Did Acura TL ever come in manual?
Yes, the Acura TL was available with a manual transmission option for certain model years. The Acura TL was a mid-size luxury car produced by Honda's luxury division, Acura, from 1995 to 2014.
Manual Transmission Availability in the Acura TL
The Acura TL was offered with a manual transmission option during the following model years:
- 1999-2003 (2nd generation TL)
- 2004-2008 (3rd generation TL)
In the 2nd generation TL (1999-2003), a 5-speed manual transmission was available as an option. This allowed drivers who preferred a more engaging driving experience to choose a manual gearbox over the standard automatic transmission.
The 3rd generation TL (2004-2008) also offered a 6-speed manual transmission as an option, again catering to enthusiast drivers who wanted more control over the driving experience.
Reasons for Manual Transmission Availability
Acura offered manual transmission options on the TL to appeal to a specific segment of luxury car buyers who prioritized a sportier, more engaging driving experience. Manual transmissions were seen as providing a more direct connection between the driver and the vehicle, which was attractive to enthusiasts.
However, as consumer preferences shifted more towards automatic and dual-clutch transmissions in luxury vehicles, Acura eventually discontinued the manual transmission option for the TL starting with the 4th generation model in 2009. This reflected the broader industry trend away from manual transmissions in mainstream passenger vehicles.
Conclusion
In summary, the Acura TL was available with a manual transmission option during the 2nd and 3rd generation models, from 1999 to 2008. This allowed Acura to cater to a segment of luxury car buyers who prioritized a more engaging, driver-focused experience. However, as consumer preferences evolved, Acura discontinued the manual transmission option for the TL starting in 2009.
