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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Test Drive Column.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution November 28, 2003 Byline: Russ DeVault Nov. 28–For some time now, the Acura TL sedan has been about practicality and price, with the Japanese manufacturer, buyers and reviewers casting it as a near-luxury car. For 2004, however, Acura’s best seller moves up in terms of features, technology, performance . . . and price.

Have an important cellphone call going when you’re getting into the TL to go somewhere? No problem — the ’04 model has technology that permits the call to be transferred to its audio system for hands-free continuance.

Or maybe you want to have some fun while on a twisting road to nowhere in particular. Well, the TL’s 270-horsepower V-6 engine permits that, too.

Get it on with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed SportShift automatic with semimanual mode. But note that Acura no longer offers two engines for the TL, only the 270-hp V-6 that makes a healthy 238 pounds-feet of torque and will get to 60 mph in no more than seven seconds. this web site 2004 acura tl

In addition to those features, the test ’04 TL quickly proved it’s moving up in the luxury area. Its wood, aluminum and leather interior looks, feels and accommodates quite nicely. Its navigation system, like most, required some study but provided the expected information and help.

But what really stands out when the cellphone is not in use or the navigation system is not being used is the DVD-audio system. It has eight speakers, a six-disc changer and XM radio capability.

The musical possibilities should please everyone from the big-band crowd to hard rockers to pop/rap fans. Clarity is superior to that of many home systems.

The test car’s heated seats with memory were comfortably supportive, and visibility of the navigation system and instrumentation — set off by red pointers and blue markings — is good. Nitpickers will point out that the pillars are noticeably thick and that there’s a good bit of gray plastic. Neither is a severe impediment and, in fact, is quite common on many cars, vans and trucks today. website 2004 acura tl

Little else about the new TL, based on the Honda Accord platform, justifies negativity. Acura has raised the price about $3,000 — the base is now $34,650 plus $545 delivery — so the tester totaled $35,195. That definitely moves it up in the pricing area, but Acura reasonably justifies it because of its upward movement in other categories.

It’s difficult to fault the TL in terms of value or safety either. It is Acura’s best-selling car and will remain so because it continues to deliver what buyers of near luxury/sporty sedans want.

Make car buying easier with access to Russ DeVault’s auto reviews and other Wheels features. Search the AJC’s Web archives back to 1985 at stacks.ajc.com. Searching is free. Pay only to view the full text of a story.

ON THE WEB: Check out other reviews of this vehicle and more:www.autotrader.com (links to car magazines and Consumers Digest) www.cars.com www.consumerreports.org (fee charged) www.edmunds.com www.kbb.com www.nadaguides.com www.nytimes.com THE SPECS — Test vehicle: 2004 Acura TL front-drive sedan — Price as tested: $35,195 (base price: $34,650 plus $545 delivery) — Drivetrain: 3.2-liter V-6 engine with 24 valves (270 horsepower), five-speed automatic transmission with semimanual mode — Safety features: dual front and side air bags, side curtain air bags, side-impact door beams, stability/traction control, power anti-lock disc brakes — Other standard features include: dual-zone climate control system, navigation system with voice-recognition feature, Bluetooth-enabled cellphone transferability feature, premium surround sound stereo system with six-disc in-dash CD changer, XM radio with three-month subscription (fee thereafter), eight-way power-adjustable heated driver’s seat with memory for seat and mirror position and climate control settings, four-way power-adjustable heated passenger seat, power mirrors, windows and locks with keyless entry system, power moonroof, 117-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 all-season tires — Options on test vehicle: none –> EPA figures: 20 mpg premium unleaded city, 28 mpg highway