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Acura TL III (UA6/7) 3.2 i V6 24V (273 Hp)
Overall Rating
Acura TL:
The Acura TL is an entry-level luxury sedan that was manufactured by Acura, the luxury division of Honda. It was introduced in 1995 for the 1996 model year, to replace the Acura Vigor and was badged for the Japanese market from 1996 to 2000 as the Honda Inspire and from 1996 to 2004 as the Honda Saber. The TL was Acura's best-selling model until it was outsold by the MDX in 2007. In 2005, it ranked as the second best-selling luxury sedan in the United States behind the BMW 3 Series, but sales decreased after the 2008 model year. Four generations of the Acura TL were produced, with the final generation premiering in 2008 for the 2009 model year, and ending production in 2014, when it was replaced together with the TSX by the TLX....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III (UA6/7) Overview:
Acura TL (III (UA6/7)). With 323 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1655 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 6 s). The top speed reaches 225 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.2 i V6 24V (273 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Paired with a manual transmission, this 273 Hp J32A3 engine offers a more engaging and direct driving experience, appealing to enthusiasts. Acceleration is strong and responsive.
Fuel Economy
Similar to its automatic counterpart, this manual version offers decent fuel economy. The driver's control over gear selection can sometimes lead to slightly better real-world efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful and refined V6 engines across the lineup
- • Engaging driving dynamics, especially with manual transmission or Type S
- • High-quality interior materials and comfortable cabin
- • Strong reputation for reliability (engine-wise)
- • Attractive and timeless styling
Cons:
- • Some automatic transmission issues reported in earlier models
- • Front-wheel drive limits ultimate handling compared to RWD rivals
- • Lack of AWD option for all-weather performance
- • Infotainment system can feel dated by modern standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (UA5): 2002 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Acura |
| Model: | TL |
| Generation: | III (UA6/7) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.2 i V6 24V (273 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 273 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 85 Hp/l [92mm less] |
| Torque: | 323 Nm @ 5000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J32A3 More details about the engine J32A3 |
| Engine displacement: | 3210 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 8.1 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 225 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.1 kg/Hp, 165 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.1 kg/Nm, 195.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1655 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 454 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4808 mm mm [92mm less] |
| Width: | 1835 mm mm [50mm more] |
| Height: | 1440 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2740 mm mm [5mm less] |
| Front track: | 1577 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1575 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/45 R17 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the Acura TL live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!