Before crossovers conquered the roads, it was the sedan body style that was the favored choice of most car buyers. The years 2000 to 2010 may have been the greatest years for sedans as it was during that period that we got to see cars like the mental V10-powered BMW E60 M5, and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG with its handbuilt 6.2-liter V8.
Sedans were simply all the rage. One such sedan at the other end of the scale was the fairly luxurious and sporty Acura TL, specifically the third-generation that was built from 2004 to 2006. If you are on the lookout for a third-gen Acura TL, a good, well-priced example is easy to come if you know what to look for. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re in the market for a 3rd gen Acura TL.
Acura TL – The Story
Acura, Honda’s luxurious brand, recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. In those years, we’ve seen some truly iconic cars roll off the factory floor in both Ohio and Saitama, sporting the unmistakable Acura badge. One that comes to mind is the NSX. While the NSX will always enjoy its legendary status, it’s the more mainstream models that have had a larger contribution towards Acura’s success. One such product is the Acura TL (Touring Luxury) which was Acura’s best-selling model until it was outsold by the MDX crossover in 2007
The TL was introduced as a successor to the Acura Vigor in 1995. This car marked Acura’s shift from traditional vehicle names to alphanumeric naming schemes. There are four generations of the TL, with the last one rolling off the production line in 2014. It wasn’t only popular when compared to other Acuras. At one point, it also ranked as the second best-selling luxury sedan in the United States behind the BMW 3 Series.
Third-generation Acura TL – Improvements
The third-gen TL was developed mainly in the United States under the leadership of Erik Berkman, with styling led by American Honda designer Jon Ikeda. Here’s what improved with the switch from the second generation to the third.
3rd Gen Acura TL Design Changes
When compared to its predecessor, the third-gen Acura TL has a wider, more muscular stance accented by fairly large wheels for the time. Acura first described the styling to have a “bold hood design and an aggressive front fascia with an angular headlight treatment” and it wasn’t far from the truth. The front-end still looks sharp while having a sense of timelessness to it.
The simple lines towards the side that lead to the uncomplicated rear-end come together to give the TL a likable understated appearance. Overall, the third-gen Acura TL’s design has aged incredibly well.
Powertrain Upgrades
Powering the 2004-2006 Acura TL is a 3.2-liter, 24-valve, VTEC engine that uses a two-stage intake manifold and a cold air intake to help generate 270 hp and 238 lb-ft of torque (up from 225 hp and 216 lb-ft of the second-gen TL). However, power and torque figures of the third-gen TL were later revised to 258 hp and 233 lb-ft due to the revised SAE measurement standard. Even so, these engines provided a significant power gain from Honda’s K24 motor that was found in most Acuras at the time.
The 3rd generation Acura TL didn’t only make more power and torque, it also did it while being more emission friendly and fairly efficient when it came to gas mileage. The EPA fuel mileage ratings are 20 MPG city/28 MPG highway (automatic transmission) and 20 MPG city/30 MPG highway (manual transmission). Other changes included a drive-by-wire system that made the throttle more responsive.
This generation of Acura TL was available with a choice of a five-speed ‘Sequential SportShift’ automatic transmission, or a close-ratio six-speed manual. The new six-speed manual featured “a short-throw shift linkage, large-diameter shift cables and multi-cone synchronizers for optimum shift feel”.
That’s not all, TLs with the manual transmission also came paired with a limited-slip differential. The manual is said to have precise and rewarding shifts that allow you to make full use of all the horses you have under the hood.
If it’s an automatic you are after, the transmission is decent when you factor in the car’s age. The automatic TL also significantly outsold the manual, which makes finding a clean example easier. While both transmission options are known to have issues, the automatic unit is more likely to give you trouble.
Acura TL Chassis
Acura also worked on the TL’s chassis and independent suspension to handle the additional power. These changes have been said to have brought about an improvement in the handling and ride. This generation of Acura TL has a firm ride for a midsize luxury sedan, but it delivers enjoyable handling characteristics in return.
The TL also came equipped with a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system as standard. This system can make changes to the throttle and apply the brakes to improve stability when required.
The third-gen TL also got 17-inch wheels and disc brakes at all four corners. The manual transmission-equipped TL used Brembo four-piston front brake calipers with larger rotors given its performance-biased nature. The brakes on the manual Acura TLs have a lot more stopping power.
Other safety equipment that worked in conjunction with the brakes is the Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), which “continuously and automatically adjusts the pressure to the front and rear brakes depending on how the vehicle is loaded”.
Features
Despite being outdated now, the third-gen Acura TL was the first to offer a ‘multi-channel DVD-Audio System’ as standard. The car also came equipped with an 8-speaker surround sound system which is impressive even today.
Another first was Bluetooth connectivity as standard. The system lets you make and receive phone calls. The car also has inbuilt navigation, an 8-inch touch screen, and a ‘maintenance minder system’ which alerts the driver about service-related information.
Other more common features include dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, telescopic and tilt steering wheel, steering mounted controls, and perforated and heated leather seats.
