Is the 2004 Acura TL RWD?
In short: No. The 2004 Acura TL is not rear-wheel drive; it’s built with front-wheel drive. The model year represents a generation that kept the TL on a front-drive platform shared with Honda's Accord family. This article explains what that means for performance, reliability, and how to verify the drivetrain on a used example.
Drivetrain reality for the 2004 TL
The 2004 TL uses a front-wheel-drive layout with a transversely mounted V6 engine. There was no rear-wheel-drive configuration offered from Acura for the 2004 TL. The sedan’s design prioritizes interior space, packaging efficiency, and fuel economy typical of mid-size front-wheel-drive cars from that era.
Implications for handling and ownership
Front-wheel-drive systems tend to deliver predictable handling characteristics with good grip in everyday conditions. For potential buyers, this means a balance of comfort and performance suited to daily driving, with tire condition and suspension wear playing significant roles in overall feel and reliability.
How to confirm the drivetrain on a specific TL you’re considering
When evaluating a used 2004 TL, these checks help verify whether the car is truly FWD and not AWD or RWD:
- Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and use a decoder or dealer records to confirm drivetrain layout.
- Look for badges indicating AWD or SH-AWD on the trunk, rear fascia, or sides; their absence supports a FWD configuration.
- Review the original window sticker or dealership listing for drivetrain details (FWD vs AWD).
Concluding note: By confirming the drivetrain directly from documentation or a trusted VIN decoder, you can avoid buying a TL that doesn’t match your expectations about drive layout.
Summary
Bottom line: The 2004 Acura TL is not rear-wheel drive; it is a front-wheel-drive sedan. This setup aligns with its Accord-based engineering, offering reliable daily performance and straightforward maintenance. If you specifically need RWD or AWD, you’ll want to explore other model years or configurations within Acura’s lineup.
Is Acura TL FWD or RWD?
The Acura TL is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, but some models also came with all-wheel drive (AWD) in the form of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). There are no traditional rear-wheel-drive (RWD) versions of the Acura TL.
Acura TL drivetrains
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): The base model Acura TL is standard front-wheel drive.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): For improved performance, Acura offered an optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system on some models, particularly in higher trims.
Key differences
- FWD: Lighter and often quicker off the line, but can experience more torque steer (a pulling sensation in the steering wheel).
- AWD (SH-AWD): This system actively distributes torque to the wheels, including sending more power to the outside rear wheel during turns, which improves handling and traction.
Is the 2004 Acura TSX FWD or RWD?
The 2004 model year TSX's powertrain consisted of a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder K24A2 engine which produced 200 horsepower, a six-speed manual transmission (which featured a magnesium casing, to reduce weight), and a front wheel drive layout.
Are there any RWD Acuras?
No, most Acuras are front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but some models, like the all-electric 2024 ZDX, offer a rear-wheel drive (RWD) option. The ZDX A-Spec is available with a single motor and rear-wheel drive, while other Acuras typically use their Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.
Acura models with RWD
- Acura ZDX: The base model of the all-electric ZDX is available with a single electric motor, which drives the rear wheels, making it a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
Acura models with other drivetrains
- AWD: Most other modern Acura SUVs and sedans use their Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which is standard on models like the RDX and available on the TLX.
- FWD: Many of Acura's historical models were front-wheel drive, but this is less common in their current lineup, which emphasizes AWD for better performance.
- RWD: Historically, Acura has made few RWD vehicles. The NSX supercar was a notable exception, but most other Acura models have not been RWD.
Is a 2004 Acura TL rear-wheel-drive?
September 3, 2003 — Torrance, Calif. In a 5-passenger sedan, the benefits of front-wheel drive include lighter and more compact engine and driveline packaging, enhanced fuel efficiency, and increased passenger spaciousness.
