Used 2009 Acura TL Consumer Reviews
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Bold New TL!
Overall, this car is a great value for all that's included in the price. I like the bold exterior styling that sets it apart from all the other boring "vanilla" cars out there. Performance, handling, ride, features and build quality is much improved over the previous generation. Interior is also greatly improved and roomier than before. The nav system and ELS surround system are both top-notch. Fuel economy is also decent: I'm averaging about 20-21 in city driving.
Gimme More!
What can I say, 4th Acura and it gets better every time. I didn't like the grille at 1st, but I had it painted to match the body color and its a lot better. Walks away from the competition in every aspect!
- Base SedanMSRP: $7,50019 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $9,37896 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $10,995101 mi away
2009 TL with SH-AWD
My first TL and I now understand all the hype surrounding Acura engineering. The attention to details, the technology, superior handling in snow and ice conditions, and respectable performance for a luxury sports sedan. Looked at Mercedes, BMW and Caddy... no contest!! I really enjoy all the conveniences and I am quickly getting a handle on the voice activated command system. Keyless start is a really is a nice feature as well. Paddle shifters really makes it feel like a performance vehicle. The safety features are second to none, meeting 2010 standards today!
Unquestionably The Best Bang For Buck
This car is nothing short of awesome. I love the Acura pricing policy. Just two choices: AWD/FWD and tech/non-tech. Unbelievable how much quality and technology you get for ~$35k. In size, features, comfort and appointments, the car is competitive with mid sized sports sedans costing $17-20k more (think: 5 series, E-class, A6). It drives like a dream. Steering is razor sharp, suspension is just the perfect combination of compliant and firm (the SH-AWD package was too firm for my taste). Real time traffic, weather, Zagat restaurant ratings/descriptions, nav system and screen that is truly state of the art (MUCH better than any of the Germans or the G35/37), audio system that has no peer, etc.
Acura TL
This is my first new car and what a car it is. Fun to drive and the technology can be overwhelming sometimes but still great. I already put 500 miles on my car after just 1 week because I want to drive it everyday. The SH-AWD is great, the car is glued to the road during all types of conditions. I'm averaging 28MPG on the highway and I've seen has high as 40mpg.
Weigh in the pros and cons
Recently purchased a new SH-AWD with Tech package. Pros: 1) Easy to use navigation 2) Inside layout's neat and makes sense. 3) Bigger interior spaces and more room for back seats. 4) Push button engine start. 6) Price is right compared to other competitors. Cons: 1) suspension is too stiff that you can feel every tiny, tiny bump of the road. Any ride longer than 10 minutes in the city is not enjoyable. 2) back trunk is relatively high for putting away heavier objects and it's small as well. 3) Some of the interior materials feel cheap: plastic of door pockets bring the car down. 4) seats are not comfortable as the previous two TL models I had driven.
The Best Choice - TL Tech
My TL handles so well and is one of the most comfortable rides I've had, especially upgrading from a Honda Prelude. The voice recognition for the Navi, Climate Control, and radio is awesome. It's still a bit of a learning curve though, but one of the best features. The TL has provided me with the best driving experience thus far.
2009 Acura TL 3.5
Picked up our Acura tl Saturday May the 9th 2009 and we were extremely impressed with what a beauty it was, and when we saw it sitting there all cleaned up I fell in love right there. We have 575 miles on the car, and 530 miles was on the first tank of gas, and I was getting over 26 miles per gallion. Love styling, high quality, ride is firm but very planted, great sound system, polished metal exterior, what a class act and love the paddle shifters and dealer will install rear spoiler Tuesday to really set off the beautiful rear of the car, also love the exhaust tips as they look awsome. Manual way too thick and confusing, roomy rear seat, big trunk, and we just love the sleek hunkered down look.
Super Handling Yes...Super Hard Ride Yes
How do you love everything about a car, but when it comes to how hard it rides, it ruins all the other feeling, emotions and realities you have. Acura missed on using the wrong tires and suspension and shock settings. If I wanted a harder ride then a Ferrari, I would have gotten a different four door sedan. This is painful!
