2006 Acura TL

For 2006, the horsepower and torque ratings of the Acura TL change; although the engine is the same, new SAE methods have changed the way horsepower is measured, and the ratings on the 3.2-litre V6 are now 258 hp, down from 270 hp in 2005, and 233 lb-ft of torque, down from 238 lb-ft. All models also receive a tire pressure monitoring system.

The TL appears as the TL and the Dynamic package; a Navi Package of navigation system with bilingual voice recognition and wheel-mounted controls, voice-activated climate and stereo controls, and a solar sensor for the climate control system can be added to either model. All use the 3.2-litre V6; the TL uses a five-speed automatic transmission with SportShift manual mode, while the Dynamic package exclusively uses a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with limited slip differential.

Features on the TL include Xenon headlamps, heated mirrors, chrome-tipped dual exhaust, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated leather seats with eight-way driver and four-way power adjust, leather-wrapped wheel, automatic dual-zone climate control, premium six-CD/cassette stereo with eight speakers, cruise control, Homelink garage door opener, power sunroof, speed-sensitive windshield wipers, and cargo net.

The Dynamic package has the same features, but differs slightly in its suspension, offering the manual transmission, larger stabilizer bars, summer high-performance tires, and Brembo front brake calipers.

The attractive, wedge-shaped TL strikes a fine balance between sport sedan and luxury machine. Based on the Honda Accord, it features a smooth and potent engine, excellent steering response, and with the Dynamic package, an exciting and fun-to-drive package that holds up well against its competition; only its front-wheel-drive configuration keeps it from being mentioned in the same breath as its German competitors, but for the price, it’s worthy of comparison. The six-speed is a smooth one; the Dynamic’s heavier-duty suspension and sticky tires make for a great time on twisty roads, with all-day cruising comfort on the straight highway back home.