Used 2006 Acura TL Sedan Consumer Reviews
My New TL
We just picked up our new TL after months of agonizing research. The car is everything we hoped it would be. I bought it for $100.00 over invoice at Criswell Acura in Annapolis, Maryland. Very professional (and amusing) staff. Car was well prepped and they explained everything to us. So well, we were even able to use the Navigation system on the first try.
Great Bundles!
One thing I love about TL is that there are only two option... Nav/Or No Nav.Great Interior design and bundled technology. Just wishing that they have a RWD or AWD version.
- Base SedanMSRP: $3,995237 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $3,600240 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $7,995254 mi away
Expected More
The TL is a good buy for the money and should prove to be a reliable car. However, it's not as an exciting car to drive as I had hoped. Seat adjustments are not quite suited for a 6'2" frame, exterior body construction is not as substantial as it first appears, XM signal quality is poor on most channels (I probably will not subscribe because of that when the free trial priod is up), Bluetooth is subpar. I had narrowed my choices down between the G35 and the TL and the TL won out on interior build quality. In the end, the G35 would likely have been a better choice all around.
Great Value
I've had a Maxima for 4 years and had every intention of getting an '06. I drove the Mazda Speed 6, a handful of SUVs, the '06 Maxima and finally this TL. By far, the TL is the best vehicle for the money and a significant upgrade against the competition. The low-end torque is a plus over the Maxima. The build quality is truly in cut above the rest (at least in my snack bracket). For me, the blend of luxury and performance are what attacted me to the car and keep me smiling. Can't believe this is a base vehicle with no options!
Get the stick!
Just bought the 06 TL Manual with Nav over the 4th of July weekend and I LOVE IT! I swore I would never buy a brand new car but these hold their value so well, stupid to buy an 05 for $30,000 when you can spend another $3,000 and get the brand spanking new!
Nice Ride
The TL is a find car. Some minor trim misalighnment on the passenger door at delivery. A few minor rattles that went away in the dash and door. Some complain about the ride is to rough. I think it is fine for a sports sedan with 45 series tires. Check tire pressure folks. I would recommend this car. I bought at thousand dollars over cost...a very good deal. I had a previous TL-S and this is a big improvement in features, handling, comfort, and the design of the body and interior.
Great power on demand
I really love my Acura, it has power to spare,and turns well. I am a little disappointed in the styling of the rear of the car. I think they need to address this isssue, and make a TL that looks a bit more intimidating
Correction to My Previous Review....
Under my "Suggested Improvements" Mystery solved on the seat that kept sliding back when I got in, making me have to reset to my auto-setting. Dealer had only given me one set of keys..keys are marked "Driver 1& 2"..I had Driver 2 key and my seat setting is for Driver 1. Got both sets now..so when you open car, or start it with key 1 or 2, corresponding seat setting applies automatically. So there is no problem with the seat backing up automatically, as I originally thought...only had to do with the key & driver settings matching up!
'06 TL -- Not great but OK
I've had this car about 3 months. Nice car and good value for around $30K but I'm still adjusting. Can't get used to the 5 speed automatic transmission -- it seems to shift up and down too much and doesn't feel smooth. The engine is peppy, more so high end than low end. Front torque steer is inevitable in FWD, so don't kid yourself that you're getting a real sport sedan that you can run hard off the line. The interior is very nice, I like the XM, sunroof, roomy backseats, no problems with leather seats so far. Gas mileage is less than you'd expect around town. Turning radius like a bus. Visability backing up in poor due to rear seat headrests. Doors don't stay open.
Lots of fun for the money
The Acura TL is much more than a fancy Honda Accord. It may be based on the Accord but has the look, feel and features of a much more expensive sports sedan. After driving mine for 2 months I understand why Consumer Reports named the TL top in its class...above even the BMW 3 series. The TL is so much fun to drive that I now volunteer to run errands for everyone in the family.
Recently purchased
Just bought my ride on Friday after a one year search (including these testimonials). I compared g35,bmw, audi, nissan before decing on the TL. The car is awesome, fast, powerful, fun to drive with great tech features. The HandsFree link was really important as I am a salesman on the road all-the- time! The stereo rocks, the engine is way too much power performance for what I really need...but damm it's fun to let'er rip off the line! I opted for the performance package (No NAV system). The brembo brakes stick are a great feature to have. The car is so smooth, quiet that I honestly had a hard time keeping below the speed limit I had to engage the cruise control the 1st time on the highway.
