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2011 Acura TL

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Acura TL

Overview

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2011 Acura TL Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.3

If you placed the current Acura TL next to the first generation TL, you'd be hard pressed to equate the two as related. Why, you ask? Because the current TL exudes substantially more attitude than its predecessor, that's why. Gone is the attractive yet sedate styling of previous design, replaced by a bolder sedan wearing a love-it-or-hate-it grille that is now the face of Acura. In addition to six more inches of body length, the latest TL also features more powerful engine choices, an available sport-tuned SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive) variant, and a Technology Package that can blow out eardrums as easily as it guides drivers away from stressful traffic congestion. Though not as engaging as competitors such as the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37, the Acura TL continues to impress with its reasonable price, quality feel and all-around abilities.

You'll Like This Car If...

The daring TL continues to be a bargain when compared to pricier models from BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lexus and others. There's a bit more room for rear passengers, and the larger engine and all-wheel-drive make the new SH-AWD version very entertaining on twisty roads, as well as supremely confident on slick surfaces.

You May Not Like This Car If...

From a performance driving perspective, the 2011 TL doesn't offer as much pure fun as some of its competitors despite the addition of Acura's sophisticated SH-AWD system.

What's New for 2011

The Acura TL sees no major changes for 2011.

Driving the TL

Driving Impressions With two powerful engine choices, the 2011 Acura TL is poised to stake its claim in the affordable performance sedan segment. The SH-AWD model's 305-horsepower V6 – the most powerful...

engine ever offered by Acura – delivers smooth acceleration, and the five-speed automatic transmission promises quick, nearly seamless shifts, regardless of whether the gearbox is set to regular drive mode or being manipulated with the paddle shifters. Competitors offer more torque for better response when the traffic light turns green, but the TL's available all-wheel-drive system helps level the playing field. The SH-AWD can push more power to the outside rear wheel in a corner, transforming the TL into a fun family sedan on winding back roads. On the flip side, the SH-AWD version carries with it a ride that's stiffer than that of the base TL.

Favorite Features

SH-AWD
All-wheel-drive capability has been available on other Acura models for years, and now it's available on the popular TL. Dubbed SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive), the system improves handling in inclement weather while also enhancing cornering ability on dry pavement, and is available only with the TL's 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6.

Technology Package
Even in standard guise, the 2011 Acura TL is well-equipped, but the Technology Package ups the game with its DVD-Audio system and 440-watts of surround sound. At the heart of the package is AcuraLink, a satellite system that provides real-time weather and traffic information with a convenient rerouting feature.

2011 Acura TL Details

Interior

Those already impressed by previous Acura interior treatments just might become ecstatic once they get a look inside the 2011 TL. There's more rear leg room than ever before, and SH-AWD versions feature deeply-bolstered seats and a thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The driver's seat in the base TL could use a bit more support for long drives, but there's no need for improvement when it comes to the cabin's quality materials. The Technology Package, with its real-time traffic and weather information, is a handy if pricey addition for busy urban-dwelling commuters. Oddly, Acura still does not provide the passenger with any form of adjustable lumbar support (the driver gets a power-operated unit), a strange omission at this price point.

Exterior

New from the ground up in 2009, the 2011 Acura TL is longer, wider and taller than any TL model before it and projects a bold, almost concept car-like persona. Most notable is the large "grinning smile" grille, and body panels featuring accentuated contours and curves setting it far apart from most other sedans in this category. Base TL models ride on 17-inch alloy wheels; the TL SH-AWD rolls on 18- or 19-inch alloys, and it has cooling ducts on the front bumper, four tailpipes instead of two and unique badges that say, not surprisingly, SH-AWD.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Unlike many of its competitors, the 2011 Acura TL comes with most of today's must-have features as standard equipment. Those include HID headlights, power moonroof, 276-watt sound system with auxiliary and USB input jacks, hands-free telephone interface, power/heated front seats and mirrors, and leather upholstery. SH-AWD models add sport seats with more robust bolsters and contrast stitching and all TLs protect occupants with six airbags and Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure, technology designed to dissipate crash energy.

