Used 2009 Acura TL Consumer Reviews
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Coming back to Acura
This car is not a sports car. It's a sedan that accelerates fast, comfortable and quiet to ride in. Having driven the 330i, decided it's no longer for my taste; the BMW demanded my attention at all times. One wrong move and the kidney grills head into the wrong lane. TL is more forgiving for daily driving. It just depends on what you want. My goal with the current purchase was fast, quiet and comfortable, plus solid reliability to boot. Styling is purely subjective, so say what you will about the TL styling, it's just an opinion and preference. Build quality is excellent compared to my previous cars, Lexus IS250, BMW 330i and 525i.
A fun everyday 4 door sports car
Have owned this car since Christmas, 2008, it's now heading into Christmas 2010, so two years. I can say that it has been a truly pleasurable experience... The car is quick, agile, comfortable, gets 30mpg (!, surprised) and reliable...has the tech package which is VERY useful, and has a huge WOW factor...my fiance likes the car much more than her Lexus. This is my third Acura, the first, a 1999 model, was the best car that I had ever owned up until that time, the second was a 2002 (all TLs) pretty much like the first, and this 2009 model is fantastic... The only problem that I've had was with the driver's seat bolster wearing prematurely...worth the money spent...
- Base SedanMSRP: $7,50019 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $9,37896 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $10,995101 mi away
Great first Acura
My 09 TL with the tech package is everything I wanted in a CPO Acura. I traded in a 2008 Audi A4 and wanted an upgrade to something larger and more spacious. The car drives great, handles awesome (without the SH-AWD too!) and has all the features of a BMW, MB or Lexus for a thousands less. I highly recommend you test drive a TL before making your next car purchase.
Nice Car
Although the exterior of this styling seems a bit awkward, the first time one of them drive past me on the freeway, I was hooked. It's angular styling is actually quite brilliant. I purchased one for my wife in the pearl white color and we get nothing but compliments. The ride is pleasant and the engine has plenty of power for entertaining launches onto freeways and long jaunts to LA. In fact, the day after I bought it, I put over 400 miles on it driving to southern California and it was excellent. I also have a loaded Honda Accord, and I'll admit that I used to think Acura TL's were just a dressed-up Accord. But I am a believer now that the Acura is a much nicer car, even in standard trim.
I've seen the future
This car is one "Sexy Beast." Test drove both models several times. Previous 2001 CL owner and I have always loved Acura's (Honda's) approach, luxury from a different angle keeping performance, reliability, and quality in the mix. Performance is in the hand of the driver for the most part...I haven't notice a lag in acceleration nor any weird steering problems. Solid. Paying more doesn't equate to better. BMW's and Audi's and such still have folks fooled(along with media such as MT). I love the design for its daring non-cookie cutter non-euro ultra technical look. I'm a design engineer so the art-functionality looks appeal to me and evidently to the ladies, they swoon over it daily.
Not Boring
I can say that this is the first car I have ever purchased that I love. Great styling (not boring). Very quick, sweet interior with plenty of room, I am 6'4" and have no problem fitting in the front or back. Decent gas mileage for the power you get. Yes a Honda Accord V6 may be similar but they are a totally different car. Drove the Accord and found it boring (every family has one). Get looks in this car all the time. This car looks like a $50,000.00 vehicle. Great value for the price compared to BMW, Lexus, Nissan Maxium, Audi, Mercedes. If you want a car that will have style and is reliable and a fun drive that not everyone on the block has this is the car for you.
No Remorse
I am very satisfied with my purchase... with a few exceptions. The gas mileage is not very good. I did my research and expected this. However, in city driving, I am only averaging 14.3 mpg (according to the computer). Hopefully, the mpg will get better as more miles are racked up. I have had nothing but raves from friends and co-workers about the exterior and interior of the car. I chose Palladium Metallic with the taupe interior. I think this combination looks very good on the car. Not one person has mentioned the "beak". I am not someone who likes to spend money so I did a lot of research before purchasing this Acura. I believe my decision was correct.
An Amazing Sports Sedan!!!
