Introduction

Celebrating its 14th year with a complete redesign for 2009, the Acura TL first debuted in North America for the 1996 model year as a mid-luxury choice positioned between the sporty Integra sedan and the luxurious RL flagship.That first TL contained inline 5- and 6-cylinder engines under a long, stately hood, but it wasn't until the Honda Accord-based 1999 Acura TL arrived that buyers began selecting this car in large numbers and the media began showering it with accolades. A sporty Type-S model arrived in 2001, and a third-generation redesign in 2004 firmly placed the TL among the more stylish and desirable entry-luxury sedans. The new TL is longer, wider and roomier than before, with rear-seat passengers benefiting most from the car's move to a larger platform.