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I'm sure my friends at Superior Acura would not be excited to have me playing with one of their new cars on an ice-covered parking lot. But this recent Kansas City ice storm was an opportunity to really try out the 4-channel Vehicle Stability Assist System with Traction Control standard on the new 2004 Acura TL. The ability to do figure 8's in full control on a solid ice covered parking lot still has me impressed. Safety is no longer a luxury and staying in control during challenging environments is the best safety feature any vehicle can have. Technology to keep you alive really is the ultimate luxury and should be a necessity when buying a new car. The 2004 Acura TL inspires confidence and control as the benchmark for near-luxury performance sedans. Engineering this level of performance, safety, and luxury features into a prestigious driving machine priced at $32,650 is nothing short of phenomenal. Unlike most vehicles where you must pick and choose options, the content list is extensive and complete with the only choices being the manual or automatic transmission and optional navigation system. Luxury is standard. Even the Bluetooth(r) voice recognition telephone and audio interface is standard. Because Acura is the premium division of Honda Motor Company, many people don't realize that you can still get the TSX sedan for around $26,000 or the RSX coupe for around $20,000. The flagship 3.5 RL will set you back around $45,000 and will compete with any of the top luxury lines. Of course the $36,000 MDX Sport Utility consistently ranks top of its class and the $89,000 NSX remains the "halo" sports car for Acura. The new 2004 Acura TL however will have broad appeal for anyone looking for a Performance Touring Sedan with an impeccable pedigree at a reasonable price. Based on the laudable Honda Accord foundation, Acura takes the new 2004 TL to new heights of design and engineering excellence. Exterior styling is fresh and modern with a muscular stance. The Xenon high intensity headlights frame the distinctive Acura grill and trim hood. Heated memory side mirrors and heat rejecting green tinted glass are functional design features. Rectangle dual exhausts give a not-so-subtle hint of the power resting at the other end of the pipes. The standard heated perforated leather seats are noticeably more comfortable than most with superb lateral support and infinitely adjustable memory settings. A perfect driving position can always be obtained with the tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Wood and aluminum trim complement the very luxurious and tasteful two toned interior. Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control helps keep your eyes on the road. Blue and white backlit LED gauges make for one of the best instrument cluster of any vehicle and the 8-speaker 6-channel Surround Sound System provides concert hall quality. The awesome 270 horsepower 3.2-liter 24-valve, V6 aluminum alloy engine producing 238 ft. lbs. of torque is one of the best in the class. While I drove the flawless 5-speed Sport Shift Automatic Transmission, the 6-speed close ratio Manual Transmission will make for a no-compromise sports car experience. As exciting as the power is with this car it's the control that I love. Remember I'm a control freak when it comes to cars, especially cars with this much power. Huge 17" allow wheels and 4-wheel disc anti lock brakes give you full control of traction. Drive by wire throttle control gives you power control while the 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension gives you driving control. So if you think that control and safety is a luxury you can't live without, your Acura dealer is waiting. You will find the staff at Superior Acura, South of 75th Street on the East Outer Road of I-35 in Johnson County to be courteous and knowledgeable. Take your own test drive of the New 2004 Acura TL and see if you like being in control.
2004 Acura TL
Providing Dealer
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©2003 - Stan Risener