Acura TL
I'm a first time Acura owner, sold my 2002 Volvo S60 before purchasing my TL. This car is amazing, comfortable power and fun to drive. The SH-AWD is great, the car is glued to the road at all speeds in turns. I looked at the Lexus RX350 and was sure I was going to buy that but Lexus will not discount the price, so I test drove the TL and bought it the same day.
Fast and high-tech
Engine is smooth and powerful, but produces some torque steer on the FWD model. Without the AWD option its easily the best value compared to competitors. This car is a geek's best friend. The interior is full of innovative technologies such as a nav system that routes around bad weather and automatic climate control that tracks the sun's position in the sky. The stereo is impressive, but the built-in hard drive is limited to playing ripped CDs, no directly loading mp3 files. The car is very easy to control with electronic steering and downshifting the transmission for engine braking is extremely smooth. But it would be nice if Honda moved to a 6-speed or better to match Toyota.
Class Value Leader!
Having driven many competitive vehicles (bmw, lexus, audi, cadillac, infiniti, etc), the value of the 2009 TL is simply in a class of its own. With excellent power, a very comfortable ride, and an amazing tech package, this car has been a blast to own. Also, after a couple of 600 mile road trips, I am averaging 28 mpg highway and around 20 mpg in the city. Outstanding fuel economy for a car this powerful. I do miss having a RWD powertrain, but Acura has mostly eliminated the torque steer from their previous efforts, and I am sure the fwd helps with fuel economy. A little more body roll than I want, but a comparable 5 series bmw that offers better cornering was 15K+.
Acura TL - Get One!
Excellent Car! The Tech Package is awesome - I purchased the car almost 2 weeks ago and I am still finding new neat features. Very pleased to find out that my family of 5 can ride comfortably in the car - me, my wife, my 9 year old, my 8 year old and my 15 month old (with car seat). Get one.
Honda engineering = Peace of mind!
A few weeks ago I purchased this 2009 Acura TL and absolutely love it! This Acura TL is super quiet, super smooth super fast and super solid. It tracks like a locomotive and never loses its composer. I traded a 2008 Lexus ES350 for this Acura and I am very proud of my decision. The Lexus felt cheap and sloppy when compared to this Acura TL. This is the best choice I made!
Great Value
Compared to other cars that I drove in several different classes this car gave me the most bang for the buck. The space that the car provides and quality of all the finishes compared to other cars at its price point is superior.
Nice car
I had an Infiniti M35x and wanted a cheaper monthly payment without sacrificing the luxury. Looked at BMW 3 and Volkswagen CC. BMW was too expensive and everything was extra and VW was a little too small. The TL had everything I wanted standard (heated seats, sunroof and bluetooth). Dealer added the decklid spoiler for free. Engine is powerful and seats are comfortable. A little more road noise comes in than I would have liked. Dash layout is nice, looks modern and sporty. Steering is nice and tight. Fuel economy is great (22+) considering I averaged 14 mpg with the M35. I like the ipod connectivity. Good sounding stereo. I like this car a lot.
Quality at a Reasonable Price
Between my wife & me we have owned 4 Acura cars (starting with a 1992 Legend) over the past 17 years. We traded a 1999 TL for the 2009 TL. What really sets off the new TL is its sculpted looks and flowing lines; however, I must admit that the front grille is a bit overdone. Although the dash controls look complicated, they are well marked and do not take long to figure out. Seats are comfortable (but not pillow like), with great support for the back. The brakes on this TL are much better than any Acura I have ever owned and the drive is smooth and quite with very precise steering.
'09 TL
The car is very comfortable. Love the way it rides firm but smooth. It is also very quiet. I do mostly highway driving and according to the onboard computer I avg between 30-34 mpg going 65.
Convinced About Acura / Honda Technology
I live in New England and drive 33,000 miles a year for my sales position. I recently purchased 09 TL AWD with the Tech Package. I upgraded from a 2004 Honda Accord V6 that had 163K Miles on it. What convinced me to buy and Acura was the reliability of my Honda and the trade-in value of my car. When the dust settled I walked out the door paying $30K with my trade-in. I looked at several competitors but kept coming back to Acura. The handling of the TL AWD and the Tech Package won me over. I plan to keep the car for 5-years and expect it will be very reliable and hold it's value when it comes time to trade it in. If you don't look at the TL you miss out on an excellent vehicle.
