Used 2004 Acura TL Consumer Reviews
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Poor quality control
When braking the car still down shifts hard. The poor quality control refers to the interior. We have owned many cars and this one had more rattles and noises coming from the headliner, and the center column, than all the cars we have ever owned. When taken in for service to try and fix the problem, we were always told they couldn't hear for find any problem. Needless to say we only kept the car for 5 months.
Nice car bad torque steer
The Acura TL is a nice car but with the 6 speed transmission the torque-steer can be annoying. The car felt uncomfortable in the wet due to this issue. I thought the interior was great and bluetooth worked well. Rust was a huge issue on the rear wheel well and just behind the door. This set in fairly early in the car's life. Even making efforts to keep this at bay failed... anywhere there was a spot weld in the fender lip.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
BETTER
After driving a 2002 type S TL. this is a top driving experience. A good driver and riding vehicle.
Accura's problems
This car is unstable in rain and snow due to poor quality tires. Further, the dealership ignores, or does not acknowledge problems with this automobile. At 15,000 miles the tires are severely worn, as acknowledged by at least one accura mechanic. Alignment is a constant issue, with consequent uneven tread wear, however the dealership refuses to acknowledge this problem
New TL
270hp selective shifting,unique dash design,neat flowing exterior design,look out Maxima and G35 here we come on your heels oops bye bye...
First on the block!
I was able to buy my TL the first day that they were available. I work at a community college where we train Honda mechanics. When I drove my car to work, I was surrounded by students enjoying the look of my new car. Many of them were going to be working for Honda. The car is as much fun to drive as it is too look at but the best surprise is the audio system.
Thrilling Ride
This car is a thrilling blend of luxury and performance. The power of the engine is awesome, but has me wishing it was rear wheel drive because it would make the full throttle launches more fun. The transmission is so smart.I seldom have to use the manual shifter. It anticipates the exact gear I need. Best stereo system on the market. The DVD-Audio surround sound separation and clarity is amazing. I bought a Bluetooth phone to go with the car and it is truly hands-free and easy to use. If you want to have the latest in high-tech, this is your machine! My dealership experience from sales to service, including loaner cars and fast service processing has been excellent.
Very sweet!
I replaced a 99 TL with the 04 model. The design, performance, and comfort are excellent. The voice controlled Navigation system is a huge step up. Also, voice can control the climate control, audio (with 5.1 surround and DTS, and wireless phone. Truly a technological marvel. Only complaint is that the engine seems to be at too low in RPMs at 50-60 mph and I feel vibration in the gas pedal. It is truly the first TL that performs as a sports sedan and does not disappoint. Technologically it is a joy (the mirrors even tilt down when you shift to reverse). At this point, I highly recommend.
OK, but two major problems
I have had this car for 60K miles. It has been OK in general, but these cars are supposed to be really reliable. It isn't. I have the manual six speed transmission. At around 32K miles the car would not go into reverse. I brought it in and they ultimately ended up replacing the entire transmission (under warranty). Now at 61K miles, the power steering pump has failed and needs to be replaced. This seems to be low mileage for this to be failing. I have had no other problems, but these two problems are major. I will not be buying another Acura.
Love it!
I went to test drive the TL, expecting to eliminate it from my search. As soon as I sat in it, I fell in love! The ride is so smooth, the interior design is great, the new exterior is so much sportier than last year's model.
Unbelievable price
This vehicle may be the best car I have ever owned. I traded a 02 Audi A6 for the TL. This car beats the Europeans in performance and styling hands down. The 270 hp is amazing. All features normally offered as options on the others are standard here. Amazing for under 35K. im 6ft 3 and i have plenty of leg room.
Want to buy New 09 but hate the styling
I have owned 2 Preludes 84,88,94 Accord & 04 TL. 04 TL w/ Nav is my favorite. I was so disappointed when I went to update to this years model in December. Honda did the same thing to the Prelude. Took a perfect car and blew it up to a big car. The TL size, Nose and Cadillac rear is all big turn offs. Then Honda moved the Nav into the dash takes away the intuitive touch screen. I was told the people didnt like the finger prints. Does Honda even talk to its customers that loved the old lines and features? I am now looking for an 08 with the options I want, move to BMW or wait to see if Honda comes to its senses and fix this mess within 18 months. I am so disappointed in Honda.
A worthy successor to the old TL
I upgraded to the 2004 TL from a 2002 TL (non-S) and have been amazed. Compared to the previous model, the interior is truly luxurious. The seats are firm but comfortable. Driving this car is much more fun than with the old model because of the increase in power and the improvement in ride control. In all, this car stands head and shoulders above the old model in looks, interior, and driving. It's my favorite car yet.
Best car I've ever owned!
This is an excellent car. The performance and handling of this car is awesome. The styling, even 4 years after I bought it is still a head-turner. Two things I would change if I could: 1) move to rear wheel drive to eliminate the torque steer and 2) improve gas mileage in the city - I average 17-18 with careful driving. Highway is awesome - 33-34mpg. I hear the 09 TL may move to RWD. Hopefully that will happen. Any way about it, I would buy this car again without blinking. One additional note - get the nav... you won't regret it!
Nice, but Rattles A LOT
I tried all the competition and chose this car because I got the most bang for the buck. So, for the most part, it was the best choice in terms of price, quality, engine, transmission, power, options, etc. However, it NEEDS a smoother shifting transmission and the rattles and the little noises drive me crazy. The car sounds like it is 100- years old and it keeps getting worse. As long as I turn volume on radio up, Im good. All-in-all pretty good car.
Acura TL 2004 "the new sleeper"
You must test drive the new TL. 270hp 0- 60in 6seconds. The car is loaded for $33,ooo Heated front seats and outside mirrors. Great XM radio,8speakers surround sound,17inch rims to many to list.I'v had it for 3weeks and I loved it.
Watch out Germany
This is by far the best car I have owned. Everything about it is outstanding. All I can asy is the big three from Germany better watch out. Acura has stolen your thunder. You will no longer be able to hide behind your nameplate. If you live in Southern Cali. see Bill Haun at Cush Acura of Escondido. He was very professional, and easy to work with. He did everything in his power to provide me with a truely memorable experience.
Great Car w/ Big Liability
The body style is sleek, it's fun to drive and comfortable. Over a few years developed too many vibrations and rattles for high end car. Biggest disappointment was Acura Corp. not backing my TL when the front right ball joint broke going 60 MPH in the center lane. Parts did not indicate failure. This was my second and last Acura. I feel that I can't put my family at risk with a company that will not admit they have a dangerous & critical design flaw with their wheel assembly and unwilling to back the consumer.
New Car
Just bought it 2 weeks ago. Love it. Awesome sound system, great looks. I have been complimented daily on that car. Really happy with it. Oh yeah, it cooks.
Love this car
I bought this 2004 Acura TL new. I now have 185,00 miles on it, 95% of them being highway miles. A few problems here and there, but all in all it's the greatest car I've had. My bluetooth has problems off and on and my navigation system has died due to it being in the trunk and I live 2 miles off the highway on a dirt and dusty road. Would love to know if anyone else has had more miles than mine and if yours is still running well.
Great Car
Quick and quiet and very comfortable. After many hours of research over two months, I determined that the two best cars for the money by far in the $32k-40k range were the G35 and the Acura TL. The Acura is loaded with standard features and I prefer the FWD for slick roads. I drove both of them & bought the TL because Acura depreciates less, has lower maintenance costs, and has a better safety rating than Infiniti
loving it
I just upgraded to the 2004 Acura TL from a Honda Accord. What a pleasure to drive. I have had a wonderful experience and I hope that this positive experience continues.
BMW Killer
Excellent car, best value for the luxury you get, beats bmw 5, g35, and lexus hands down
This car rocks!!
My wife and I both love this car! It is eye-catching, has great handling and acceleration, and a phenomenal DVD- audio/nagigation system. We were looking for a classy, reliable, and fun to drive car...with all the standard options the price is hard to beat!
My Acura TL has been Great!
I purchased this vehicle over 3 years ago and have put over 60,000 trouble free miles on it. I had minimal problems and the vehicle is fun to drive. I plan on keeping the car for several more years. The color combination with pearl outside still turns heads! It has been by far the best vehicle I have ever owned!
A Dream Come True
I purchased this car after months and months of review searching and comparisons. I could not be any happier with this vehicle. My biggest priority was comfort and that is the TL's selling point. The car is absolutely beautiful inside and out. Engine is strong and I am averaging 25 mpg with about a 50/50 mix. The performance is great, 0-60 in 5.9. No it isn't a powerplant of an engine, but for a v6 25mpg it is outstanding. The insurance is not bad at all. If you are considering this car, you will not be disappointed. It is an absolute gem
Acura TL - An Exceptional Car
This is a joy to own. It's stylish and not like every other car out there. It's sporty, fun to drive and eell equipped.
Best Car In Its Class
This vehicle is fun to drive. Excellent quality and handling. Long list of standard features is excellent compared to other models. Smooth and excellent engine power. 6 speed is close ratio. Very comfortable cabin and well appointed. Previous car was an IS 300, the TL is far superior in all areas.
Go Ahead Buy One!
Originally ordered TSX. Liked it very much. Had to wait a couple of months, then decided to wait a little longer once TL was announced. I drove automatic transmission, loved the style of the car, but felt transmission lacked performance that I was looking for. Waited for and purchased 1st available 6-speed manual transmission. Absolutely, love it. I am sure that there will be times in Bay area traffic that I am frustrated with stick shift, but generally speaking the driving experience is far superior as per my tastes,
what a car for the car nerd!
this is a must see!
Love this car!
I had a 96 BMW 328i, then a 2002 Acura TL. I liked the Acura better than the BMW for a lot of reasons. So then I decided to buy another TL and this one is far superior to the first one. I love the new styling, the blue interior lights, it handles the road great, the stereo is unbelievable and is just plain fun to drive. I used to live in a flat area of the country, but I now live in a very hilly area and the 270 hp engine makes the hills a breeze. I will keep buying this car as long as they make it.
Best Acura Ever
I only have 600 miles on my NEW ACURA 2004 3.2TL, but I already know it's the best car I ever have had, (now approaching my 20-25th Car). I have perhaps a year's worth of study to learn and apply all the fun (and useful) features of the car. My third Acura, (2001 Legend and 2003 3.2 CL).
GREAT CAR GREAT VALUE
THE 2004 TL IS A GREAT CAR, YOU GET MORE THAN YOUR MONEY'S WORTH....EVERY OTHER CAR ON THE MARKET YOU HAVE TO PAY EXTRA FOR THINGS THAT SHOULD BE STANDARD...
Best in Class and for the Money, reliabl
My 4th Acura so far, and will keep buying them; I've had no problems with this car at all, currently at 76,000 miles. Minor issue was clutch master cylinder wasn't smooth after a while. Still worked fine, but dealer replaced under ext warranty at 72,000 miles. Brembo brakes are awesome on the 6- speed, only issue is brake dust, but not too bad. Heated seats are great, could use cooled seats. Amazing reliability - haven't had to replace HIDs yet, or any other light bulb. Handling is awesome, nav system is perfect, bluetooth works great. DVD audio system awesome, but not enough dvda discs out there. Lacks MP3 capability and iPod/aux jacks. Best car purchase ever!
Just one thing...
If this car had less assisted steering it would have been one of the 'funnest' to drive sport sedan. It has all the other elements such as roadholding ability, firm suspension, the looks, build quality, and all the convenience package. Over assisted power steering simply spoiled it. Too bad.
A "Sport" Sedan
Looked hard at the G35, lexus 330, Maxima. Lexus too creamy dreamy ride but best fit and finish, Maxima not much less $ and too many on the road, G35 rear wheel drive all wheel more $, live in MN. cant have rear dr. Defaulted to the Acura. If you want a Sport Sedan this is it for this class of car at this price point.
wild
This car has a bang for the duck.
Comment Needed
After reading a couple poor reviews I had to give my input. This is the best car I have ever owned. It is super quiet, fast, handles like it is glued to the road. The best sound system I have heard in a car. The quality is flawless. After reading a couple reviews I have to wonder if they are talking about the same car! When I was first driving it home all I could think of is as Wayne would say. "I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy!" Oh, and by the way I get 32 MPG on the highway, is that poor fuel economy?
