Used 2008 Acura TL Sedan Consumer Reviews
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The Best Car I've Ever Driven
This vehicle is the best value for the money out there. There are no options, enhancements or suggestions that I could make to improve this vehicle. The interior and exterior design is superior and unfortunately, not matched by their 2009 TL entry. No problems whatsoever at 12,500 miles to date.
Overall great Car
Great car. Looked at Lexus and Infinity. Acura gave more for the money. Love the carbon bronze color and wood grain details. Handles well. Loved not having to decide which options to pick since many were already included. Heated seats warm up quickly. Good pick-up. Get 32 mpg on hwy. Heavy doors. Such a solid car.
- Base SedanMSRP: $5,500106 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $4,590168 mi away
- Type-S SedanMSRP: $6,000255 mi away
Just Awesome
The best in its class. Can't be beat in quality, options, ride, and value for price point. Way to go Acura!!
No Doubts about it.
I purchased this vehicle after owning a 2005 Altima, and this was my best decision that I have made so far in life. I have received so many compliments on the vehicle looks. My husband is constantly wanting to drive me around on the weekends in it. I love the sportiness of it and just the overall luxurious feel of the vehicle. The fact that the car comes standard with alot of luxurious features is a plus. With the right deal you can purchase a luxury line vehicle for about the same price as a Honda Accord Ex-L- V6
Most Bang For Buck Period!
You simply cannot get more for the money! You basically have 3 options: Type S or the regular TL with or without nav. To be able to get a sporty, yet luxurious fully loaded sedan with the nav. system for under $36,000 is unheard of. Don't get me wrong, I love the Lexus IS, Infiniti G35 and yes the BMW 3 series, but paying up to an extra $10,000 for some of these other models is just not worth it. It handles well and is just simply fun to drive with a ton of amenities that even make rush hour traffic seem trivial. Seriously, if you're looking for a new ride in this class, you owe it to yourself to check this car out. There has to be a reason for all the great reviews + TLs on the road
Nice TL
Bought this car for my wife at the end of 2007 from a Minivan. Change was well worth it. She loves the TL and it is extremly comfortable and easy to drive. Navigation and Bluetooth are great.
Exceeding Expectations
This car is everything my '05 Honda Accord wasn't... smooth lively engine, refined, responsive steeing & handling, high quality interior & exterior, great gas mileage for 258 hp. From the beginning, this car has exceeded my every driving expectations. The only other car I was considering was a used 06 BMW 330i, but with a $10k savings I'm only the wiser (and richer) without any compromises of the BMW! Highly recommended. A totally enjoyable ride!
Wow!
Where to begin? I can't believe that a $34K car can have so many features and such performance. Driving is fun again (and that's a challenge in Metro Atlanta traffic). The TL is a good-looking sports sedan that wants to go fast. The only drawbacks are that it's rather sluggish at low speeds and the cost of premium fuel (but that's the price you pay to get a decent engine). Incredibly, I'm 54, and this is my first Japanese car, but I don't think it'll be my last.
Great and underrated
I purchased my TL after owning a Saab 9-3. The car is exactly what you expect from this type of Acura. This is my third Acura and plan on a new MDX this summer. The one thing that bothers me is that the TL is constantly compared to the Lexus IS, BMW 3-series, Infiniti G35, etc. However the TL is bigger than all of these cars and actually the size of the Lexus GS & M45.
Not pretty, not bad, just ok
Not bad is as good as this car gets. I love the ride and features for the money. The gas mileage is great. Unfortunately, I have an electrical problem that seems to be undiagnosable and continues to plague my car. The torque steering is an issue with this car, but overcome with a little driving skill. I would prefer folding rear seats and better tires form the manufacturer, but pretty average overall. However, the value compared to its competition, was amazing. Many features for the money.
You can't go home again...
I fondly remember my 1989 Acura Legend, which I loved for 10 years. After years of other less expensive vehicles, I was excited to purchase a 2008 TL. After 3 months, the power steering & the carpet (from the leaking power steering fluid) had to be replaced. Since that time, it is very difficult to steer, especially when turning corners or backing out of parking spaces & the acceleration is disappointing. The dealership's service dept. maintains that it drives "beautifully", exactly the way a TL of its age should handle. My son's 2006 Accord with 100k miles handles better. I will trade it in as soon as I can afford to take the loss, but no more Acuras for me.
