2002 Acura TL Review

The racier new 3.2 TL is still a bargain in its class

2002 ACURA 3.2 TL

Price
$28,880-$31,230
Likes
Racier styling. Sporty new Type-S model. Loaded with equipment. Bargain price.
Dislikes
Rather high trunk opening. Tiny glovebox. Steering wheel blocks some controls. No manual transmission.

Honda's Acura division created the Japanese luxury car market here in 1986, but let its image slide by not offering flagship models with a V-8 and by selling small Integra models that Americans considered just small sporty cars. But Acura picked up lots of customers when it introduced its 1999 3.2 TL sedan. That model wasn't the top-dog Acura and had conservative styling.

But it was larger than the Integra and stronger, roomier and faster than its predecessor. Also, the 3.2 TL was a whopping $5,200 cheaper than the previous comparable model, which gave it a price of $27,950 despite a long list of standard items. That made it a screaming bargain and helped make it an instant hit.

It didn't hurt that the new front-drive Acura felt much like a good rear-drive European sports sedan, partly because of features such as a race-car-style, fully independent double-wishbone suspension system. Although the big Lexus LS 430 sedan has a V-8, Acura still doesn't offer such an engine for even its top-line RL sedan because Honda provides no V-8 it can borrow.

But Acura wisely hasn't tampered much with the successful 3.2 TL, which competes with cars such as the BMW 3-Series and Lexus ES 300. The 2002 3.2 TL is nearly unchanged, although it does have sportier front styling for a more aggressive look and redesigned taillights. There's also a new Type-S version with a more powerful V-6 engine and such things as a firmer suspension.

The price of the base 3.2 TL has only gone up to $28,880 despite such standard features as leather upholstery, power heated front seats, power glass sunroof and many other items. Safety equipment includes front and side air bag systems.

The Type-S is reasonably priced at $31,230, considering it has all the base models comfort and convenience equipment, besides more power and such things as a sport suspension and racier looking interior. Both 2002 3.2 TL models have a new in-dash 6-disc CD changer. And noise and vibration have been reduced with added insulation materials. Fog lights also have been added. The only factory option for both models is a DVD-based $2,000 satellite-linked navigation system.

It's one of the best such systems, although it absorbs some climate control functions and makes temperature adjustments more complicated. The standard TL has a 3.2-liter single-overhead-camshaft V-6 that provides 225 horsepower and lively acceleration.

But I found the Type-S is considerably faster because it has a 260-horsepower version of that sophisticated 24-valve engine, thanks partly to Honda race car technology. Both versions of the engine call for premium fuel, but deliver identical estimated fuel economy: 19 mpg in the city and 29 on highways. Highway fuel economy is good because, for instance, the engine loafs at 1,900 rpm at 65 mph. Both versions meet stringent Low Emission Vehicle standards.

Accompanying the more potent engine are revised steering with better road feel, firmer sport suspension, larger 50-series (vs. 60-series) tires on slightly bigger 17-inch wheels and a stability control system. The Type-S cockpit has special perforated-leather seats and steering wheel cover, ebony wood-patterned trim, metallic-face gauges and a few subtle touches found in special models, such as a Type-S emblem on the gear selector knob. Both versions of the smooth, quiet V-6 work with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission, which has a manual shift feature.

Too bad a manual five-speed gearbox isn't offered for the Type S; after all, rival BMW 3-Series models offer a manual transmission. Steering is rather heavy, but quick. The ride is good and handling is especially sharp with the Type S, which has excellent high-speed stability. However, while stopping distances are short, the brake pedal has an overly soft feel. Anti-lock brakes are standard for both models. The 3.2 TL easily swallows four 6-footers in its quiet interior, partly because it has a rather long 108.1-inch wheelbase.

The center of the back seat is hard in most cars, but is soft enough in this Acura to be comfortable for a fifth passenger on short trips. Front seats offer especially good support during spirited driving. Most controls are large and within easy reach, although the steering wheel rim blocks some of them. Separate covers flip open to reveal dual cup holders in the front console, and there also are dual cup holders in the rear-seat armrest. The glovebox is tiny, but the console has a deep, covered bin and storage pockets in the front doors.
The trunk is large, but has a rather high opening. And its lid has manual hinges that eat into the cargo area. However, the hood is supported by hydraulic struts and allows easy access to fluid filler areas. The 3.2 TL thus remains a bargain, and the new Type-S version enhances its value.