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Used 1998 Acura TL Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
40 reviews

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Still in love

Vanessa, 05/26/2010
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Got my car on 2/14/98 and still love it after all these years. Having problem with speed sensor now but the car is still solid otherwise. Other than maintenance and replacing the struts, this car has been low cost over the years. I love pulling up next to other owners of the older TLs because we always roll down windows and praise our cars. I've never met anyone who didn't love theirs. I know I'll need a new vehicle one day but for now will continue to enjoy the ride.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent Car

lizaven17, 10/25/2014
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I got this car back in 2010 as a starter. Since then it's needed an upstream O2 sensor and a wiper motor. I have fallen in love with this car and worked a great deal on it. My TL has done two coast-to-coast cross country trips with stellar performance. The car is kinda rare in the US so parts can get expensive if you break the wrong thing. But overall this car is great. A word of caution to fellow tuners out there: the design of this car is kinda nonsensical. Things like wiring a subwoofer are extremely difficult. But as a basic car, the 5cyl is really reliable and the interior is spacious and comfy. A pure-blooded GT car if you ask me.

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5 out of 5 stars

Love My Acura

Degruise, 01/04/2007
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is my favorite car. Even when I see a car exactly like mine go by, I still stare at it because I feel like it is one of the most attractive styles ever made. It drives great, and I have only brought it in for regular maintenance such as oil, brakes and tires. It is the best running vehicle I have ever driven!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Okay for me.

Christy, 07/26/2010
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

I bought my Acura used five years ago. In that time I have replace the timing belt, had the engine overhauled and the transmission overhauled (costing several thousand dollars), replaced the pulley system for the alternator and the windows are having trouble rolling down or up and the paint is flaking off. I do realize that it's an older car now, but the repairs are really starting to be too much. Otherwise, the car runs great when it's running and sounds great. Pretty good horse power though gas mileage is only about 21 mpg. Not great, but it's okay.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Amazing long term car!

sfgiants22, 04/26/2009
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

This was the second car that Ive ever bought and it is awesome. I bought it at 110,000(I know), but following some dealer tricks I was sold on it. I felt a bit taken later because of the miles it had but it still drive like new and its at 165000 now. I couldn't ask for a more reliable vehicle and the only thing that Ive had to do is replace the battery and headlight bulbs...unbelievably reliable. Acura is simply an all around good company and I'm glad I bought my TL.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Very nice car, high reliability

TLW, 06/25/2007
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought my '98 2.5 TL about 5 years ago, I also paid $1200 for the extended warranty to 100K miles. I never got to use the warranty. At 107K miles now, D4 light is out, and I have replaced both oxygen sensors as well as doing the scheduled 104K miles timing belt / water pump service. I also replaced the battery a couple years ago, and new brake pads. I'm due for replacing the AT fluid and filter. All in all, this car has been excellent. My car with 107K miles drives and feels like a new car - nothing loose or sloppy, and the throttle response is very smooth.

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5 out of 5 stars

Owned a used 98 TL

John Saunders, 12/21/2017
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

The car I have was built in Japan and it runs like it. It is a great car, I would not be afraid to drive my car from the East to the West Coast. Honda makes some great cars. I do feel the newer TLs look nice but started getting small and cheap, but so has every other car out there.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars

The best car money can buy

Jeff, 08/24/2010
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
11 of 14 people found this review helpful

We bought a '97 with about 68k on it i '95. It seemed very expensive at the time. Other than 2 starters (a persistent problem with these cars (requiring the axle to be removed - $-) along with the terrible window operations), and the recommended timing belt change with water pump, I have performed all maintenance which consists only of fluids, filters and brakes (do my own work). This car now has 260k on it, drives as if it were new, with no smoke or leaks from the engine. It does need a power-steering pump but the kids drive it now and they need the exercise. I now have a collection of 3 of the 3.2TL's ranging from 96 to 98 and have my eye on another. If taken care of, they always run.

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5 out of 5 stars

LOVE MY CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Erin, 10/23/2010
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

I have had this car for 10 months and am so happy that i made the choice to buy it. The body is in great condition with no rust and is a very rugged car to drive. When i test drove it i was very impressed with how it hugged the road. When its time to get a newer car im sticking to the Acura TL.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great but not without flaws

kwle04, 02/05/2004
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Handling is precise and predictable, a sure mark of quality craftsmanship. Not like BMW, but has tight riding - you can feel the contour of road surface in a well tamed manner. Surprizingly reliable driving and traction in various inclement weather conditions - A+. If you make sure that air filter, spark plugs, and engine oil are clean, then you will be surprised with its mileage. Mine has 115,000 miles on it, and drives about 27 miles per gallon faithfully on highway with some inner city driving combined. Today it recorded 27.4miles/gallon on my trip to Richmond. Not too bad at all for such a heavy machine! Definitely a nice bang for the bucks.

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5 out of 5 stars

I love my Acura!!!

Dana Lucas, 01/15/2006
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

By far, the best car purchase I have ever made! I have had this car since late 1997, and have only had to pay for basic maintenance until Dec 2005. In Dec, the heat system failed and I had to fix - only cost $800! Also, car rides like a dream - very smooth. I always get compliments on the look and feel of the car. I plan to buy another Acura when I'm done with this one!

