Acura has always been slow to dole out changes to some of its models (see previous RL); however, the TL has been a hit and could make up more ground with some changes (forget RWD, it won't happen with this model), such as improved auto transmission - for example, a six speed could be geared to give more acceleration in first gear (helping the low torque situation) while lowering top gear cruising rpms for quieter, more fuel efficient operation. Honda is among the best for keeping the lid on details almost right up until launch, but let's hope they have some true (not just cosmetic) improvements in the works.
Well, I picked up my 06 Acura TL auto w/nav. I love this thing! I had also looked at a g35 coupe and g35x sedan. The g35 coupe is flat out gorgeous, but I couldn't see having a winter and summer set of tires/wheels for the snow. The g35x is also very nice, but when I sat in the acura, I just liked it more and it was cheaper by about $3000.
I'm coming off of a 03 Volvo S80 lease, nice car, no problems. I've driven sporty type cars most of my life until about 15 years ago, then came the kids, mini vans, suv's. The Volvo was the first car in awhile, I just found that it didn't have enough power for me, and I question the long term reliability of the Volvo. So I bought the Acura took advantage of the 2.9% financing from acura. Oh and at 6'5", 240 LBS., like someone said, I don't get in a car as much as try it on. A lot of cars I just can't fit in.
So far I'm really impressed with the car. Plenty of room, I fit really well and am quite comfortable, people can actually fit behind me too! The ride is stiff, but that's the type of car it is, plenty fast, for me at least. Volvo only had 197 hp, this car has 258hp. Love the Nav, love the bluetooth. Like the Volvo, I can hold a conversation with the sunroof open, no roar from the wind.
I ordered the car with the acura musiclink for the ipod. Some say that this is too expensive, but I was able to blend the price into the sale of the car, doesn't hurt too much that way and was able to hide it from the wife ;-). The acura TTS software is very slow on my pc and my pc is pretty fast (amd 64 3700, 2 gig ram), that's my only real complaint with the musiclink. Sound quality is very good.
Anyway hope this helps someone with their decision.
Anybody seen anything, spyshots, auto magazine talk, etc on the 07 TL. We have an 04 TL with 60K trouble-free miles and are thinking about a new TL next fall.
Edmunds updated their long term TL ('04). No mention of "Harmonic Vibration," faded dash or any creaks or rattles. They did mention nice, but not strudy leather. I did have the faded dash, but at service, dealer cleaned it up, looks good. And one sunroof related rattle, fixed by dealer.
My leather seems fine, I wonder if they upgraded it for '05? Anyway, nice update. Nice car. I seem to be in harmonious vibration with my TL!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Don't look for any surprising spyshots on the '07 TL. If there are any changes, they're going to be minor. The TL is not due for a redesign for, what, 2-3 years. Minor changes are all we can expect, like this year's tire monitor and increased drive train warranty.
I have not seen any spy shots of the 07 TL but in other discussion groups on othersites, it seems as though the consensus is that the 07 TL will have a minor update i.e. maybe refreshed headlights/tailights, turn indicator lamp on the rear view mirrors and quite possibly the updated navigation system that is currently in the TSX. Keep in mind, this is not official! It's just rumor and speculation but evaluating Honda's past pattern of updating models and replacing models all together, it seems that the 07 TL will get a some minor updates. Based on Honda history, the TL should be completely redesigned in 09 and quite possibly be released sometime in 08.
Some of the promising IMO changes that have been speculated about the 09 TL is that it might have the SH-AWD standard. Personally, I would like to see the TL get a RWD platform but I am sure this is highly debatable.
Handwashed my Abyss Blue TL. Two coats of Zaino Z5 (w/Z6, of course) to try to mask the swirlies and light scratches. Looks fab. I feel better now. But I need to get the Z2 on for the ultimate shine. My goal is for people to have to avert their eyes when they try to gaze upon the beauty that is my TL due to the incredible light reflecting sheen... Or, I could just get a life!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
See the above article on keyless access and starter buttons. I have it in my Audi and like it very much, but honestly, using they key isn't that difficult...
Wow, I never knew! I think I'll stick to nothing more high-tech than the remote fob where I need to press a button.
I wonder if someone can quantify the net gain in convenience between reaching out to insert and turn a key, versus reaching out to push a button? Or is this a case of technology for technology sake?
I think part of the problem is that nothing else in life is keyless. You have to pull out the key to lock the house door when leaving and arriving, so its not a big deal to leave it out to get into and start the car. When leaving work, you likewise need to lock the office door, etc...
If everything were keyless, then it'd be great, just leave the key in the pocket or briefcase and voilla...but if you have to pull it out anyway...then its not that much more convenient IMO...
