The first generation Acura TL was designed to fit the mid-size luxury car sector in North America and was also known as the Honda Inspire or Saber on the Japanese market.
The first TL model rolled off the assembly line in 1995 and was fitted with either a 2.5L SOHC 5-cylinder engine producing 176 hp (2.5 TL) or a 3.2L SOHC V6 engine delivering 200 hp (3.2 TL). With these two models, the Acura TL would attract both sport-like buyers (through the 2.5 TL) and customers more interested in comfort and luxurious features (3.2 TL). The second generation TL was introduced by Acura in 1999.