Techno-Driving in Style
This is a very comfortable vehicle with great variety of standard equipment. I love the included hands- free bluetooth setup with will even allow you to store speed dial numbers. The audio systems with DVD-A is brutal and sounds like you're inside a studio cabin. As far as driving performance, this car is athletic enough for the price, plus, you get tons of standard extras that other "German Rivals" will charge you a ton of money for adding.
Great Car, but a bit to to Improve
I really did my research before I purchased the TL. The Acura TL is the BEST combination of performance (2nd overall), design (1st), and value (1st). It has a sports suspencion so you will feel bumps, accelerates very quickly and has great balance around turns.
BMW vs TL - which one?
I have had a BMW 328/330Ci over the last 10 years. I almost purchased the 2006 330i, agonized and "setteled" for the TL as it was $10k cheaper. First, if you like to drive hard in the country or town, the BMW can't be touched, period. After that, the TL is the best combination of value, reliability, performace that I have found. As I drive mostly highway mileage now, I would continue to choose the TL over the BMW. Torque steer, front wheel drive, turning circle detract from an otherwise great car.
Excellent Car, Excellent Value
After spending 2 months deciding which car to buy, settled on TL with 6MT/Nav. Had to have a 4 door in case children were coming along for the ride. Have driven for a week and am very happy with the choice. Love the outside look and inside is very tasteful and luxurious feeling. Navigation/Bluetooth/Handsfree system works flawlessly. Just make sure your phone is supported for the Bluetooth. Engine is smooth and has plenty of power. 6-speed has excellent shift quality. 6MT also includes Brembo brakes in the front and limited-slip differential. In my opinion, the combination of features/quality cannot be touched at this price.
Excellent toy not much of comfort
I researched alot before making my decision. This car is fun to drive, but it's rough like my Jeep. I have never seen a luxury sedan this rough. The handling is fine; nothing special. You will feel every hole and bumps on the road. The technology on this car is exceptional. The navigation system, voice recognition is just awsome. After all those were the REASONS why I bought this car. The sound system is not that impressive as I had read on edmunds before; it is ok though. I had a lexus LS400 before this car and I know my next car will be a lexus again. Over all, I am ok with it.
acura overview
This is my second Acura, purchased (similar to its predecessor) for the value per dollar spent. IMHO, its handling approaches the best among others in this price class. I have not had the long enough to comment on its reliability, but if past experience is an indicator, it should do very well. Thus far, I'm a happy camper.
Ambers Review
This car is amazing. I just love the navigation system, the heated seats and the comfort. It is such a smooth ride. I look forward to driving that car almost everyday, if I didn't have another car I use for running.
Ultimate Commuter, Not a Sports Sedan
Just spent 3.5 yrs in a G35 Coupe and had driven G35 Sedan loaners. Test drove Passat and A4. The TL is a great car and an awesome value (cost me under $29k new in July). Ride is nice balance b/w sport and comfort. But it is not a sports sedan. Mainly because it is FWD. RWD cars handle much better. Also, transmission gearing is too low (probly for fuel economy) and its hard to keep engine RPM's up where the power is (over 4000) It eats up miles on highway, offers enough fun to drive factor, looks good, is comfortable and fits 4-5 easily. But can't compare to handling and balance of RWD cars like G35 and BMW 3 series. Still - the Ultimate Value Perf Luxury Commuter (need FWD or AWD in NJ).
3rd TL and counting
Had 2 Legend LS prior to 2000 TL and 2003 TL S type. Lease was up on S type and loved all previous Acura's...so this was a natural progression. All TL's had Navi...as a R/E agent it is very usefull because Phoenix AZ is growing like a weed. Still the best bang for your buck. Everything works like it is supposed to do. Special ceramic tint works like a charm in blocking out extra harsh PHX heat and damaging ultra violet rays. Will buy another when lease is up. Handles like a true sports sedan and cockpit is perfectly layed out. Passangers have said the back seats were most confortable and sound system is awsome.
