The 2005 Acura TL Was Peak Acura

TL;DR

The 2004-2005 Acura TL was Acura's greatest mainstream car, combining 270hp, attractive styling, and strong value to outsell the Infiniti G35.

Key Points

• 1.The third-gen TL debuted with unprecedented power for its class. The 2004 model launched with a 3.2L V6 producing 270hp — more than the previous TL Type S high-performance model — while a later Type S variant offered a 3.5L V6 with 285hp.
• 2.The TL outsold the rival Infiniti G35 every year they competed. Despite the G35 being praised as the enthusiast favorite with rear-wheel drive and better handling, the TL moved roughly 78,000 units annually versus the G35's 71,000.
• 3.The TL drove Acura to all-time sales records. Acura sold 171,000 units in 2003, the TL's first calendar year on sale, then 210,000 in 2004 and 201,000 in 2005; the TL alone accounted for 37% of all Acura sales at its peak.
• 4.The interior was Acura's first real attempt at styled luxury. Features included blue-backlit gauges, a six-disc DVD audio changer, XM satellite radio, dual-stage heated seats, memory seating, HomeLink, and an interactive pixel screen in the gauge cluster.
• 5.The design broke from Acura's previously bland styling. A rising beltline from a pointed nose to the rear, a single design line incorporating door handles, turn signals, and reflectors, and aggressive proportions marked a clear departure from earlier blobby Acura sedans.
• 6.On the road, the TL drives smoothly but lacks enthusiast sharpness. The V6 revs quickly with minimal torque steer, feels as quick as a contemporary G35, but has over-assisted, imprecise steering and a softer suspension tune clearly aimed at comfort over sportiness.
• 7.Acura has never recovered the success the TL era represented. Acura no longer sells a midsize sedan, and annual sales have dropped to roughly 135,000 units — well below the 210,000 peak achieved when the TL was in its prime.