2nd TL
This is my 2nd TL. My previous TL was an '06, same base model. I grew up in an automotive family and have more automotive knowledge than most owners. My last couple of cars were a Porsche 944, an SHO, Maxima SE, a Lexis IS and a TSX. (Our other car is a Highlander AWD.) Simply the TL is the most satisfying car I have owned. The drive, the comfort, the reliability and relative economy of ownership are exceptional! The car does it all. It's a great highway cruiser - comfortable for four adults although a little tight in the back, responsive on a winding road and very quiet unless you jack up the fabulous audio system. Best bang for the buck!
Will miss it
My lease is ending after 3yrs of ownership and I am sorry to see it go. I have considered buying it out, but I will be out of warranty. I have been searching for a CPO with low miles to purchase. I did not have ONE bad experience with this car, and although the new style is growing on me, the '08 is much nicer. Great looking, sporty driving, and 50,000 miles without having to replace brakes and/or tires! Thanks, Acura...
Nice Car - Rides like a Honda
I downgraded from a 2005 BMW 5-Series sedan because I needed a cheaper ride at this point in my life. This car is handsome, well built, and chock full of extras that cost at least $10K in the BMW 328xi that I was considering.
TL is a great car
I have had the car for under a week, no complaints at all.The car is an automatic and drives very smooth. I would recommend this car to anyone comparing it to a Lexus or a Mercedes. Apart from value of the vehicle, Acura offers reliability.
Superb Car
This is my first Acura; I came from owning Toyotas and Hondas (a minivan from each). One thing I loved about the Acura (and the Honda I have owned) is that they don't nickel and dime you on options; the car simply has what you want on it standard from the factory.
Can't believe what I drive everyday
I got more than 2000 miles on my new TL and I cannot believe that I actually drive this car to work everyday. Take it from a dealership parking lot to downtown and watch reflections of yourself. When you open the door, it whispers (not screams) luxury! I love all the features: seat memory settings, hands-free link, navigation, dual climate, sound system. Driving is very smooth and comfortable and, if you want, very sporty as well. Perfect balance. You can drive your mother in law in a limo and your friends in a sports car all in the same vehicle. Driving in the heavy rain, passing 18-wheelers, up the hill in curvy road, all of it is pure driving passion. MPG is OK, 28/23 so far.
What a car!
This Acura TL is a step up from a fully-loaded 2003 Accord V6 that I previously drove, and wife continues to love it despite 320,000 km on it (bought it brand new!). So far, I've had very little regret from choosing it over Audi A4 and Lexus IS 250. The car drives beautifully, esp. on the highway! This car gets the most bang for your bucks!
Great value
I'm very happy with this car. Ride is a nice balance of firm but pleasant. It is a quiet car and the engine is only heard under hard acceleration (and the noise is pleasing). Great interior layout with sharp exterior styling. All the features you could want at a nice price. Engine is peppy and responsive, well-suited to the car. This car is the perfect balance of practical, fun, affordable and well-equipped.
Great Car!
I've had this car for about eight months, and so far, it's the best car I've owned. Love the v-tech and power, while the interior seats are very comfortable and accommodating. I can't stress enough how good a value this car is for the features it offers, and the fuel economy is also commendable for its size and engine. I only wish Acura could have invested a little bit more detail and care for interior build quality, as there are some squeaks and rattles, and my shoes easily scuff the the bottom of the door panels. Overall, I love this car!
Love my TL!!
I was apprehensive about buying a car that would soon be redesigned, but from what spy-photos I've seen, the 09 will not be nearly as handsome. After 15,000 miles, I'm am utterly in love with this car. Faster and more comfortable than my 05 TSX, I've never regretted buying this car. It still looks good, has a great performance/luxury compromise, and is built like a tank. There's is no better car for the money!
My Acura TL after 3 months
Excellent performance. Good mileage in town driving, excellent mileage in highway driving. I really like the interior except the power outlets are not easily accessible. The dash outlet is difficult to use if car is in park and the console outlet is far down inside console. It is an exciting drive and power is more than adequate. I have not noticed the interior rattles others have commented on. Door panels do scuff easily.
Never Looking Back
I came from driving a Honda Civic (4 cylinders) to the beautifully sleek Acura TL. My best friend and I instantly fell in the love with the sexy body and outstanding features. She has the white diamond pearl with parchment interior and i have the nighthawk black pearl with ebony interior. I wanted the Navigation system but was presented with a pricing offer that was too good to pass up so I went w/o. Even though I know it is not the same, I can always buy one.
