Acura MDX 2005 $16,995

Vehicle Overview Acura has dramatically redesigned its midsize luxury performance sedan for 2004, calling it all new. A new 3.2-liter V-6 engine that delivers 270 horsepower to a five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission or a new close-ratio six-speed-manual gearbox is installed. The Japanese automaker promises greater performance as well as sportier handling from the 2004 model. Among other improvements, the TL is said to benefit from the first application of DVD Audio 5.1 surround sound, as well as HandsFreeLink wireless phone capability and an XM Satellite Radio system. Hondas luxury division first launched the TL as a 1996 model and redesigned it three seasons later. Styling revisions for 2002 gave the front-wheel-drive TL a more aggressive look. Produced in Marysville, Ohio, Acuras TL duo competes against such sedans as the BMW 3 Series and Lexus ES 300. The previous generation included a higher-performance Type-S model, but the 2004 sedans come only in one trim level. Exterior The 2004 TL sedan exhibits a wider and more aggressive stance and promises enhanced torsional rigidity. As before, the body displays a pronounced wedge-shaped cabin-forward profile that is led by a shield-shaped grille that incorporates a large logo. Acoustic windshield glass is installed. High-intensity-discharge headlights operate with both low and high beams. A power moonroof is standard. The TL sedan rides on 17-inch tires, and high-performance tires are available on sedans equipped with the manual transmission. Interior Space is provided for five people on perforated leather seating surfaces. A 10-way power drivers seat is equipped with powered lumbar support adjustment. All models include dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with seven memory functions, and an Acura/ELS eight-speaker surround sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer and DVD audio. Steering-wheel buttons are provided for the audio, cruise-control and voice-recognition functions. A tilt/telescoping steering column is standard. The dashboard features brushed-aluminum accent trim. Acuras navigation system features voice recognition and an 8-inch Multi-Info display screen it is available as a factory-installed option. Under the Hood Operating with a drive-by-wire throttle system and a dual-stage intake manifold, Acuras new 3.2-liter V-6 engine produces 270 hp at 6,200 rpm and 238 pounds-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission permits semi-manual gear changes when desired. A six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox is also available, and a limited-slip differential is installed. A Maintenance Minder system is standard. The V-6 engine meets ULEV-2 (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) standards. Safety The antilock brakes include electronic brake-force distribution and Brake Assist functions. Side-impact airbags, dual-stage dual-threshold front airbags and side curtain-type airbags are installed. A passenger-side position sensor controls airbag deployment. A Vehicle Stability Assist system can apply brake force to either front wheel as necessary while managing the throttle and ignition systems. Driving Impressions Overall excellence is the best way to describe the latest TL, which reaches well beyond its predecessors already-fine qualities to become a superior, refined touring machine. Except for the automatic transmission, which occasionally delivers a harsh shift on downgrades or when pushed especially hard, this sedan ranks close to flawless. Acuras manual gearbox is calm, collected and eminently capable. On good roads, the TLs ride is practically dreamy as the suspension absorbs most of the commotion and transmits little of it to occupants. Handling is confident and sure. With its substantial steering feel, the TL comes surprisingly close to sports-car behavior in demanding driving. The TLs acceleration is vigorous but not overpowering. Its exhaust sounds are heard only while accelerating, and theyre subtle but

• City 17/hwy 23 (3.5L engine/5-speed auto trans)
• Galvanized body panels
• Roof rack
• Pwr moonroof w/tilt feature & sliding sunshade
• Front & rear splash guards
• Front fog lights
• Auto on/off headlamp feature
• Heated pwr mirrors w/passenger side reverse-tilt feature/memory feature
• Rear privacy glass
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Intermittent rear window wiper w/washer
• Leather-trimmed 8-way pwr heated front seats w/drivers pwr lumbar support & 2-position memory
• Leather-trimmed 2nd row 60/40 split flat-folding seats
• 3rd row 50/50 split flat-folding seats
• Adjustable head restraints at all seating positions
• Front center console w/adjustable leather-trimmed armrest
• Carpeted floor mats
• Perforated leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel w/audio & cruise controls
• Trip computer
• Dual trip meters
• Outside temp gauge
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Pwr door locks
• Pwr windows w/auto-up & reverse driver side window
• Cruise control
• HomeLink universal remote system
• Remote keyless entry w/memory/panic alarm feature
• Remote fuel filler door release
• Theft deterrent system
• Electronic immobilizer system
• HandsFreeLink wireless telephone interface
• Dual front/rear synchronized automatic climate control system
• Rear window defogger w/timer
• XM satellite radio
• Acura/Bose AM/FM stereo w/cassette & 6-disc in-dash CD changer
• Roof-mounted flexible antenna
• Brushed metal-look instrument panel trim
• (3) auxiliary pwr outlets
• (8) cup holders
• (2) bottle holders in rear doors
• Wood-patterned interior trim
• Leather-trimmed door inserts
• Door storage compartments
• Auto-dim day/night rearview mirror
• Illuminated driver & front passenger vanity mirrors
• Overhead map lights/sunglass storage compartment
• Driver & front passenger footwell lights
• Perforated leather-wrapped shift knob
• Driver & front passenger seatback pockets
• Rear under-floor storage compartment
• 3.5L PGM-FI SOHC 24-valve VTEC V6 engine
• Direct ignition system w/knock control
• Drive-by-wire throttle system
• 105000-mile tune-up interval
• 5-speed automatic transmission w/OD & grade logic control
• Four-wheel drive
• Fully-automatic variable torque management (VTM-4) 4-wheel drive system
• 12-volt maintenance-free battery
• 130-amp alternator
• 4-wheel fully-independent suspension w/front & rear stabilizer bars
• P235/65R17 all-season tires
• 17 x 6.5 cast aluminum alloy wheels
• Variable pwr rack & pinion steering
• Vehicle stability assist (VSA)
• Ventilated front/solid rear disc brakes
• Electronic brake distribution (EBD)
• 4-channel 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• 19.2 gallon fuel tank
• Front dual-stage dual-threshold airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS)
• Driver & front passenger side-impact airbags w/passenger occupant size & position sensors
• Side curtain airbags for all rows
• 3-point seatbelts at all seating positions
• Driver & front passenger seatbelt pretensioners w/load-limiters
• Child-proof rear door locks
• 2nd & 3rd row child seat tether anchors
• Side-impact door beams