1996 Acura TL Reviews - Page 2 of 5

I have had this car since 1996 - one owner, one service shop - the Sunnyvale Acura. Car is 900 miles short of 200,000. Superb engineering - not a single problem to date. No repairs - strictly maintenance work. Going strong to date...

I hae had many other cars to date - nothing comes close in quality.

Transmission seems to have a late up-shift, and more likely than not, shifts roughly. Down-shifts just fine though.

The rear motor mounts and the transmission mount seem to be worn out. Currently in the process of repairing, and waiting for parts. Hopefully this will fix the rough up-shift.

Front windows go up and down kind of rough. I believe it's the guides, but I'm not sure. I do know that they are starting to lightly scratch the windows.

As long as it's properly maintained, this car runs great.

Interior is spacious, and comfortably accommodates my wife and baby (in a car-seat of course!) in the backseat.

Considering the length of the car, the turning radius is awesome. You can get in and out of fairly tight spaces.

I thought the car would ride a little smoother than it does, but with 125k+ miles on it, I think it just needs new struts.

The 2.5l engine is considerably weaker than the 3.2l model, and my recommendation to anyone looking for a TL, is to get the 3.2l.

I bought this vehicle after it had been totaled and rebuilt when it was 1 year old. I didn't realize that it had no manufacturer's warranty (or so I've been told). Since I've owned it, I've only used 3 or 4 tanks of the recommended grade of gasoline. I really can't tell much difference in performance due to that. I've done all my own maintenance and the fluids have always looked very clean and nothing has ever been added. I've never had to change a belt, hose, or do anything to the AC unit. I consider this vehicle a "freak of nature" especially since I live where it routinely get over 110 degrees F in summer. I've always wanted to "open it up" but fear of fines and deer have made me stop at 110 mph. The vehicle lived on my front driveway in the full sun until 2 years ago when it was allowed in the garage. The dash and other interior plastic and leather are none the worse for that. I recently bought a Tundra, but my wife won't part with this car. The salesman wanted it for his girlfriend. I just remembered that the seat doesn't go upwards, but I didn't notice that til recently.

Replaced ABS pump twice, O2 sensor failure.

Great car. After 135000 miles it stills drive and looks as good as the day we bought it.

Not a performer, but very reliable and comfortable. Handling is good, but not great. It'll never out handle a BMW of the same era, but it will surely out last it.