Used 2004 Acura TL Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Love our TL
Excellent acceleration and handling. Comfortable and stylish interior. Fun to drive. Handsome exterior body style.
Wonderful
Have owned for a little over a week and I can't stop humming Springstein "...I went out for a ride and I never came back." The manual is a blast to drive. The interior is exceptionally comfortable --spacious (I'm 6'2")with lots of creature comforts. The sound system is the best I've heard. The 270 hp is great. All in all, I simply don't understand BMW; the equivalent 5 series is over 10K more. How much more athletic can it be with other motorists on the road?
Best on the Road
This car is probably the most advanced in its class and likely out performs cars in higher class. It powerful, economical, is technically advanced (you verbally communicate with the car), and has by far the best sound system I have ever heard in a car.
Surprising value & fun
Loaded with great features, it's been just about everything I've expected. 6M is sporty, (don't expect BMW responsiveness, but still surprisingly nimble yet very comfy --nice blend of sport and luxury. Quiet, authoritative. Xenon lamps, Bluetooth, excellent Navi, quite impressive audio (5.1 DVD audio surround, XM, & more) & voice recog. Great back seat, OK trunk. Wonderful power: punch it & 0-60 <6.0 secs, almost NO TORQUE steer (controlled by 'VSA' computer. With snow tires, it climbs steep driveways in fresh snow! Climate control excellent and well- balanced. Memory system excellent - settings for seat, outer mirrors, temp & radio, etc.
great car for your money
I thought my 01 TL was a great, but this vehicle is the icing on the cake. There is know vehicle in its price market that compares to the 04 TL.
Great car
Simply no other car for me now.
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!
Fantastic car for this price range
Bought it for $95 over invoice just a few days before Christmas. The car is great, both exterior and interior, powerful, very agile and responsive steering. Loved the sound quality (although NOT THE SOUND SYSTEM itself, see improvements section). Lots of fun to drive, large trunk and fits my 6'3" frame just fine. Call me childish but I'm in love with the blue-and-white backlit instrument displays, they make you feel you're flying a plane or a spaceship, especially at night. Very satisfied, although have some items I'd like to have corrected (see below)
Great Car
Rides great,good accleration and mileage.Better than my Lexus GS300
Love this car!!!
I was a happy owner of a 2000 Audi A4 until I learned about this car. How quick our loyalties can change... I love gadgets and I call this car the Batmobile (my wife frowns on the idea of me installing two polls from our bedroom to the garage). Short of having modules for carbon dating and urinalysis, this car rivals that of David Hasselhoff's Kit. Seriously, the features, quality and craftsmanship, and the raw power make this the perfect car. If I were Audi or BMW, I would sweating bullets about now.
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!
TL#1
I have driven the car a month and have enjoyed every minute of it. For the critics the car would be #1 if it had rear wheel drive. Handles great, even in the snow. It's fast, great sound system, impresive interior, lots of good gadgets. Great Value.
really expensive honda accord
Does not have the sport of my last acura, integra GSR. First to second shift is notchy, does not spool up as quickly. Stereo is great, but other than that can't justify its 34k price tag.
Sticking with Honda
I am happpy that Acura redesigned the TL w/a 6 speed.Previously had a 2001 TL after a 1997 Maxima. Many years ago had a 85 Accord. After stepping up to an upper car marque with Acura, Infiniti was my only other choice. Just as it was in 2001 as it was now, when it came down to Nissan/Infiniti vs. Honda/ Acura, the motorcycle company wins hands down. I really wanted to like the last and new geneartion Maxima, and I really liked the G35. I also knew I could get some steep dscounts on the brand. But, Acura's interior was worlds better. Also, its engine is more refined and better on gas
what a car for the car nerd!
this is a must see!
Sweet TL!
I was close to going with a ho-hum Volvo...thanks to my husband, we checked out the TL. I was blown away by the DVD audio and very comfortable lumbar support on the driver's side seat....he was blown away by the manual AND auto drive shift. We both fell in love with the light show on the dash. The car is fun, sleek and fast - love it! Drive it! You'll never want to get out of it...hopefully your dealer will let you take for a test drive without a minder...:).....
WOW , I LOVE THIS CAR
FANTASTIC DRIVING EXPERIENCE , LOVE IT , A BLAST , SMOOTH ,FAST EXCELLENT POWER ,THRILLING , EASILY ACESSABLE CONTROLS , SOUND SYSTEM THE BEST I'VE EVER HEARD , PERIOD ! A MUST FOR ALL WHO ARE LOOKING FOR BOTH ALUXURIOUS AND SPORTY VEHICLE , HAVE FUN , I SURE DO .