"You have to pull out the key to lock the house door when leaving and arriving"
I know this is totally off-topic, but what you said reminds me of what I've often wondered about wheneven I have too much time on my hands. Why, in this computer age, are we still primarily using something as low-tech as a key to unlock our house and office doors? There must be someone marketing locks that lock automatically when you close the door, and that you can unlock via biometrics (ie. fingerprint reader). No key, or magnetic card needed. That has got to be available somewhere. But why has it not gotten wide exposure? Or how about a key fob remote just like for cars? You click and you lock your house doors as well as arm the alarm. Simple and foolproof. The technology to do that has got to be available already. But I don't recall seeing any house with a setup like that. :confuse:
At least lets hope the TL does not get the exact system that's on the RL, which still requires you to turn a "key" on/off. Kinda defeats the purpose of keyless go. :sick:
That's the way the g35 was when I was looking at them a couple of weeks ago. A "keyless" system as an after thought, you still had to turn the keyless piece to start. The new g35 has the real keyless system. I think it's kinda neat, but it wasn't a deal breaker for me, a bought a tl. The bluetooth in the tl is the feature I think very useful for me.
I agree with you that some of the "new technology" seems like an overkill. What would really be useful, especially if you live in the city trying to squeeze in a tight spot, is a technology that would parallel park your car, so long as you pull up next to the spot that is large enough to fit your car.
Bingo! What you said reminded me of something I've often wondered about. Is there a reason, technically, why cars cannot be engineered to enable all 4 wheels to turn 90 degrees either way, so one can, as you suggested, parallel park by moving the car sideways into the spot? 4-wheel-steering, offered by Honda on the Prelude for a couple of years in the 80's, would also help in tight parking spaces. But strangely enough, that technology never took off.
I would group keyless start systems with manumatics in terms of practical usefulness, or uselessness. Manufacturers seem to include them nowadays in any model with any pretension of luxury, even though they have dubious practical value.
Cool! I'm going to have to look into that for my house! I don't even mind the looks that much, since I wouldn't consider my current door hardware much of an aesthetic masterpiece.
I would group keyless start systems with manumatics in terms of practical usefulness, or uselessness
Don't be so negative bra.
I love the SportShift option in my TL. Especially in stop and crawl traffic, or on the highway when you know you're gonna punch it and you need the revs up. Just like D3 or D2 on other cars, but a little more elaborate.
Talk about useless technology - all wheel steering. Yea - that'll be cheap.
Is there a reason, technically, why cars cannot be engineered to enable all 4 wheels to turn 90 degrees either way, so one can, as you suggested, parallel park by moving the car sideways into the spot?
There isn’t enough room in front or rear if you turn the wheels 90 degrees. Some vehicles even have poor turning circles because of the limited space (Volvo S60 transverse layout = no room).
I went to a dealership in Southern California yesterday to test drive a TL. It was first experience driving one, and I was very impressed. The car feels very solid, and is very quiet except for some tire or road noise on the freeway, is that normal for this car? The color/option combination I am looking for I guess is a bit rare. I want the 6 speed with Nav, anthracite gray and parchment interior. I asked them how they would go about getting the car. He said they would check all the dealer inventories in the area to see if they had what I wanted and have it delivered. That’s fine, but the part that bothered me was rather than “delivering” it, they would drive it in from the outside location. I don’t want any extra miles/abuse on the car before I even take delivery on it. Did any of you encounter this or is that normal?
I'm sure you could get them to ship it, but you'd have to pay the $500 to do it. The other option is to have them custom order it with their next shipment...you may have to wait a few months, but it may be the cheapest option...
i dont know if it was mention but i just got my car about a month ago and i also decided on the TL or the Accord v6 or maybe hybrid,. but overall the TL comes with all the fixings standard, unlike the accord,. it would consider to be an upgrade which ofcourse is additional mula,. TL has HI Def lights, heated seat,. power front seats,. more airbags,. etc.,. hope this helps,. Oh by the way get the white TL like mine,. i personally think its the best color for the TL,. looks kinda blueish pearly ,.
Midnightbui, I agree with you about the white ext. color on the TL. Everytime I see it on the road, I think it is a really nice color on that car, especially the pearl sheen that comes through. A while back, when I was perusing an Acura Dealer lot in the Tampa Bay area, (Went on a Sunday morning, since they don't open until after 12:00 and I'm not ready to buy yet -- 'gotta finish my lease on my Maxima) I think I recall seeing a white TL with the black interior. Don't know if I'm mistaken about that, because most of the white TL's come with the parchment interior or the gray interior. Does anyone know if the white TL is available with the black interior?
I may be in the minority, but I am not very impressed with the Acura TL audio system, even when I play one of the few DVD Audio disks I've purchased. It is nominally better than the sound of our MDX system and not nearly as good as the Bose system in our Porsche. I'm not an engineer, but from a friend who is, the TL's speakers are very average at best and the amplifier lacks the "slew rate" or speed/punch to clearly separate the frequencies.