After 1 month and 2000 miles, this is now my favorite car of all time. Yes the ride is firm with the 19s and it is a tad bit thirsty on gas, but the total package is worth it. I found a '09 CPO TL Tech SH-AWD with 41K miles and it is rock solid. The handling is unbelieveable. I may not be able to toss it in a corner like a BMW, but the handling is rewarding on its own merit. The interior is amazing and the seats wrap around you like a glove. I can't wait to drive it each day!!
09 AcuraTL
Just bought my new 09 TL base love the car already. I traded in my 02 because the transmission went out right in front of the dealership it must have been a sign. Everything in this car is 100% improved from the 02 model. I looked at ES350 nice car but once you add all the options just too much and the G37 it was too small. Best car you can get out there for the money hands down
My favorite ugly duckling
I will start off to say most hated the first glimpse of the new fourth generation TL platform when it released in late 2008, but I believe it is an acquired taste. My previous car was a Honda S2000 and when I was exiting my ownership of that vehicle I was worried I would soon be stranded into a mundane driving experience. This was not the case. For a near 4000lbs car that barely breach's 300hp at the crank it moves quite nicely. I live in a rather snowy climate (number two snowiest city in the US) and while I got around with snow tires in the S2000 just fine, the SH-AWD TL was awesome even on all seasons, not to mention a blast of mash, steer and go. The car is well laid out as far as controls and technology and is very user friendly once accommodated with all the functions. It is incredibly spacious for my height and for a mid-size vehicle. Most of all, the build quality and material choice makes me appreciate the interior when compared to other vehicles in its used price range. The technology package delivers a pretty nice stock sound system with a very conservative navigation display. Beware that with this sound system the door speakers are prone to blowing out. However they are $25 to replace and this vehicles door panels are by far the most user friendly to take on and off. Seriously if you've taken door panels off before they are usually a nightmare of clips breaking, but that is not the case here. Overall I am very pleased with the value of this car for roughly $19,000 used with 50,000 miles when bought over a year ago. The Mayan Bronze Metallic color is quite beautiful as well.
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An Exhilarating Luxury Sedan
I have had this car for three months now. I applaud Acura for finally taking the lead with a fresh bold design for the TL. The cars styling is simply brilliant--- inside and out. The superbly integrated Tech. package brings the cars substance on par with its stunning looks. For the last 15 years, Ive only driven German cars. Before buying the TL, I also considered Audi A4, BMW 535x, VW CC VR6, Infiniti G37x, and the Lexus ES350. All things considered, my final analysis led me straight to the TL.
Solid midrange sedan
Decently fast, very fast in Sport mode. Solid reliability. Trust it to start everytime in any weather condition. Good snow traction. Quiet and nice ride, not too harsh like the 3 series or IS.
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My love.
I love my car it was fast,sexy and powerful I wouldn't trade it for any other car and I had plenty different cars. I had tv in my headrest for my boys with technology package. Sweet car.
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Best Vehicle Ever!
I might be writing this prematurely as I have only had my new Acura for a week. But wow, this car in unbelievable. I test drove Infiniti G37 and Lexus GS. I can't imagine a vehicle with more bang for the buck. I love the styling, performance, handling and navigation system.
Grows on me like a good wine
I purchased a pearl white 2009 TL with the Tech package. I owned 3 Audi A4's previously and loved them but felt the 2009 price for the A4 and BMW 335 was becoming an issue. This car is very well built and has very good road manners. It grows on me every day and I have no regrets about my decision to buy a TL. I was taken back by the size of the car at first, but now it is second nature and I appreciate the room. It may not be completely as crisp to drive as a BMW or Audi, but in many ways it feels better and is very solid. It is a pleasure to drive and to own! I upgraded to the stock SHAWD 18" wheels and highly suggest you do the same..really enhances road handling and appearance.
Forgot my G35x
I've had my new TL for 2 weeks and am in love with it. Traded in my 2007 G35x and do not miss it one bit. interior is large and fit and finish is top notch. reviews regarding steering are not accurate. Steering is spot-on and effort is just right. controls are intimidating at first but make perfect sense after a few days. gas mileage is great for this class, and as far as the styling goes, even stubborn anti-car girlfriend loves it.
