Used 2005 Acura TL Consumer Reviews
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2005 Acura TL
I bought this car brand new back in 2005. Mechanically it's worked great. I've only had to do basic maintenance on the car such as batteries, belts, fluids, etc. I did have a power steering hose to begin leaking that I had repaired. 6 months later I get a recall notice from Acura and they reimburse me for the cost of the repairs and install a new power steering hose. This car now has 162,000 miles on it and it's doing great. I just wish the newer TL's looked as good because I would buy another. The only down side has been tire wear. This car does like to go through some tires about every 25 to 30K miles. The tire wear is based upon normal driving.
Best Car I ever owned
I've had this car since 2005 and have had zero issues with reliability. I still receive alot of positive accolades for the navigation and bluetooth phone considering this was back in 2005. If you take care of the car with regular intervals of maintenance there will be no issues. The best part is there are millions of local Honda/Acura repairs shops that are highly competitive which makes repair costs a fraction of what you pay at the Dealership
Great Car but Some Flaws
I bought my 2005 Acura TL with about 90K miles on it. For the most part the car is fantastic, feels very high quality and rides excellent. At 80 MPH - typical cruising speed in Los Angeles when not stuck in traffic - the car feels as if it is on rails, and is very quite. Some people on internet forums have complained about squeeks and rattles from the windows in the doors when driving. I have found that this is true, but not to the point where it is a problem. The 6-speed transmission model which I have is probably not the best. The shifter is clunky, and the engine not suited to a manual since it has very little low-end torque.
TL Junkie
This is the second TL we have owned and I think once you own a TL you are hooked. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this car. It is such a pleasure to drive and so comfortable. A very reliable car. In the winter my husband puts snow tires on the car and I have absolutely no problems getting around the hills of Pennsylvania. We love the TL so much that we are thinking about trading it in for a 2012. This car has been so reliable that we don't even look at other makes of cars because we know we will be disappointed in the quality.
Abyss Blue Pearl 6 Speed Manual TL
I purchased my 05 TL used in 2007 w/just over 24K miles. The car looked sharp, had a nice ride and was loaded w/everything (Navi, Hands Free Phone, Voice activation, moonroof etc.) The transmission operated smoothly and the car had great performance and handling esp. considering its a front wheel drive vehicle. One thing I did notice after a few months was that under brisk acceleration (not jack rabbit starts mind you) the car seemed to hesitate as if traction control had been activated. I ended up ditching the Michelin Pilot MXMV... and getting Bridgestone RE 960AS (stayed w/ 17") and the car has handled like a dream ever since.
Very nice car
I bought my 05 TL with a little over 54,000 miles. It now has 105,000 miles. The 3rd generation TL's are very good cars. Comfortable, quiet, roomy, refined and I like the FWD because we do get snow here in KY. I just did the timing belt replacement (almost $1000 at dealer) so guess I will be keeping it for awhile. I really like the TL as in my opinion gets great gas mileage for a car that performs this well. I average 22-24mpg combined and anywhere from 28-33mpg highway. The only complaints I have are the brakes. They perform well but rotors tend to warp easily and the calipers went bad around 95,000 miles. Other than this the TL is probably the best car I have owned.
Great Car
My TL is over 10 years old now and it's still a great car! No problems at all. Complete confidence in reliability - would not hesitate to take it on the longest road trip.
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6 years and counting
As a retired Naval Aviator, I have a sincere appreciation for performance, reliability and fit. I purchased my 2005 TL new with the assumptions that it would provide years of performance and have the road manors to handle long trips without rattling my old bones. Actually, the car has surpassed those expectations and is categorically the best car Ive ever owned. It has some inherit limitations involving wet or snowy road conditions that may challenge even an experienced driver, but overall its a keeper.
7 year total repairs low
My wife purchased the TL new with the 7 year/100,000 extended warranty. The warranty just expired. Total regular maintenance for 7 years are $3600--all done at Acura dealership. Total repairs on my 2005 Infinity purchased the same day with same warranty are $9300. I love my Infinity, but regular maintenance is expensive. Acura repair bills very low over 7 years.
VSA nearly killed me
Was driving 60mph on the highway using the stick shift feature on the automatic transmission. Out of nowhere the VSA decided to turn on while i was on 3rd speed simply cruising on 60mph. When the VSA light turned on the tires screeched and immediately i lost control of the car and it banged into the divider of the highway. The airbags went off (there were no passengers) and the front left wheel just popped off completely. Thank god there was a gas station 500 feet near me. I Been having a problem with the VSA turning on abruptly for no apparent reason; ive taken it to a mechanic before and even they have no clue wtf is wrong with it. Ive read forums which people have had the same issue...
