Used 2004 Acura TL Consumer Reviews
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I could drive this car forever, literally!
My 2004 Acura TL is by far my favorite car I ever owned. I bought this car with over 100k on it while in college and I am still in love with it. 12 years later this car still gets complemented and random people feel the need to try and race me. Unfortunately a few days ago I totaled my car (not racing). It's completely destroyed but I walked away with just a few bruises. I absolutely love this car due to its power, style, and now the safety of the car. As replacement I'll be getting another TL only newer. Buy Acura, Love Acura!
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A beauty which rivals new cars.
The 2004 Acura TL is an anomaly: a car which is beautiful, comfortable, practical, and fun. The VTEC engine is punchy and quick, and the exhaust note is fantastic. Meanwhile, the leather bucket seats are remarkably comfortable with its heating capabilities, lumbar support, and cushy leather. The interior is premium for the price with much of the surfaces being leather wrapped or brushed aluminum. The back seat is tiny, but only to make room for a massive trunk that holds a bookshelf, a sleep in bag, and emergency kit, a thick coat, a marching band uniform, and groceries. This car is very practical despite its looks and performance. The car handles adequately, but it suffers from massive understeer and "boatiness": the TL would benefit from AWD, which would help with the understeer. Other than that, the TL is a fantastic performer with its shockingly quick launch and acceleration, comfortable suspension, and 160 MPH top speed. The best part of the car, though, is the styling. This car is beautiful from every angle- especially the rear end which rivals BMWs and Audis of the same era. If you're looking for the best value for money, look no further than the 2004 Acura TL.
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Love this car!
I recently (a day ago) got rear ended by a 1990s f150 doing about 40 or so MPH (I was stopped at a red light). I got hit into the mini van in front of me. My trunk is bent like tin foil, my back windshield is blown all out, and the car looks like hell. Through all that, I am safe. I have no pain (went to the hospital to check the internals). I thank God, I was hit rather then some family in a Smart car with a kid in there. I loved that car, and will be getting another TL as soon as possible. I am having a hard time explaining how thankful I am that I decided to buy this car.
Cracked dashboard-
By doing a little research found that their is a problem with 04-05 TL's dashboard cracking around the passenger AIRBAG. You can do a internet search to see the details. So car re-sale value will tank.
Solid, Reliable, Fun, Comfortable
I bought this car new 6 years ago and intend to keep it indefinitely. I have been recently shopping for a car for my wife, which made me look at this again for kicks. If you're looking to pick one up used, just do it. My car has been everything I'd hoped for. I wanted something with good straight line acceleration, nice interior and very reliable.
Sleeper 4 Door Near Luxury Performance Sedan
2004 is an older car now, but it has been great to own for the last 14 years. The technology was near top of the line at the time, and now a bit behind new cars. This would be a great car for a new driver, or just someone who wants reliable transportation with a enough "sport" to be fun to drive.
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2004 Dynamic
I bought my TL new in early 2005 and it has been dealer serviced with 110,000 kms at the moment. I have had nothing to service of significance except a new battery and a front brake job. I have regularly treated the leather and it still looks like new. The best tires I have found for the vehicle are Continental Extreme Contacts. Unfortunately my in-dash cd player stopped working last year and I had Future Shop connect an ipod cable to the system for running my music in the car on trips. I have had 4 acuras in my family (2 TLs and 2 Integras) and they have all been trouble free. They are indeed well designed and well built vehicles.
2004 6-speed manual
Overall great car. Outside explains itself from the pictures. Interior leather seats fit me well, smudges and dirt wipe away with ease (treat the leather every half year, Armor All leather gel). Only preventative maintenance done, I checked tire pressure, liquid levels, and cleaned outside and inside weekly. Never found a problem leaking liquids or tire pressure. Take care of your car and she'll take care of you. I drive in West Virginia mountains and around DC. Could accelerate easily at 80+mph on uphill mountains without mashing petal. Fun to drive on backroads. MPG is around the stated 20/30 expected, if you're not racing (I don't drive grandma style either) No surprises from the car
No need for aspirin
Purchased with 30K on the clock and at 81K today. All I've had to do to this car is put gas in it, change the oil, and put a new set of tires on (replaced crappy and fast wearing factory rubber). Solid vehicle all around.
