2009 Acura TL SH-AWD

Only three months in, and the TL has already amassed over 7000 miles, evidence that its luxurious, feature-rich interior is making more friends than its controversial exterior is making enemies.

"I don't love the busy, awkward exterior cues," says Ron Kiino, "but the interior, with its super-thick-rimmed steering wheel and ultrasoft leather, feels and looks great." With around 6400 on the odometer, the TL's maintenance minder light came on, signaling that the first service was due. So we paid a $92.26 visit to Acura of Calabasas for an oil change, full inspection, and tire rotation. Fuel economy, at 20.2 mpg, has been miserly, especially given the 305-horse V-6 and near-4000-pound curb weight. Photographer Brian Vance, on a trip from Carson City to L.A., even saw as high as 27.1 mpg over a 361-mile stretch along Highway 395.