For its first model year, 1996 in Canada, the standard equipment list included climate controlled air conditioning, an alarm system, alloy wheels, an AM/FM audio system with both cassette and CD, anti-lock brakes, a center console, cruise control, dual airbags, fog lights, power windows, power door locks, a power driver's seat, power mirrors, tilt steering, tinted glass and velour/cloth seats. The aforementioned premium package added leather seats and a power glass sunroof.
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| In 1998 the options from the premium package were added to the standard TL, and included such things as leather seats, sunroof, alloy wheels and a CD player. (Photo: Honda) |
Model year 1998 saw the deletion of the premium package, but fortunately the addition of its features to the standard TL. Other new standard features included a power passenger seat, keyless entry and a remote trunk release.
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| Soichiro Honda's philosophies of "Performance, styling, luxury and value" describe the Acura TL perfectly. (Photo: Honda) |
Recalls? The only one affected 10,190 TLs between 1996 and 1998. It was due to the improper surface finishing of the spherical portion of the ball joints between the front lower arm and knuckle front suspension lower ball joints, causing them to wear out prematurely, at the worst resulting in apparent sudden loss of power, reduced steering control and a possible crash. Overall though, the TL is considered extremely reliable.
Would Soichiro Honda have been proud of the 1996 through 1998 Acura TL? According to officials from Honda's Acura Division, the TL embodied his philosophies of "performance, styling, luxury and value" perfectly. And that is what still makes it a good bet on the pre-owned market.