2008 Acura TL Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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A powerful front-wheel-drive sedan with loads of standard luxury features.
Mild tweaks for 2008 include larger side-view mirrors without the super-cool winglet mounts of the 2004 original. On the Type-S model, which returned from a brief hiatus for 2007, there are quad exhaust tips, a lip spoiler on the trunk lid, dark gray thin-spoke wheels, and tinted headlight covers. Any way you look at it, the TL is more upscale than the Honda Accord it's based upon. It's a study in good automotive design. The front bumper crease aligns with the A badge and the grille's lower point. The grille shape mirrors the hood, which widens from the car's nose and is wedge-shaped, unlike the typical square-shaped cutout you'll find on more ordinary cars. Check out the shoulder line that cuts through the door handles and blends with the rear reflector, or the thick C-pillar that lengthens the car's body. That's a visual trick to make this midsize sedan appear larger.
The interior feels just as special and it's more expressive than rivals from BMW, Audi, or Infiniti. Changes for 2008 include a three-spoke steering wheel and instrument panel gauges with restyled typefaces and white concentric rings on the outside. The quality of the leather, wood or metal trim, and other materials is very good.
A 3.2-liter V-6 engine makes 258 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque (ratings decreased from earlier years due to revised measurements by the SAE). The Type S has a 3.5-liter version of this engine good for 286 hp and 256 lb-ft. Either engine feels powerful. Under heavy acceleration, there is excessive torque steer. In a front-wheel drive car, the wheels must transmit all longitudinal (acceleration) and lateral (steering) forces. Put too much power in a car like the TL, and the wheels ultimately start turning on their own, despite Acura's limited-slip differential that's supposed to reduce those negative effects. But physics can't defeat this handicapped setup, which is also compromised by excessive weight on those front wheels. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive would help—it can preemptively transfer power in the front axle from left to right—but the company doesn't offer it on the TL.
So, take care with the throttle and you'll have a good time in the TL. The suspension strikes a great balance between comfort and agile handling. The Type S comes with large Brembo disc brakes and a precise six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is standard on the regular TL and optional on the Type S. Summer tires are an option for the Type S.
Fuel economy adjusted to modern EPA estimates is 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg for the 3.2-liter engine with the automatic. The Type S automatic is 17/26/20, while the Type S manual returns the best economy at 18/27/21. The TL requires premium gasoline for best performance and efficiency.
The TL has seats that some drivers may find too low and narrow, while the thick C-pillars block rearward visibility. Trunk space is small, at only 12 cubic feet. The backseat is accommodating and well-suited for long trips, if everyone packs light. The gated shifter is a bit complex, and there are no paddle shifters on the steering wheel like in other cars.
You'll find three large gauges, big LCDs for the stereo and climate, and buttons and knobs for everything else. It's simple to use the navigation system, although voice commands can sometimes take too long to process.
The regular TL comes with only one option package that adds navigation, real-time traffic, voice recognition, and a backup camera. Also included with the navigation is 3D Solar Sensing, which adjusts the climate control by using the car's location and light sensors within the interior. to estimate the position of the sun and measuring the actual sunlight from a sensor mounted in the interior to best adjust the air conditioning. This package is standard on the Type-S.
Standard on all TL models are heated power leather seats, aluminum or wood trim, moonroof, xenon headlights, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and dual-zone climate. The ELS stereo has satellite radio, cassette, CD changer, and can play DVD-Audio discs in surround sound.
User reviews for 2008 Acura TL
Write a review2008 Acura TL Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 225 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.31
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 225 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: grocery bag holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.31
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 225 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.2 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.31
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 225 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.2 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.29
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Grille color: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation
