Reader Review of the Week: 2010 Acura TL
“Disappointed Acura Owner” from Washington, D.C., has a few kind words for the 2010 Acura TL, but found it lacking overall. Read the full review to find out why the TL let this owner down, and why he thinks he’ll be trading it in for something else in the near future. There are plenty of competitive vehicles in this segment, including sport wagons that have more room. After getting the lowdown on the TL, write a review of your own car here.
“First, I give major kudos for the technology side of the car and cockpit feel. Having owned a 2005 TL, I was looking forward to upgrading to the all-wheel-drive TL with Tech.
“Disappointments:
“1) The shape of trunk opening: not very functional. The angled edges makes larger boxes difficult, if not impossible, to get in. it’s a serious let down for the exterior design.
“2) Rear seat pass-through only: Even the TSX has a 60/40-split folding rear seat for greater utility. I don't see why the TL can't have one, too. Most sedans in this class offer this either standard or at least as an option.
“3) Bucktooth beak: I can't take it anymore. The previous style was classy or at least not so extreme.
“I am looking forward to seeing how the 2011 TSX wagon looks and performs. If it is available in AWD V6 Tech package, I will be probably trade in the TL.
“Overall, if you need all-wheel drive and practical functionality combined with performance, I recommend waiting to compare the TSX wagon with some sport wagons or at least all-wheel-drive sedans that don't have the limitations mentioned above.
“Some possible options include the Cadillac CTS (and wagon), Infiniti G37, Audi A6 (and Avant), or BMW 5 Series (plus GT and wagon). It depends how much performance and function you need.
“But I am disappointed with the TL and will be trading it in.”
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This review tells me little. Yes, I know it is ugly, the trunk not well-designed and the lack of split seats befuddling - all readily ascertained before purchase.
How does it handle, etc. (you know info that only daily drives reveal)? Does he own the 6MT? There are very few cars out there with a manual, AWD and sports-tuned suspension.
Of the alternate candidates listed above, only the 5 offers a manual and AWD but lacks the sport suspension available on the RWD bimmer.
In my mind, 'performance' means MT, RWD or AWD, and a sport suspension.
The only thing this review told me was that the TL owner bought the car on impulse and didn't do due diligence on his car shopping
You can tell the whiner pees sitting down. Only an idiot would buy a new car they dislike.
I enjoyed the review. I take it that he is unhappy with the car overall and mentioned a few high points that other readers/potential buyers might want to take into consideration. What I would like to know is how someone can afford to trade-in a one year old TL for an equally expensive ride.
bowrider if you mix lack of intelligence w/ financing anything is possible. That's how the knucklehead will be able to do it.
I don't see anything in his complaints that shouldn't have been obvious after looking at the car for 5 minutes on the lot. Why'd he buy it?
And for the record, I have a 2010 TL as well (AWD, Auto, Tech Pkg)... and I love it. Granted, I got the silver exterior so the fascia blends in a bit more. Even with different colors, though, I don't mind the look. I've had it five months now and haven't regretted it for a second. Cockpit's comfortable, it's a blast to drive, great technology inside, and has handled a few snow storms great.
In fairness, there's a LOT wrong with the TL that is not apparent in a quick test drive. The headrests are too far forward and not tilt-adjustable. The sunroof is noisy when popped up or slid-open, and it's hard to pop open just a bit. The AWD is great in dry clean conditions and really help cornering, but takes a moment to kick in when starting on ice or when you start to hydroplane. Storage isn't padded, so rattles pervade - opposite of an Audi or BMW. Trunk floor (in the AWD model) is not flat. (Keep in mind that those seats really should fold down.) Rear view mirrors aren't motorized like in Audis for the last 20 years. Even tiny touches, like tap-interval turn signals, were left off.
The TL SH-AWD 6MT is also fast, reliable and a reasonably good buy (if you don't mind the omissions.) In dry conditions the handling is astonishingly good. If you aren't accustommed to German sports-sedans, this is a fantastic car. If you are, it's a trade-off: More power and reliability but less luxury at the same price point. But it's the good points you would see in a test drive; the omissions would take trying to live with it.
Hey dear, My cousin had also suffered from this problem.