I HATE.....
...looking at my 2004 TL. I hate looking at it because I've put 240,000 miles on it and I've owned it for 14 years. In short, it's a great car in almost avery respect and a very good balance between sporty performance, luxury and comfort. I've driven my car everywhere on the West Coast and am finally contemplating buying another car. Since it has almost no resale value, I will probably give the car to my young son. The car drives as it if were new, too. There is no apparent diminution of performance. Honda built a gem in this automobile.
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This is a fantastic automobile!
Words cannot express how fond I am of this car; I have been in love with my TL ever since I first drove it. It just surpassed 181,000 miles, and I have enjoyed every single moment. Soon this car will be 10 years old, but it still manages to fetch compliments and stares daily. I have friends, family, and co-workers who don't believe the mileage. It has held up perfectly (paint, interior, mechanically) and even mechanics/Acura service centers find the mileage hard to believe. There is a reason that so many of these cars are still on the road, they are perfect! I love whenever someone complains about the maintenace cost/price tag of their car (BMW, etc.) and I never have anything to say.
Smooth as butter
What a car. This is my second Acura actually. My first was a 2002 Acura RL fully loaded which I got with 100k and drove from VA to FL several times. NEVER gave me one dang issue. After going through several other different brands, I came back to Acura. I never really understood why I went anywhere else. This car is simply brilliantly built. Transmission shifts smoothly, suspension is rigid but comfortable, all electronics work harmoniously, leather holds up great unlike BMW and Audi. The car is simply the most reliable machine you can get for your buck while still driving something that is luxurious, fun (I got the six speed) and great on gas.
harmonics bah!
My car vibrates has since I bought it. Told this is regular occurrence w/ many TL's. Anyone else experience this 55- 65mph. Not an overwhelming shimmy but did need to get new tires after 302K miles.
A love affair like no other
I just bought my Acura TL with 153k. I was skeptic at even looking when I heard of the mileage but it has been an absolute gem. The build quality surpasses Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. I turn heads almost everywhere I go, and have been getting amazing gas mileage. You would never guess the age or mileage on this car. I have to say, if you're looking for a great car, this is it. I've only owned the car for a week, but have made several long distance trips. Everytime I sit in my Acura, I smile, and I'm constantly looking for an excuse to go somewhere. What a great vehicle from Honda.
I Love This Car
This is my second TL. I love the looks of this car. It is still stylish after 6 years and I never get tired of driving it. The standard features that this car has still amaze me. I have had just about zero problems with this car. Had the issue of wearing through my first set of tires at 20K but the suspension fix and new tires at half price fixed that. Second set of Bridgestones are holding up well. I have no major complaints
New owner...
Recently traded in a 2004 Maxima for the TL. The TL is a much better car for my age (26) but is definitely not as comfortable as the Maxima. Seats are cheaply made with sub-quality leather. Paint leaves a lot to be desired. No automatic headlights either. However, those are my only complaints. Everything else is amazing. It is a very fun car to drive and handles well for a front wheel drive vehicle. There is an issue with "torque steer" when starting from a stop making a turn (a right turn at a light, for instance). If you get too heavy on the accelerator you will lose traction. All in all a great car. A little overpriced, but a good value in terms of longevity.
What's wrong with me?
So many people like this car. I purchased new based on short test drive & Consumer Reports review. This car looks great, particularly the exterior (I rated 10). However the suspension is very harsh, nothing luxurious about it. The car plows on turns due to the heavy front end (front wheel drive). It even hydroplanes more than most. Maybe I'm too old for this ride @ 44 but my take is pretty package, lousy car. I traded after only 1 year
FABULOUS ACURA 2004 TL
I’ve had this car since it was new it’s a fabulous car great Overhead cam V6 excellence acceleration
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Won’t find a better car!
I love my TL! I’ve owned this car for two years(bought in January 2016); bought it with 100,000 miles on it and it currently has a little over 198,000 and still running like it’s new. I have never had to put it in the repair shop except one time to replace the ac blower motor. I am a 24 y/o female and I drive this car pretty rough on a daily basis the only thing I have to do is oil changes every 5,000 miles (full synthetic) and replace the tires. The only thing I could think of that Acura could have done differently is better quality leather seats and my dash recently got two small cracks which is a common problem (I am in Florida). I’ve never owned a more reliable car so very soon I will be upgrading to a 4th generation TL or maybe TSX but I am definitely staying with Acura.
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OK, but not great
Owned car for 2 years, been to dealer 7 times to fix 12 quality issues. Driver's seat is literally a pain in the rear, due to short cushion and hard contours. Xlnt engine, but handling is only average. Sound system is superb.
Honda made a jewel
I was torn between the g35 sedan and the tl. I am so glad I chose the Acura. It has been an outstanding vehicle to drive. It has every bell and whistle you could ask for. The engine is very responsive and it has plenty of power. The only thing keeping this car out of perfection is the front wheel drive. I think 270 horses would feel better on the rear wheels. Aside from that it is an awesome investment and Honda made a good product
2004 acura tl (2yrs ownership, 160K review)
i've had my acura tl for the past 2 years and bought it with 95,000km on it and now it has 160,000km. So this review would be a long term review things that went wrong during 2years: -navigation system stopped working -rear brake light stopped working -driver door lock stopped working my satisfaction: -overall i would buy this car again, all the things that broke were small things that were easy to fix except the navigation (common problem among 04-06 models) -this car is relatively reliable, with low cost of ownership
My last Acura
This is my 5th and last Acura. Although they have a lot of nice comforts, I am becoming less and less enamored with the basic car design. The trunk is poorly hinged, has leaked, and the dealer can't find the leak. The back seat ripped when I put in a child seat and the dealer says it isn't a defect. The seat belt configuration in the back makes it very difficult for booster seats. The paint is peeling form the rear bumper.
No Worries, Superb Performance
I was a diehard "big 3" car buyer, until I looked at the TL. It had everything I wanted in the German Imports, but had a better pricepoint and more gadgets. Gas mileage, performance, speed, and interior ride all have beaten out the BMW that I was going to buy. Good Job Acura!
Fun to drive
I've had vehicle since February 2004. DVD hard drive failed within year but covered under warranty. At 60,000 the upholstery started breaking down and developing tears. At 100K I have to replace upholstery. Very poor quality leather used. Other than that, it's been a joy to drive.
Oh Those Bridgestone Tires
The harsh ride is partly the fault of the poor Bridgestone OEM tires. Acura Client Services reports to me that they are being buried with calls from Acura owners about these tires. The 2005 TL with NAV comes now with Michelin's, but Acura has refused to allow its dealers to swap them out. They report Honda will have to make a policy decision before the dealers can replace them.
Terrific Car!
I have only about 500 miles on the car, but I'm thrilled with it. Looked at the G35, Audi A4, and a few others not worth mentioning. But I love that the car is fully loaded; the design is refined, it's a blast to drive. Get the 6-speed manual! If it's reliable, I'll never go back to Audis and VWs.
DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! Read Reviews
Prob the worst rattling cars I have ever owned. Very poor interior quality. Steering wheel rattles,headliner falls down, glove box fell out twice. The car is basically held together with double sided tape. Even the dealer admits to all of the build issues. Very dissappointed in a 35$k car. Needless to say my car is for sale with 4000 miles on it. If you are looking to buy a new TL, wait till 05 if at all.
So many problems
Really liked this car. Still do. However, I can't keep it aligned. My commute is a wrestling match to keep it on the road. Just hit 22,000 miles. Aligned it FOUR times at the dealership. Just had to replace the tires - at 21K MILES! Crazy. Brakes are shot now. Acura service in Cockeysville Maryland (Baltimore) has been HORRIBLE. Owned a Toyota. Was always pleasantly surprised by their sercice. Acura's is always a let down and a hassle. The car looks good and aside from a few rattles (that you'd expect in a Chrysler K Car) and the tire alignment issue, it's a nice machine.