I didn't buy our TL 6-speed for the sound system, and am generally very happy with the car. But for anyone to whom the audio system is a critical decision factor, don't take the marketing hype of "DVD audio" very seriously.
I was reminded at a recent reunion with some college buddies that my 1978 Datsun B210GX hatchback, fitted by some electrical engineering fraternity brothers with a Nakamichi tape deck, Fosgate amp and Rodgers studio speakers was still, to this day, the best audio system they have ever heard in a car (or on a beach, with the hatch open). Their memory may be a bit faded after all of those years, but they include enough BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, fellow Porsche and other high end owners that I took the compliment with some satisfaction. On the other hand, that 1978 Datsun went from 0-60 in a half hour, which they also reminded me of.
I don't know if it is by design, or by coincidence, but the demo DVD-A disc that comes with the TL does sound pretty impressive. But you're right, the few DVD-A discs that I have purchased have not demonstrated any significant superiority in sound quality over a standard CD. I'm not saying there isn't any perceivable difference in quality, because there is, but not enough to justify the hype.
I know I don't have the most musically-sensitive ears, but the sound system in the rental Ford Fusion that I had last week sounded pretty decent. And I know there is no hype with that system.
I have been very impressed with the acura system. I've only listened to radio and CDs, but find the clarity to be excellent. Even when turned up real loud, or with the based really pumping, I can still hear the music clearly. Especially as compared to other cars I've listened to - notably a Toyota Sienna, G35 & 350Z.
My TL is Anthracite. I was noticing a slight bluish glo in the paint. Kinda like the Pearl White's luminescence. The other TL colors don't seem to have this effect.
Hmmm, my '05 Abyss Blue seem to have a blue-ish glow... Especially with the freshly applied two coats of Zaino!!!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Could you expand on how you create the audio DVD. Are you able to create albums, or does this result in just one large directory of files.
Here's a couple of links. You can get up to about 99 songs in total using from 1 to 9 groups. I think some have managed to get more using DL (dual layer) discs but haven't tried this. The second link was for an enahnced GUI (graphical user interface) the guy wrote to make the process easier. This is for writing regular 2 channel CDs to DVD. The same person also wrote up a way to convert those to multichannel sound and how to burn those.
There is on the Acura website. My phone (a Motorola V555) wasn't on the list as being checked for compatability by Acura, but it paired easily. I suspect most bluetooth phones will pair easily.
is it that your phone wasn't listed, or it was listed as not being approved? I'm interested in getting a phone to pair up, but I want to stick with Nxtel. The only phone that interests me is listed as not fully working with the TL system. If I interpret their grid correctly, I could be notified of an incoming call, but couldn't actually speak through the car's system.
My phone was not listed, but models that looked almost exactly like mine were shown as compatible. Maybe the walkie talkie feature of the Nextel was what kept the phone from 'fitting' into Acura's grid. If you disabled that feature on your phone the HFL will probably work normally when answering a call thru the car's audio system.
Go to the phone store and give it a try with their demo phone.
Comments
I'm coming off of a 03 Volvo S80 lease, nice car, no problems. I've driven sporty type cars most of my life until about 15 years ago, then came the kids, mini vans, suv's. The Volvo was the first car in awhile, I just found that it didn't have enough power for me, and I question the long term reliability of the Volvo. So I bought the Acura took advantage of the 2.9% financing from acura. Oh and at 6'5", 240 LBS., like someone said, I don't get in a car as much as try it on. A lot of cars I just can't fit in.
So far I'm really impressed with the car. Plenty of room, I fit really well and am quite comfortable, people can actually fit behind me too! The ride is stiff, but that's the type of car it is, plenty fast, for me at least. Volvo only had 197 hp, this car has 258hp. Love the Nav, love the bluetooth. Like the Volvo, I can hold a conversation with the sunroof open, no roar from the wind.
I ordered the car with the acura musiclink for the ipod. Some say that this is too expensive, but I was able to blend the price into the sale of the car, doesn't hurt too much that way and was able to hide it from the wife ;-). The acura TTS software is very slow on my pc and my pc is pretty fast (amd 64 3700, 2 gig ram), that's my only real complaint with the musiclink. Sound quality is very good.
Anyway hope this helps someone with their decision.
Dave
My leather seems fine, I wonder if they upgraded it for '05? Anyway, nice update. Nice car. I seem to be in harmonious vibration with my TL!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Keep in mind, this is not official! It's just rumor and speculation but evaluating Honda's past pattern of updating models and replacing models all together, it seems that the 07 TL will get a some minor updates. Based on Honda history, the TL should be completely redesigned in 09 and quite possibly be released sometime in 08.
