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Best Luxury Car: Acura 3.2TL
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February 14, 2002: 1:01 p.m. ET
Value, comfort, and a great drive in one package.
By Jerry Edgerton
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NEW YORK (Money Magazine) - Manufacturers have been racing to sell a genuine luxury car for less than $30,000. Jaguar trumpeted the $29,950 list price of its new 2002 X-type, but that doesn't include the $1,275 optional automatic transmission. The Acura 3.2TL really delivers: For about $27,400 you can get a sporty-looking car with a power sunroof, six-CD changer and memory settings for two drivers in the power bucket seat.
The Acura 3.2TL does a good job combining the power and handling of a BMW 330i and the creamy ride of a Lexus ES 300. It's quieter than some previous Acura sedans; its 3.2-liter V-6 with 225 horsepower gives you plenty of power; and you still get a very respectable 19 mpg in suburban driving, 29 mpg on the highway. On the safety front, the Acura sedan gets four and five stars on government front and side crash tests.
If you really want to get in touch with your sporting side -- and are willing to spend a bit more to do it -- look at the 3.2TL Type S. Acura's engineers have boosted horsepower to 260 and tightened suspension and steering to cut out roll when you're winding around curves. A good negotiator can get the S for around $29,550, or $1,100 over invoice price.
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