150k and drives/looks like new
What can you say about a car with 150K miles that doesn't have a rattle or squeak, everything works perfectly and drives like new? 33 MPG on highway and averaging 28 in combined driving. The interior still looks new. Impressive car given the mileage and age. Very pleased and would highly recommend. Best stock stereo I've had. Better than BOSE in Infiniti and Harmon Kardon in my BMW.
A LUXURY BEST BUY
I shopped for months for a great sports sedan. I test drove a 06 BMW 325, a vovlo s40 turbo, an Audi a4 turbo, and an infinity G35. What it came down to was that the Acura TL had virtually more power, better navigation system, better reputation for reliability ( I asked 3 mechanics all said go Japanese), modern and stylistic interior, aggressive and sporty exterior, and a buyer friendly price tag.
Used TL
I purchased my white TL with 60k earlier this year. I was hesitant since it had so many miles but the car runs like a champ. I have put on about 15k mile on it in 10 months and it runs perfect! I came from owning 3 V8 Mustangs, 1 of which had 400rwhp... the TL is just as much fun to drive as those and it's probably faster than my old 5.0. What really attracted me to the Acura was the interior. I test drove many cars from MB, BMW, Lexus and the Acura's was easily the best. My vehicle has 75k on the odometer now the interior still looks new, GPS/Bluetooth are still top notch compared to new 2009 vehicles... to top it off the pricing on these vehicles is great as well.
Awesome
Bought the car used with 120k one owner,I've had for a year now and it drives like its show room condition! The orginal owner never took it in for any problems during warranty. 4 door sedan with good muscle power. Japanese know how to build cars, thats for sure! I love my TL.
Best car I've ever owned, hands down.
Purchased used with 19.5 k miles, ULEV rated (were available for sale in CA and upper New England at the time). I've put about 34 k miles on it and it has performed flawlessly for the 3.5 years I've had it. No repairs, rattles or anything negative over this period. It IS tire-sensitive. Now I'm using Bridgestone Serenity series and the ride is smooth and quiet, haven't noticed any significant tire wear for 20+ k miles. It's fast and fun to drive. I am familiar with the BMWs and yes they handle well, but the TL is right up there with them IMHO. TL is a little quieter than many of BMWs (especially wind noise at speed). At 70 mph, gives about 31 mpg but I don't punch it much.
TL - Go for it
Sound system is the best. The car is not too big or small very roomy rear seats. Very reliable and great lines. My first more expensive car and I feel is well worth the extra money.
I'd buy it again in a heartbeat!
I love this car. Looks great, handles well, does everything well! Even my 22 - 28 yr old kids like it! I've got 45k flawless miles on it and am hoping one of my kids will be able to afford it when it hits 75k. I'd be happy to get by with lower horsepower in exchange for a switch from premium to regular gas, but if it drops my gas mileage, forget it! This is truly a no-regrets car.
Mercedes to Acura
Although pretty, the Navigation stinks!! Has a very wide turning radius. Seats took a little getting used to, initially felt uncomfortable and hard. Handles pretty well and sturdy for a 6 cylinder. Pick up is slow, don't expect a sports vehicle or ride. I love the aesthetic appeal both inside & outside!! It's a cute car that reminds of a BMW 3-series. Overall, I recommend for the money even over the Mercedes.
Awesome 'Ride'
I bought my TL new and after doing a bit of specializing, had the stock rims dipped in black chrome, drove off the lot & only return when it's time for regular maintenance. I love this car, it's sophisticated styling inside & out still make it a head turner 5 years in. It handles great and is very responsive when you need to 'get going'. The large screen Navi is great, XM feature w/ awesome 6 speaker stereo sound, voice command features incl bluetooth cellular...this car has it all. I think my 2005 looks is better than the 2011 I see at the dealership. Never regreted this purchase...ever!
Perfect Acura mixture
Have basic model in automatic. Driven for 4 yrs now. Excellent car - good performance and build quality. Highs - quality feel, good acceleration (in manual mode in auto), good mpg on highway (about 30), sticks to road akin to European car. Lows - initial tires were Michelins and awful - rapid wear and no grip in rain or snow (bloody dangerous after 20k on slick/poor quality roads in frosty Winnipeg), mpg in city not great (about 15-18).
Best Acura I've owned
I purchased this car in July of 08 with 33000 miles on it. I love this car and all its features. I have owned several Acura's and Honda's in the past and this TL is by far the best. The only issue I have had is the drivers side window seems to rattle but I understand this is a common problem. I recently replaced the tires with some that were highly recommended on a tire website and I think it has made a major difference with the drive ability of this car. Acura's seem to hold up so well, they have qreat fit and finish.