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4 out of 5 stars

Loved It Until 130K

caitkmc, 08/01/2011
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
5 of 7 people found this review helpful

Bought my Acura in college at 66K miles, no major problems or complaints for the first 4 years! I drove it hard too. But as soon as I hit that 130K mark EVERYTHING started to go. My car quickly went from being valued above 5K to now I'm hoping to get 1K for trade in. The breaks, the radiator, the intake system (?), and the timing belt all went within 1 year of each other. VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX!! The three different mechanics all told me the same thing - it can cost 2 times the amount to fix these high performance cars as even just a basic Honda. I wouldnt advise anyone to buy one of these cars with high miles, especially if maintenance costs are a big concern. But always drove beautifully!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Just got my car

Deb, 12/30/2005
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

We reviewed this year for the TL and so far I'm delighted. It's beautiful and rides like a dream, although it does have some road noise, but the stereo is awesome. I'm confident it will be an excellent car for us. We looked at the 1999-2003 TL's and the transmission problems scared us off. We have a 2002 RL, and although the TL is not as luxurious as that, it is just as fun to drive and it has all the same toys, just a little smaller, and I LOVE this car! The metallic blue paint is just beautiful also, and this car is in perfect shape.

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5 out of 5 stars

Last leg

Gale, 11/10/2018
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car in 1998 with 35 miles. Brand new! I was at Cary Autopark with Devon Wallup. This car has been the most dependable car ever. It has about 300,000 miles and is now ready for the pasture. I will purchase another Acura when we retire this one.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

I love this car!

Acura32tl, 10/07/2008
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I have been the proud owner of my 3.2 TL for nearly 10 years now and it's been amazing. Wonderful, well rounded vehicle that's attractive and engineered like a dream. My TL has 162000 miles and has seen less than $2000 in non maintenance repairs to date! That's pretty remarkable in my opinion. The service has been solid, but I must admit that I perform most maintenance personally (mobil 1 only). As much as I love this car, I will probably go to Lexus next as Acura styling has degraded over the years.

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5 out of 5 stars

3.2TL is a sure thing

wpit, 03/29/2004
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

wonderful car, fast, affordable, and stylish.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

An amazing purchase

tommsu, 11/16/2005
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I am used to buying lemons but this is the first car I can truly say that I am pleased with, I have logged almost 35000 miles in the past year alone, including a trip to Key West. Car is in amazing shape and no problems to date, just normal upkeep has been needed.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Very dependable

Reggie, 11/23/2005
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchases the car off lease after 2 years. Because I had a warranty I took advantage and ordered new seat. Seat did not match, removed and replaced with seat from trade-in (my greed, great service). Keep service maintenance not expensive. Replaced timing belt after 100,000; fuel sensor cleaned at over 120,000; Battery replaced after 7 years.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Love the '98 3.2TL

Don from Florida, 11/23/2006
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Purchased the 3.2 in November of 2001. I've been very happy with the ride and reliability. It has 88,000 miles and all I've done is change the oil, belts, and tires. (The lone exception was new front brakes & rotors at 87,000 miles) It rides like a cadillac but without the reliability issues. The interior is 1st class as well as the comfort of the seats. It's not a fast sports sedan, but the 3.2 V-6 200 HP engine has plenty of speed for us. Exterior is black and the paint has yet to fade. (There are the normal nicks from opening doors and such.) Like the sleek exterior with the long front hood. I feel comfortable enough to sell this car to my daughter next month. Will purchase another Acura.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Vehicle

craigch8, 02/07/2003
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my 2.5 TL used with 50K miles on it. I now have over 100Kmiles on it and it still drives like new. I originally bought it with a warranty, never needed it. Extremely reliable, just as quick as the 3.2TL, better gas mileage. I would suggest this model to anyone. You'll love it.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Acura 3.2TL

Wampum, 04/07/2002
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

WOW! I have had this car for a little over a year now and I have loved every minute of it. Plenty of power for a four door car and comfort equal to none.

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5 out of 5 stars

great car, fun drive

srb, 04/23/2002
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car after owning a 92 Legend for almost 7 years. Acura continues to produce amazing cars with great performance for the value. Amazing acceleration from this 3.2 litre V6. Highly recommended.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Acura TL 3.2

redisretired, 05/23/2002
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have only had this car for about a month. However, I sure enjoy it. I have not found any problem whatsoever. I purchased it used (58,000 miles). I have been trying to think of something that I would change about it but, haven't found anything. I am even satisfied with the cup holder top flipping towards the passenger seat. In that way if I make a wrong move I cannot tip the cup or bottle. I have a feeling that is what Acura had in mind.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Rick Ward, 06/12/2002
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent quality, very reliable. Highly recommend.