The Air cond. doesn't cool in Arizona
I loved this car for the 1st 18 months I owned this car except for the over weight front doors that are out of balance. Performance, comfort, handling, gas mileage and overall looks were all great. Last summer it stopped fully cooling down on hot days. I took it in for warranty service 3 times and they said it was working as designed. Really sad, now I'm trying to get rid of it. You can't have a car with bad air in Arizona during the summer.
The best car ever
I own a 2006 TL. I often just get in the car and ride because I love the feeling and the looks I get from others. I must say it is a real head turner. The voice activated navigation system is very easy to use, the blue- tooth technology is awesome. The only thing I am not impressed with is the 2 tone interior, besides that I have no complaints about my new purchase. I think Acura has definitely stepped up and can run with the best of them. It is well worth the money, you will not be disappointed.
Great car, great value
Overall probably best car I've ever had, and I've had many, incl G35 Coupe (still have) and Sedan, and '06 BMW 3- series (didn't like). Does it handle like them or have the power of the Infiniti? No, but it has more power and torque than BMW and it's still plenty fun to drive. Very comfortable, great features for the money, excellent ergonomics and, I think, looks great, too. Also, the fact that it's FWD does not mean that it's not a sport sedan. It's not a Bimmer or Audi, but it's still very much a sport sedan. And you get a lot more car for the money than the German cars.
Great interior features, all standard
After test driving the BMW 3-series, MB C-class, and Infiniti G35, I bought this one because of the cost, power, and reliability in comparison to the other 3. While I like to accelerate and take curvy roads, I cannot tell the difference between front wheel and rear wheel drive; what I did notice was how much more power the TL had, and how all the great features were standard. I also liked the value of the TSX, but chose the TL not because of the larger engine, but because it was quiter than the TSX and more refined. I look forward to enjoying this car for at least 9 years, the same amount of time I enjoyed my Integra before I decided to upgrade to a larger car.
Fast Car
Nice looking fast car. Shopped BMW 325,Infiniti G35 & M35, Toyota Avalon, Lexus IS 250 & Audi A4 & A6. Acura TL is best bang for the buck. My other car is 97 Infiniti I30 & I can feel the difference in acceleration with the TL. No feeling of understeer or oversteer from FWD. Ride is a little crunchy over bumps but the car launches like a rocket at 3000 rpm & good brakes. Had it for ~ 3 mos & no problems & NO RATTLING WHATSOVER.
Awesome! Impressive! Two Thumbs Up!
I've driven a Passat the last 4 years, and I have to say, this is a major upgrade, Ten-Fold...This has got to be one of the most prestigious cars on the market. Pure comfort and quality.
Best car I have ever owned.
I have owned a Nissan 300 ZX Twin turbo, a convertible Mustang Cobra, Several SUV's, and 3 Honda Preludes. This TL is the best car I have ever owned. I can get from Salt Lake CIty to Orange County CA in under 3 tanks. I have never owned a car that can do that. Its fast, gets good gas mileage, and all my friends and co workers always want to drive it. Ill take this car over a BMW, Audi, or Infinity ANYDAY!!!!!
Not my '94 Honda
Picked up my wife's '06 TL on Saturday, 3/25. Black, camel interior, navi and six speed. The car is a beauty. We broke her in with a 300-mile city (Manhattan), highway (I 95) drive. First impressions: the six-speed is very slick. Brembos work as advertised. Navi is mighty interesting: "GW Bridge Upper Level." Wow. Still, I have to do my homework on this device to really understand its capabilities. Suspension is solid, couldn't detect any torque steer on such a short sample. Quiet cabin, comfortable seats. XM Radio sounds pretty good through the standard hifi. So far, so good.
A Great Car
This car is is solid, fast, classy. You just melt into the seats. We have only owned for 2 months, so can't comment on the long term reliability, but we are looking forward to driving for a long long time. We previously owned a 2001 Passat GLX---the Acura is nicer on almost all fronts.
Exciting to Drive - Stress Free Fun
What I wanted was a sporty car. I needed SOME utility, not just a two seater with loads of power. I also wanted to have some quality and a few bells and whistles. Boy does this car deliver! It looks regal with a touch of attitude. Step inside it and the leather brings a smile to my face. There is plenty of room without feeling crammed, and it isn't huge. Suspension is somewhat tight, but not stiff allowing a comfortable suspension ride and perform well on fast cornering or take offs if I choose. The stereo system is sweet and I love the steering controls. Now the downsides - if you really call it that. Gas mileage isn't the greatest, and there is a learning curve on the navigation.