Awesome Driving Experience!
I recently purchased a 2005 TL w/nav, Black on Black (59k miles). I can't imagine a better driving experience. Great power/handling/fun/wow factor/super highway ride/pretty good gas mileage. Awesome body style that gets max attention--and that's before they get inside! Amazing features and luxury feel to sporty car with great driving characteristics. A little first gear handling issue under full acceleration, but nothing one can't manage easily.
Best car I’ve owned!!
185,000 miles still running strong! I’m the third owner of this car! this car brings a sense of security while driving. Hugs curves like a champ. Love the suspension! Not too bad in repairs. Just the normal wear and tear. Transmission can be a little on the downside but if you keep up with the recommended transmission fluid service these cars can run up to 300k miles
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That car that you buy and never look back
Pros: Top notch reliability, very fast (sneaky fast, surprisingly fast), amazing handling, fun to drive, beautiful interior, aged very well. Cons: Poor turning radius, requires premium and even buying midgrade shows a big performance reduction. This car is worth way more to me than it is on the market. If you can find a babied/well maintained version, BUY. You won't regret it. My TL has 197,000 miles on it and runs like a new car. It really has the best of all worlds (except the turning radius, why Acura?)
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Car for age 25 and below
I just bought a TL 2005 with nav on April 19, just to trade it in within 15 days. Probably because I am not 25 years old but 36. The TL's sporty ride was probably not my kind. I like the ride of the lexus ES and the new Toyota Avalon. No doubt that the TL interior is absolutely gorgeous. I had a black with camel interior. I was so worried to keep it clean that I would tell my 2 daughters to sit tight in the car, which I felt was inappropriate. What fun is a car if you have to put taboos on your kids. The seats are hard and uncomfortable. The gas mileage seemed horrible. I bought a Honda Pilot LX with leather for my wife on April 02. I am very happy to trade in the TL for another Honda Pilot.
Overrated
We have owned 3 Acuras; all purchased new. We will not be purchasing a fourth. Tires on TL wore out after 24,000 miles. Rust on brakes had to be scraped after less than 18,000 miles, not covered by warranty. Passenger side window opens but will not always close. Acura Service tells us it will be $545 to fix. Window service is outside warranty period. There has been no damage to the vehicle that would cause the window malfunction. This is not what you would expect from a company that prides itself in building quality products.
Rattle Box with Features
Haven't you all heard lately about the bad built quality of the Acura Body. My car is pretty much a rattlebox with tons of features. It queeks and squeeks at every nick and bump on the road. There is rattling noise from front glove box, wing mirrors, rear seat center etc etc. And very loud irritating noises. Just a RATTLEBOX with loads of features IMHO.
The nav system is tied into the radio/CD
I love the car but it is now 2009 and the nav system no longer works. H2O damage most likely due to condensation sense it is in the trunk. Now that the nav no longer works my entire console is worthless. No DVD/CD, radio works but don't know the station. Only solution from Acura is to purchase a new 3k nav system. I would not buy this or any vehicle that ties all these system together like this because there is no aftermarket solution and you are stuck with a 3k bill just to listen to a DVD!! I am not happy. I filed a complaint with Acura but they do not have a solution. This is a severe design flaw!
Stay Away!
Acura should be called "DAEWOO" as this car has performed so badly Acura is buying the lemon back! Electrical system was just the start....you would have better luck with HYUNDAI...at least they still know how to build reliable cars...maybe throwaways...but they got reliability down now!
Pass on the 05 TL
If you are considering purchasing one of these vehicles I would suggest passing. Build quality, particularly interior components, is very poor, many squeaks, rattles, very un Honda like. I can't keep tires on the car. With 40K on the car, I am now on my third set. Although this is more sporty than the earlier version, ride quality is harsh, the car sits too low to the ground and is just not well built. I am a loyal Acura/ Honda owner however I can't recommend this car.
Strong Smooth accelerating Rattlebox!