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4 out of 5 stars

TLBOY

Pearl, 07/18/2002
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very reliable;good performance. Very smooth ride and precision steering and handling.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

I wish it was more reliable

myself, 12/02/2002
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought the car used, at 70K. The car is perfect, but not as reliable as Honda. I expected it to be as reliable as Honda, but apparently all those nice features introduce failure factors. Things that are supposed to last a long time broke down: a radiator fan started making funny noise, had to replace it ($250), the exhaust manifold got cracked ($1100). Other than that, the car is great, handles well, excellent brakes and transmission.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

A fantastic value

jdaniels, 12/27/2002
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the TL as an Acura Certified pre-owned car with 44,000 miles on it. Condition of paint/leather/engine compartment was/still is (at 56,000 miles) unbelievable; "showroom" new. The car runs and drives like something much more expensive; its "gait" on the highway has to be experienced .. it just powers effortlessly along at illegal speeds. The transmission shifts are undetectable, unless you're really pushing it, and then you WANT to feel it shift and it does so smartly. Handling is decent for a car of this size/weight/genre. Reliability is rock solid.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love it

Roadrunner, 07/17/2003
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I live in Canada. Bought this vehicle, last year from a dealer with 67000 km (41000 miles). The car was in mint condition. Its mostly used by my wife and after 11 months its has a little over 80000 km (50000 miles). I love every aspect of the car. Its drives like an expensive luxry sedan and has a vert smooth drive with effortless power.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Smooth Ride

M J M, 08/24/2003
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought the car used and have never had a problem. The car is sleek and classy. Rides smooth and quietly. The interior is well designed and comfortable. I would recomend this vehicle over a Lexus any day. If you get one you will not be dissapointed.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Car

jrratl, 08/08/2003
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great car. I bought it pre- owned from an Acura dealership and love it. The ride is great, it is very reliable, the sound system is very good, the outside design is beautiful and the inside is ergonomically well designed.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Luv that Acura!!

Mabobwa Charles, 10/14/2003
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This has been, without a doubt, the BEST car I have ever owned! No problems, just routine maintenance. I would get it the car now, and drive to the west coast without reservation! All Acuras are good cars, but this one takes the cake!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Owned for a year

gomizzou, 10/27/2003
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got a great deal on this car when I bought it and have never looked back. It rides great and looks just as good. Acura spares no expense. I will have to think long and hard before I ever stray from the acura brand. I love it.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Not Actually

jea16, 11/27/2003
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've owned the car for a couple of years now. Almost everything has it's troubles. I found out that it's common on these cars to have 3+ fuel injectors to go out at once. Seems to me that's a flaw that needs to be fixed. The paint and body doesn't hold up near as well as any other car I've owned. It squeeks, rattles, etc. The dealership knows me by name. Unfortunately, my wife just bought the 2003 and she is also a fequent visitor of the service center. I sold the BMW for a more reliable car. I messed up.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Dependable Vehicle

Olga, 08/16/2005
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had this car since 1998 and have never had a problem. I just changed the battery for the first time. I also agree, the cruise control button is not in a convenient location. Other than that my car has been great to me.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great car

GaryJB, 02/28/2004
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Tight turning radius is a plus. Speedy acceleration, smooth ride at high speeds. Quick warm-up on cold mornings - heat in the seats.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

OK but nothing special

djm, 03/12/2005
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Not that much power, Handles well, rides smooth and quitely but not very big inside. The windows have not top seal which adds some noise. Mileage not even close to rated numbers. A lot of problems for a so called premium car. Replaced starter and exahust plus a broken power seat at 68K. I should have bought a new Accord. OK at best, I am not overwhelmed. When I pay for a premium product that is what I expect, this is a partial premium, nicer than the Accord but not a great car.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Luxury & stylish

Joshua Carroll, 11/23/2005
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought this car a couple years ago with almost 100,000 miles on it. Now it has almost 150,000 miles on it but still rides like a brand new Lexus. I love it, but it has had its problems like any other car. Right now I'm having a problem with my transmission, but that'll be fixed soon. Runs really quiet and smooth when kept clean and maintained all the time. I do hate the position of the cruise control, fog lights, and seat heater buttons but every car has it's minor annoyances. The road noise is a bit louder than what I prefer, but the smooth ride makes up for it. I do hate the fact that the backseat isn't big enough for tall people, but I guess the style of the car makes up for that.

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4 out of 5 stars

Honda makes great cars

Matt, 01/13/2006
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I like this car alot. Unfortunatly I bought one that had been recked. Despite this problem which I didnt discover untill later the car has been great. It is fun to drive with more than average power. My problems have been consistant with the other reviews. The seal on the driver side window is bad which makes for alot of road noise. The placement of the controls in the interior are the worst of any car. Although stylish all of the luxury features are invisable because of the placement. The last thing would be that repairs are VERY expensive. I spend alot of money at the dealership, who are the only people who know how to work on that car, even oil changes. Trust me.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

1998 Acura 3.2

dstanzi, 03/09/2002
1998 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Car rides very well and has been problem free for 52000 mile. Standard maintenance has kept operating costs low.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

smooth riding

George Cash, 03/29/2002
1998 Acura TL 2.5 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A wonderfull car to drive. Rides smooth and handles smoother. Very few problems; however, when they do occurr parts are more expensive than on the 3.2 model

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