2010 Acura TL Manual Review

The 2010 Acura TL with manual transmission is a premium sports sedan featuring a 3.7L V6 engine producing 305 horsepower, 6-speed manual gearbox, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), premium leather interior, advanced audio system, and sophisticated styling. Below are key sections covering performance, features, driving experience, specifications, and overall assessment.

1. Performance Overview 2. Exterior Design 3. Interior Features 4. Technical Specifications 5. Driving Dynamics 6. Technology & Safety 7. Fuel Efficiency 8. Maintenance & Reliability 9. Pros & Cons 10. Competitive Comparison 11. Final Verdict

Performance Overview

The 2010 Acura TL manual delivers exceptional performance with its 3.7L V6 engine and precise 6-speed manual transmission.

ComponentSpecification
Engine3.7L V6 VTEC
Horsepower305 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque273 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Transmission6-speed manual
DrivetrainSH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive)
0-60 mph5.6 seconds
Top SpeedElectronically limited to 130 mph
Braking4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
SuspensionIndependent front and rear
SteeringVehicle Stability Assist with traction control

Exterior Design

Bold and aggressive styling with premium finishes and aerodynamic enhancements.

  1. Front fascia: Chrome-accented grille with jewel-eye headlights
  2. Body lines: Sculpted profile with pronounced character lines
  3. Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires
  4. Lighting: LED taillights and HID headlights
  5. Dimensions: 195.3 inches length, 74.0 inches width, 57.2 inches height

NOTE: The aggressive styling received mixed reviews but stands out in the luxury sedan segment.

Interior Features

Luxurious cabin with premium materials and advanced technology.

  1. Seating: Heated leather-trimmed sport seats with 10-way power adjustment
  2. Audio: 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio
  3. Climate: Dual-zone automatic climate control
  4. Steering: Leather-wrapped wheel with audio and cruise controls
  5. Storage: 13.1 cubic feet trunk space with 60/40 split folding rear seats

HIGHLIGHT: The ELS audio system is considered one of the best factory systems available.

Technical Specifications

Driving Dynamics

The SH-AWD system provides exceptional cornering and all-weather capability.

Handling: Precise steering feedback with minimal body roll. The SH-AWD system can send up to 100% of torque to the rear wheels and distribute torque between left and right rear wheels for improved cornering.

Ride Quality: Firm but compliant, striking a good balance between sportiness and comfort. The manual transmission offers crisp, precise shifts with well-defined gates.

Braking: Confident stopping power with good pedal feel and minimal fade during aggressive driving.

Technology & Safety

Comprehensive technology and safety features for 2010 standards.

  1. Navigation: Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition
  2. Audio: Bluetooth Audio connectivity with USB interface
  3. Safety: 5-star NHTSA crash test rating
  4. Airbags: Front, side, and side curtain airbags
  5. Stability: Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control

Tip: The navigation system includes real-time traffic and weather information.

Fuel Efficiency

Respectable fuel economy for a performance-oriented luxury sedan.

  1. City: 17 mpg
  2. Highway: 26 mpg
  3. Combined: 20 mpg
  4. Fuel Tank: 18.5 gallons
  5. Range: Approximately 370 miles

NOTE: Premium fuel (91 octane or higher) recommended for optimal performance.

Maintenance & Reliability

Strong reliability record with reasonable maintenance costs.

Maintenance ItemIntervalEstimated Cost
Oil Change7,500 miles$75-100
Tire Rotation7,500 miles$25-50
Brake Pads30,000-45,000 miles$300-500
Transmission Fluid30,000 miles$150-200
Timing Belt105,000 miles$800-1,200

Reliability: Above average with few common issues reported.

Pros & Cons

Balanced assessment of strengths and weaknesses.

ProsCons
Excellent SH-AWD systemPolarizing exterior styling
Superb manual transmissionHeavy curb weight
Outstanding audio systemFirm ride quality
Strong V6 performanceBelow average fuel economy
High-quality interiorComplex technology interface

Competitive Comparison

How the TL manual compares to key competitors.

Final Verdict

The 2010 Acura TL with manual transmission is a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts who want all-weather capability.

Rating: 8.5/10

Summary: While the exterior styling remains controversial, the TL manual delivers exceptional performance, an outstanding AWD system, and premium features at a competitive price point. The manual transmission option makes it a rare and desirable package in the luxury sedan segment.

Recommendation: Highly recommended for buyers seeking a performance-oriented luxury sedan with manual transmission and all-weather capability.

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