Saluting the Acura TLX, the sedan that made practicality fun
Another beloved sedan is heading to car heaven. Production of the Acura TLX will end this month, closing the book on 30 years and 1.2 million units sold.
Acura says the decision to retire the TLX is to “better align with the evolving needs of our customers and the changing landscape of the automotive industry.” In plain terms: sedan sales are slipping while SUVs take over the roads.
Launched in 1995 as the Acura TL, the TLX has worn many faces—always sharp, sporty, yet understated. From base models to the athletic Type S and even a PMC Edition, there was a TLX for nearly every taste.
I drove a TLX Type S last fall and was surprised by how versatile it was. Despite styling that leaned a bit aggressive for my taste, it delivered great handling, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Even during a Buc-ee’s pit stop in Tennessee, strangers complimented the car—proof that it had real street appeal.
But the market has spoken. With Acura shifting to crossovers like the new ADX and reviving the RSX nameplate as an EV crossover, there’s no traditional sedan waiting in the wings to replace the TLX. For fans of fun, practical sedans, this marks another tough goodbye.