Harry Potter's Broomstick
I was debating between the 2008 Lexus ES350 and this Acura. I am so happy that I have made the perfect choice to bring it home. I love it. The driving is very smooth and powerful. I am driving a lot everyday, the MPG is around 28 on freeway. The seats are very comfortable. I love the design inside out. I did not purchase the tech. package, but came with the car are the bluetooth, iphone connection features.
Perfect out of the box!!
Awesome style, fun to drive - especially the AWD. Ride is firm but not rough at all. Interior is super quiet while on freeway etc. Awesome build quality, drives perfect...and may be the first vehicle I have purchased which will not require a re-visit to the dealer for any mechanical, balancing, alignment, etc. Every other car I have purchased in the last 20 years had to be taken back...Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, GM. Love it, love it, love it. Awesome in black!!
So far - loving it!
I've only had this car for a few days but I absolutely love it so far. The looks were iffy at first but have really grown on me for the models with black exterior/black interior. The handling is superb - it doesn't roll much but has a soft highway ride at the same time. The brakes are awesome and I love the electric steering - absolutely no play = precision. So far there isn't anything I don't like about this. This is a great value for the money.
Best Car Pick for Class
I purchased the 2009 AWD TL in White Diamond. It has been a very satisfactory purchase. The exterior design was difficult at first to accept, but it really grows on you. The interior is excellent. I love to drive the car, and after four months, the quality has been outstanding. Acura knows how to build a car well, and the service after the sale support has been superb. The technology is exceptional and especially good, since Acura doesn't nickle-and-dime you with add-ons. I'm a committed Acura customer with this car and the last, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
Best car I've ever owned
I can't say enough about my 09 TL (basic model). It comes equipped with features you'd expect to find in a much more expensive car. Best deal on the market.
Very Happy
I'm a tall driver (6'6") and finally found a "fit" in the new TL. What an upgrade from my '99 Chevy Malibu! Averaging about 24 MPG and love the performance. Beautiful interior with great features - Voice-activated blue tooth, XM, Universal link garage opener, and this is all in the base model. Exterior is beautiful, even getting used to the Bucky beaver front-end. Overall, design is great.
Awesome new TL
I love the new TL. This is my third TL in a row (04' and 06') and it is by far the best one I've every owned. Like many I was skeptical about the exterior styling, but I've had nothing but thumbs up. I live in Canada and with the winter tires it handles fantastically well. I love the iPod interface and the bluetooth. I also love the ticker steering wheel, I only wish it was heated. I also love the paddle shifters and that you can shift gears while the transmission is still in drive. I'm a little disappointed in some of the material used like the interior door handle. Overall I definitely would recommend this car.
What a Great Car!
Just got the 2009 Acura TL/AWD/Tech today. Wow, what a great car this is. The handling was superb and the drive is fun and comfortable. I love the Technology Package and especially the voice recognition system.
3rd Acura
I previously drove a Nissan Maxima for 6 years, until I switched to Acura in 2003. Since then I have never looked back. The comfort and performance in the 2009 TL is incredible. I spend a lot of time in my car meeting with my customers so handling and comfort are very important. Having upgraded from the 2006 TL the difference is incredible. Acura has created the perfect balance between comfort and performance and thrown in all the bells and whistles.
2009 Acura TL
I am a fan of Acura cars, having owned a 2003 Acura TL, 2004 TL and 2008 TSX. Overall I found the 2009 TL to be an improvement over the 2004 TL, but there are some little things that I dislike: The soft armrest for your right elbow that slides forward that was present in preceding models is now gone. I miss this.The trunk lid is now higher so you have to lift things higher to put them in the trunk. When accelerating, the engine revs more than the older TLs. What I dislike most is that the steering is too light and feels unnatural. Pros: The interior feels luxurious and upscale. The navi is quicker and the screen sharper and brighter.
SH-AWD TL is a monster
This week I drove the first new TL SH-AWD off the lot here in NYC and this car is nothing short of an absolute black top carving rocket. I drove the front wheel drive model which was nice but can't hold a candle to the power and handling of the SH-AWD version. The tight power and control carves through turns and is every bit the powerful car Acura has ever built. The Tech package give you everything you could need from a fast, clear nav system with tons of features, iPhone integration including music and phonebook. I owned a TL from the previous generation and this new version improves on everything that I didn't like about the old version and the SH-AWD makes it into the car I always wanted.