Best Value
I debated long and hard about the purchase of this car. I drove trucks for years, and decided because of the jump in my annual mileage for work that i would buy a comfortable car. I chose the TL because of its price, reliability ratings, performance with economy, style, and comfort. All things have held up to their end of the bargain. I have had the car for almost four months and a little over 12k miles. It has been truly the best car i have ever owned. The only thing i have had an issue with was a rattle in the passenger door that has yet to be resolved.
TL: Tech Tour de Force
Tested: A3, M35, Passat V6. M has even more tech, but is +$14k. Passat is fast, but dealers not so good, reliability suspect. A3 drove great, a little small. TL best use of HP, Lux, Sport, Tech. Quiet, fast, smooth; roomy, beautiful tan interior. 31mpg hw! Navi better than M (note: TSX, RL have newer "firmware", more voice commands, Zagat). Voice recog. is accurate; Map is intuitive, not bossy, or verbose! Fast recalc; can input by point/clicking on distant cities for routes; Displays logos. Dials #s found on Nav w/Handsfree Cell. Stereo/XM Sat has stunning clarity. Dealer: "free tires for life"; car washes; loaners. Must spend $50k to top TL. Use $ for DVD-A's, bluetooth cell!
Acura buckboard
Really nice car,but they forgot to include any kind of ride, took a 7 hour trip and thought I had ridden in an 18 wheeler, rough ride, not comfortable at all. My behind was sore after the trip, you can feel the slightest bump like they forgot springs or something !!
Nice Car, Good Package
I've had my Acura TL w/NAV a few weeks now. It drives extremly quiet and smooth like a Cadillac. I genuinly dont want to get out of the car! I am a bit dissapointed with the fuel economy (thus far). I am getting around 20mpg city, 28 highway per the TL computer. However, I am just below a half tank now with 150 miles. Something doesnt compute?? I use premium unleaded 93 octane. I dont drive on the highway to work only city roads, this may be why? but I would have liked better. The Nav system is the best! I like that it turns off automatically if I dont need it. Other than the poor fuel economy, the fit & finish, ride, the luxurious features for what I got, everything about the car I love!
Great Value!
I previously drove a 2002 BMW 330i premium/sport. After owning the car for four years I grew weary of the hard ride and the expensive repairs. Though I do miss rear wheel drive, the TL has been a great car so far. All the electronic features are amazing. Bluetooth, Navi, voice recognition, all work perfectly. The car is considerably more comfortable than the BMW. Good power. Average about 25MPG. No noticeable torque steer which is typical to front-wheel drive cars.
CarFan
The Acura TL has got to be one of the premiere vehicles to drive for under $35,000. The interior is comfortable and excellently designed. The gauges, radio, and navigation are easy to read and use. I get outstanding gas mileage (from 26-33 mpg highway). The handling is crisp and the acceleration is perfect. The AC takes a while to get the car cool.
TL
The Acura TL is a fun car to drive. I absolutely love my new car. Everything you need when fighting traffic, or just taking a ride, is just a voice command away. If your looking for a car, I highly recommend you take this car for a test drive. You will love it too.
Third time is a charm ...
This is my third Acura, and is just what I expected ..Quality & Value for the money. It has all the toys that I need and then some. Sticker price not includeing taxes and license fees $35,325.00 and my out the door price was $34,395.16. This included mud guards, body side molding, tinted windows and the Navi.
Best in Class for $
I am a salesman at a Mercedes, Lexus, Jaguar, Porsche and Acura dealer. I have plenty of seat time in these cars and can offer some objective opinion on this car. The first thing is, NO CAR IS PERFECT. But, this thing comes pretty darn close. If you want to spend $80K+ on a sedan, you can get some amazing vehicles. But for the mid- $30's range, your in a compromising class. Your at the bottom of the elite or the top of frugile and economical. When you look at the TL in that light, hands down, there is no car close to what it offers. The Mercedes C230 Sport looks pretty cocky but is slower, smaller and less equipped. The IS 250 is the same way but a little more equipment than the MBZ.