Bought my 05 TL in 2016 with 105k miles b/c my 1996 pickup has no AC and i live in FL. Figured a Honda product for $180 a month was a no brainer. Should get at least another 100k out of it.... The V-Tec motor is solid; smooth acceleration, really decent power for a 6 cylinder. Sound system is top quality for sure but thats the end of the Pros on this guy. I can see the previous owner had taken the center console/dash apart looking for that D@MN rattling to no avail. I'm now tortured on a daily basis with all the noises that come from that cabin. The "leather" is hard and stiff; though no rips in any of the seats at now 130k so thats a plus. IDK if the goal with this car was to make a "sport" lux car but it gives so many mixed signals. Hard/stiff, low ride like you'r in a sport car; but none of the response. Car fights me in corners at speed and neither of the sets of quality sports tires i've tried will keep this thing holding its line. I get its not a real sports car but if you put a V-Tec in something that looks kinda like a sports car; you're going to get shmucks like me buying them to see whats up. Great acceleration but terrible breaking, oh and plan to change your rotors often if you do any kind of aggressive breaking (slotted and/or drilled rotors on a TL i feel would look ridiculous). Also you have to take the tire off to do an oil change... annoying. Over all though; engine is still solid and probably will be for some time to come; haven't had to service the transmission, and if i drove like a normal person some of my complaints would be irreverent. But i'm either in a truck or a race car, period lol.
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Great value but not perfect
It's been 6 months and I'm still happy with the purchase. The car is beautiful inside and out and full of useful gadgets. Performace is strong and I haven't had any mechanical problems with the car. I do have a few complaints. The turning radius is terrible, I'm afraid to do U-turns now for fear that I'll have to do a three pointer. There are too many small rattles for a car in this segment. Then again, I'd rather have rattles than mechanical failure like recent Germans. Desperately needs an MP3 jack and an 8-way passenger seat. The Navi disclaimer needs a permanent bypass, I'm sick of pressing OK everytime. Overall, a good car whose value makes it great.
Would Buy Again
Bought new in March 2005. Very good looking car in and out (better in my opinion than the new model). Very reliable, only repair was A/C at 25k miles. Love the big touchscreen nav system that you can operate while moving, new models may have better graphics but non-touchscreen is MUCH less convenient. Performance is decent, needs more low end power and the transmission is slow to shift. Handling is good, but nose scrapes too much on driveway inclines, which reduces confidence in maneuvering and turning radius is about 4 feet too wide.
Beats my BMW 3 series hands down
You get a LOT of car for your money. I used to own a 2000 BMW 3 series. The difference between the 2 cars is night & day. The BMW had better handling, no doubt, but thats it. It pales in comparison in every other respect. The TL is beutifully executed - the navi, stereo and bluetooth are seamlessly integrated with the voice control system. It really is a flawless experience. One note. I use a Treo 650 bluetooth phone. The phone needs to be updated from Palm's website for the bluetooth to work correctly with the car. Its a phone problem, nothing to do with the car. Once updated, however, it works beautifully.
First Time
Just bought a 2005 TL, it only had 16k miles on it, which is the main reason I bought it. I have driven nothing but SUVs and jeeps, so I was nervous about a car, but this thing rocks. It handles well, it is comfortable and looks great. I love it.
Best FWD sport sedan out there!
And it's almost the best 30-40k sport sedan period. Being from the Midwest, and only having one car, RWD wasn't an option since we get something called snow which doesn't agree with RWD cars too well. Thus, I settled on the TL, and don't think I would have been happier w/ any other car. Acceleration is very linear, and the TL is extremely stable at 80 mph, and fairly quite at such speeds, which could be a dangerous combination. Torque steer is almost never an issue. Great sound system, excellent interior amenities, exceptional fuel economy (I've gotten 33 on some highway jaunts, although around town can be disappointing). If only the 09 TL looked as suave, I'd get that instead of an 08 TypeS
My TL
This car has been a complete joy. For Under $40k this car has every option a consumer could possibly desire. This car moves out of the way and comfortably fits 3 plus a carseat with plenty of room to spare. I wouldn't give this car up for the world.
118000 MILES
Mpg hwy averages 30. City averages 26. Replaced brake pads only once at 110,00 miles. Pads still had 50% thickness from new. Other than oil and tires that's it. May replace spark plugs soon... nah it's still running great. Tires are problematic. Came with Turanzas, got 70,000 on those but the tires were merely ok. Put Pilots on but only got about 35000 on those. Now have AMERICAN MADE goodyear eagle gt2 with the funky looking tread. These tires stick well but ride a bit more harshly than the others and I think one is slightly out of round. I can live with it. But they're cheap. Got 380000 out of my last Maxima, will see if 400,000 can be hit with the TL.
Excellent Value
Acura TL has been an excellent value in terms of reliability, solidity of chassis, fit and finish, modern design, quiet operation, power and mileage, can accelerate at any speed and has good brakes that haven't require change yet in 55K+, and everyday commuting enjoyment.
MPG could be improved
I got the car used, at 27,500 mi. Not bad for a 2005 car. Handling is very sporty, suspension is more sporty than luxurious. MPG is pretty bad - mix driving only gets me between high teens and 21mpg.
