2009
1999 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
Overall, I love the car... but it is now on its fourth transmission with 150,000 miles. Since no one I told my situation to wanted to offer any compensation, I doubt I'll purchase another Acura. Obviously the problem is common, so it seems Acura should step up to the plate!
Dangerous Gamble
4.13 out of 5 starsMarc, 08/04/2008
1999 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
This car was a graduation present to me after finishing high school, and I love it! However, it has let me down so so many times, which is really disappointing because its definitely my favorite car. This car has been nothing but trouble, though. We bought with 97k miles on it, and in less than a year had to performance over $3500 in work. Ignition coils fried and fans quit working, … leaving me with an overheated undrivable car until repaired. Then a month later transmission problems became massive. Performed maintenance and fixed the issue for about a week, then while out of town the transmission failed altogether leaving us stranded in another state. I love my car but it has stolen my $$
1999 TL Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $260/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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