Speaking of the seats, both front and rear ones are quite impressive when it comes to room and comfort. The Acura TL also had rear AC vents, which is a feature that’s hard to come by even on some compact sedans of today.
Differences Between 2004, 2005, and 2006 Acura TL
Car manufacturers almost always make improvements both big and small to their offerings after the first model year. For 2005, Acura announced that the TL got updated front airbags. The 2006 Acura TL, meanwhile, got an additional feature in the form of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The manual Acura TLs of 2006 also got an ECU update to reduce torque steer during acceleration. Other more minor changes on the 2005-2005 models include an extra line of stitching on the seats, and seat belt buckles anchored to the seats instead of the floor.
What To Look For When Buying an Acura TL
Despite having relatively low maintenance costs compared to the rest of the segment, the 3rd generation Acura TL did have a few problems when it first came out. These issues only became even more evident as 3rd gen Acuras matured. Here’s what you should be looking out for if you want to find a clean, trouble-free car.
Transmission Issues
Acuras, just like most Hondas, are pretty bulletproof cars as far as the drivetrain goes. However, the 3rd generation of Acura TL had a few issues with the transmission that left a sour taste in many owners’ mouths. Most if not all transmission issues are related to the automatic gearbox that came with these cars.
For one, they would leak, a lot. This is especially true for the 2004-2005 TLs fitted with the BDGA 5-speed automatic gearbox. If left unchecked, the leak would cause a critical drop in transmission fluid, which often caused shifting problems and other transmission-related issues.
That being said, a leaky transmission is usually the best-case scenario. Many BDGA gearboxes have had serious filter screen issues that would leave them running hot and cause all kinds of issues, some resulting in a complete transmission rebuild.
Also, torque converters would fail, which often dragged several other critical components down with them. If you’re looking at a high mileage TL, make sure that the owner knows the complete history of the transmission, otherwise, plan for the worst.
Manual gearboxes were pretty much fine across the range. Some users reported difficulties shifting into 3rd gear, which would often be solved by flushing the transmission fluid and adjusting the linkage.
Suspension Wear and Tear
Another common issue that you’ll hear about is worn suspension components, more specifically the lower control arm bushings and leaky shocks. However, it’s not exactly fair to call these TL-specific issues as they happen on just about any vehicle with a similar suspension setup and north of 100,000 miles on the clock.
Bushings are made of rubber, which wears out over time. These are worn items that are meant to be swapped out periodically. The same goes for shock absorbers. Factory shocks on these cars are pretty decent but tend to wear out once you cross the 100,000-mile mark. Again, depending on where the car was driven, failure at this type of mileage is perfectly normal.
Cracked Dashboards
If there’s one thing on a 3rd generation Acura TL that isn’t built bulletproof, it’s the dashboard. Dashboards in these cars are known to crack due to the use of subpar materials and lack of proper UV protection. If you find a TL with a carpet dashboard cover, you’re either dealing with an owner who has decided to preserve their dash or one who is trying to hide all the cracks.
In case you find a car with a dashboard in one piece, we strongly recommend that you either protect it with a hardcover of some sort or use a proven dashboard protectant such as the Aerospace 303 spray or something similar.
Other than the issues listed above, most TLs are rock-solid cars. If you find a low mileage example that has been cared for, chances are that you won’t have any issues with it. Just make sure to get yourself informed on all the recalls these cars have been subject to(there were a few), and to crosscheck them with the service history of cars you’re interested in buying.
Recalls
The 3rd generation TL is still as reliable as you’d expect an Acura to be. There are tons of them still out and about which goes to show that they are pretty much bulletproof, especially when you consider their age.
One drawback the car has by design is that a rear seat is a fixed unit, and it won’t fold down which limits the boot space. While there is an access hole behind the armrest it won’t fit more than a pair of skis.
Let’s Discuss Pricing
Prices for the third-generation Acura TL started at around $32,500 when it made its debut back in 2004. It was almost a 10 percent increase over its predecessor, but as discussed, it was a big improvement. However, those are prices from a different era. Nowadays, a clean high mileage example will set you back by around $4,000-$6,000, while low mileage third-gen Acura TLs go for as high as $12,000.
Acura TL – Still a Good Buy?
When it comes to the third-gen Acura TL, it’s best to go in not expecting too much as it is after all a midsize luxury sedan from nearly two decades ago. That said, a car in good shape will still outperform compact sedans of today. The TL also just doesn’t have decent levels of performance to boast about, but also sharp and simple styling along with a touch of luxury.
Use Genuine Acura Parts And Avoid the Headaches
Just like with most Honda products, the best way to keep the mechanic away is to use Genuine Acura/Honda parts when servicing your car. Here at Newparts.com, we offer one of the largest catalogs of quality Acura parts you’ll find. To find what you’re looking for, simply head over to our online store section, select your vehicle from the drop-down menu, and you’ll get a complete list of parts that are guaranteed to fit your car! It’s that simple.