Best combo of perf + luxury + value
Consumer Reports had this one right (rated "top pick"). Far far better value than BMW and Acura's rep for quality and reliability is BETTER than BMW and much more so than Audi. The only low: weak torque in 1st gear. Outside of that, EVERYTHING else is FABULOUS. Supple ride, nimble, powerful, responsive. Virtually perfect fit and trim, roomier back seat than Audi A4 or BMW 325/330. DVD audio (stereo) beats any 2-channel CD system. Once you experience the Navi system, you'll never go backwards to non-Navi. You'll NEVER get lost! Three of my friends with BMWs were, RU ready: Jealous! They paid more, and they got LESS. A TEST DRIVE will convince you very clearly.
This is An Awesome Car!!!
My TL is fun to drive. I only buy cars made by Honda. The TL is very good on gas (26 mpg). I like the sporty style of the car. I get a lot of compliments on my TL. It drives perfect. I would not trade my TL for another car. I love it!!
Great Birthday Gift!
I bought my TL for my birthday and have been happy ever since. After months of researching the TSX, I checked out the TL and never looked back! I purchased mine from a private owner and got a great deal! Don't be fooled by the dealers who want you to think that you get so much more buying a CPO. More money for no reason. The owner who sold the car also had an 06 TL and said the 05 drove a little faster. Apparently there was some change in that year. Oh well, my gain!
Luxury + Peformance = TL
Picked up a pre-owned black Acura TL about 4 months ago. I love this car. One of the best cars I've ever owned. My TL came with an OEM body kit and 18" A-spec wheels, looks very clean and aggressive. Interior is nice and comfy. Nice aluminum and wood trim. Big touch-screen navigation is very helpful but software seems dated compared to my wife's Benz navigation. The car picks up pretty quick on the freeway. I'll be going 80 but it feels like I'm going 60. It does drink gas like crazy though. $40 of gas will last about 260 miles only. This is an overall GREAT car. You will not be disappointed.
Best car I've ever owned
This car has a TON of standard features. Quality is first rate. Looks awesome everytime I park it and look back. By far, it's the best car I've ever known. Compared to the G35 coupe, it's a little slower and doesn't shift as smooth, but that's about it. Other than that, this car is 10 times better than a G35 coupe, in my opinion. The quality, radio, seat memory, tilting mirrors, and financing are the top reasons why I got this car over the G35. I'm telling you, this car is AWESOME!
1st Acura was better
I had an 02 Acura RSX before and the build quality was much better. This one has some rattles and some fit and finish issues. Road noise. Now the pros, great looks, interior design, mpg 32 freeway, 22 city, great value, fast.
Awesome first luxury car!
I am so glad to be in a well-made vehicle. I am 25 and getting into my career as a commercial interior designer, so this car is still fun to drive for my age, but has the luxury that I need to take my clients around.
Luxury & Performance at its BEST.
My old car was an 2007 Accord Coupe EXL. It was boring. I didn't want to pay for a car I didn't like driving so I traded it for a used Acura TL. Best decision I ever made! I picked up my black TL with 60K miles on it. Yeah that's a lil high but Acuras are known to last a long time. I LOVE this car! Looks clean and sporty on the outside, nice and luxurious on the inside. Performs as good as it looks! Picks up fast off the line. My TL came with the underbody spoiler kit and 18" A-spec wheels! Looks so nice! I couldn't say no at the dealership! It has every single option available. Navi, heated seats, auto dim mirror, everything. I can't say enough about this car! Highly recommend it.
Terrfic TL
I have always driven Hondas and have wanted a TL since they changed the body in '04. Finally bought a used '05 in Oct of '08. Love it! Sharp looking, powerful, comfortable, reliable, relatively economical. Mine is silver with gray leather. Bought it with 25k on it and I've put 28k on it since acquiring it. I commute 33 miles to work 1 way. Have seen 33 mpg on the highway a couple of times but average 31 on hwy. City driving is a bit more dismal in the high teens. Overall average is 25-26 mpg.
Very nice!
At 3 years and over 30k miles, not a single problem, not even a bulb out. Fast, smooth, quiet, fun to drive, it gets 33 mpg at 70 mph on the highway, average is about 25 mpg. Lots of nice options, very nice looking inside and out. We have the 6 speed manual, a much different car from the auto trans ones, much quieter and smoother, as you can shift at 3000 rpm, even with lots of throttle and MOVE, while the auto trans cars want to let the motor rev up a lot (where the power is). That makes things busy and noisy compared to the manual trans cars.