Excellent fit and finish at this price range. Great engine performance! It is an absolute blast to drive!!!

1. Bose audio system. I am somewhat picky about audio sound quality so most drivers would be very happy with this system. Acura should use a better "name" system. Most audiophiles consider Bose to be junk. The head unit itself with its 6 cd changer is excellent, but the speakers are mediocre. Power output (I don't know the ratings) is fairly good and as such you can improve the system by simply changing the speakers.I had some Infinity Reference series two way component speakers put in the front and back and the system now sounds great. The sub is adequate and I kept that (I am not a bass freak). This is a cheaper alternative than replacing the head unit, amps and speakers.
2. Acura should offer greater color selection

In a word WOW! I initially was interested in the TL version (why do I need a sports car?), but my color of choice was not available locally or within 200 miles. After test driving the TL, I test drove several other vehicles and was leaning toward buying the Lexus ES 300. I then test drove the TL-S and fell in love with the car. To get this kind of performance, you have to spend in the 40K + range. The engine has a nice purr (smooth!) and it corners and accelerates beautifully. The seats are comfortable but not quite like my old 92 Volvo 940 turbo (fit/finish and ride blow away the Volvo)

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1. Lexus ES 300. Nice ride and great fit and finish...a close second. But Lexus will soon update this model in the fall and it is clear that it is being passed by other vehicles in this price range.
2. BMW 3 series: too small...cannot compete at this pice range (sorry Car & Driver, but reliabilty and maintanence costs are issues for most drivers)
3. BMW 530i. My partner has one. It is a great car, but we are talking 45k to get the same things on the Acura 3.2 TL-S. And again the reliabilty and maintenance issues arise.

Reliability (no problems yet @ 9K miles). Power. Transmission. Feature content.

Seating comfort. Brakes.

We bought this car to replace my wife's aging-but-reliable '87 Honda Accord. I also sold my much-loved '86 Porsche 911 to help cover the cost, so I was pretty particular about our selection. I was very impressed with the TL's value in terms of feature content when compared to the Lexus ES300 and the Volvo S70. I liked the fact that everything that you might want came standard on the car.

I am very particular when it comes to the design of cars, but I have been challenged to find fault with this one. It is generally very comfortable. We did encounter a section of Interstate 40 through Arkansas where the expansion joints in the concrete pavement caused a harsh and annoying "thump." The lower seat cushion is a bit unconfortable to my rear on long (> 1 hr.) trips. This seems to have improved as the seat has broken in a bit. Power is more than adequate (and very smooth). The newer Type S has more horsepower, but I suspect that you have to really rev the engine gain any real benefit. The handling is quite good, despite Consumer Reports opinion otherwise. The Tiptronic-type transmission is great fun on back roads. If I could improve two things it would be the seat comfort and the brakes, which are adequate but not outstanding.

We drove this car back to back with a V6 Accord, which is a very nice car and can be had for significantly less money. However, the larger-displacement engine, firmer suspension, better stereo, better warranty, etc. seemed worth the extra cost to us, especially compared to more expensive options.

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Better value than Lexus LS300 and Volvo S70. More power/features than V6 Honda Accord

Engine response,Ride,handeling,Nav sys

Paint quality is poor, Chips and scratches easily
Speakers

I have owned the car for only 1 week but I already have fallen in love with it, The ride and response is exellant. With many features that would only come on a more expensive model I am very happy with the deal. Compared to the Lexus 300 that I test drove and the BMW I feel the TL is hands down the better bang for the buck. Hold to your guns for a good deal on the TL I held out for 3 weeks and finially got the deal I wanted with Gold trim and extra wood trim thrown into the package for free.

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Honda Accord EX was my trade and obviously I traded up

The GPS navigation system is the only option on the car and it is the most important aspect. It is far superior to its German competitors with “links” to everything from banks to (important) gas stations.

The only weak aspect of the entire vehicle is that the windshield can not be cleaned easily because of the wipers, oh well.

(1999 Model) - I recently moved from the East Coast and was not sick of the car after four days and 3,000 miles of driving. Highly recommended for fun, value, and appearance.

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My Acura TL-S is terrific. There is not a squeak or a creek anywhere - despite the rather stiff suspension. As to suspension, it is not as stiff as I have heard some critics say it was. Actually, it is jsut what I would have expected from a car that is reported to handle as the TL-S does.

The engine and the transmission work beatifully together. The engine is powerful and has a lot of torque. The 5 speed automatic transmission is geared very nicely and shifts almost as though it knows what you are thinking.