Dream Car
It's way too early, but we love our new TL, and I don't expect that to change. The ride is firm, but I disagree with others that it's too firm. We are coming from a 325, so maybe we are used to it. It corners/handles as well, rides better and quieter, and is so roomy. The seats are amazing.
A Terrific and Reliable Car
The 2009 Acura TL AWD is a fantastic car. It was well-built inside and out. I previously leased a Lexus ES 350 and the driving was night and day compared to this TL. I am one of those who love the look of the TL and appreciate the boldness of the Acura design team. In my opinion, the TL is a wonderful bang for the buck. Where else can you find a comparable car with all the driving and technological capabilities for less than $40,000?
Acura Got This One Right!
I was in the market for a new sedan and shopped Infiniti G37 and Lexus ES. Stumbled onto the re-designed TL and...WOW!!! This car is a real eye-catcher. Bold new lines, aggressive styling, and it drives like it has more than 280HP. I decided to buy it after one test drive. Very fun to drive, and really decent mileage for a car with this much zip. I love this TL!
I Love This Car
I have only had it for less than a month but everyday I love this car more and more. The nav, climate control, and other tech features it has takes a little time to get used to. It handles great, the ride is comfortable, and it looks awesome.
Great car for the real world
Hands down the best interior in its class. I love the exterior too. This is one car that won't get lost in the parking lot. I have the pearl white and get compliments all the time. This car handles beautifully, especially around corners. When it comes to how people drive 99.9% of the time, this car wins hands down. If you are instead intent on taking your car through a slalom course, maybe pay the extra $10k for similarly equipped BMW or sacrifice interior luxury and resale value and go for a g37. My 2nd TL and I've been very impressed with how solid these cars are. Never had problems with either.
Really nice car
This is an engineering marvel. It is the most intuitive vehicle I've ever driven. You think about going around a corner and you're there. The ride is a little stiff but that's the price one pays for the performance, at least until you get into cars costing three times as much. The gas mileage isn't great, but after all its not a hybrid. Still, if you go easy on it, it's a lot better than you'd expect. The interior controls are overwhelming at first, but once learned are easy to use. The exterior styling stands out and I predict will be a harbinger of things to come across all makes. The tech options are second to none. I assume it will be as reliable as my last TL, so well done Acura.
Simply Excellent
After test driving G37, IS350 and TL AWD, I and my wife both agreed to purchase TL AWD. We are very happy with excellent ride quality of TL, and its amazing tech package and reliability. Suspension is little hard for un-paved road driving, but it was all expected. I am getting average of 22 mpg, which is not bad I think, considering its 3.7L 300hp engine.
SH-AWD is a blast!
I had a 2008 Type S and loved it. My only complaint about this car was the FWD, always spinning when I needed grip. Most of this problem was made moot when I drove home my SH-AWD two days before the big snowfall in Seattle. I now have 500 miles on my SH-AWD, I can tell you that unless you've taken the SH-AWD in 10 degrees with a foot of compact snow & ice on mountain roads, gliding around corners above freeway speed limits when others could just as well be peddling their cars, you really don't have the data needed to write a review. I'll give you that look of the nose and rear of the body as it comes from Acura aren't as cool looking as the 08 Type S, but those two panels could be painted.
Very impressed for the $
Fast enough, quiet enough, and lots of tech/features for the money. Shopped 335 and G35 but TL had the best blend of luxury/comfort with performance. It's not a compact sports sedan, but it is everything else that you can ask for south of $35K.
Outstanding Vehicle
I love this car. Previous had a 04 TL and a 07 Type S TL. Must admit at first was not a fan of front design, but after a while I love it. It evokes emotion from everyone who sees it. It is a much better car than previous models. The navi is 100% improved from previous models. The AWD system is the best, I drove a Lexus AWD and this beats it hands down.
Keeps Getting Better
Took my Acura TL SH-AWD into it's first snow & ice. Car handles well, low center of gravity, solid feel - AWD on demand function works great. A 4WD SUV next to me slid off the road into the guardrail but my TL did fine. Great car, nice quality, good dollar value. 5 Star safety rating doesn't hurt, either.