Performance
The only changes that need to be made are wheel rear drive and more torque. With the power of 270 hp, but only 237 torque, Acura could get the same performance as the G35 coupe. However, with front wheel drive I can understand why Acura chose not to put more power in the TL. Hopefully the future will also include 18" tires and rims as an option. Should you want 18" now you must pay the entire cost of the 18" rims and tires.
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.
2004 Acura TL
Everything about the 2004 Acura TL is very enjoyable. Significant improvement over prior model. Only comment is that rear passenger headrests obscure vision through rear view mirrir.
2004 Acura TL
So far, 835 miles of pure bliss. As a long time Honda fan (3 Civics, 1 Accord, 2 Odyssey's, 1 Legend Coupe), I say this new TL is their premier product. Ride is great compromise between luxury and sports car. Quiet and smooth with great road feel. Fabulously fused accellerator and transmission. Way better than the ES330 and the I35. Awsome sound system. Big back seat... plenty of headroom.
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...
WOW MOM WOW!!!
I searched for 1 yr before purchasing this car. Started with the germans, looked into the japanese, perused the Sweeds. I got down to 4 finalists. Saab 93 Aero, Acura TL, BMW 330i, and Infiniti G35. I hate the G35 seats horrible bolsters, and what's up with the switches on the inside,the tranny was too gruff. The 330 was great as expected but 3k more + everybody has one here in LA. The worst thing about the 330 was the sensor under the rearview obtrusive and ugly. Saab or Acura... 6sp, good engines and euro feeling... When you consider the Saab is 2k more than Acura before any options it seemed like a no Brainer... It was the Acura TL 6sp for me. Best Bang for the Buck...
What a Car
This car is unbelievable. Incredible handling, sound system, PERFORMANCE. I keep reading that the BMW 5's or 3's handle better. They may - at 120 mph - but who is going to drive that fast ? It's my wifes car (thank god) because I could get into serious trouble with this car. We got the 6 speed - Blue/ camel. Looks great, goes better.
The Acura TL
The best part of buying the Acura is the are no packages or extra to add on. The car comes fully loaded. It was great to deal with a knowledgable sales person wearing a suit and tie.
Best in class
I purchased this car in late October and it continues to impress. I had owned a 2001 BMW 330 convertibile before this car and although the TL is a front wheel drive and does not handle as well as the BMW, it outshines the 330 in EVERY other aspect. The interior is superb and very well designed. The navigation system is first rate (I am frequently in San Francisco and it is incredibly accurate) Bluetooth feature for cell is great! Nothing even comes close for the money, nothing.
TL is Tops
This car has it all. It starts with a great price, and the outstanding service of Acura(Honda). The exterior styling is a cut above anything else Acura(Honda) has ever produced. It has aggressive exterior lines that are not overdone. The interior is incredible. From the blue backlights behind the radio dials, and above the shifter, to the superior leather quality, this car is simply wonderful to be in. The radio sound quality is incredible. The car is quick and agile; the ride is smooth on the straights, and stable on the curves. I gladly gave up my Maxima for this beauty. This is a must see for anyone in the market for a new sedan.
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!
Impressive Vehicle
As a former BMW and Audi owner, those cars were at the top of my shopping list until I drove the TL. I also drove the Infiniti G35. For the money, the '04 TL is certainly superior to the BMW 5-series and both the Audi A4 and A6 and while the TL is comparably priced with the G35, the TL is a much better car than the G35, especially when comparing build quality. I can't imagine a better car in this price range anywhere. The power, style, workmanship and reliability are all equal to or superior than most higher priced competitors. It is indeed a head turner.
wild
This car has a bang for the duck.
So far, not satisfied
We have only had the car for a short period of time but we have already noticed rattles and the Check Engine light just came on. Otherwise, we are very happy with the car. It is comfortable and fun to drive. Probably too early to tell, but we are worried and annoyed already.
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?
Love it!
I've had the car four months now. Love it! Fun to drive, nice interior, fast acceleration. The DVD-Audio and Bluebooth phones are incredible.
Best in its Class
I was totally impressed with Acura's new TL before I bought one and my feelings for it get stronger each day. It has everything you'd want in a mid- range luxury sedan...and more! For a price of $34,650 (w/navi), you're actually getting a car more similar to the BMW 530i than the 330i, but for a LOT less. Don't just take my word for it, go test drive one ASAP!
Great car
I have german cars-Two (BMW 330 and Audi TT). Alot of german car lovers have an emtional attachment to their cars but if you take the emotion out of it you will soon realize that you are driving one the best cars for the money and that includes performance, style, luxury and driving excitment.
Must test drive new TL
Excellent car, best value in class by far. Fun to drive, yet luxurious.
