2003 Acura TL Review
Fuel Economy
21 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Jack-of-all-trades but master of none, the TL provides an impressive mix of luxury, sport and affordability.
Pros
Excellent value, comfortable front seats, impressive power from the Type-S engine, long list of standard equipment.
Cons
Average interior materials, lacks the panache of some competing luxury sedans.
What's New for 2003
For 2003, all TL models equipped with the navigation system receive OnStar as standard equipment.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Surprisingly Economical
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I bought this car used with 61000 miles on it about 9 mos. ago. I have to say, what surprised me the most was the fuel economy. All around driving I have seen approx 24 MPG. On the highway on a long trip - I saw 33-34 mpg! For an intermediate size car - that is amazing. My son has an Acura RSX and that is about what he see on his compact 4 cyl car. So far, I have had no problems with the car. Comfortable and handles reasonably well. Acceleration isn't all that great. Interior is very comfortable - audio system is good. What bugs me - is on a luxury car - you would think it would have sensors to turn the headlights on at dusk! Even my old Malibu had that!
Favorite Features
Fuel Economy
Suggested Improvements
Second Acura and Loving It!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Let me start by telling you this is my second Acura. I bought my TL type-S in 2006 because I needed to have four doors (my CL only had 2). I bought this car with 30,000 miles on it and it now has 120,000. I have NEVER had a single issue with this car...not even with the transmission. The car is powerful and confident when driving, comfortable on long drives. The car's navigation is great, the touchscreen is very user friendly. I upgraded the nav disk once in 2009. The TL is packed with everything that you would need in a car without the outrageous price tag. I am currently getting 27 mpg with both city and highway driving.
Favorite Features
Handling, comfort, power, luxury and navigation. This car's price point makes me feel like I got a steal! The reliability of Acura. My TL and CL never cost me in repairs except routine replacement that always lasted longer that manufact. said.
Suggested Improvements
Better tires for all season, better noise control in the cabin (still pretty quiet but could be a little better).
Do Not Buy!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I purchased my 2003 Acura TL Type S used with 49,000 miles in January of 2008. It WAS a great vehicle until the odometer hit 66,000 miles; that's when the transmission failed and had to be replaced. The cost of the replacement was $3,500. I purchased this vehicle based off of Acura's claim of producing quality and reliable products. My Acura has not exhibited any of these claims. I should have listened to the consumer reviews I read while researching this vehicle. There was an alarming number of reviews warning of transmission replacements. Will not buy another Acura again.
Favorite Features
Vtech engine; fuel economy; Bose Stereo; lower profile than newer TL's.
Suggested Improvements
Start with building a quality product and extend the extended warranty for the transmission to ALL 2003 TL's.
I love my TL-S!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I bought my TL used with 37K miles on it after my 9 yr old Prelude bit the dust. I had never purchased a used car and was cautious. I wanted something that was family friendly and reliable, but still had that v-tech since I just LOVED my Prelude. Four years later I have never had any major problems (except the transmission that was recalled and replaced for free by the dealer - it never died completely just was sounding funny, RPMs were strange,etc....) but I could not be more pleased. It pays off next year and I plan to drive it as long as possible. Best purchase ever.
Favorite Features
Reliable, comfy leather interior, great engine - speeds up fast and handles beautifully.
Suggested Improvements
Body shape - but mine is the one before they drastically improved the body. Love the new body (2004 and newer!)
Great All-Around Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have been driving this car for over 100K miles now, and still love it. The performance is strong, handling is good, very comfortable and roomy, and super reliable as expected from a Honda/Acura. Of course, unfortunately, this year model has the transmission recall and I'm on my 3rd tranny now. Despite the tranny problem, I still love this car because it's one of the best all around performance sedans you can buy. This car is very fun to drive hard with Vtech rush to keep driver enthusiast smiling. Other than the tranny, I had no problem with anything else, just regular oil change is all it's needed.
Favorite Features
High performance engine, strong acceleration, comfortable ride, smooth and quiet transmission, well built, reliable, intuitive NAV, fully equipped, great Bose sound system, aged well, and best buy in its class.
Suggested Improvements
Transmission should be fixed, need stickier tires, stock Michelin was terrible, telescoping steering wheels.
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