Owner
I have had my 2008 TL for 3 months now. In normal city (Houston area) driving I get 22 mpg. On freeway driving, I get 30 mpg - better than rated. I have yet to take it more that 450 consecutive miles on freeways so it may edge down a little but it held at the 30 mpg mark until I got back into Houston rush hour traffic. I like so much about this car, but there are some small irritable things. Power outlets and MP3 jack are not conveniently located. It is difficult to get anything in dash outlet when car is in park. Fuel release is on floor right by door - on door or dash would be better. The front window posts are a bit large which causes some minor obstruction of vision.
Not 100% Pleased
Low end torque is not as good as i had hoped. above 2500 rpm the car moves well. The manual side on the 5A is sluggish, upshifts are not crisp. The engine has some noticeable vibrations at 1500 rpm, 2000 rpm and 4000 rpm. The 2000 rpm point is most noticeable at takeoff, it is felt in the steering wheel and foot pedals.
Awesome Car
I have had my TL just over a week. What a car! My first Acura purchase and couldn't be happier. So far I am getting 25 mpg which better that I had anticipated. The TL rides so smooth and its also very fast. I love its cornering ability. The nav, voice, and blue tooth are perfect.
No Fun To Drive
There is no joy driving my TL because upon acceleration at 2000 RPMs, it feels very rough like a grinding under the floor. After 2000 RPMs the rough feeling under the floor clears up. I have owned a lot of cars and our two other older vehicles (one of them is a truck and the other a small car) outperform this one. Other annoyances: when It rains and you open the trunk, water jumps the gasket and pours into the trunk space - debris too. There is excess noise when the moonroof is closed and the ceiling partition open when I'm on the freeway. I would like my 2005 TSX back. This is our fourth Acura and probably our last. I should not have to write a review like this.
Love this car!
I have a 97 Acura which was totally reliable, so I stuck with Acura when I purchased a new car. I am a middle aged woman who really isn't "in" to cars, but this one is just great. Am still working to familiarize myself with the bluetooth and navi; bluetooth is a bit contrary, but my husband says it is operator error. Just took a trip, and using cruise on straight empty TX highway, got 32 mpg! In town is about 22. My only problem is seeing past tall headrests in back, and wide posts dividing windows at side. Have had to reluctantly learn to trust mirrors more. It is so quiet and smooth, I find myself hitting 80 mph before I know it, and have to rein it in.all in all an amazing vehicle.
Practical Midlife Crisis Car
Satisfied all the way around. I have never been disappointed in this car. Just with Acura for not making this car all-wheel-drive.
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Bulletproof
I am the original owner and have put 85,000 on it as of December 2023. No problems with regular maintenance. It does go through tires because of my driving, power, and front-wheel drive. It is always garaged, so the exterior still looks like new. Styling doesn't look out of date. I test drive the new models and can't justify the cost. I only wish it had some of the modern driving assists.
Very Dependable and Gorgeous Body Style
This the most dependable auto that I have purchased to date. When I am behind the wheel, I feel like I am really driving in style. Great performance.
My 4/5 TL
A car that has successfully stood the test of time is the 2008 Acura TL. It still offers an excellent balance of luxury, and safety, with a sporty design in 2024. Acura did an excellent job of building a car that looks well and performs well. But like every car, it has problems, in terms of fuel economy and the price of premium gas. However, the Acura TL is still an excellent pick for anyone looking for a dependable, stylish, and timeless vehicle. First of all, the Acura TL offers amazing safety features. The car had quite modern technology for its time, yet being more than ten years old. Its traction control, vehicle stability, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) all work together to make sure that the car handles well—even in bad weather conditions. Along with this there are airbags for the front and sides, and curtains are included to protect the passengers and driver in case of a car accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) both gave the car good crash-test ratings when it first came out. Because of this, the TL is an excellent option for anyone who values road safety. The 2008 Acura TL is not only very attractive and comfortable to drive, but it is also extremely safe. With its leather seats and wood trim, the interior of the automobile screams luxury and sophistication. An important feature for long road trips or even just your everyday drive is that the chairs are heated and adjustable. The technology included with the TL is one of the many features that makes driving it fun. The premium surround-sound audio system, navigation system, and bluetooth connection all function correctly and add comfort to driving, even though this car isn't brand new. While it may lack as many features as a newer car, the TL holds its own compared to newer cars. ;’The 2008 Acura TL's looks are one of its best features. The TL has maintained a sleek refined and timeless look that is still eye-catching in 2024, unlike many other cars that date back to the mid-2000s. The car offers a sporty slim design. It still looks fantastic now perhaps because it isn't overly flashy or modern. It's obvious that Acura gave the TL a lot of consideration to ensure that it would age nicely. Though being an older vehicle, it blends in well with the more modern cars on the road. The 2008 Acura TL's main downsides is how fuel-efficient it is. The car's 3.2-liter V6 engine delivers good performance and power but is not very fuel-efficient. It gets about 18 to 20 mpg in the city and about 26 mpg on the interstate, on average. If it wasnt for the fact that premium gas is more expensive than regular gas , this wouldn't be such a huge concern. The expense of filling up the tank can quickly mount up if you travel a lot or have a long daily commute like me traveling 44 miles one way to school from Clayton county to Gwinnett county . If you're considering purchasing this car, you should be aware of how often gas prices change. To sum things up, the 2008 Acura TL offers a good combination of luxury, safety, and timeless styling. Its stylish exterior has held up well over time, and its interior is nice looking and comfy with some important safety features. The disadvantage is that it uses a lot of fuel, especially since premium gas is needed. The Acura TL is still a dependable, vehicle that has stood the test of time if you don't mind paying a little bit more at the gas pump. Despite the fuel expenses, it's absolutely something to think about if you value comfort and design.
