Its 2.5-L inline 5-cylinder engine, virtually the same as in the outgoing Vigor, also drove the front wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission. For real excitement under the hood customers had to opt for the new 3.2-L V6, that achieved 0 - 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds when new.
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| The Acura TL had an optional 3.2-L V6 which produced 200-hp, 24-hp more than the base 2.5-L engine. (Photo: Honda) |
Along with the power upgrade came larger diameter wheels and tires, necessary for keeping the faster car stuck to the pavement. Its fully independent suspension offered 0.77 Gs of lateral acceleration, not supercar territory but decent enough for spirited runs up a curvaceous canyon highway. The four-disc ABS brakes were capable of 42.7 m (140 ft) stops from 100 km/h, also reasonable considering the car's entry-level luxury class.
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| With an interior that was arguably one of the best of its era, the TL was a marked improvement over the Vigor, but was still tight for space in the backseat. (Photo: Honda) |
Even though the Vigor and TL don't look drastically different, the latter grew inside affecting head, leg and shoulder room, but large occupants still complained of the cramped quarters, especially in back. Adding to the claustrophobia were rear windows that didn't fully open, due to rear wheel cutouts jutting into the lower half of the doors.
The driver and front passenger had no such problems, with the former facing an attractive and well laid out gauge cluster, complimented by a clean, uncluttered dash featuring woodgrain accents. The steering wheel, shifter and gear lever were leather trimmed, as were the seats in optional premium trim. The only negatives that can be said about an interior that was arguably one of the best of its era were hard, high-sheen plastics on specific surfaces throughout the cabin. This issue, mind you, only affected aesthetics, its fit and finish was exemplary.