Some of the promising IMO changes that have been speculated about the 09 TL is that it might have the SH-AWD standard. Personally, I would like to see the TL get a RWD platform but I am sure this is highly debatable.
Hope this helps.
i read some items that indicated it is easy to steal the code. anyone else heard that?
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
See the above article on keyless access and starter buttons. I have it in my Audi and like it very much, but honestly, using they key isn't that difficult...
I wonder if someone can quantify the net gain in convenience between reaching out to insert and turn a key, versus reaching out to push a button? Or is this a case of technology for technology sake?
If everything were keyless, then it'd be great, just leave the key in the pocket or briefcase and voilla...but if you have to pull it out anyway...then its not that much more convenient IMO...
I know this is totally off-topic, but what you said reminds me of what I've often wondered about wheneven I have too much time on my hands. Why, in this computer age, are we still primarily using something as low-tech as a key to unlock our house and office doors? There must be someone marketing locks that lock automatically when you close the door, and that you can unlock via biometrics (ie. fingerprint reader). No key, or magnetic card needed. That has got to be available somewhere. But why has it not gotten wide exposure? Or how about a key fob remote just like for cars? You click and you lock your house doors as well as arm the alarm. Simple and foolproof. The technology to do that has got to be available already. But I don't recall seeing any house with a setup like that. :confuse:
I would group keyless start systems with manumatics in terms of practical usefulness, or uselessness. Manufacturers seem to include them nowadays in any model with any pretension of luxury, even though they have dubious practical value.
keyless door
If they could just create more aesthetically pleasing looks...
Don't be so negative bra.
I love the SportShift option in my TL. Especially in stop and crawl traffic, or on the highway when you know you're gonna punch it and you need the revs up. Just like D3 or D2 on other cars, but a little more elaborate.
Talk about useless technology - all wheel steering. Yea - that'll be cheap.
There isn’t enough room in front or rear if you turn the wheels 90 degrees. Some vehicles even have poor turning circles because of the limited space (Volvo S60 transverse layout = no room).
Too expensive too
what is different about the 06? is it a pushbutton?
Dave
ext. color on the TL. Everytime I see it on
the road, I think it is a really nice color
on that car, especially the pearl sheen that
comes through. A while back, when I was
perusing an Acura Dealer lot in the Tampa Bay
area, (Went on a Sunday morning, since they don't open until after 12:00 and I'm not ready to buy yet -- 'gotta finish my lease on my Maxima) I think I recall seeing a white TL with
the black interior. Don't know if I'm
mistaken about that, because most of the white
TL's come with the parchment interior or the
gray interior. Does anyone know if the white
TL is available with the black interior?
There are few
Very Few
IS this something that sounds good but you can not buy any of the products to use on their fancy system
I am sad about this but have been researching the issue
Julius :shades:
I may be in the minority, but I am not very impressed with the Acura TL audio system, even when I play one of the few DVD Audio disks I've purchased. It is nominally better than the sound of our MDX system and not nearly as good as the Bose system in our Porsche. I'm not an engineer, but from a friend who is, the TL's speakers are very average at best and the amplifier lacks the "slew rate" or speed/punch to clearly separate the frequencies.
I didn't buy our TL 6-speed for the sound system, and am generally very happy with the car. But for anyone to whom the audio system is a critical decision factor, don't take the marketing hype of "DVD audio" very seriously.
I was reminded at a recent reunion with some college buddies that my 1978 Datsun B210GX hatchback, fitted by some electrical engineering fraternity brothers with a Nakamichi tape deck, Fosgate amp and Rodgers studio speakers was still, to this day, the best audio system they have ever heard in a car (or on a beach, with the hatch open). Their memory may be a bit faded after all of those years, but they include enough BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, fellow Porsche and other high end owners that I took the compliment with some satisfaction. On the other hand, that 1978 Datsun went from 0-60 in a half hour, which they also reminded me of.
Hahahahahaha! I'm sure the only reason for that was the weight of all that stereo equipment...
I know I don't have the most musically-sensitive ears, but the sound system in the rental Ford Fusion that I had last week sounded pretty decent. And I know there is no hype with that system.
:confuse: The audio on the TL does not support MP3s. However, you can burn your own DVDs from standard CD wav files that it will play
Jrourke,
Could you expand on how you create the audio DVD. Are you able to create albums, or does this result in just one large directory of files.
Thanks
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Here's a couple of links. You can get up to about 99 songs in total using from 1 to 9 groups. I think some have managed to get more using DL (dual layer) discs but haven't tried this. The second link was for an enahnced GUI (graphical user interface) the guy wrote to make the process easier. This is for writing regular 2 channel CDs to DVD. The same person also wrote up a way to convert those to multichannel sound and how to burn those.
project free dvd-a
free dvd-a gui
project free dvd-a
Go to the phone store and give it a try with their demo phone.