The car I thought I woudln't be able to afford!
This car is a great car, it gets good fuel economy for the size of the car. Car and Driver website Calls it the "Bruce Wayne Mobile" for 7 year old car everything has held up with little wear on the front seats. the car is glued to the road and is far ahead of its time for being a 2009. People think the car is brand new I bought used with only 56k miles under 16k. Update. Overall the car has been great to own I still get compliments for a car that is 8 years old it hugs the road and the fuel economy is fair in my opinion for being awd. I will hold onto this car for another 10 years. Affordable luxury is the way to go, love my Tl! So far so good had to replace an alternator and pulley with a serpentine belt but all is good loving the car and had to change the tires michellin pilot sports as3 are not cheap but do an amazing job keeping the car for as long as I can.
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2009 acura tl
I am on my second year with my tl, and I as very impressed with the quality, and the smooth 3.5 engine and I am not that impressed with the manual auto shifter, as sometimes the transmission shifts two times, and this car should have a six speed manual available instead of making you buy the over 40,000 dollar all wheel drive with the technology package, and the six speed should be available in the tsx also as it has the same engine that the tl has as a option, and this five speed just is not a good fit as it holds the engine back, and we love this car, and we drove a mdx for a few days, and now this is a real car, as this car really sounds so good with the 3.7 engine singing with a big smooth burst.
Pleasantly Surprised...
First, I must admit this car is nice and fun to drive. I was looking for something comparable to my '06 525i and struggled with the decision to trade it. But after owning the TL for over a month & a half, the trade was well worth it. I'm a big techy person and having all the features that the TL comes with was like putting a kid in a candy store. My 525i didn't even have a quarter of those features & to get them would've cost thousands. I was also concerned about the speed between RWD & FWD. But the TL has proved itself to be just as good in that area. Also, I believe the TL has the reliability that I've been looking for...which I didn't have with the 525i.
This car turns heads!! (in a good way)
I absolutely love the styling inside and out. There has been some criticism in the press about looks, but to me it looks strikingly different and fresh. Same with the inside. There's a knock on the the multitude of buttons, bit I rarely go to the console because everything is voice activated, and besides, that's so much more fun. The novelty of saying "set driver temperature 70 degrees" still isn't wearing off. Being a Honda, I'm sure reliability will be bullet proof. Acceleration is OK, but I do give it low scores for handling - my only disappointment. Once you set up for a turn it's stable and secure, but transitions and aggressive moves are not this car's forte. Still, a great car.
A Dream Car
This is my third Acura. First one was 03, then 05 and now 09. The changes from the previous models are drastic. Every detail was thought of, even windshield wipers that no longer leave a streak of water on the windshield in front of driver's eyes. The interior is very high tech, functional and not boring. The suspension is now softer and the bumps are forgiving. It's wider and longer, so it gives you a lot more space. The tech package makes this car even better. For $35K, you'll never find a better car with features such as color backup camera, Ipod integrations, Navi w/weather/traffic updates, push button, etc.
Acura Superior Quality Car
Owned since 2010. 80,000 miles. PROS: Only had to change oil and tires. no other maintenance required. Handles well CONS: Road Noise excessive even with new tires
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Reliability and value
You will always have fun in driving and owning this car.
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Best Car for the Money!
This is our 3rd TL after owning the 02 & 06. Ride and comfort are excellent. After looking at Cadillac, Lexus, Infinity & BMW this is the best quality for the $$. The Tech package is outstanding, we love it. The ride improvement is excellent. Drove the 4-wheel version, yes it has more HP and is faster but you give up the smooth ride for the firmer sport ride. The 06 TL was the best road car we have ever had, can't wait to get the 09 on the road. The seats are better than Lexus. The rear leg room is much better than the 06. I do miss the blue dash lights that was in the 06 TL. It's a buyers market, got a great deal. Like the new lines, but the front end needs to grow on you.
Amazing automobile
Perfection describes the new tl sh-awd! My wife recently traded in her fully loaded Acadia for a loaded tl. I also owned a Lexus is in the past. We test drove everything out- Lexus, audis, BMW's, infiniti's, then we drove this gem. The tl has an amazing technology package -ipod connection, cd, hdd hard drive, and XM. It even holds pictures uploaded via the usb port. The navi is crystal clear and gigantic -I love to see the live weather. This car is comfortable and a blast to drive. I drove it across the country and enjoyed every minute. The leather is so soft! The 300+ horses blows m3's out of the water and I can still get 25 plus mpg's. Test drive one and you will see.
Awesome Car
I drove a G37x, A4, and 3 series. This car was by far the most technologically advanced car and had the best price. We are thrilled with it. Drives like a dream and the tech package makes the car extremely entertaining. The sound system is incredible. I don't think I have ever heard music sound as good. Very smooth ride, yet feels sporty when you want to push it hard.
American Made Road Rocket
Having had great experience with our two other Hondas, we chose the TL over the Accord EXL-V6 for a nicer interior and quieter ride. So far this car has not disappointed, providing a proven drive-train in an upscale fun to drive car. Power and handling are great but the ride is a little stiff. It does absorb potholes better the the Accord and is much quieter. Tech Package is easy to learn (without reading the 2" thick manual) and the sound system is excellent. This car is currently a bargain, costing thousands less than foreign assembled competitors.
A lot of car for the money
The TL packs a lot of car for the price. You can easily pay 1000s more for a comparably equipped German car. Enjoy all the tech features they packed. For a 1st year car, it feels pretty darn solid with no rattles so far. The ride is sporty but yet still maintains a luxury feel as well. The interior space is more than adequate to seat 5 in comfort. I like the high-tech look of the dash. The exterior style had me at first glance so it just works for me. I could think of improvements but I think I'm being picky at that point. The TL presents a value proposition that can't be beat.
My first foreign car
Coming off of a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, I test drove almost every luxury car you can think of. None of these cars have anything on the TL especially the price. This car is amazing. I was loyal to my Lincolns but this car is on a whole different level. I got the car for under invoice and they ate my last two payments on my Zephyr, can't beat that. Smoother, quiet and a lot better looking than the G37x, the Lexus nice car but overpriced and the interior is ugly.
Nice Car - Good Value
I just bought this car and really have enjoyed it. I got the tech package with my vehicle and it is taking me some time to get accustomed to all the features the car has to offer. I really like the hard drive and USB feature on the car. It does ride very smoothly and handles very well on the road. It is well worth the $$. I test drove the BMW 328 and 335 series and liked the Acura TL much better.
Bold
I compared the RL with the TL and there is no comparison. The TL has a better drive, better gas mileage, more pickup and cost $5,000 less. I was surprised that the two models are about the same size. The AWD is great in the snow. I previously had a BMW 750 and am not disappointed. It takes time to learn how to use all the features.
Exciting car to drive
Picked up this 2009 TL Sho With tech package 4/2009 and I must say the nav system is much better than in my 05 RL. The vehicle is fun to drive and I'm having a hard time staying out of it. The sound system is top notch and I love the IPod USB feature. Overall after doing much research and test driving BMW, Mercedes and Infinity this is the value for the money out here.
Holy Cow!!!
This is the first car I've ever driven that really handles like it's on rails!! The SH-AWD system is amazing, and after driving it back to back against the 335i and G37, there's simply no comparison. While the other two might be a little quicker in a straight line, they can't match the handling of this car. Plus, their interiors looked really cheap compared to how luxurious the TL is, and both felt really cramped. Concerning all the comments about the exterior, I have to admit I wasn't sure about it at first. But the more I look at the car the more I love it. I've never had a vehicle that turns so many heads. I had two guys in their 20's compliment the car saying it was "tight"!
Amazing!
Great performing car and amazing handling. It handles as well as or better than my Porsche C4S AWD on the corners and curves.
Sexy mom car
I am a 30 something mom who drives this car. I really do like it The pros about this car for me are: -very attractive outside styling -not having to use the key to unlock, start, or anything. LOVE IT! Especially when I am carrying a baby around -interior fit of the seat and space inside the car -the tech package with the hands free phone and how I can talk commands rather than finding the button Cons: -trunk size is small/oddly shaped -no rain sensing wipes -I don't think the sound system is excellent -no sun shade in the rear window -sat radio is only complimentary for 90 days -wish the radio would still play after I turn the car off for 5 minutes (my old Olds did...why can't this?)
Loving my new TL!!!
Okay...At first I didn't like the styling of the new TL. But I have to admit it has grown on me. I love the sexy shape, the way it handles, and the well designed interior. Before purchasing the TL, I test drove the Lexus IS 250 and the BMW 325I. The IS was too slow (4cyl engine in a 35K dollar vehicle??) and the BMW didn't offer much in terms of standard equipment. I basically chose the TL as I felt I got more bang for my buck. And we all know Acura makes quality vehicles.
Best Value For The Money
I have owned my new TL w/ Tech for almost 3 weeks and I have to say that I am really enjoying this car. I was leasing a 2006 Infiniti G35x and was contemplating a new one. After driving the new TL I was no longer interested in the G. The TL has a new exterior design that turns heads. The interior of the TL blows the Infiniti away. Everything feels solid and of very high quality. I have also been getting better gas mileage than I got in my old G35x. There is no other car in this price range that gives you the quality and the amenities found in the TL.
acura TL - 2009
This is my 3rd Acura, a 2000 TL, a 2003 TL-S and the 2009 TL. Far and away the 2009 is the best. love the style and the interior is outstanding. Handles great.
Problems, problems!
I think that this car is really overrated. Sorry that I bought it and I am done with Acura. Have had electrical problems and I am not happy. This is now the second Acura that has had problems. I don't know why this car company has a good rep.
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!
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.
2009 TL-tech
As soon as you start to initiate a corner the suspension grabs the road feeling even more secure; I don't know how they accomplished this and I wish I had a picture to show you the linkage near the rear tires. There's days I like to slumber home and the new TL coddles you home. Put the gear shifter into sport mode using the paddle shifters and the suspension seems to tighten up (I wonder if it has to do with the transmission either advancing the vehicle or slowing the car down when you let off the accelerator) when you want to race around, nice. Ipod, flash and hard drive integration are easy to use and once you get used to them you wonder how you lived without them.
Excellent
Best bang for the buck. Pleased with super duper performance.
The 2009 Acura TL is world-class
I love the Acura TL. The first thing everyone notices is the distinctive styling. Trust me, when you see this car in person, it looks great. It's very bold, distinctive and really stands out. Beautiful lines everywhere. The interior is also beautifully designed. You can see the beautiful lines and really see and feel the high level of craftsmanship. As well done and even more so compared to Audi interiors. Everything feels great. It has a powerful and smooth engine that can satisfy all but the most discriminating owners. The ride and handling is a perfect balance between sport and comfort. Drive the TL and you'll see how special this is. It's style, technology and luxury at its best.
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!
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.
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.
This Is An Absolute Steal
In a world of $55k+ 5 Series, A6's and E-Classes, this thing is an absolute steal. SOTA nav system and screen, real time weather/traffic, keyless entry/start, real leather, full ipod integration, hard disc drive to store CDs, moonroof, xenon headlights, tilt/telescope steering wheel, seat memories, power driver/passenger seats, tremendous interior room, amazingly sized back seat all for $36k. I felt like I was stealing it. Great ride and handling on the FWD model. Drove the SH- AWD and gotta tell you it's a hard ride. I'm in NYC so no way was I getting that. If you live where the roads are like glass, that may be your car, but with potholes, watch out! The FWD car handles potholes perfectly!
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 Vehicle Buy EVER !
We just bought our new TL and absolutely LOVE IT!!! We traded in a Cadillac STS and would never ever go back to a Cadillac. Everything about this car is great including the salesperson that sold it to us. It is just as roomy as the STS but way more roomy. The great thing about these cars are they are quiet. We love both the interior and exterior look of the car !! If you are thinking about buying this car... DO IT !!