Overview & Reviews

For 2003, all TL models equipped with the navigation system receive OnStar as standard equipment.

• Excellent value, comfortable front seats, impressive power from the Type-S engine, long list of standard equipment.

• Average interior materials, lacks the panache of some competing luxury sedans.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 456.00

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  What a disappointment - 2003 Acura TL
  By gralls4771 - March 24 - 9:05 am

  This car was my first Honda product after owning nothing but American built cars, I had very high hopes. At first I was very impressed with the Acura, I loved driving it, great for road trips, very powerful and sporty handling. But then I learned of the transmission problems. I felt like I was driving a ticking time bomb..........then mine needed replaced just like so many others. Count on spending about $5000 from Acura. This happened at 90K, then at 113K the engine started making internal ticking noises. Dealer recommended new engine. Really? Entire drive train replaced by 113K with a perfect maintenance record? Sold the car that day. So turned off by Honda now.

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  NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!! - 2003 Acura TL
  By 1soccerfan - January 5 - 8:42 pm

  I bought this car Sept 2010 with 110K miles. I drive at least 2,000 miles per month, this car has 141K now. 14 months and Ive driven it 31K miles with NO PROBLEMS OR ISSUES. Oil changes and tires only. I drive my cars hard and I expect something to go wrong but the transmission shifts perfect and everything works perfectly. I go on 2-3 hour road trips at least twice a month with no worries. I trade cars about every 2 years and I have to say this is the best one Ive had in a long time.

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  Acura Transmission - 2003 Acura TL
  By howard42 - November 13 - 2:51 am

  There are several years of very poor Acura transmissions around 2003. Catastrosphic failures of the transmissions. My 2003 was bought new, babied, garaged, and had an impeccable maintenance record. All maintenance done by dealer. Transmission died at 118,000. Repair cost was 75% of actual value of car so was not worth repairing. Needless to say, Lexus will be my new car company.

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  Did not meet my exectations as a used vehicle purchase - 2003 Acura TL
  By jacquelineb - September 18 - 11:13 am

  Initially I was proud that my 2003 Acura TL was made in Ohio and purchasing it used fit my budget in 2007. This car can eat four years of family vacations. Expenses include: a rebuilt transmission replacement, convenient electrical features busting. At 80,000 my CD player failed & ate CDs, @ 90,000 CD player buttons on steering wheel failed, @ 100,000 the heated seat feature failed on the passenger side. The one on driver side only heats the back not the bum for which I am keeping my fingers crossed will not fail this week since I need to recover from a back sprain. Leather seats not too durable for no kids no pets family.

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  Love the Type-S! - 2003 Acura TL
  By corbin12 - August 19 - 10:16 am

  We bought our TL Type-S 6 months ago with 76,000 miles on it and we absolutely love it! Its fast and sporty, yet big enough for the whole family. The exterior is beautiful...(dual exhaust adds a ton!) and the interior is flawless. The only problem we had was that something went majorly wrong with the air conditioning system. Many of the parts were worn out and the air was completely warm. The whole system needed to be replaced to the tune of $860. Keep in mind that this car has been in Wisconsin its whole life so its not like the A/C gets used very often. Other than the crappy A/C we have no problems and no regrets. The Type-S does require premium gas but the extra power given is worth it!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Acura TL
  By TimK - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I research my cars thoroughly before I buy. As an engineer I appreciate good design and the Acura is excellent. I buy on performance, reliability, and styling in that order. What attracted me most was that it was the best performing car in its class according to Consumer Reports and it has not disappointed. Great acceleration with top mileage of about 30 mpg on the highway. Like many others it has had a new transmission but Acura covered the entire cost including an Acura loaner from the dealer. Ive had lots of good comments about the deep blue metallic color. 130,000 miles and going strong. On my second set of brakes and third set of tires.

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  Great experience with this car. - 2003 Acura TL
  By Bama Jiggs - August 21 - 4:20 pm

  This is my wifes car. We purchased it in July 2003 new. I has given us service far superior to any car we have ever owned. (married 56 years). We returned it to the dealer for a recall on the transmission in 2005. Had the transmission serviced in 2009. The car now has 85,000 miles and still performs like new. On trips we average about 32 MPG. Seldom drive more than 65 MPH. Only problem is premium fuel.

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  Omg welllll oiled machine! - 2003 Acura TL
  By Honest Abe - August 17 - 10:29 pm

  Wow wow wow! What a car! I never had a problem with this car ever ever e-v-e-r! Flawless, the best car I have ever owned. I bought the car used in 06. I looked for 3 months to find what looked the best and with no crappy paint work-Pearl White, tan, and spoiler the hottest tl type s enough said. The transmission has never been replaced and it is now 8 years old and has 100,000 mi on it and is rock solid, and I have never been afraid to get on it. I always do my normal maintenance incl synthetic oil, trans fluid change, kn air cleaner cleaning, and umm there has not been a drop of maintenance but a set of tires and brakes. I have never seen a car get so many compliments.

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  Dump the Car if You Can - 2003 Acura TL
  By Nadine - August 6 - 2:59 pm

  I bought my TL at around 87K miles and it has been nothing but a headache. Last year the transmission had to be replaced. Im very gentle with the car. The the engine was gummed up so that was another large expense. The rear view mirror had to be replaced because some chemical in the mirror started leaking out. Now the PCM Unit has failed and it will cost $1200 to repair. Im quite angry with Hendricks Acura in Charlotte right now because they didnt mention that I could get an exchange or a reconditioned PCM which will cost less. They also want to charge me for a 2nd diagnostic before they replace the PCM. This is the absolute worst car I ever owned!

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  Looks great, built to last - 2003 Acura TL
  By mocozeke - August 1 - 8:28 am

  Bought in 2003, 141,000 miles with no major problems. All parts lasted longer than expected (ex: replaced timing belt at 127,000) and average mileage was better than advertised. This was a car that was close to perfect. I am sad to be giving it up and unfortunately not for another one since Acura has ruined the look at this classic beauty.