2003 Acura TL Type S 3.2

Summary:

This car has been great value, and just enough fun

Faults:

Tranny replaced at 130k miles, but Acura paid for 2/3 of the cost.

Two lower ball joints replaced.

Maintain tires and brakes and it will run forever.

General Comments:

My 2003 TL-S has been a great car. Yes, I had tranny issues at 130k miles, but Acura paid for 2/3 of the cost.

Lower ball joints replaced once.

The light bulb in my clock burned out and Acura replaced it free.

Everything else has worked perfectly.

I drive about 3500 miles /month. 30 MPG on the freeway at 75-80 MPH. The car is quiet, great radio, plenty of room in the trunk and it still shines like new. I've gone to semi synthetic oil lately, although dealer says regular oil is fine. I'm getting ready for my second timing belt replacement.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th January, 2010

2003 Acura TL 3.2 vtec

Summary:

This is the most overpriced piece of junk I've ever owned

Faults:

My transmission went out at 150,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car is comfortable, and it looks great.

The reliability of this car is horrible. Your transmission will go out several times while owning the car, and the maintenance is VERY EXPENSIVE!

I've never been so unsatisfied with anything like this in my life! I will never buy an Acura again. It's funny that my wife & I were pondering another Acura, but this has just nipped that in the bud. I'll make sure everyone I knows will be informed at the ridiculous price & problems they'll run into while owning an Acura TL.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th October, 2009

13th Oct 2009, 16:25

I wish the transmission in my Ford lasted even that long. But it died at 105,000. I think I'd take the Acura. Plus, how can you even really complain about that? It was one issue in 150,000 miles? I mean, a transmission going wouldn't make me happy either, but after 150,000 miles I wouldn't be too angry with the car. I do like to get more miles out of my cars than that, but 150,000 isn't too bad.

14th Oct 2009, 21:12

The transmission on my Ford Taurus (purchased new) went out at 59,000 and again before 80,000 miles. The last rebuild never did shift right, but lasted till sold at 140,000.

So, 150,000 miles sounds pretty good to me and others with tran problems much, much sooner.

And I now own a 2003 Acura TL Type S black over black. It is a great car with gas mileage just under 28 mpg average with 35 fill ups this year.

15th Oct 2009, 14:46

I suspect he had at least 3. My first was at 28000 miles on mine and I sold at 41000 miles. Pretty car; black with black interior. I like my new GMs, far better, more reliable. I thought a 34K Honda would have been more reliable; it was not.

2003 Acura TL 3.2

Summary:

215,000km and counting... no problem!

Faults:

Had a simple battery connection issue, which I fixed myself.

General Comments:

Pros:

- Acceleration

- Ride

- Seat comfort

- Quiet interior

- Highway fuel economy (28mpg)

- Controls access (radio, A/C, cruise...)

Cons:

- Large size and heavy weight

- City fuel economy (18mpg)

- No rear head-rests.

Very reliable, I have had this car for 6 years with 215,000KM and have changed 1 set of tires, changed front and rear brakes, and regular oil changes. The car looks, runs and feels still new. My friends can't believe the car has done 200,000km (125k miles). The paint still shines and the leather is in good shape.

I have a lot of rusting on the bottom and exhaust thoug, mainly because I live in Canada with really wet winter and summer seasons along with lots of road salt. I have to do something about the corrosion soon.

Fuel economy is good in highway around 28mpg and poor in city ~19mpg. The biggest turn off for me in this car is the size. It's way too big and Acura has failed to utilize the large size of the vehicle. The rear seat room is average and has very little trunk space. Also the OEM Michelin tires are way too noisy. They squeak and make wind tunnel noises on the highway. So if you replace them, get Bridgestone Potenza or Goodyear Eagles instead.

I also noticed the brakes wear out quicker than other cars, might be the heavy weight.

Aside from that, this car is a blast to drive. The 220hp V6 gives lots of power and the 5 speed AT with tiptronic is nifty. I use tiptronic sometimes, and to be honest, it's not much different from the automatic as it upshifts from 1-2 automatically anyway. It also downshifts automatically if you are late or you forget. I don't like this though, but oh well, I wanted an automatic anyway.

The materials used for the interior are top notch. The leather is flawless and the wood trim adds a nice effect. The heated memory seats are very comfy. It also has rear air-conditioning for rear passenger comfort, but they forgot to add headrest for the rear somehow?! The BOSE 6 disc sound system has quality, and the radio reception is perfect.

So kudos to Acura for performance, reliability and luxury quality material. 8.5/10.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2009