This Acura is a front-wheel-drive, entry-level, sport-luxury sedan, available as TL standard model or Type-S high-performance model, manufactured in Ohio. The TL is Acura's introduction into the highly-competitive luxury car market. The new TL, with its combination of luxury, performance, and value, is prepared to meet the challenge. Introduced in 1995, the TL replaced the Vigor as Acura's mid-level luxury sedan. The car remained largely unchanged from its introduction until its newer 1999 model.

Gone is the smaller 2.5-liter inline five that was standard in the first generation TLs. This year's only engine option is an all-new 3.2-liter V6 that utilizes VTEC technology to produce 225 horsepower and 216 foot-pounds of torque while still returning 19/27 mpg in city/highway driving.

This puts the TL ahead of its competition in the horsepower race and after driving the car we can confirm that it definitely gets out of its own way. In addition, with a service interval of 100,000 miles you can rest easy knowing that this engine will run in typical Honda fashion--a long time with little or no problems.

Its powerful 3.2-liter V6 engine, nicely balanced suspension, rigid structure, and classy good looks make the TL a serious contender in both the near-luxury and compact sport-sedan categories. A great car.