2005 Acura TL

If any of you out there have older siblings, you probably experienced times in your childhood when one of them had something wonderful – like a big piece of gooey chocolate cake – they continued to describe in luscious detail while denying you any portion thereof. I feel a little like that with this 2005 Acura TL. Honda’s upscale division gets serious about sport in this competitive sedan segment by adding, among other things, a six-speed manual transmission to this Accord-based TL. But do I get a bite? Nooooooo.

This is the second TL I’ve tested and twice I’ve had to settle for the five-speed automatic version of this new darling, a slightly watered-down experience in any sport sedan and especially in one that has never before offered this level of gutsiness. Fortunately for Acura and me, this TL affords other joys beyond the gearbox that have made it the line’s bestseller since its ’04 debut.

The Good News
Acura would probably hope all positive comments would begin with the aforementioned heightened performance, but I am more taken with improvements in this sedan’s appearance. This is the first time in Acura’s existence I can honestly apply the word “wow” to its four-door design.

The cab-forward, nose-down, tail-up profile of this new TL may look a little too much 3-Series BMW-inspired, but that’s OK. Acura takes the formula and makes the design its own with a deep, curving front end and crisply chiseled accents all around. It’s just beautiful.

The new design also gives passengers more room inside than its predecessor, a much richer interior and a boatload of luxuries for the price. Although the latter has always been Acura’s strength, they up the ante here with things like the Panasonic DVD-audio system with surround sound designed by Grammy-award-winning sound engineer Elliott Scheiner, XM Satellite Radio and a Bluetooth wireless system that uses the voice-recognition system to render your cell-phone hands-free.

Mine was also navigation-equipped with Voice Recognition featuring a menu of 293 voice commands, voice guidance, touch screen display and 3-D graphics for freeway on and off ramps. It’s high-tech heaven, for those who care.

But the electronics and aesthetics shouldn’t overshadow the reason Acura and its devotees are most excited about this TL. That would be its revised 3.2-liter SOHC 24-valve aluminum V-6, the only engine available. This V6 produces 270 horses at 6200 rpm and 238 foot pounds of torque at 5000. These numbers significantly outpace the previous standard TL and even show up the prior performance-oriented S-Type, thus retiring that designation. Now the message reads: All TLs are fast. Acura releases no stats, but others report 0-60 times just under 6 seconds. That’s on par with its competition. The thrust remains thrifty on gas, however. The 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway beats the competition.

Had I gotten the six-speed (AHEM), I would have also gotten a limited slip differential to distribute torque and better maintain traction, 4-piston Brembo brakes and 17-inch performance tires (an option). What all TLs are privy to, however, are drive-by-wire throttle, 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension, enhanced rigidity and, for safety, side curtain air bags.

Then there is the proven Honda tradition of building integrity and quality. Although this TL features much that is new, its lineage is comforting.

The performance/luxury segment may be selling passion, but the more practical points still count.

The bad news
Given the increased power and promises, I had great hopes for this TL’s handling. Alas, I found not sharper, firmer reflexes, but fuzzy response. Overboosted power steering and lack of communication between car and driver never inspired my confidence. For a sports sedan competing with the world’s best, such imprecision proves glaring.

Part of the TL’s challenge is the fact it’s built on the relatively new Honda Accord platform, making it front-wheel drive. In the world of sports sedans, that invokes limitations on power and handling. The front wheels can only handle so much torque before handling becomes erratic, and the car’s overall balance suffers. Front-wheel drive may be a boon on slick roads, but that’s about it.

Also, for some reason, the electronic turn signal wouldn’t shut itself off in my car. But since so few drivers use them these days, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $34,650;
Price as tested, $35,195

Is it worth it?
The Acura TL would probably list as its largest competitors Infiniti’s G35 and the BMW 330i, which comparably equipped run approximately $1,000 to $5,000 more. For the savings, this TL buys you rich looks, great comfort, Honda bloodline, a quick straight-line 0-60 and lots of standard luxuries like leather trim, power moonroof and that whizbang surround sound system. It impresses me as a substantial package for the money.

But if you want a sports sedan for more purist reasons -- for the thrill of pounding over lonely roads and carving fast S-curves -- you might need to save up a little more. Specifically, $1,000 to $5,000 more.

Particulars
Front-engine, 5 passenger, four-door midsize sport sedan

Price
Base: $34,900;
As tested: $35,470.

Engine
Type: 3.2-liter SOHC 24-valve VTEC V6
Power: 270 hp @ 6200 rpm; 238 lb-ft torque @ 5000 rpm

Drivetrain
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with Sequential Sportshift front-wheel drive

Dimensions
Wheelbase: 107.9
Overall length: 189.3
Curb weight: 3575 lbs. (automatic)

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 20 mpg city/29 highway

Website: www.acura.com

During her 16 years reviewing new vehicles, Beth Stein has written for Nashville's dailies (circ. 185,000), national magazines and BestStuff.com. She appeared coast-to-coast on-air for Road Test Magazine, Car And Driver Television and Motor Trend Television.