I have heard a number of complaints about the Bose Stereo system. However, I have adjusted the base to the low end of the spectrum and have maximized (almost) the treble. The stereo sounds terrific in my opinion. The stereo does, however, sound badly with the bass at the high end and the treble at the low end.

This car is a sweatheart!

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Engine - 260hp V6 - need I say more?
Handling - great suspension
Interior - form and fit is excellent

Brakes are a little soft, drivers side seat belt buckle (at hip) can dig into larger sized people

This is without a doubt the best car I've ever owned!! I could not be more pleased, and if you're thinking about getting one - don't hesitate. The value of this car, what you get for what you pay, is unmatched. Did I mention how fast this car is? Blowing by people on the road means just touching the gas pedal - OUTSTANDING!!! The suspension is firm but not harsh, and transmits input from the road well. The interior is very comfortable, and has some of the best seats I've sat in, but shows where Acura saved some of the money. Sizing is excellent, I'm 6'2" and 230 lbs., and I have room to spare (legs and head both). I can't even think of another car which could compete with the TL in the 30-35K range. Forget BMW or Lexus - BMW could hang performance-wise, but you'll pay 40-45K for the same amenities, same for the lexus but with out the performance. My buddy is still crying from when he compared what he paid to what I paid for what we both got. I believe he will be trading in, in about 2 weeks. The car looks great, is fast, and handles great - Acura did their homework on this car!!

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Maxima, 330I, ES300

260hp, navigation is easy to use, sport shift comes in handy, auto dimming rear view mirror, passenger tilting mirror when reverse, radio controls on steering wheel, 17" rims, HID's, and beautiful looks

Need a tighter suspension, more power for radio,better accents in the car instead of faux marble trim.

Great car! Has everything I want! Has a lot of power, room, and nice features. The best overall value!

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99' ES300. This car is so fun to drive! This is a drivers car!

Value, power, goodies, reliability, room, etc... the list goes on.

Sport ride seriously sacrifices comfort. You really really REALLY feel the bumps, especially the freeway expansion joints. I think I need to get new kidneys! I test drove it on surface streets but if I had been on the freeway with it I would have definitely bought the standard TL instead of the type S.

Impressive jeckel and hyde car. Its a race car and a sedan in one. Great Value, all the goodies are standard without ordering individually and paying through the nose. Just watch out for the type-S ride though, its so stiff your wife will refuse to ride in it with you and you'l end up having to go out in her crappy beat up Taurus when you are together!!!

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I was driving a T-bird and it handled well and rode smoothely but was underpowered and not nice enough inside with a poor stereo.

Speed, handling, stealth, family car that rides like a BMW. Good quality components, well put together.

Could be a little roomier, but I', 6'3".

This is probably one of the best cars that I have ever owned, and for the money it is the best car I have ever owned! The dealer suggested factory authorized Comptech parts; headers, cold air injection, tighter springs, anti-sway bars, monster exhaust. The car is ridiculous. No one can believe how much car I got for so little money. The other day I blew the doors off a Mercedes CLK, the guy couldn't get over it. The car handles well and did I say fast? The interior is fine, and I am going to install the upgraded wood grain steering wheel and dash trim kit to add some interest. The dealer was great and I just bought my wife a new MDX from them. No bugs. No punch list. Even my Porsches had a laundry list of bugs for the dealer to fix. This car is highly recommended.

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My last car a Cadillac Eldorado at $45,000. was a piece of crap. Not as German engineered as my Porsche 928s but then it isn't $85,000. either.

Engine, Handling, Style
Perfect cobination of luxury and sport car in one.

I guess I would have made the stereo a little beefier, but overall its not bad for auto sound.

I can't even imagine buying any other car in the $25-35K price range. This car has the best of all worlds wrap into a beautiful driving experience. The car comes fully loaded, the only accessories I added was a spoiler and Chrome Wheels. Wow! What a difference the $1300 ($700 for the spoiler, $600 for stock rims chromed) in accessories added to the car. It was well worth the money. The dealership in Los Gatos was a pleasure to deal with and they gave me a screaming deal. $33,000 including Nav and accessories.

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I30t - Was orginally set to buy the I30t for the same price, boy was I glad the dealer screwed with me on the price at the last minute, because it made me test drive the Acura. It took on test drive to sell me on the car. If you want luxury without the sporty feel the Infiniti is a great car