1997 Acura TL

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$28,450

starting MSRP

1997 Acura TL
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Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

5

Seating capacity

191.5” x 55.3”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

2 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 1997 Acura TL trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2023

1997 Acura TL review: Our expert's take

By

Acura’s TL (Touring Luxury) sedans are almost like twins. With the same basic body and 111.8-inch wheelbase, their looks are nearly identical, but they have different engines and different characters. Which you choose is a matter of preference and pocketbook.

The 2.5TL, with an in-line, 5-cylinder engine and 176 horsepower, has a firmer ride and a sportier feel. Its price starts at $28,450.

The 3.2TL, with a 3.2-liter V6 and 200 horsepower, feels more lavish, and luxurious. It begins at $32,950.

Both models come fully equipped at this price. Premium packages are also offered with even more features, such as heated seats, heated mirrors and traction control for the 3.2 and leather seats and power moonroof for the 2.5.

I haven’t driven the 3.2TL in quite some time, so it seemed time to take a closer look at this mid-luxury four-door. Most Acuras are plush and quiet, but the 3.2TL seems to be even quieter and smoother than the 2.5. An acquaintance who has a CL coupe says he likes his car because it is so easy to drive. While that is certainly true of the V6-powered CL, it is even more apropos of the 3.2TL. Its steering is finger-tip light, its engine butter smooth and it glides down the road like it is rolling on ball bearings. In a word, it is effortless.

The feel of smooth precision carries over to the switches, which glide into place. Most all Japanese makers have done an excellent job in this area. The car interfaces with the driver, felt through the controls, in a way that creates a feeling of confidence and quality. That is typical of the cars in the segment, and the 3.2TL carries it off well.

The styling lacks the kind of dynamic vigor found in some competitors, but it fits in with Acura’s low-key and understated design philosophy. It’s better to woo suitors with function and performance.

The all-aluminum, 3.2-liter V6 that drives the front wheels has four valves per cylinder and a single overhead camshaft. Rather than mounting it transversely, which is fairly common, Acura chose a front-rear, or longitudinal, position for better weight distribution and less nose-heavy handling. That is one reason the hood is long.

While Acura markets the 3.2 as the less sporty of the two TLs, the 200 horsepower from the V6 gives it brisk acceleration. Shifts are seamless, thanks to electronic controls that coordinate the engine and transmission.

Perhaps it would be more accurate to say the 2.5TL has a European character, because Audi and Volvo also have 5-cylinder engines.

Because this car is so quiet and smooth it is deceptively quick. Unless you are paying close attention, its natural highway gait will put you well over the speed limit.

Inside, there is ample room for five, and the trunk is spacious as well. The front seats are comfortable, but the bottom cushions are fairly flat. I would prefer larger side bolsters to give better support in turns.

View out the front is pan oramic because the cowl is low and the windows are tall. The instrument panel is a model of clarity, with one exception. The automatic climate control is difficult to decipher unless you leave it on full automatic setting. Labels are cryptic and you have to play around with it to figure out what each button does. After you solve the puzzle it is easy to control. Better labeling and straight-forward controls would be better.

After a few days with the 3.2, on the basis of performance and power, I would choose it over the 2.5TL. Some, however, will choose the 2.5 on the basis of price (justifiably), and its European feel. I can’t fault that.

Price

The base price of our test car was $32,950. Standard equipment included power windows, power mirrors, power locks with keyless remote, power sunroof, eight-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels, leather upholstery, power mirrors and AM/FM stereo with cassette and compact d c player.

The sticker price was $33,385.

Warranty

The standard warranty is for four years or 50,000 miles.

Vehicles for The Star’s week-long test drives are supplied by the auto manufacturers.

Point: The 3.2TL offers lots of luxury and comfort in a mid-size package. The aluminum V6 seems even quieter this year, and it goes about its business so discreetly you can hardly tell it is running.

Counterpoint: The climate control needs clearer markings, and the styling is not as dynamic as the car underneath.

SPECIFICATIONS:

ENGINE: 3.2-liter, V6

TRANSMISSION: automatic

WHEELBASE: 111.8 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,461 lbs,

BASE PRICE: $32,950

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $33,385

MPG RATING: 19 city, 24 hwy.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.6
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.8
  • Value 3.6
  • Exterior 3.8
  • Reliability 4.0

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

My first new car

My first brand new car. It was a great car for that year. Only issue was the transmission, it would make a funny noise and jerked a little when it changed gear, 2nd gear I think. Had it replaced under warranty. Really reliable car, no other issues besides the transmission. I put over 130k miles. Ride was smooth and comfortable ride, audio sounded decent. The yellow fog lights in the headlight housing was a dope look, how could I forget. Back window rolled down in a slant! Thank you for the memories ❤️

3.0

Old but first car

This car I thought was good for its age. I owned it for 1.5 years and after previous owner replaced many parts, I still spent around $1000 replacing more. It was a good first car for me, because now I really appreciate my newer (still used) car. It lasted 20 years and I know it was a good car in its day.

4.0

Great Car

This was my first car and it was great. I only had one problem with it and that was it. The car runs smoothly and is big enough to seat people comfortably. This is a great car for a first time driver.

See all 5 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Acura Precision
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
6 years old and newer from their original in-service date, with 80,000 miles or fewer at time of vehicle delivery.
Basic warranty terms
2 years/100,000 miles
Powertrain
7 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
182-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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