NEARLY A PERFECT CAR
I purchased a 2006 White Diamond Pearl, 6SP NAV. with Parchment interior. In addition to this I added a wood grain steering wheel, both front and rear wood consoles and full ground effects with rear wing spoiler. My OTD price was 35028 and I couldn't be more pleased with this purchase!!! What and incredible car!! A decision (2)years in the making. I researched and test drove a Audi A4 2.0, BMW 330I, Acura TSX and Subaru Legacy GT Limited and just kept coming back to the TL. My only concern was the torque steer issue which always seemed to come out of every review I read up until this year! Of what I now experience this has been addressed is non-existant. Terrific Car and has it all.
Excellent Vehicle
The TL met or exceeded all review reports. With the exception of not having rear wheel drive, dollar for dollar the TL compares favorably to both the 3 and 5 Series BMW, while leaving between $8000 to $15000 left in your pocket. Fun to drive.
Better than the Price
For the price, can't match it. Only been driving it for a few weeks, but haven't heard rattles. Sound system and Navi are great, fun to drive and soft interior make for an enjoyable ride. Tried the G35, S60, 330, (great car, but small and $$), Passat (really nice, but not as refined or sporty), this car tops them all when you add up value, power, design and std features. If you want to spend a little more the Infinity M35x is awesome--but I stay away from new models and Infinity/Nissan need to prove better reliability at those prices--might as well go German. Engine will last forever, and resale is top notch.
The best car in its class
I have driven this TL for aprox 400 miles so far and all of it has been total fun. I always look forward to get into this beauty. Electronic systems are incredible. No other car in this class matches its features or ride comfort. Total value for money. Milage is great. My family just loves this peice of Enginuty.
I love my TL!!!!
I bought my TL after 10 years of driving the Denali. I thought it would take a while to get used to sitting down low but after driving for one week I knew I'd made the right choice. It is so much fun to drive and the gas mileage is awesome. I get 34 on the highway. The luxury inside the car is awesome as well. The a/c dials down to 58 degrees and in this hot Texas weather it is awesome! I looked at a lot of cars and this car for the money couldn't be beaten. I got the 18" chrome wheels, wood trim inside and some extra body moldings outside and I get so many compliments! My girlfriend has a BMW 550 and she is just smitten with my TL.
Underrated... if anything.
The car drives as if it were driving on air. THAT, is how smooth the drive is. The handling of the car is absolutely impeccable. Absolutely stunning suspension. The interior makes one feel like a king, with it's 8" touchscreen navi along with the voice activated commands. The car itself is a very attractive looking car, especially with the A-spec bodykit. Overall, there really is NOTHING to complain about for such a car in its class...
Nice Ride
This is my third Acura, I continue to purchase Acura's because of the quality and value concept. The service departments have always been great, free loaner cars, car always washed after an oil change etc.
Love this Car
I love driving this car. I get to 80 MPH in no time. This car is so smooth and the drive is awesome. The brakes are great! I may be an Acura buyer for life. The car is the best of both worlds - luxury yet sporty. Great car for a young adult.
Love My Car!!!!!!!!
After reviewing the history and consumer reports on these cars I was sold before ever driving one. This car has more bells and whistles than you can imagine. Quick and sleek, plenty of power when you need it. This by far is the most awesome car I have ever owned or driven. Have had it a month and still get excited about driving it. You will love this car!!!!!!
Thought it would be better
'06 TL, auto, nav, only 13k miles. I expected so much more from this car. Many random noises, rattles. Very annoying. Window creaking - dealer wouldn't fix. Build quality not great. Interior materials / plastics are low end, as is leather. Best part would be engine and nav. I can honestly say that my old Saab is more solid w/higher quality materials, and our CLK is built like a tank and has not had a problem in 5 yrs, unlike multiple problems with the TL. I'll be selling the TL for a GS 350 or 335, which are both much better built. Given build quality issues, I cannot recemmend the TL.
This car is fun to drive
Bought this car in December as a company car and let me tell you I have not been disappointed. The navigation is great I have in my MDX and the upgrades are nice. My fuel economy is about 22 MPG and highway has been 26. This car is more sporty than I realized. This car rides firmly and handles better than many sports car on the market and for the price I don't see why you should buy a BMW, Lexus, or Infiniti. This car has everything to offer at a great price.