1999-2003 Acura TL

December 31, 2005 - By John LeBlanc

The "We Try Harder" campaign from the early 1960s was one of the best-known and successful advertising programs ever launched. It established the Avis rent-a-car company with millions of people around the world. On the flip side, it also emphasized the fact that Hertz was, and is, number one in the rental car game.

When it comes to entry-level sports sedans, Acura certainly tried harder with its second generation TL sedan. Debuting as a 1999 model, it replaced its mildly received, Japanese-built predecessor.

The new, larger TL sedan was now being screwed together in Ohio, U.S.A. Using the Honda Accord as a base, the front-wheel-drive, five-seater TL was the middle Acura sedan between the little sis’ Canadian-exclusive EL and the big brother RL. A new, 225 horsepower 3.2-litre V6 engine supplanted the previous generation’s Audi-esque five-banger. Initially coming with four gears in 1999 TLs, with a fifth added on 2000 models, an automatic with manual gear selection was the sole choice of transmission, right through to the 2003 model.

Bigger, faster, stronger—oh yeah! But is the second-gen Acura TL a match for such pre-owned rivals as the Audi A4, Infiniti I30, Lexus ES 300, Mercedes-Benz C Class or the Hertz of entry-level sports sedans, the BMW 3 Series?

Bulletproof compared to the C Class, and being a Honda underneath, the 1999-2003 Acura TL rates high in the reliability department. With Acura’s certified pre-owned program covering up to six years or 120,000 km, chances are good of finding a qualifying model at a franchised dealer.

Of notable trouble spots, faulty fuel gauges, horns, keyless entry transmitters, and steering pumps need to be checked on first year models. 1999-2001 TLs may need replacement of wiper hoses and blades. Transmissions from 2000-2003 TLs have experienced all-out breakdowns and should have been replaced on Acura’s bill.

There are only six recalls for this generation of TL. Two related to ignition switches, two regarding seatbelts, one for airbags and one for the driver-side power window with the "Auto Up" feature that may become inoperative.

Relatively, not bad, as the Acura came equipped only one way—loaded for Bimmer, er, bear.

A satellite-based navigation system was the sole item on the TL’s option list, as standard equipment wasn’t lacking. Such goodies as power everything, leather upholstery, heated front seats, moonroof, all-disc antilock braking and traction control, were all assembled to the usually high Honda/Acura standards.

The regular TL is a nice car to drive. Its fast (0-100 kilometres per hour in eight seconds), its quiet, the manumatic shifts quickly, and the car is stable at high speeds. Acura tried to balance the luxury/sport equation, but put up against the more luxury-tuned I30 or ES 300, and you’ll notice less of a cushy ride.

It might help be an automotive forensic investigator to notice the re-styled front and rear fascias that arrived in 2002, but the more obvious improvement was the sportier Type-S variant.

Designed to sway customers from knee-jerking to the German-marques, in the spirit of the Avis gang, Acura tuned the intake and exhaust of the 3.2 mill to now produce 260 h.p., the most powerful in its class. Despite lacking the six-speed manual stick that the TL-based CL coupe had, the Type-S sedan was now quicker to 100 km/h than a 330i. Compared to the regular TL, the suspension was more buttoned and the Type-S' steering was quicker.

Out on the road, the Type-S delivers a nicely controlled ride, at least at 8/10ths. The engine makes all the right noises when pressed, and squealing the front tires is easy. But it’s those front tires that keep the Acura firmly in second place behind the BMW.

Compared to the rear-drive 3 Series, initial turn-in isn’t as quick, and the steering has less feel. Even with standard stability and traction control on the Type-S, that ol’ arch nemesis of any powerful front-drive car—torque steer—invades more often than asked for.

As the 1999-2003 Acura TL was priced thousands less than its competition (in the case of the German cars, potentially tens of thousands), getting value from a TL is never questionable. A similarly equipped pre-owned BMW 328i or 330i is still 50% more than this Acura.

Well built with durable materials, the TL is the equal of any of its entry-level sports sedan competition when it comes to quality and reliability. Its powerful engine will allow a measure of straight-line fun, more than what you’ll find in a Lexus or Infiniti. But it still can’t beat the Bimmer on a challenging bit of tarmac.

More than forty years later, “We try harder” remains an integral and important element of Avis’ global culture. And for the demanding driver, Acura still needs to look to Avis for inspiration.

- John LeBlanc, Publisher, www.straight-six.com

THE SPECS

TYPE OF VEHICLE Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger sedan
ENGINES 3.2L V6, 225-260 hp, 216-232 lb-ft of torque
TRANSMISSIONS Four-speed automatic (1999), Five-speed automatic
SAFETY Anti-lock brakes, traction control (Type-S), front and side airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results (Out of Five) Front Impact, Driver 4 Front Impact, Passenger 4
NHTSA Recall History Electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade (1999). Ignition-switch wear may lead to failure of interlock (1999). Airbags may not deploy correctly (2000).  Damaged vehicle may not have been repaired with the correct seatbelt buckles (2000-02). Certain driver and passenger seatbelt buckles were improperly manufactured (2002). Driver-side power window with "Auto Up" feature may become inoperative (2002).
PROS 1. Powerful 2. Feature-laden 3. Great value
CONS 1. Torque steer 2. Novocaine steering 3. Generic styling

© National Post 2005. This article originally appeared in The National Post's Driving.