Cars Specs

2011 Acura TL Reviews

All-wheel-drive TLs can now be equipped with a six-speed manual. All-wheel drive, a strong V-6 engine, plenty of high-tech features, and plenty of space make the 2011 Acura TL a strong contender in the luxury sedan market--despite its Honda Accord basis. If you want Acuras Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), youll move up to a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 borrowed from the larger Acura RL and paired with an optional manual transmission in addition to the standard automatic.

2011 Acura TL

We’ve long been a fan of this car, going all the way back to 1999 when the TL debuted, and in recent years have genuinely enjoyed driving the TL SH-AWD model. Included with the 2012 Acura TL’s rhinoplasty is some dental work. The TL’s massive front overhang has been reduced and while the car still looks a little nose-heavy, these modifications are undeniably successful in raising the Acura’s desirability quotient.
The TLs available 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 and six-speed manual transmission make a great pair. As for all that high-tech equipment, the 2011  Acura TL comes standard with a USB iPod/MP3 interface, eight-speaker audio system, and a high-resolution display that serves as the control center for the infotainment system (and navigation on equipped models).

Theres no gas mileage penalty for choosing the manual transmission; like the automatic all-wheel-drive  Acura TL, its rated 17/25 mpg city/highway and takes premium gas.While base front-drive and up level all-wheel-drive models have the same four-wheel independent suspension, all-wheel-drive versions come with different springs and shocks designed to improve the cars handling characteristics. I tested the all-wheel-drive TL, and the suspension maintains good body control over dips and rises in the road, but ride quality is firm. One benefit of the firmer suspension tuning is that the all-wheel-drive TL doesnt exhibit excessive body roll when cornering.

The all-wheel-drive systems formal name is Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, or SH-AWD for short. You can sense the transfer of torque to the outside rear wheel when powering out of a turn and it helps the  Acura TL feel more neutral and less nose-heavy than a traditional front-wheel-drive sedan. Theres definitely room for improvement where the TLs electrically assisted power steering is concerned. The TLs cabin is sporty-looking, featuring a four-gauge instrument panel and a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Acuras navigation system, which is included with the Technology Package, uses an 8-inch screen positioned high on the dash.

The  Acura TL received Good overall scores — the highest possible — in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safetys frontal-offset, side-impact and rear crash tests. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for both rows, active front head restraints and an electronic stability system. Check out all the TLs safety features on the Standard Equipment & Specs page.

Finally, we continue to be amazed by the TL’s SH-AWD system. Overall, the Acura TL is a safe, dependable, luxurious, refined, and entertaining sport sedan.