1996 Acura TL Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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1996 brought the official debut of the TL, the new "Touring Luxury" vehicle from Acura. The 1996 certainly brought a luxurious feel with it, including power doors and locks, and standard leather seats for the 3.5 trim.
The base engine is a 2.5-liter I5 rated at 176 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.2 trim comes with a 3.2-liter V6 rated at 200 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Mileage is estimated at 20/25 for the 2.5 and 19/24 for the 3.2.
Drivers of this car bemoan a lack of aftermarket parts. Complaints also include scratches on the windows left by the guides, a problem of which Acura is aware. A few have remarked on a lack of legroom in both the front and back seats. Conversely, they love the I5 engine, declaring it gives them much more power than similar vehicles with differently configured engines. They also engine the smooth ride and big trunk.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1996 Acura TL
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Apr 12, 2011
Great car. Only little things went wrong.
Lots of good things to say. Only a couple bad things. Sometimes the replacement parts are hard to come by. You have to go through an Acura dealership most of the time.
But overall, this was a great car that looked great, went quick and did the job. Going to miss it!Apr 12, 2011
by Jesus H
Apr 20, 2010
What i like about my TL is that the parts are always hard to find and that the interior is really cool. after building it i just love the way my TL is now. i still have a few more mods and things i gotta do but its in the paint job process right now.. also all work on my TL has been done by me and my friends only no shops.Apr 20, 2010
by Abby C
Apr 12, 2010
I bought this vehicle with 108k miles on it. The interior was well maintained and
the exterior aside from the bit of rust and dent in the trunk was well kept too.
Acceleration can take you off guard, expecting a half hazard mope of a gain on
traffic, however with the inline 5 engine, this sedan turns into quite a powerful
sporty car. However, I purchased this vehicle in September of 2008 and the
first problem was the blower motor. Not exactly the type of cash I'd like to
spend on a vehicle like this (I was quoted at $600+), so I spent the winter in
Minnesota without heat. Fantastic. One morning, I went to reverse out of my
driveway, and the vehicle would not move, as if I had the vehicle in reverse.
Being able to move FORWARD anyway, I drove it to my mechanic where I was
told that the clutch pack had welded together. I don't need to begin to tell you
the cost of a new or reman transmission! The car had 111k miles on it when I
finally had enough and sold it on Craigslist. Happy to see it go.Apr 12, 2010
User rating:
by Anonymous
Apr 12, 2011
Great car. Only little things went wrong.
Lots of good things to say. Only a couple bad things. Sometimes the replacement parts are hard to come by. You have to go through an Acura dealership most of the time.
But overall, this was a great car that looked great, went quick and did the job. Going to miss it!Apr 12, 2011
by Jesus H
Apr 20, 2010
What i like about my TL is that the parts are always hard to find and that the interior is really cool. after building it i just love the way my TL is now. i still have a few more mods and things i gotta do but its in the paint job process right now.. also all work on my TL has been done by me and my friends only no shops.Apr 20, 2010
by Abby C
Apr 12, 2010
I bought this vehicle with 108k miles on it. The interior was well maintained and
the exterior aside from the bit of rust and dent in the trunk was well kept too.
Acceleration can take you off guard, expecting a half hazard mope of a gain on
traffic, however with the inline 5 engine, this sedan turns into quite a powerful
sporty car. However, I purchased this vehicle in September of 2008 and the
first problem was the blower motor. Not exactly the type of cash I'd like to
spend on a vehicle like this (I was quoted at $600+), so I spent the winter in
Minnesota without heat. Fantastic. One morning, I went to reverse out of my
driveway, and the vehicle would not move, as if I had the vehicle in reverse.
Being able to move FORWARD anyway, I drove it to my mechanic where I was
told that the clutch pack had welded together. I don't need to begin to tell you
the cost of a new or reman transmission! The car had 111k miles on it when I
finally had enough and sold it on Craigslist. Happy to see it go.Apr 12, 2010
by Brandon L
Aug 03, 2009
its ok but its getting old and needs some tlc ,maybe after i get a job. good power, expensive for parts, low mileage for a small car. has a lot of go go go go go.... haha haha my wordAug 03, 2009
by Sean G
Nov 29, 2008
This is the most powerfull V6 car Ive ever owned. This car handles like a sports car and has a smooth ride like a Cadilac. This car has been maintance free. This car blows away any other car that tries to match up with me. Bought two yrs ago still runs and drives like new for a 1996!! This car has all the options, mirror defrost, pearl paint, leather, auto climate cntrl, cruise, traction cntrl, heated leather, 300 H.P. Nov 29, 2008
by Tamara M
Sep 24, 2008
This was my second car. I was in love with the look of the car. Performance was really great even in the snow. This car was very affordable to own and could be fixed by a Honda dealer. My car was a lot of fun to drive and own.
Beautiful!Sep 24, 2008
by Christopher K
Aug 15, 2008
Best car I have. Love the willingness of the engine. Needs better brakes, my new Honda puts the brakes to shame... I just love the way it looks and feels to drive. Does have some minor problems, small oil leak, door locks don't work some times, and the fuel mileage is not the best. Still my favorite car to drive!Aug 15, 2008
by Liz B
Jun 05, 2008
I have had my car since I got it new in 1996, its been worth every dime....i plan on keeping it as long as possible...i love no car payments and very little maintenence....Jun 05, 2008
by Anonymous
May 11, 2008
The only problem are the spare partsesspecialy when somebody doesen't live in USA May 11, 2008
by Timothy M
May 06, 2008
I love the car. I've only owned it for about a month, but I've driven it for over a year. The performance is great when I need it, and it still gets the occasional head-turn. Fuel economy isn't the best (19/26), but with a 17.2 gal tank, it gets me around. I love the interior leather and cockpit - very easy to use and move around. The speakers and audio are astounding! Even at 150k, its still in its prime and going quite strong. I fully expect to get at least another 150k out of it.May 06, 2008
by Will C
Mar 31, 2008
good on gasMar 31, 2008
by Daniel K
Feb 20, 2008
Great Car. Not very Powerful.
Feb 20, 2008
by Jenny W
Jan 11, 2008
Is a Good CarJan 11, 2008
by Lee W
Dec 31, 2007
Lots of speeding tickets in this one. Got run off the road by someone not paying attention and hit a street sign. Totalled it.Dec 31, 2007
by Nick A
Nov 09, 2007
Best car ive ever drivenNov 09, 2007
What users have asked
Trade in of my vehicle
Do you take trade ins?
12 views
Ignition cylinder lock
96 Accord ignition interchangeable with 96 Acura tl
15 views
cooling system
I changed the thermostat, water pump and timing belt on my 1996 ACURA TL but it still over heats. Does anyone know what i may be missing or forgot to check?
3931 views
No start
I have a 96 Acura TL 2.5 and I've changed the filter ,fuses ,relays, and i have changed distributor,cap, and. Rotor. O also today changes spark plug and wires,it still will not start . I got some degreaser and Sprayed it on and all of a sudden on the left side all the way at bottom it's a hose not connected to something could this be the issue? Help please
34 views
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1996 Acura TL Pricing
Original MSRP
$28,320 to $35,920Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy