2002 Acura TL Review
2002 Acura TL Review





+60
Used TL for sale
Acura TL model years
Acura TL types
- Sedan
- 3.2 Type-S
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent value, comfortable front seats, impressive power from Type-S engine, SportShift transmission is fun to use.
Cons
- Average interior materials, cramped rear seat room, lacks the panache of some competing luxury sedans.
What’s new
The TL Type-S makes its debut this year, sporting a 260-horsepower engine, sport-tuned suspension, Vehicle Stability Assist and 17-inch tires. 2002 also sees some styling revisions to the TL's front end and taillights. An in-dash six-CD changer, one-touch-up driver's window and two-position memory system for driver seat and mirrors are newly standard on both the 3.2 TL and the Type-S, and Acura has added insulation materials to the doors and reshaped the side mirrors to cut down on wind and road noise inside the cabin. Anthracite Metallic, Aegean Blue Pearl and Eternal Blue Pearl are the new exterior colors.
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 2002 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 $4.06 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$236/mo
TL 3.2
vs
$175/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Acura's torchbearer into the burgeoning near-luxury sedan market is the 3.2TL, and it's pitted against some stiff competition in the form of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS 300, Mercedes C-Class and Volvo S60, which puts the pressure on Acura not only to meet, but to exceed what those cars have to offer while simultaneously keeping price in check.
Based on a Honda global platform shared by the Accord, the TL's wheelbase is 2 inches longer than its pedestrian sibling, but features a more cramped rear seat (attributable to its rakish roofline). TL's front end has been restyled for 2002, with a more aggressive grille, reshaped headlights, redesigned bumper fascia, revised badging and standard foglights. The rear end is freshened with clear upper lenses for the taillights. While some detractors call the TL dull and uninspired in terms of styling, many of our staffers like its angular, chiseled look.
The base TL engine is a peppy 3.2-liter V6 that utilizes VTEC technology to produce 225 horsepower and 216 foot-pounds of torque, while still getting 19/29 mpg in city/highway driving. The V6 remains strong in every gear, and it can scoot from zero to 60 in under 8 seconds. This puts the TL ahead of much of its competition in the horsepower race, and we can confirm that it definitely gets out of its own way. The standard SportShift automanual transmission is quite user-friendly, thanks to a shift gate located close to the driver and an intuitive shift pattern.
The biggest TL news for 2002 is the debut of the high-performance Type-S model, which features a 260-horsepower engine, a sport-tuned suspension, a stability control system (called Vehicle Stability Assist) and 17-inch tires. Deeply bolstered, perforated leather seats, a "Type-S" shift knob and a metallic face instrument cluster distinguish the interior of the 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 a new in-dash six-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, traction control and four-wheel antilock brakes. A super-simple DVD-based navigation system with a smudge-free touchscreen is the only option, and it includes coverage of the entire continental United States on a single disc.
Offering sporty styling and near-luxury features for a price that is well below the class average, the TL continues to deliver both performance and value in an attractive package.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Acura TL.
5 star(71%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(1%)
162 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Great car to drive
luvtypes, 05/22/2013
2002 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Bought my TL about 4 years ago, and didn't have any major issues. All acura and Honda buyers have ideas about the bad transmission problem but still does not maintain it the way it should be taken care of, i changed transmission oil every 10K and now its just over 300KM on my car and still running strong...Love the car
4.75 out of 5 stars
One of the best
francis15, 09/01/2014
2002 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
My wife bought this one back in 02 TL type S new and it's been a very reliable car.
Great power, fun to drive.
Runs like the day we bought it.
Not pleased with the Xenon lights.
Acura wanted $1,200.00 to replace the ballast
I got a new OEM one aftermarket for $150, then $150 to install.
The 2nd i did myself.
The xenon OEM bulbs are about $95 ea at any auto parts place.
You can get … aftermarket xenon bulbs to work for about $16 for 2 but supposedly can affect ballast.
mine seem to work fine but i am now selling.
My wife wants an 2015 MDX.
I have to say I am impressed with the 02 TL overall.
Acura will gouge the daylights out of you but it is a high performance car.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great mix of Power/Gas Mileage
gonzalgi21, 05/16/2010
2002 Acura TL 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
02 TL-S bought the car with 64k miles which is amazingly low miles for an 8 year old car. First thing that i noticed right away soon as i bought the car is the POWER the car is extremely fast and the gas mileage is pretty darn good for a 260 hp engine, audio system is also very good.Good old Honda reliability. Unfortunately owning this car is stressful because you never really know when … your transmission is going to fail even though i haven't had that problem i know it's coming and there's nothing i can do about it. If this car didn't have these transmission issues i would literally want this car forever.
1 out of 5 stars
Great Car if you like 65,000 mile transmissions
P. Gerald, 09/01/2015
2002 Acura TL 3.2 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Just don't buy one unless you like buying a transmission from Honda for $2500 every 65, 000 miles. No kidding. Honda set up a plant and sell you one for $2500 when the transmission goes out every 65,000 miles instead of fixing the design problems. Otherwise it's a great driver's car.
2002 Acura TL Sedan Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $28,880
- MPG & Fuel
- 17 City / 27 Hwy / 21 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 225 hp @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 216 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 192.5 in. / Height: 53.7 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 70.3 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,494 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 14.3 cu.ft.
Safety
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.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
More about the 2002 Acura TL
Used 2002 Acura TL Overview
The Used 2002 Acura TL is offered in the following submodels: TL Sedan, TL 3.2 Type-S. Available styles include 3.2 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A), 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan (3.2L 6cyl 5A), 3.2 Type-S 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A), and 3.2 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A). Pre-owned Acura TL models are available with a 3.2 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 260 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2002 Acura TL comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2002 Acura TL?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2002 Acura TLS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2002 Acura TL for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2002 Acura TL.
Can't find a used 2002 Acura TLs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Acura TL for sale.
Find a used Acura for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Acura TL for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Acura for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2002 Acura TL?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Acura lease specials
Check out Acura TL lease specials
Related Used 2002 Acura TL info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Mclaren 765LT 2021 Review
- Mclaren Elva 2021 Review
- Mclaren GT 2020 Review
- Mclaren GT 2021 Review
- Mercedes Benz A Class 2020 Review
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Toyota Yaris 2001
- Used Ford E-Series Wagon 2007
- Used Cadillac DTS 1993
- Used Audi S6 2010
- Used Lamborghini Gallardo 2013
- Used Toyota Celica 1990
- Used Maserati Hardtop 2 Door 2018
- Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2004
- Used Saab 9-3 Griffin 2007
- Used Dodge Viper 1994
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2022 Lexus IS 500
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2022
- 2022 GLE-Class
- Subaru Solterra
- 2024 Nissan Versa News
- Dodge Durango 2023
- 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe News
- 2023 Toyota GR Supra
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster
Research recent models from same make
- Acura MDX
- Acura RDX
- Acura Ilx
- 2023 MDX
- 2022 Acura RDX
- Acura NSX
- 2022 MDX
- 2022 Acura TLX
- 2023 Acura TLX
- 2023 Acura TLX
Research similar vehicles
- Subaru Legacy
- Dodge Charger 2022
- 2022 Dodge Charger
- 2022 Ford Mustang
- 2022 Camry
- Honda Accord 2022
- Genesis G80
- 2023 Camaro
- Audi A6
- 2023 Ford Mustang
Recommended
- New Alfa Romeo Stelvio for Sale in Shelbyville, KY
- New Audi A8 for Sale in Tulare, CA
- New Audi Q4 E-Tron for Sale in Carmichael, CA
- New Audi E-Tron S for Sale in Mexico, MO
- New Alfa Romeo Stelvio for Sale in South Burlington, VT
Other models
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Martinsville, IN
- Used Lexus LS-600H-L in Ooltewah, TN
- Used Lotus Exige in Doylestown, PA
- Used BMW 1-Series-M in Fremont, OH
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in West Covina, CA
- Used BMW 1-Series-M in Allendale, MI
- Used BMW 1-Series-M in Mount Juliet, TN
- Used Genesis GV60 in Rockford, IL
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Lutherville Timonium, MD
- New Mazda MX-30 for Sale in Menomonee Falls, WI
- Used Karma Revero-Gt in Warren, OH
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Macon, GA
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Elkton, MD
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Greenwood, IN
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Spring Hill, FL
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Branford, CT
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Reisterstown, MD
- Used BMW 1-Series-M in Augusta, GA
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Brighton, CO
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Concord, CA
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Salem, VA
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Mansfield, OH
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Missoula, MT
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Westland, MI
- New Mazda MX-30 for Sale in Greeneville, TN
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Jeffersonville, IN
- New Mazda MX-30 for Sale in La Quinta, CA
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-1500Hd-Classic in Youngstown, OH
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-1500Hd-Classic in Marion, IA
- New Genesis Electrified-Gv70 for Sale in Mount Pleasant, TX