Optional Equipment

For 2011, the TL lineup is available with one major option, the Technology Package. In exchange for roughly $3,700, buyers will enjoy a 440-watt Acura/ELS surround sound system with DVD-Audio and a 12.7-gigabyte hard drive, keyless ignition, and a rearview camera. More impressive is the voice-activated navigation system, complete with an eight-inch high-resolution screen, real-time traffic information and rerouting guidance, and weather reports including Doppler-style radar maps just like you'd see during the six o'clock news. Go with the TL SH-AWD for a sport-tuned chassis, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels (as opposed to the TL's 17s), and available high-performance tires.

Under the Hood

With a 3.5-liter V6 now under its hood, the base 2011 Acura TL is nearly as powerful as the 2008 TL Type-S. For those not satisfied with that kind of performance, the TL SH-AWD delivers a new 3.7-liter V6 as well as sport-tuned steering, brakes, and suspension systems. There are two transmissions offered – a five-speed automatic with a manual-shift mode and paddle shifters, or a newly designed close-ratio six-speed manual with Hill Start Assist. Fuel economy figures are comparable with the TL's primary competitors.

3.5-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
254 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26

3.7-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
273 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 (automatic), 17/25 (manual)

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2011 Acura TL Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.5

Out of 10

Based on 125 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.6/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.8/10

Performance

9.6/10
Comfort

9.6/10

Styling

9.4/10

Elegant, great hp and handling

By Red (AZ) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfortable, elegant, fun to drive, plenty hp"

Cons: "Subscription $$: map upgrades, Weather, Traffic"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Bought it used with <30000 miles on it, now have 75k. I have the full Technology Package- highly recommended. I use prem gas & synth oil and am handsomely rewarded with great engine performance. The lines are elegant, crisp, clean. Interior is fantastically quiet so my tunes sound great with the prem sound system. My friends say it has marshmallow seats."

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Fantastic vehicle

By d2m75 (AZ) on Saturday, April 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Definitely the best vehicle I have ever owned,very pleasing to drive and comfortable to sit in. Would easily recommend this car over any other for performance, luxury and value."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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LOVE my Acura, in 4 yrs never had a problem.

By MissAdventure (FL) on Thursday, April 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great body lines and drives like a dream"

Cons: "There are no cons"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Before I bought my Acura I had driven Toyotas. For my 60th birthday I splurged and got the Acura TL. In four years I have never had a problem with my car. The pick up is great and it is excellent as far as comfort, especially for someone with back issues."

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Pure comfort and reliabilaty

By Poppie (NJ) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "none"

Cons: "Must use premium gas which is expensive."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have owned 3 Acura's and each and everyone was great cars to own and drive. Never had one problem but I don't keep them more than 3 years."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Terrific Touring Car! Incredible value!!

By Raj (IA) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Refinement, controlled ride, 6MT"

Cons: "A wee bit more engagement!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have only recently bought the 2013 TL (SH-AWD 6M). So my views are more like initial impressions. It is less fun to drive than my previous car (two Infiniti G's over the past 10 years) -- so I would not say it is a genuine sports sedan. The manual transmission, clutch, and steering are all very good, however they do not communicate road feel as well as the best sport sedans do. On the other hand, the Acura is a very refined car, quiet and very competent. It comes loaded with luxury and technology, but still retains a taut suspension and compliant ride. It is unique in its class -- combining sport suspension, manual transmission, all-wheel-drive, and luxury/technology at an unbeatable price."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Outstanding Automobile for the Money, a Best Buy!

By JR (CA) on Wednesday, March 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great price, smooth & fun to Drive, Lots of Power!"

Cons: "I'm technology challenged & have trouble using GPS"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I drove a 2009 and got the 2012 in summer 2011. These cars a great for the money. They have a sports car road feel and drive like a finely tuned machine. Never had any problems with either car and upkeep is cheap compared to other luxury cars! The resale value is outstanding and the comfort and technology features are unheard of in this price range, I have the front wheel drive Advance TL model with all the bells and whistles and chrome wheels and privacy glass. Runs fine on regular gas but I prefer to use mid grade most of the year. I use premium when temps go to 100 and above. Oil changes, wheel rotations and balancing, windshield wipers and air cleaner filter is all I've ever done to these cars. Cheap to maintain!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 125 reviews