Image 1 of 34

<strong>Kelsey Mays: <span style="color: #00bf00;">Winner</span></strong><br />The TL's toned-down grille suits the car better, and I can abide (barely) by the lower-bumper openings, which mirror those on the ZDX crossover-thing. With a rear bumper that doesn't protrude to quite such a hard point in the middle, the rear is a certain improvement. Last year's TL "really sagged down" in back, an Acura spokesman said. I agree. Add to that the car's gas mileage improvements, which are considerable with its base V-6, and the TL rides high.<br>
<br>
<strong>Mike Hanley: <span style="color: #00bf00;">Winner</span></strong><br />Give Acura credit for recognizing a problem with the design of the TL and doing something about it. The sedan's new face has removed the controversial elements of the car but in the process created one without much of a design identity. It's a clean look, but not particularly memorable. Still, I'm betting TL sales will increase.<br>
<br>
<strong>Joe Wiesenfelder: <span style="color: #00bf00;">Winner</span></strong><br />Simply a more cohesive design that befits the car's other impressive attributes. This shows how much can be done in a midcycle refresh, though it was clearly an extensive and expensive one.<br>
<br>
<strong>David Thomas: <span style="color: #c00000;">Loser</span></strong><br />I liked the TL's design in 2009 because it was futuristic and was wrapped around a terrific vehicle. However, the buying public has spoken, and they didn't find it appealing. This update isn't enough to sway those people, and I doubt the impressive-to-us upgrades to the powertrains will, either.

2012 Acura TL

( Cars.com photo / February 11, 2011 )

Kelsey Mays: Winner
The TL's toned-down grille suits the car better, and I can abide (barely) by the lower-bumper openings, which mirror those on the ZDX crossover-thing. With a rear bumper that doesn't protrude to quite such a hard point in the middle, the rear is a certain improvement. Last year's TL "really sagged down" in back, an Acura spokesman said. I agree. Add to that the car's gas mileage improvements, which are considerable with its base V-6, and the TL rides high.

Mike Hanley: Winner
Give Acura credit for recognizing a problem with the design of the TL and doing something about it. The sedan's new face has removed the controversial elements of the car but in the process created one without much of a design identity. It's a clean look, but not particularly memorable. Still, I'm betting TL sales will increase.

Joe Wiesenfelder: Winner
Simply a more cohesive design that befits the car's other impressive attributes. This shows how much can be done in a midcycle refresh, though it was clearly an extensive and expensive one.

David Thomas: Loser
I liked the TL's design in 2009 because it was futuristic and was wrapped around a terrific vehicle. However, the buying public has spoken, and they didn't find it appealing. This update isn't enough to sway those people, and I doubt the impressive-to-us upgrades to the powertrains will, either.

Advanced Search

Photos: Auto show winners & losers

2012 Acura TL

Featured Stories

Comments (0)