  2009 Acura TL. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Acura TL
Ottawa, Ontario – While the idea of purchasing a luxury car is to treat yourself to the comfort and convenience features that are typically only available in a higher-end vehicle, it’s fair to say that some drivers choose a luxury model for the image it portrays.
While Honda’s upscale Acura division has been quite successful since its inception in 1986, the brand’s main problem was that the cars didn’t always look like luxury cars. The mid-range TL is a prime example: since its debut in 1996, it looked for many years too much like the Accord family sedan it was based on.
For well over a decade, the TL (not to mention other Acura models) succeeded largely by coming in at a lower price than its German competitors, and by playing on parent company Honda’s record for reliability. For 2009, there’s been a change of attitude at Acura, and you have only to look as far as this redesigned TL’s nose to see it.
Like the Dame Edna-esque BMW 5 Series of 2004 and the 2005 Audi A6, with its controversial “single-frame grille,” the TL now has a more distinctive look that is guaranteed to make people think the car is expensive, even if the style isn’t for everyone.
To be fair, the prominent grille – you’ve seen similar treatment already on the RDX and MDX crossovers, and the smaller TSX sedan – is the only thing that’s off-putting; otherwise, the look is less risky. (Though perhaps not risky enough? One friend who saw the back of the TL mistook it at first for a Mazda6.) I won’t say I love the brand’s new corporate front-end, but it bears mentioning that many dealers are offering buyers the option to have the TL’s rather prominent beak painted body colour to make it less conspicuous.
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at 8:15 am
Your comment may apply to the Acura brand but your suggestion that the “Japanese can’t get anything right” in general is a testament to ignorance. It’s true Acura has always been a second class luxury brand. The Japanese starting with Lexus, taught the North American luxury car buyer what quality was all about with the introduction of the first LS400 in 1989. The CTS may be able to overshadow the Acura but it pales in comparison to any Lexus model.
at 8:17 am
It’s worth pointing out that in Europe this car is sold under another name: “Honda Accord.”
Not only that, but it’s available as a thoroughly wicked wagon, with a terrific diesel engine.
We North Americans truly do get short-changed.
at 8:38 am
It’s interesting that Chris compares the trunk size of the Acura to that of the Infinit G37. You should also point out that the Acura is 4 inches wider and 7 inches longer than the Infiniti, yet it’s trunk volume is no bigger, nor is its interior volume. Where did Acura put all that space?
at 8:39 am
The TL has always had a chronic problem with rear passenger space since day one. I wonder if Acura will ever address this to compete in this market? As with all new Acuras, the front grille is a deal breaker. Hideous is an understatement. They even tainted the CSX with this new grille.
at 8:40 am
I’d normally defend almost any Japanese luxury sedan, but it’s hard to step up for the 2009 Acura 2009. This could be one of those cars that people look back on in design schools as how to take a concept too far. The grill works nicely on the MDX SUV, and isn’t too bad on the RL, but it just does not fit.
The fact that dealers are offering to paint the chrome piece the same color as a customer’s vehicle body illustrates how badly Acura got it wrong.
In Acura’s favour, however, I’ll predict that they’ll rectify this in time for the 2010 model.
at 9:06 am
Ratpick, I believe you are mistaken on the Accord / TL. The TSX is a the Accord in Europe the TL is a US designed Acura for the North American market.
at 9:09 am
Sorry to correcting you Ratpick, but it is the TSX not the TL what sold as the Honda Accord in Europe.
at 10:28 am
Yikes, my mistake! I thought this was the new TSX at first glance and even after reading it. I guess my enthusiasm for that Accord wagon diesel got the better of me…
at 10:45 am
Folks, I got a TL SH-AWD and I never had a greater, more exciting car. I think you guys should all test drive this version before you opinionate. It si so much fun, I am almost looking forward to my daily commute…
at 11:11 am
Marty – congratulations on the purchase. I did drive the car and really wanted to like it since I loved my 2002 TL Type S. Unfortunately, the size made it a tight fit in my garage and the Infiniti G37X Sport offered more power, better handling, more transmission speeds and pretty much the same interior and trunk space in a smaller car. I will admit I loved the interior in the TL SH-AWD, but at the end of the day I went with the Infiniti.
at 11:43 am
Acura has a bigger dollar discount on cash purchase of TSX and that is a slap in the face to loyal TL owners/potential buyers of TL-SHAWD. I’m glad Marty says it’s an exciting car. But when my wife can’t stand the looks, AND, dealer wouldn’t equalize discount, I had no arguments. I am being pushed in the G37/ Genesis direction by this deliberate off-putting bling on the new TL. Loyalty has not been rewarded by Honda/Acura
when they sent this car to market. It is too much in-your-face!
at 12:50 am
Power, weight and FWD is always a bad mix. 4WD for most drivers is a pricey waste. Too bad the 4 cylinder isn’t an option. It wouldn’t exactly be slow, and the balance of the car would be better. And the looks? Eye of the beholder I guess( it hurts my eyes).