Tire performance
I purchased this car new in May 2004. Last summer I drove from my home in Florida to Tucson, AZ where I spent 1 month touring. I returned to FL in Sept. and noticed severe tire wear and road noise. I had the tires replaced at 17000 miles. After driving on the new tires for 5000 mikes I noticed more tire wear and tire noise. Also the car has a noisy engine. I traded the TL in for a new 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid with navigation on March 15, 2005. It comes with Michelin tires and is amuch quieter car all around. I much prefer it to the TL. The performance is great with the V6 engine and electric motor producing 250HP. I recommend this vehicle very highly over the Acura TL.
Great car- couldnt be happier
This is probably the best car Ive owned. It has excellent driving dynamics, a really comfortable and gorgeous interior, and the new techie features are awesome-- bluetooth phone and DVD-A audio.
Excess tire wear
4 years and I am still pleased with the car. the "bumps along the way" - went through a set of Avon tires in 12K miles. Complained to the dealer and the parts manager was able to diagnose that there was a suspension recall (the bump stops) that may cause the excess tire wear. They comped two tires, did the recall and so far so good. We'll see in about 20K miles!
Some costly repairs
Still love driving this car even after a few years. Like others I am on my second set of tires (Continental conti pros, I think). I had a CPU failure from a stopped up drain that was VERY expensive but covered under warranty. I also had an AC compressor failure which cost me $1200 to fix. Not experiencing the rattles that so many others report, though. Only 60K miles. Lots of torque steer. Everything still works. Mileage is good.
2004 Acura auto/nav
One year and 20,000 miles of ownership have been totally trouble free. Engine flexibility, driveability and power are excellent. Throttle tip-in is flawless. Shift quality is excellent, in terms of down- and upshifting response, smoothness and proper gear selection. Gear transitions are very quick, smooth and transient-free. Ride is noticeably stiffer than my 2001 ES 300 over rough or broken surfaces, but very smooth at freeway speeds. Mileage has been a surprise, average for the 20,000+ miles is slightly over 25, with 30+ mpg highway the norm (calibrated odometer).
Ooh La La!
This car is fun to drive! Almost as good as my BMW 530 and the BMW 325 we just got rid of (LOTS of mechanical problems, hence, the move back to Japanese for one car). The sound system is awesome. Build quality and ergonomics excellent (although thigh support needs work). An incredible value..got it for $1,000 under MSRP in Princeton, NJ
Excellent Design and Fun To Drive
This is my 4th Acura, and it certainly lives up to my expectations from Acura. I love my new TL, and recommend others looking for a well made, well designed car that is both sporty, and luxurious to check it out.... I don't think you'll be disappointed.
2004 Acura TL with Navigation
I just purchased a new Acura TL with the navigation and XM satellite radio system yesterday (October 2003). Try as I might, I couldn't get any discount at all. I paid full list price plus $100 for the mud flaps. I live in California, and tried several dealers, they were all asking full list price. I was going to wait to see if the prices would go down, but I decided to bite the bullet and get the green metallic one left on the lot. It's a very nice car. Overall, I am very happy with the car. It's a bit larger than I thought it was.
>BMW in the same price category
Power and internal look
AWESOME CAR
The 2004 Acura TL is loaded with great standard features that other vehicles only provide as options for a lot more money. The surround sound stereo with XM satellite radio is the best sounding system you can get in a car-- fantastic!!! The interior is very functional--I especially like the large numbers and easy to use controls. Has lots of room in both front and rear. Looking forward to getting a bluetooth phone to use with Handsfree Link. Believe me, I looked and drove several cars and the 2004 Acura TL is definitely the BEST car for the money and fun driving factor.
New Acura Owner For Life
I bought a used 2004 TL automatic with approx. 75K miles on it, have put another 4K miles on it, and I couldn't be happier!!! It drives beautifully, the interior material is top notch, it has all the gadgets you could want (especially for being a 2004..way to go Acura for making all those amazing features standard on all base models!), and the exterior still turns heads. I put a lot of review into my purchase, especially from this website so I thought it was fitting I put some back in. The car does slip a little bit more than my last car in snowy conditions but i think that's mainly due to the torque.
UNREAL
This is a dream car, for anyone who like fast, comfort, and increadible tech features,like Bluetooth wireless, Navi, and voice recognision