The Good
The 1999 Acura TL offered a smooth 3.2L V6 engine, providing strong yet refined performance. Its Honda-derived engineering promised reliability and relatively affordable maintenance, appealing to practical buyers. Emotionally, the TL delivered a comfortable, quiet cabin with luxurious leather seating and an elegant, understated design. It represented excellent value as a well-equipped luxury sedan with reasonable fuel efficiency for its class.
The Bad
The most significant weakness of the 1999 Acura TL is its automatic transmission, notorious for premature failure. Other common issues include power steering pump and hose leaks, often leading to groaning noises. Owners also report warped brake rotors causing pulsation, and the dashboard navigation system is outdated and slow by modern standards. Interior plastics can also show age.
1999 Acura TL: Quick Overview
- Engine: The 1999 Acura TL was powered by a single engine option, the 3.2-liter SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) V6 engine, internally known as the J32A1. This engine was a new design for the second-generation TL, featuring VTEC technology for improved performance and efficiency.
- Horsepower: This potent V6 engine produced a respectable 210 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 215 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, providing confident acceleration for highway cruising and city driving.
- Fuel Economy: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated fuel economy for the 1999 TL to be approximately 19 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. This was competitive for a luxury V6 sedan of its era, though it required premium unleaded fuel.
- 0-60 MPH Times: Independent tests and owner reports typically placed the 0-60 mph acceleration time for the 1999 Acura TL in the range of 7.5 to 8.0 seconds, making it one of the quicker mid-size luxury sedans of its time.
- Towing Capacity: The 1999 Acura TL was not officially rated or recommended for towing by the manufacturer. As a luxury sport sedan, its chassis and powertrain were designed for passenger comfort and performance, not for hauling loads.
- Trim-Level Features: The 1999 TL was offered in essentially one highly equipped trim level, often referred to as the 3.2 TL. Standard features were extensive and included:
- Leather-trimmed upholstery
- Automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- Heated front seats
- Power moonroof
- Bose premium audio system with in-dash CD player and cassette player
- Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
- Power windows, door locks, and side mirrors
- Remote keyless entry system
- Cruise control
- Tilt steering column
- Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS)
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Front and side airbags
- Optional DVD-based navigation system (a cutting-edge feature for the time)
1999 Acura TL Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1999 |
| Make | Acura |
| Model | TL |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | EAST LIBERTY |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | J32A1 |
| Engine Size | 3.2L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | Automatic 4-Speed |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 4-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 1999 Acura TL Have?
Beyond the transmission, several other issues are commonly reported for the 1999 TL. Power steering system problems are prevalent, including leaks from hoses and the pump itself, leading to groaning noises or reduced assist. Brake rotors are known to warp easily, causing steering wheel vibration and pedal pulsation under braking, often requiring frequent replacement or upgrading to aftermarket components.
Another common complaint involves the car's electrical system, specifically the instrument cluster lights failing or flickering. The optional DVD-based navigation system, while advanced for its time, is notoriously slow, outdated, and often suffers from disc reading errors. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve clogging can lead to rough idling or misfires, requiring cleaning or replacement. Suspension components like control arm bushings and struts will naturally wear over time, but some owners report premature wear.
Regarding recalls, the 1999 TL was subject to the widespread Takata airbag inflator recall, specifically for the passenger frontal airbag. This recall, issued years after the car's production, addressed a defect that could cause the inflator to rupture and spray metal fragments upon deployment. Owners should verify if this crucial safety recall has been completed on any prospective purchase. Other minor recalls related to fuel system components were also issued.
How long will the 1999 Acura TL last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
For entertainment, the TL boasted a premium 225-watt Bose audio system, featuring an in-dash CD player, a cassette player, and steering wheel-mounted controls for audio functions. This system delivered excellent sound quality for the time, providing a refined listening experience.
Driver-assistance features were more rudimentary compared to modern vehicles. The TL came standard with cruise control for highway driving and a sophisticated 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) to aid in emergency stopping. Advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or blind-spot monitoring were not available in this segment during the late 1990s.
