2003 Acura TL Review
2003 Acura TL Review
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+114
Used TL for sale
Appraise This CarAcura TL model years
Acura TL types
- Sedan
- 3.2 Type-S
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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, all TL models equipped with the navigation system receive OnStar as standard equipment.
Edmunds says
Jack-of-all-trades but master of none, the TL provides an impressive mix of luxury, sport and affordability.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$259/mo for TL 3.2
TL 3.2
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Introduction: Acura's torchbearer into the burgeoning near-luxury sedan market is the 3.2TL. Last redesigned in 1999 and updated rather frequently, the TL competes against a wide variety of vehicles, including the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus ES 300 and IS 300, Infiniti I35 and G35, Mercedes C-Class, and Volvo S60. Acura hopes to exceed what those cars have to offer while simultaneously keeping price in check.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options: There are two trim levels to pick from: the base TL and the high-performance TL Type-S. Both TLs offer near-luxury equipment without a hefty price, and you get more than just air conditioning and a smattering of leather on the seats. You snag lots of standard equipment, including a power sunroof, a 180-watt sound system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer, heated front seats, two-position memory system for driver seat and mirrors, steering-wheel audio controls, rear heat/air vents, a micron air-filtration system and high-intensity discharge lights. A super-simple DVD-based navigation system with a smudge-free touchscreen is the only option, and this year it also comes with OnStar, the vehicle communications service. In addition to these items, the TL Type-S comes with a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels and minor cabin trim upgrades.
Powertrains and Performance: The front-drive TL features a peppy 3.2-liter V6 that utilizes VTEC technology to produce 225 horsepower and 216 pound-feet of torque, while still getting 19/29 mpg in city/highway driving. The V6 remains strong in every gear, and it can scoot from 0 to 60 in under 8 seconds. The standard five-speed automatic transmission is quite user-friendly, thanks to a shift gate located close to the driver and an intuitive shift pattern for the SportShift sequential-shift manual function. Most people should be satisfied with this configuration, but for those who aren't, there's the Type-S. Thanks to special engine modifications, such as a dual-stage induction system, increased compression and performance-oriented camshafts and valves, the 3.2-liter V6 in the Type-S makes 260 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The five-speed automatic is still the only choice for this car.
Safety: The TL is equipped with side airbags; the front passenger seat has a system to prevent the side airbag from deploying if a small child or adult leans into the deployment path. Other safety items include traction control, antilock brakes and, on Type-S models, a stability control system. NHTSA has given the TL a four-star rating for front-seat side-impact safety and five stars for rear-seat side-impact safety.
Interior Design and Special Features: Inside, standard leather covers the comfortable front seats. Type-S cars also have deeply bolstered, perforated leather seats; a Type-S shift knob; and a metallic face instrument cluster. Though certainly functional, the TL's interior isn't as opulent as those of other cars in this class.
Driving Impressions: Both the TL and TL Type-S are satisfying to drive. The Type-S, in particular, is entertaining thanks to its prodigious horsepower. However, being a front-drive car has its disadvantages; the TL's handling isn't as dynamic as that of other rear-drive cars in this class.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Acura TL.
5 star(80%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
463 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent in every way
Gail Robinson, 03/15/2015
2003 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
I purchased this car in 2005 with 50000. It now has over 130,000 and is running strong. I have never had any problems, just routine maint. It has begun "rattling" but it is 12 years old! Handles perfectly, hugs the road, extremely reliable in snow. Couldn't be happier.
It is now 2 years since the last review, had the "rattling" fixed. Still runs great!
4.25 out of 5 stars
NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!!
1soccerfan, 01/06/2012
2003 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
I bought this car Sept 2010 with 110K miles.
I drive at least 2,000 miles per month, this car has 141K now.
14 months and I've driven it 31K miles with NO PROBLEMS OR ISSUES.
Oil changes and tires only.
I drive my cars hard and I expect something to go wrong but the transmission shifts perfect and everything works perfectly.
I go on 2-3 hour road trips at least twice a month with no … worries.
I trade cars about every 2 years and I have to say this is the best one I've had in a long time.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Pretty good all around car
alehr, 04/27/2010
2003 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
I bought this car in 2005 with about 75,000 miles. Unfortunately, about one year or 6,000 miles later my transmission failed. Acura did not cover my specific transmission problem for whatever reason so I ended up spending about $3500 to replace. Other than that, I did replace the timing belt just as a precaution but nothing else major. I still love my car and plan on buying another Acura … when this one goes. However, beware of the transmission!
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best car I've ever owned
TimK, 11/03/2010
2003 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
I research my cars thoroughly before I buy. As an engineer I appreciate good design and the Acura is excellent. I buy on performance, reliability, and styling in that order. What attracted me most was that it was the best performing car in it's class according to Consumer Reports and it has not disappointed. Great acceleration with top mileage of about 30 mpg on the highway. Like … many others it has had a new transmission but Acura covered the entire cost including an Acura loaner from the dealer. I've had lots of good comments about the deep blue metallic color. 130,000 miles and going strong. On my second set of brakes and third set of tires.
2003 TL Highlights
Sedan
3.2
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,980 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $259/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the TL include:
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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