Mistake
I just recently bought a TL and have already had it back to fix a faulty check engine light. Further, the tires case the car to vibrate on the highway and the car has several rattles.
Good with the bad
Looks Great! Runs Great! Loads of fun to drive. Awesome sound system. Alas, with 1500 miles on it, rattles in the dash and from the glovebox. Not what you expect from Acura. Not what you expect from vehicles in this class.
Could be better
Great looking car from the outside and inside... Great luxury features and very enjoyable for a test drive but with issues when you have it long term. Minor rattles, not very comfortable seats (and not good quality leather as it had on the previous model years), and very heavy doors (with not enough "spring" to help you open it). But mainly HORRIBLE turning ration - have to make a 3 way U-turn every time instead of a regular one. Sold it - got 325i instead! :)
Unhappy Acura Owner
Build quality is very poor on my new 2004 Tl. Fit and finish is marginal at it's best, and talk about defects on car at delivery, they are to many to mention. Acura get your act together. Car has a major tire problem with the Bridgestone Turanza that comes as original equipment on the car. Tire gives a terrible ride, and flat spotting and vibration are a problem with this tire on my new TL.
Would buy it again!
I've owned my 04 TL automatic with Navi since April 04 and I have to say that I love this car. Reliable, great ride, fun to drive, good gas mileage (up to 30 mpg when just freeway driving) and lots of goodies like heated seats, xenon headlights and great sound system are all standard. Acura quality and performance.
Rattle and Whine
This could be a great car, but the poor quality of the interior construction has been a constant source of irritation for me. The chief problem has been squeeking and popping noises from both front-side window trim pieces. I think this is a design/build problem and not something the dealer can repair unless new components are developed. If it wasn't for this problem, I would be very happy with the car. The off- center steering feel isn't great but otherwise the car handles very well at any reasonable street pace. The torque steer isn't intrusive and I'm happy giving up some RWD handing characteristics to have FWD for New England winter.
Nice Car
Only two problem areas. Drivers seat uncomfortable. Took over a year to breakin. The second problem was transmission failure at 30K. Acura dealer in Marin Co. repaired with no charge. Very pleased with brakes and suspension. Fule consumption from SF to Grand Canyon and back. .30 to 33 MPG at 70 mph plus and air condioning working at temps to 106F I would buy another one and recommend the dealer in Corta Madera Ca. (First time Ive ever recommended a dealer.
2 1/2 Years and Still Fun to Drive
Driven over 52,000 miles in the past 2 years. It is still fun to get behind the wheel of this car. For all the features you just cannot beat the value of this car. Love to get in crank up the music and turn on the nav system and hit the highway. I'm 6'5" and feel very confortable in this car. Engine has all the power I need! Couple of small complaints: On my third set of tires, switched to Michlin Pilots. Brakes have never felt right. Seats are tad bit narrow. Wish the back seat would fold down. Over all, you just cannot beat the value of this car. Even my friend that runs a Dodge Dealership, thinks this is the best value of any car on the market today!
My 3rd Acura
Well, I should have known after two prior so-so experiences with new Acuras. The car is less than exciting to drive, quickly develops multiple rattles and vibrations and has inferior service to my experience with Lexus and Mercedes. In fact, the car is very inferior in all aspects (except with its looks) with any Lexus I've owned. This will probably be my last Acura with my repetitive disappointing experience.
Nice design - horrible build quality
Car developed numerous rattles and noises which the dealer couldn't solve. Eventually after many attempts, sued Honda under the lemon law in California and won a small settlement after mediation - still waiting for payment from them after over 3 months!! So, after 3 Acuras and 1 Honda, goodbye American Honda!!
Over-rated to be sure!
