From launch to today
Acura sold the TL from 1995 through 2014 across four generations. The first (1995–1998) grew out of the Vigor. The second (1999–2003) introduced the 3.2-litre J-series V6 and cemented the TL as a mid-size sports sedan.
Acura TL
USCar Trader import service
Import this model from the USA or Canada
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Acura
Acura TL
The Acura TL is one of those cars that America had and Europe largely did not — a well-built, V6-powered sports sedan from Honda's premium division, sold across North America but never as a mainstream European model.
- Body style
- 4-door sports sedan
- Generations
- 1995–2014 (four generations)
- Assembly
- Marysville, Ohio, USA
- Gen 3 engine
- 3.2 L J-series V6
Model profile
Model history and generations
Powertrain and equipment
Engines, drivetrain and trims
Engines and drivetrain in detail
The TL is defined by Honda's J-series SOHC V6. Third-generation cars used a 3.2-litre unit; the Type-S raised output to roughly 286 hp.
Trim levels and variants
The TL is a four-door sedan only. Trim naming varied by generation: base and Type-S in the third generation; base, Technology, SH-AWD and SH-AWD with Advance in the fourth. Higher trims added navigation, the ELS premium audio system, ventilated or heated seats and adaptive features.
Vehicle selection
North American market and suitability
Used availability in the USA
The United States has deep TL inventory across both later generations, from tidy garage-kept third-gen Type-S cars to higher-mileage fourth-gen SH-AWD sedans.
When importing makes sense
The TL is for the driver who wants a dependable, characterful V6 sedan with a real mechanical feel, ideally with the SH-AWD system or the six-speed manual, and who accepts that this is a modern-classic import rather than a current model.
Vehicle data
Technical data by generation and specification
Body and dimensions
| Body style | 4-door sports sedan |
|---|---|
| Seating | 5 |
| Length (Gen 4) | approx. 4,928 mm |
| Curb weight | approx. 1,600–1,800 kg |
Engine and drivetrain
| Gen 3 engine | 3.2 L J-series V6 |
|---|---|
| Gen 3 Type-S output | approx. 286 hp |
| Gen 4 FWD engine | 3.5 L V6, approx. 280 hp |
| Gen 4 SH-AWD engine | 3.7 L V6, approx. 305 hp |
| Transmissions | 5-/6-speed automatic; 6-speed manual (select trims) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive or SH-AWD |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Fuel tank | approx. 70 l |
Model and other data
| Generations | 1995–2014 (four generations) |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Marysville, Ohio, USA |
| Timing | Timing belt (interval-based replacement) |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
Model-specific inspection points
Reliability and common problems
The TL's J-series V6 is one of the reasons people import one — it is durable and forgiving. Still, there are known Acura TL common problems. Some automatic transmissions in the mid-2000s TL and related models earned a reputation for premature failure, so a clean shift feel and documented fluid changes are essential; the manual sidesteps this entirely.
Germany and Europe
Differences, adaptation and registration
How US versions differ
US cars carry amber or red rear turn signals depending on year, no rear fog lamp, miles-per-hour clusters, and US-band radio and navigation.
From US purchase to registration
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
TÜV, approval and license plates
Typical adaptations include the lighting (adding a rear fog lamp, correcting turn-signal colour where needed, and adjusting the headlight beam pattern) and confirming a km/h speedometer.
USCar Trader services
Inspection, purchase processing and escrow
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
- Vehicle profile and history: The profile can show the VIN, US title status and available history records. No data source guarantees that every earlier event was reported.
- Optional CARFAX report: Additional reported maintenance or service entries can be included. The report is not a complete service book or proof of every interval.
- On-site inspection / USCT AutoCheck: USCar Trader can arrange a separately booked vehicle inspection. Agreed visible and accessible areas are documented. Road or functional tests require suitable access and seller approval; the visual review is not a lift inspection or workshop diagnosis.
- Purchase processing and escrow: After approval, USCar Trader can coordinate seller contact, negotiation, contract and the escrow and import service. Fees, payment route and responsibilities are recorded in advance.
- Recalls: Open safety recalls can be checked by VIN through the NHTSA recall search; they do not describe overall condition.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
Import, customs, costs and delivery
Process for the specific listing
The import process for a Acura TL is planned around the specific listing, location, documents and commissioned service scope.
Questions and answers
Common questions about importing this model
Was the Acura TL sold in Europe?
Not as a mainstream model. It was a North American car, which is why importing from the US is the practical route.
Which TL should I look for?
Enthusiasts favour the third-generation Type-S and the fourth-generation 3.7 SH-AWD, particularly with the six-speed manual.
Is the TL reliable?
Yes, the J-series V6 is robust. The main caveats are certain automatic transmissions and keeping the timing belt on schedule.
Does this vehicle automatically qualify for a 0% import-duty rate?
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
How is import VAT treated when importing a Acura TL?
Import VAT and other taxes or costs are assessed separately under the applicable rules and the circumstances of the individual case. A blanket answer for every vehicle would not be reliable.
Is there a manual gearbox option?
Yes, a six-speed manual was offered on Type-S and 3.7 SH-AWD versions, though such cars are less common.
What mileage is acceptable?
The V6 lasts well; many cars run past 200,000 km. Service history and condition matter more than the odometer alone.
What replaced the TL?
The Acura TLX took over for the 2015 model year.
More vehicles