Safety was a significant focus for the TL. It included dual front airbags for the driver and passenger, as well as front seat-mounted side airbags, a relatively new and important safety addition for the time. Three-point seatbelts with front seatbelt pre-tensioners were also standard. Its robust body structure contributed to solid crash performance.
The primary optional feature was the DVD-based navigation system. While a marvel of technology then, it utilized physical DVD maps, was notoriously slow to calculate routes, and its interface is rudimentary by today's standards.
In terms of crash-test ratings, the 1999 Acura TL performed commendably for its class. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the vehicle:
- Frontal Driver: 5 out of 5 stars
- Frontal Passenger: 4 out of 5 stars
- Side Front: 5 out of 5 stars
- Side Rear: 5 out of 5 stars
What Colors Options are Available?
1999 Acura TL Prices and Market Value
Today, the 1999 Acura TL has depreciated significantly, as is typical for most older luxury sedans. Current used market prices typically range from $1,500 to $4,000, varying greatly based on condition, mileage, and most critically, the health of its automatic transmission. Exceptional, low-mileage examples with documented service history might fetch slightly more, but these are rare finds.
Factors severely affecting its resale value include its age, high mileage on most examples, and particularly the widespread notoriety of its automatic transmission issues. A confirmed transmission replacement can significantly boost value. Other factors include overall mechanical soundness, exterior and interior cosmetic condition, and regional demand for older, reliable (outside of the transmission) sedans. Without a healthy transmission, resale value plummets.
1999 Acura TL Cost of Ownership
1999 Acura TL Fuel Efficiency
1999 Acura TL Recalls & Defects
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1999 Acura TL Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1999 Acura TL Compare to Other Sedan?
In terms of Performance, the TL's 210 hp V6 offered a strong, smooth, and balanced ride, comparable to the Lexus ES 300 and Infiniti I30. It wasn't as sporty or dynamically engaging as a BMW 3 Series, which prioritized driver involvement, but it offered more power than most base German models of its time. The Mercedes C-Class generally offered a more sedate, traditional luxury feel.
For Features, the TL truly excelled at its price point. It came standard with amenities like leather, a power moonroof, heated seats, and a premium Bose audio system, often requiring expensive options packages on its German rivals. The Lexus ES 300 was similarly well-appointed for luxury, while the Infiniti I30 also provided strong feature-for-dollar value.
Reliability is where the TL faced its biggest challenge. While the engine itself is robust (a common Honda trait), the notorious automatic transmission issues significantly detract from its overall reliability score. The Lexus ES 300 of the same era is generally considered superior in long-term reliability, particularly regarding its drivetrain. The Infiniti I30, with its robust VQ engine and Nissan lineage, also boasts a strong reputation for durability. German rivals (BMW, Mercedes, Audi), while offering different driving dynamics and brand prestige, typically incurred higher maintenance and repair costs and often had more complex electronic issues as they aged.
Price was a major selling point for the TL. New, it significantly undercut its European competitors, offering comparable luxury and performance at a more accessible price. Its used market value today, however, is severely impacted by the transmission reputation.
Recommended Alternatives:
- For superior reliability: A Lexus ES 300 (1997-2001) or a slightly newer Infiniti I30/I35 (early 2000s) would be better choices, as they generally don't suffer from the same catastrophic transmission issues.
- For a similar ownership experience with less luxury: Consider a Toyota Camry XLE V6 or Honda Accord EX V6 from the same generation, offering excellent reliability on a similar platform but with fewer luxury trappings.
- For sportier driving (with higher ownership costs): A BMW 3 Series (E46) for pure driving pleasure, but be prepared for significantly higher maintenance and repair expenses.
Final Verdict: Is the 1999 Acura TL a Good Sedan?
However, it is worth buying only under very specific conditions. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is absolutely essential, with a primary focus on the automatic transmission. It is most advisable to purchase a 1999 TL if the transmission has already been replaced with a documented, reliable unit, or if you are prepared for the significant potential cost of a transmission replacement. Without this assurance, the vehicle can quickly become a financial burden. For the 1999 model year, there was essentially one well-equipped trim, simplifying choices. If you find a well-maintained example with a healthy transmission, it represents a comfortable and capable older sedan that can still serve reliably for years to come, provided you accept its dated tech and premium fuel requirement.