After a year and a half of disappointment and multiple trips to the service department, I finally gave up and sold it. Never before have I been so disappointed with an automobile. It promised so-ohhh much and fell so-ohhh far short. Many of the features were great (sound system is Wow), but the daily "Driving Experience" was miserable. Stumbling and hesitation in around-town driving was awful. The service department basically blew me off and did nothing. I found a nice little 5 series Bimmer to replace it. Love it!! What a costly mistake... oh well. We live and learn. dmm
3500 miles of pure driving pleasure
Ive had this car for almost 2 mths now and I can honestly say this car is the best car I have driven, (not to mention owned) ever, regardless of price. The performance, luxury, amenities and build quality in this car, especially when you factor the price just don't exist anyhwere else in the car market. I previously owned a 2002 TL type S, which was a nice car, and when I tested this car, surprisingly, I found it to be superior to it in every way. I bought it on the spot. If you are in the market to buy a vehicle in this price range and fail to test this car you will be very sorry indeed!
A so-so product in a competitive segment
I traded in a 2000 BMW 330i coupe as I need a 4-door sedan. My original draw to the TL is the impacable specs(HP, torque, tires, fuel consumptions, etc), and the cool exterior. The car drives pretty good, better than most other Japanese cars(except the G35), but what kills this car for me is the excessive oversteer, probably due to the front wheel drive. The notchy gas pedal response doesn't help either. The suspension also cannot be really rated as sporty. The car starts to float at 80mph, and the steering response is really unsure during moderately-spirited manuvers.
125K and going strong
Original owner 2004 TL 6 speed manual. Love this car. Great engine and handling. Great interior. Fun to drive and comfortable. Technology was state of the art when I bought it. Minor issues with electronics over time but overall reliable. Will keep driving it until one of us dies
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Almost 15 years and still loving the 04 Acura TL
Excellent car!
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Excellent car with some build issues
This is a fabulous car for the money. I considered a loaded 2004 BMW 330i before choosing the new 2004 TL. Features such as 270 HP, wonderful auto with stick shift, excellent sound system, slick navigation, voice control, and the $35k price tag sold me on the new TL. The TL's handling is about 70-80% of the 330i with sport package; auto to auto comparison. Had a number of build problems. In the first 1,200 miles, the car has been in the service department 3 times. The dealer's service department provides excellent service. I do have a problem with a 35k new car rattling. The tech had to reinsulate all the car's doors plus added components.
200,000 miles of happy motoring
Keeping it simple: If Acura offered the same car new today, I buy it.
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210,000 miles on 04' Acura TL
Hi All! I'm back to share updates with you on my 2004 Acura TL. I now have 210,000 miles on it and this is how its fared! I have had two timing belts put on (one at 100k miles and another at the 200k mark). Along with the timing belts at each 100k mark I had the spark plugs replaced, water pump and serpentine belt. I just replaced the transmission at 209k miles. I also had to have the o-ring seals replaced in the power steering pump. At every 50k mark I had the transmission and engine coolant flushed. The car is working great! I am still getting between 28 and 31 mpg depending on how I drive. (I am a cop and sometimes drive it like my squad car.) Fit and finish are still good.
2004 my 3rd TL . Will not buy another.
This was our 3rd (and last). The first two never had a warranty issue. The 2004 is a mess. Have had all kind of problems with the 2004 TL. Acura was using defective Firestone EL42 and ended up replacing all 4 tires. The car could hardly be driven over 35 mph for about a month after delivery. It had some engine problems. Was 4 days at the shop. Recently the passenger window would no go up. Another day at the shop. We contacted Acura after delivery regards the tire issue. I was never contacted by their local rep. Took Acura to arbitration. Don't bother as the process favors the manufacturer. In short, we got stuck with a lemon and Acura was arrogant in its response to our complaints.
Don't Buy This Car
Owning this car was a nightmare! The interior quality was poor, parts and materials did not wear well. It had all kinds of interior rattles that the dealer could not fix. The car was in the service dept for a total of 18 days out of the 3.5 months I owned the car for many warranty issues. The final straw came after I picked it up from the dealership and the 6 disc CD changer jammed. I traded it in for a Saab 95 and have never looked back since. More power and better handling. Don't let the Acura name fool you. It did not stand for quality craftsmanship in this case.
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.