Good car, but ask yourself...
Coming from a 08 TL. Test drove many times both AWD & FWD w/ tech. Got a mixed feeling like other 08 TL owners did. Technology beats other competitors like G37 or 08 TL. But not sure why such an advanced car has to skip auto-dimmed side mirrors, ventilated seats, rain-sensing wiper, etc. On a 08' TL I don't have to pay for the tech package to get ELS sound system and the perforated leather. Still a very good car for the price level, but option-wise, you want to ask yourself what's really important to you vs. what it has to offer.
New TL owner
My last three cars now have been Acuras, an 04TL and a 06RL. I've been waiting for the 09 all summer. The wait was well worth it. Having driven the SHAWD RL, I wish I didn't have to sacrifice that option for the tech package but I wanted the audio upgrade more. I am very happy. The car handles great with a nice feel for the road. Plenty of power with a luxury interior. The audio and nav system is great. Big improvement over the 06RL.This car is really a cross between the TL and RL. I realize there are many choices out there for $40K. But for my money the 09 TL Tech fills my needs quite well. One more thing, just get in it and drive. Don't worry about all the tech stuff, settings, etc., figure out later.
Just an AWESOME vehicle
We purchased our TL with Technology Package 1 week ago. We continue to be amazed at the performance and the amount of features per dollar. We have received many compliments on the vehicles looks both inside and out. It is roomy enough for the two of us and our 2yr old. She has more leg room in the back then she did in our old vehicle-a Saab 9-7x SUV.
Great Car/Great Price
Have had the car for about 2 weeks now and so far all I can say is awesome. Had an '04 Infiniti G35 AWD and it rattled like crazy. Then a '07 Lexus ES 350, great car but boring to drive and expensive with options. The new TL takes the best of both those cars and puts it into one attractive, fun to drive package. The nav. system and sound system are top notch. Fit and finish are great and with only 600 miles on the car I am avg. 20 mpg in the city, not bad for a car with 280 hp. The seats feel good and the steering wheel has a nice feel to it. The kid in me loves the paddle shifters.
A Great Performance Sedan for the Money
Had a 2005 Mercedes E500 4Matic and was looking for a car that had the same size engine and same size interior. Have had the TL SH AWD HPT for over a month and this car does not disappoint. The handling is unbelievable and the power/acceleration is very good. Drove the G37x and the CTS 4 and the TL was just a better car for the money. The ride can be a little stiff and you can feel the bumps on a rough road which is why I gave a rating of 8 for comfort. Overall, though, the ride is good and the cabin is very quiet. Also, the tech package is a must. Easy to use and I use the real time weather a lot more than I thought I would. And I like the front/back design. It is edgy/different.
TL=FUN
Just got the car. Tried to buy a Genesis first, but could not get right with the dealer. Glad he wouldn't bargain. TL is like a sports car, lots of fun to drive. Great handling and performance. Only drawback is interior space.
Best Bang for your Buck!
I've had a '98/CL, '01/CL, '05, & '09TL By far, the latest edition is superior Loved my '05, but the technology, ride & handling, blow it away. Best stock audio system available; plays DVD Audio, CD's, Ipod interface, HDD; (copies all 2 channel CD's), XM radio, AM/FM, etc. 445 Watts of pure bliss I've heard nuances, on my DVD Audio's, that didn't exist before. Can't find a better value, ANYWHERE!
Great Exterior Design
I traded my 97 Acura CL. The new 09 TL has the wow factor. So many cars on the road today all look the same. Once again Acura has brought a bold new look on the road. I didn't want to pay for a Big L on the back of my trunk. Blending with the rest of the crowd does not work for me. I am an Acura fan all the way.
I love to drive my Acura
Having always driven Lincolns, I wanted to look around when I was ready to trade. As soon as I drove the Acura TL, I knew this was the car I wanted. I can't say enough good about it. It beautiful to look at, rides like a dream and has everything I wanted on it without having to pay for the extras...moon roof, heated seats, premium sound system. Because I'm hearing impaired, I've never been able to enjoy a car sound system. Now, I open the roof, turn on the XM radio and hear clearly....wow! I drove several other brands and none compared with the Acura TL. Do yourself a favor...go get one...you'll be glad you did.