My ‘06 Acura TL went into the shop today for it’s 50k mile service and to take care of some other minor things. To my surprise I got a nice loaner for the day, a 2008 Acura TL with a Nav and automatic. Pretty close to my 06 just not a manual transmission.

It looks pretty much the same as mine, a few refreshes to the exterior, the gauges in the cockpit are nicely done, I like how they look, and the MID (multi information display) is much better. On mine it’s very bland lettering, I would describe it as alarm clock numbering format. The new one looks like a real font with smooth edges. The buttons to control the MID are moved from behind the steering wheel on the dash to being on the steering wheel itself. Nice change, I like it, no more feeling around with my fingers to find those darn buttons.

Of course I miss my manual, and driving this auto just further cements my absolute need for manual. I had the 2002 and 2003 TLs which offered nothing but automatic, and I could never go back. I am a manual stick shifter at heart. It is interesting to watch the tac and watch the shift points. Under low torque it will up shift around 1500 rpm, higher torque it holds out till close to 3100 rpm. The final-drive ratio is noticeably lower than my manual. At 80mph it’s only pushing 2000/2100 rpms, whereas my manual is pushing 2500/2600 rpms. Oh how I wish I had a seventh gear But on the flip side it doesn’t ever seem to downshift to assist with engine braking power, it’s 98% brakes to slow this auto down. And if you know Acura they are not known for having sufficient brakes on these heavy TLs. Essentially until recently it was the exact same rotor/pad/caliper setup that is used on the Accord lines. Hmm heavier car needs bigger brakes u’d think hehe

The manual version of the current generation TL does finally get some big calipers up front and larger discs. This is probably the first adequate brake setup on the TL, it can handle stopping the heavy TL in a reasonable distance. But it still could use some help (yes I swapped out the brembo discs for slotted ones and EBC green stuff pads). Looks like Acura finally got it right with the new 09’s due out in Sept this year, they will have 2 piston larger calipers front and 1 piston even larger calipers rear. Strange that rear is larger than front? Yup.

The Nav in the 08 has a new interface, seems ‘prettier’ than my 06, but has a lot of lag time during button presses, kind of disappointing there. It says it has xm traffic support, but I’ve yet to see any fruits of that labor, who knows if the area I’m driving just doesn’t support it or if the loaner xm subscription doesn’t include that feature?? Oh how the touchscreen Nav will be missed in the future, the 08 TL will be the last Acura to offer it, the new models use that infernally stupid big wheel to operate the new touch-less Nav screens. Booo -10 points Acura, and don’t you [the public] fall for any of the sales people’s pitches that it is better it any way to the touchscreen!

Ending thoughts… if you already have any year in the current generation TL keep it, not worth the minor refreshes in the 08 to make it worth upgrading in my opinion. If you are in the market now for an Acura seriously consider scooping up the 08 in any trim now! The redesign for 2009 gets mixed feelings from everyone. For pics and video of the Edmunds first drive experience and more details check out their story.

Personally I actually like the front end, but the rear end is pushing my limits even, don’t like it that much. The AWD model due out later than the FWD model is a great addition, but don’t expect a manual transmission until next year (deal breaker for me).

Tags: acura