Driver's Delight
First time to own an Acura (3300 miles). Hugs turns and corners. Brakes grab securely. Steering wheel controls seem well placed. Navigation finds even obscure locations and remembers them. Dash lights are attractive, and the automated maintenance/mileage/data center relieve alot of worry. I look forward to going places because the driving experience is rewarding. I've recommended an Acura to my wife.
Class Act
After checking out Volvo, Mercedes, Infinity and BMW I went to Acura and knew immediately that this was the car. What a great job Acura has done on this vehicle. The stereo and navigation are the best.The interior has clean lines and a fabulous design.
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.
Off to a Bad Start
After 137 miles the " transmission solinoid " needed replacement. The dealer was less then helpful. It was towed in on a Friday morning and not brought into the shop until Monday after 11 am when I went in to complain about the service and the fact that no one had even had the courtesy to inform me of the progress of car repair. That bieng said the rest of my experience has been sheer enjoyment.
First Time Acura Owner - Best Car Ever
After owner several other vehicles and test driving Audi, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, I fell in love with many of the practical features that the TL has to offer. The car is perfect for short and long-haul commutes. Gas mileage could be a little better, I get 21-22 MPG city and 30-31 on the hwy @ 78 MPH. The handling is excellent. The beverage holders could be a little deeper with an optional spacer if you wanted it. A can of soda will fit, but you cannot use the over in the center column. The trunk space is plenty for a long trip with luggage and the rear seats have enough leg room for any discerning passenger.
Transmission Issues
I have had my car since 2006 and have kept it under maintenance. It has treated me well for this period of time with occasional issues here and there. With 168,000 miles my transmission went and Motor mounts had to be replaced. Transmission was $5200 at the dealer. I opted to have it rebuilt elsewhere for $3300. I have also replaced the Motor Mounts. I guess certain things are to be expected but there were obvious issues with 2002-2003 and 2004's that were built earlier. I still believe these cars are reliable but some of these issues may be things that can be eventual problems with this model year. I also seem to be having some issues with the hands free freezing and dropping off.
Excellent performance and reliability
I have about 10000 miles on my TL already and it has been one of the most exciting experiences that I ever had. Great performance and reliability - I never experienced any problems with the car. Front-wheel drive is still a disadvantage for the car - needs to change in future releases. I have the 6 speed MT and this car is very fast - no matter what they're going to tell you how great other German rivals are, I have tested the speed of the TL against some of them already and I left the test with a smile.
04 TL
What a tremendous vehicle, and the most impressive part of it is the value. A luxury interior, with great power and performance. Sound system is groundbreaking for cars. Definitely comparible to a 6cyl 5 Series (maybe slightly smaller?), but almost 20Gs less. Highest recommendations . . . although there is one thing i cannot figure out . . . no compass?
04 ACURA TL
I THINK THE ACURA TL IS GREAT FOR THE MONEY. IT HAS AWESOME POWER , AND GREAT HANDLING.
what a buy
TRADED IN A 2001BMW 525.THE TL IS MORE RELIABLE BETTER EQUIPED AND A MUCH BETTER VALUE.I NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE 525 EXCEPT THE USUAL BULB FAILURE.FIT AND FINISH OF THE TL IS SECOND TO NONE.I CANT UNDERSTAND WHY IT IS NOT SELLING SO WELL.EVERY DEALER I HAD GONE TO HAD LARGE INVENTORY.IS IT THE COLD WEATHER IN N.Y.?
top dog
fun to drive and look at, should really look at this car if comparing G35, 3series, ES330, or A4
This Car is Awesome
Before purchasing my new Acura TL i drove the audi A4 and the Infiniti G35. Both the Audi and Infinity were great cars, but if you want the most for your money the TL is the way to go. The TL performs as well if not better than both the Audi and the Infiniti, and there are few things that you can upgrade because everything comes stock on the TL. If you purchase a new TL, I promise you won't regret it!
Lovin' this ride!
I deliberately made the TL the last of the 6 cars I tested out (G35, ES330, Passat, Accord, Camry), and I was sold after a half mile. I'm a big guy, and I was worried about room - no problem. I found the seats very comfortable (haven't checked out the rear seats, but unless the people back there are helping with the payments, I'm not concerned!) Love the stereo, and never thought I'd care for XM...it's great for those with diverse musical tastes. So far, a great ride!
just bought it
Spent the summer assessing the Audi A4, Lexus ES300, Infiniti G35 and Volvo S60. Decided to wait for the Acura TL, to be sure I would end up with a car that excited me(sportiness), and gave me a luxury feel. After driving the Acura, the decision was made. Cars I looked are all great vehicles; A4 is easily the most fun to drive, the Lexus is the most luxurious and possibly best built, G35 covered ground in both my critical criteria, but had a few too many quirky things, S60 fell short both on the sport and the luxury sides. Time will tell whether this was the correct decision.