2006 Acura TL Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
The TL channels the best of Acura's performance achievements but never forgets the refinement and reliability that earned the brand its reputation.
Thanks to vehicles like the NSX supercar and Integra sports compact, Acura has solidified its performance credentials to complement a reputation for reliable, upscale cars. The TL sedan embodies both of these sides of the Acura persona, in a refined-yet-athletic entry-level executive sedan.
The 2006 TL is a part of the vehicle's third-generation, originally introduced for the 2004 model year. It has been updated for 2007 with some exterior and interior styling revisions, as well as a revised suspension for a more comfortable ride. Like its corporate cousin, the Honda Accord, the Acura TL continues to be produced in Honda’s Marysville, Ohio facility.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
The TL's overall look is almost an embodiment of the Acura logo: a precise caliper. The angular taillights out back, recessed character line along the sides, and the rakish headlights up front all flow towards the pointed grille in one large visual wedge. For 2007, the TL receives a reworked lower front bumper area, as well as new Euro-inspired taillights
For this year, the TL swaps out the old four-spoke steering wheel for a more performance-minded three-spoke design. Other cabin updates for 2007 include revised gauges and welcoming footwell lighting.
The TL features an incredibly simple trim lineup, starting with the 3.2 and ending with the Type S. The 3.2 comes standard with leather seating, heated front seats, remote keyless entry, a one-touch power sunroof, and heated side mirrors. Moving up to the Type S gets a navigation system as well as unique 17-inch wheels, quad exhaust, and unique aerodynamic lower bodywork.
Performance
As the name suggests, the 3.2 is powered by a 3.2-liter V6 engine. It makes 258 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. It routes power to the front wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission. This V6 provides solid acceleration both around town and on the highway, while the revised suspension in the 3.2 ensures a refined, comfortable ride across all road surfaces.
The TL Type-S features a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 that generates 286 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque. This setup can be had with either the 5-speed automatic or an available 6-speed manual transmission.
There is not a large jump in power with the 3.5, which is fine, considering the good acceleration provided by that engine. The real strides are made in the performance chassis enhancements, which provide minimal body roll and precise steering response. The Brembo brakes ensure plenty of stopping power, while the manual-equipped Type-S even has a limited-slip differential.
Form & function
The Acura TL has 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space, which is not a lot. This is about the same as that of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and it can be expanded by folding down the backseat. Still, it is bested by the 3 Series, which has 16.2 cubic feet.
In addition to fantastic cabin build quality, the TL has a very sensible layout, making the best possible use of its space. There are the standard in-door slots for items, as well as a large tray in the center stack and the center console cubby. The cupholders have a retractable cover, which provides a sleek look when the cupholders are not in use. The backseats are comfortable if you can fit in them, as the positioning of the front seat cuts in on the rear legroom.
Technology
Safety
The TL has front-impact and side-curtain airbags, as well as front overhead airbags in the event of a rollover. The front-passenger seat has an occupant sensor, which can deactivate the airbag if not enough weight is applied. This is to ensure the airbag doesn’t deploy if a child is sitting in the front-passenger seat.
Other safety features on the TL include stability control, antilock brakes, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and a theft-deterrent engine immobilizer system.
Cost-effectiveness
The 2007 Acura TL has a base MSRP of $33,625 for the 3.2 trim, which nearly matches the base price for the 2007 BMW 328i sedan. Type-S starts at $38,125, which is on par with the 335i sedan ($39,395). What the TL offers is Acura’s tremendous record for reliability.
The 3.2-liter V6 with the automatic transmission returns fuel economy of 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined. The automatic Type-S delivers 17 city, 26 highway, 20 combined, while the Type-S with a manual transmission bumps those figures to 18/27/21, making it the most efficient of the bunch.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers really enjoy the 2006 Acura TL for its blend of luxury, performance, and reliability. Many appreciate its powerful engine and smooth handling, making it a pleasure to drive. However, some owners note concerns about trunk space and fuel economy, particularly when it comes to premium gas usage. Despite some minor complaints, the consensus is that this car stands out for its value and durability."
I think it’s a Great car. Drives very smooth and handles well.
April 2, 2025This is the best vehicle that I have ever purchased. It has great styling, great acceleration, tight handling, and phenomenal quality of build and engineerring. I consistently get 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway even going well over 55 MPH. I have never had a repair issue in the 2.5 years that I have owned this fantastic vehicle.
August 4, 2008My 5th Acura, I still have 2, this gives me 3 that I currently own. This one was for my son, his first car. And this was what he requested. Love the whole Acura line. Not uncommon to see these cars with 300,000 miles and still going strong!
October 12, 2021What owners say
I think it’s a Great car. Drives very smooth and handles well.
April 2, 2025This is the best vehicle that I have ever purchased. It has great styling, great acceleration, tight handling, and phenomenal quality of build and engineerring. I consistently get 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway even going well over 55 MPH. I have never had a repair issue in the 2.5 years that I have owned this fantastic vehicle.
August 4, 2008My 5th Acura, I still have 2, this gives me 3 that I currently own. This one was for my son, his first car. And this was what he requested. Love the whole Acura line. Not uncommon to see these cars with 300,000 miles and still going strong!
October 12, 2021A great, reliable car with enough power to win a few Stoplight drags and enough luxury to look at place with a valet. So far with 63,500 miles I've only had to do routine maintenance, and if anything does need repaired you can count on low repair costs due to part sharing with Honda.
July 14, 2012Because this is a pre 2007 3rd generation TL there is no Aux. But besides that the car is smooth, runs and shifts great even at 140,000 miles. Also all of the luxury features are working and are very nice. I would highly recommend a 3rd generation TL.
September 21, 2023This car is a perfect fit for me. I once owned a 2004 TL and I loved it. It has the look, power/performance, luxury, and reliability.
September 1, 2022Having owned numerous BMW's in my lifetime, I considered the 2006 Acura TL for the sporty looks and the incredible reliability. The lines on the Acura TL seem sculpted from a block of metal that appeals to me. Lots of amenities for the money including navigation and Elliot L. Scheiner sound system. Excellent power to weight ratio whilst delivering good gas mileage. Excellent ingress egress. Fun to drive quotient is meh, bland. Having owned many BMW's, I am always conflicted about reliability versus fun to drive aspects. Its not that the Acura TL can't handle a curvy road well, it does a good job. The BMW is much more involving. I feel connected to the road with the BMW. The power and and road holding capabilities are greater in the BMW that the Acura TL which feels a bit numb on center. That being said, the Acura TL costs much less than the comparable BMW and is an excellent value for the money.
January 5, 2012This was my 2006 Self Birthday Present. As an overall car, I consider it Best Bang for the Buck in this range. The 6-MT has short close ratio gearing to bring out some spirit in the driving. Brembo Brakes are amazing. There's a world of difference from the Automatic's smaller brakes (I actually don't like the auto's brakes). As most Honda made cars, this car is nimble for it's size, weight and class. Drawback is that it's not best in anything. Some Acura Parts are not up to spec. OEM rotors were heat scored and had to be replaced after only 30k miles. I have the EBC slotted/dimpled (awesome) and Hawk HPS pads. The Hawks currently squeal like a Banshee.
November 4, 2008This car is Gorgeous! Not only does it look sharp, it handles sharp turns very well too.
May 1, 2008Lots of room. Navigation is great. Never any problems with Honda built cars
March 17, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $36,195 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.2L 258 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $35,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.2L 258 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $34,195 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.2L 258 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $33,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.2L 258 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 12.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$33,995 - $36,195
Current avg. market price
$6,867
Trending up by 2.1% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
