Drivers Log.(2003 Acura 3.2TL Type-S)

2003 Acura 3.2TL Type-S w/nav

Date in fleet: Feb. 18-March 3 As-tested price: $33,960 Powertrain: 3.2-liter V6; fwd, five-speed automatic Hp: 260 @ 6100 rpm Torque: 232 @ 3500-5500 rpm Curb weight: 3554 pounds

ROCA: This striking-looking car impressed me; it feels like it should be more expensive than it is. Maybe it was the sleek silver paint job of our test car, but I expected a sticker more in the area of $40,000 than the lower 30s. From the beautifully appointed interior to the way it handled, it was almost as satisfying to drive as a BMW sedan.

Only downside: Its climate control system makes it feel like a cheap Japanese car. I battled fogged-up side windows all the way in to the office, remedied only by dry air blowing directly onto my eyes, plastering my contacts to my corneas. Nothing irks me more in a car than that. Still, I was impressed overall, though I wondered where its manual transmission was.

HART: Acura cars continue to look more and more like a bargain to me. This car is another example of a well-appointed piece with a more than adequate engine and superb handling all at a price that's a bit easier to take than most of its European brethren. But Carrie's right about the climate control. The only buttons you have are for auto; if you want manual control of where the wind blows, you've got to tap into the info touch-screen. That's all counterintuitive, and if I were car czar for a day, I would make it illegal everywhere. Even on auto, with the temp set at 72, the actual temp was closer to slow bake. An overall minor complaint, but a nuisance nonetheless.

After the big snow over this past weekend, the car hung surprisingly tough, except perhaps for the traction control cuts everything out, so on the real slippery stuff it takes some patience dealing with an engine that just won't turn the wheels. With its superb brakes, comfortable and supportive seats, quality appointments, handsome looks, decent on-road manners and a five-speed automatic, this is a solid competitor ...