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Just a Honda
Complete "rattle box" - and as my wife notes, style is already very outdated. We drove the C350, 335 and GS350 over the weekend, all I can say is that all of these are nicer, have much better interiors. Don't let the "reliability" sales pitch sway you - we had more problems with a new TL than we did with our two other MBs. In hindsight, interior is very bland. Handling is average - feels like a box on wheels, and corners poorly (never expected so much squealing). This car is meant for 40- 50 yr olds.
Fix the Seats
Very uncomfortable for a long drive. Seats feel ok on short trips but on long trips they create backaches. Lumbar support is not positioned correctly and seats are not long enough to support the knees. Sit cushioning also needs adjusting. Suggest you check out the seating in a Lexus ES 350 for how it should be done especially the 2009 version.
One great car
My car has 106K+ miles and still runs like it did when new. The Acura TL Type S represents a nearly perfect balance of performance, style and affordability. Maintenance requirements have been minimal.
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It's An Acura (YAWN).
Traded in my Lexus 330RX for the Acura TL. Thus far, the car has proven to be a rattle box. Center console rattles. Driver side windows rattle. Have had it back to dealer twice already to fix the problem. Basically, this car makes me miss the luxury and quality of my Lexus and makes me feel Acura is the company for those who cannot afford a Lexus, BMW, or Benz. Plus, in retrospect, I purchased a car whose style has been the same for what seems to be two decades now. It's outdated. At best, I am hopeful this car will be dependable because it's nothing special to drive nor look at.
Looks great. runs great, performs great
A joy to drive, handling is superior, ride and seat comfort all terrific
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2008 Acura TL
It is only 3 inches shorter than a 5 series BMW and has nearly the fit and finish. The interior and electronics are ergonomically sound and easy to use, as well as beautiful. The navigation option is a brilliant and large 9-in screen in the center of the dash w/backup camera, that actually comes in use. The front wheel drive is a a bit of a bummer for anyone performance-oriented, but overall the car is fantastic top to bottom. Comfortable, fits 4 adults, rear seat legroom is spacious, all seat surfaces a plush. Gas mileage is averaging around 24, for a 260hp V6, that's quite amazing too.
Best Looking Sedan with the price
I only have less than 600 miles on my 2008 TL and I hate to leave the car alone. It is so much fun to drive this car. Like its name TL (Touring Luxury), you would love to drive the sporty sedan with its build in luxury experience that put you right in the driving mode (not commute mode). Unlike Lexus, Acura TL and BMW series give you the communication with the dirt on the road. If you like to drive on the air (like Toyota with small wheels and big rubber tire), TL is not for you. It is always a hardship to blend luxury with sporty features. Acura TL seamlessly combined them.
Good Value
For the great lease you can not beat the value of this car, lots of options that cost extra or cannot get on other cars. The ride is a little on the stiff side especially when temps are below 30 degrees.
Great Value
Test drove Bmw 328 & 335 turned off by small interior space & expensive options (i.e. HID light for $800). Loved the engine, though. If you want sports sedan, go w/ bmw. TL is not a sports sedan, it's sporty, more like a comfortable cruiser & that's what I was looking for in a car. Test drove both regular TL & type s. Thought TL handled better & quieter. Was not too crazy about the rims & taillight treatment on type s & 4 tailpipes (look like some cheap aftermarket replacments, disappointed for 38K+ car). Like I said earlier, if you want a crusier, TL is it. No matter what Acura says as long as it's FWD, never will be a sports sedan but in daily drive, TL is enough for me.
Fantastic car no mechanical issues.
Well taken care of.
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