Drivers have more stress during the holidays, alcohol consumption
increases and patience in busy traffic can quickly wane.
A 200-mile roundtrip, therefore, is a less-than-ideal way to spend part of
Thanksgiving. It's potentially more problematic knowing the crowded,
late-night return trip could include a stretch of interstate infamous for its
thick, late-night fog.
But visiting family outweighs the inconveniences of the potential driving
hassles. And if the journey is made in a vehicle with a commanding and
secure road presence, such concerns are sufficiently eased.
So it was during my weekly test drive of the 2005 Acura TL.
Drivers have more stress during the holidays, alcohol consumption
increases and patience in busy traffic can quickly wane.
A 200-mile roundtrip, therefore, is a less-than-ideal way to spent part of
Thanksgiving. It's potentially more problematic knowing the crowded,
late-night return trip could include a stretch of interstate infamous for its
thick, late-night fog.
But visiting family outweighs the inconveniences of potential driving
hassles. And if the journey is made in a vehicle with a commanding and
secure road presence, such concerns are sufficiently eased.
So it was during my weekly test drive of the 2005 Acura TL. The vehicle
was successful for several years, but Acura redesigned it and added
more features in 2004 to offer BMW and Audi drivers another choice for
a luxury sports sedan that combines performance with value.
There's little change in the TL from last year. The vehicle is based on the
Honda Accord platform but has different styling, a different powertrain
and more upscale features.
Performance to ride quality to instrumentation, there's a lot to like about
the TL, which is why it's a recommended best buy in the premium
midsize category by Consumer Guide, among other publications.
The car's performance begins with a 270-horsepower, 3.2-liter, 24-valve
V6 engine with a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual
transmission. My vehicle had an automatic transmission. It shifts
smoothly into all positions and was tested at 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds.
The manual transmission was tested at 6.2 seconds.
Among the many standard features are 17-inch wheels and antilock
four-wheel disc brakes and an anti-skid system. They all further add to
an impressive driving experience. The car handles and steers
admirably, and it maneuvers confidentially through traffic with a strong
feel on the road, particularly with its 17-inch wheels.
While the vehicle's driving qualities provide plenty to recommend it, the
additional exterior and interior standard features only further distinguish
the TL.
The leather upholstery is comfortable, attractive and complemented
nicely by stylishly contoured aluminum trim. Bright electroluminescent
gauges and blue backlighting throughout the cabin provide a sultry
night-driving atmosphere.
Individually heated front seats, sunroof, XM satellite radio, in-dash CD
changer with an eight-speaker sound system, voice-recognition
navigation system, heated power door mirrors and Xenon HID
headlights are all standard.
And, of course, cruise control, multiple driver and front passenger seat
positions, air conditioning and individual, front-seat climate controls are
also standard.
For front-seat passengers there's ample leg room and plenty of overall
comfort. Back-seat passengers aren't as comfortable, with head and leg
room slightly pinched. Cargo space is also tight, but styled well. The rear
seatback doesn't fold, but there's a small pass-through port for skis.
Just like it has been for the past several years, the 2005 Acura TL is a
nicely combined sport and luxury car with great attention to refinement
and workmanship.
It's a perfect car to drive to a late-night jazz club or at least to fantasize a
similar journey. And it's a perfect vehicle for managing holiday traffic in
any kind of weather.
2005 Aura TL
Safety features -- Driver and front passenger and side curtain
airbags; Antilock brakes; Traction control system.
Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 20 mpg (city), 29 mpg (highway).
Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,00 miles; Corrosion,
5 years/unlimited miles; 24-hour roadside assistance: 4 years/50,000
miles.
Base price range -- $32,650-$34,850
James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, California, who
writes about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the car
review colum, The Weekly Driver.
To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver
