I am looking into acura TLs and CLs, the first generations. They have the sporty look combined with class that I want in a car, like my ES300. Does anyone have any information about typical problems these vehicles have, I am swaying more towards the TL cause I'd like the bigger car. Does anyone have a history with the first generation TLs? Any information on them at all will help.....performance, reliability, maintenance......anything will help. Thanks.

 

I know the TL's has some transmission problems. Not sure which years though

 

I believe it is only the newer ones that went to the 5 speed auto. You should be fine with the older ones.

-Anthony

 

I went over to eBay and checked out the older TL's after seeing this thread. They look like pretty nice cars--the exterior looks a lot like the RL, and the interior looks well appointed (wood may be synthetic, but at least they've got chrome door handles inside, a nice touch). I rarely see these cars on the road, even less than the Infiniti J30s of the similar vintage, a car I've always liked.

The 95-97 look like they have the smaller 2.5 engine, and the 98 look like they have the 3.2 (not sure if more than one engine was available for a given year).

 

In 1995, it was only available with the 2.5 liter I-5 engine, and in 96 they introduced the 3.2 liter V-6 engine as an option.

One of my good friends has a 1996 2.5 TL, and it is a really well built car. It has about 70,000 miles on it right now with no major problems, just routine maintenence. Good cars

 

TL replaced the Vigor in 1996. 2.5 I-5 for 176hp, 3.2 liter V-6, 200hp. The I-5 was lighter and preferred by the few magazine articles on it. In the only comparo I saw of it, it finished tied for 6th, the ES 300 was 1st (Car and Driver).
It is a reliable car, built in Japan. The cabin is very small to me, which is weird as it has a long wheelbase. But quality leather, solid features, frameless doors like the ES, a good used car.

The 1st gen CL was built in America (the first Acura built and designed here). A 2.2 I-4 for 145hp (later updated to a 2.3 for 150hp) and a 3.0 liter V-6. ICEMAN has one and says it's been perfect for him. I have not heard of any tranny problems for the 1st gen.

Between the 2, I'd get a TL but since u have a ES 300 already (which, IMO the TL just blatantly copied) but why not the 2-door.

If u mod, neither has much mods for it.

 

That's a great summary, including the fact that I've been very, very happy with my CL. I'm not a modder, but I used to frequent a board (acura-cl.com) where people talked about all the Accord mods that worked (since the car is basically a dressed-up Accord).

 

Hondas and Acuras tend to be maintenance-sensitive. They are reliable, but you have to keep the oil and fluids changed. The engines generally are great but they WILL crap out if you let the oil go. and from what I know about doing brake jobs, the rotors, pads, etc...have to be replaced, machined, and cleaned just a certain way or else you risk more problems. Do the service right and they normally last 200,000-250,000 miles.