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 21 through 30 of 456.00

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  Decent vehicle - 2003 Acura TL
  By Fred - July 27 - 1:52 pm

  The transmission went out at 50,000 miles but Acura replaced it under warranty. My stereo control on the steering wheel had a loose ground which I paid the dealer to fix. Other than normal maintenance and tires I have done nothing to the car. I think Acura cares about their service. I was told their dealers get fined by Acura if you rate them less than perfect. I would buy another Acura.

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  Still great after 7 years - 2003 Acura TL
  By ZacharyV - July 7 - 8:45 pm

  Now with 170,000 miles, this car still runs great with no problems. Transmission was fixed under recall several years ago. Otherwise, no major problems. Very fun to drive and show off. One great looking car in nighthawk black Pearl. (and get compliments on it still).

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  Very Pleased - 2003 Acura TL
  By ohheck - June 2 - 10:35 pm

  I bought my 03 TL used with 61k miles. The car belonged to a coworker who traded in in on a new one. The car had a full history of all service work performed,done only at the selling dealership. At 67k, I had the brakes replaced. At 70k, I noticed a whine in the transmission and took it to the dealership. The Service Mgr. rode with me to check it out and decided to keep the car for evaluation. He called back 4 hours later and said that Acura and the dealership were going to replace the tranny at no cost to me. Very pleased. I get 22/23 mpg in town and 32 mpg on the road. This is an excellent car.

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  Fun TL Type S - 2003 Acura TL
  By Deputydog35 - April 29 - 7:20 am

  This car is one of the best cars I have ever had! It really quick and shames all those expensive German cars! I have owned my Type S for 5 years now and have had only on problem. The TRANSMISSION! It has be replaces 3 times and now is on its way out again with only 40,000 miles on the new tranny! Other then that the car has be PERFECT! I am now buying a 2010 TL. These cars are built to last minus the transmission on the older TLs. I also love the Nav even if its a little slow!

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  Pretty good all around car - 2003 Acura TL
  By alehr - April 26 - 10:12 pm

  I bought this car in 2005 with about 75,000 miles. Unfortunately, about one year or 6,000 miles later my transmission failed. Acura did not cover my specific transmission problem for whatever reason so I ended up spending about $3500 to replace. Other than that, I did replace the timing belt just as a precaution but nothing else major. I still love my car and plan on buying another Acura when this one goes. However, beware of the transmission!

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  Big disappointment - 2003 Acura TL
  By cwms97 - April 23 - 2:33 pm

  I bought my 2003 Acura TL-S in 2006 with about 64,000 miles on it. The car would have been perfect except for the bad transmission. Within 3 months of purchasing the car, I had to get my transmission replaced. A year later the transmission failed again. Leith Acura replaced it the 1st two times. Then 2yrs later, the transmission went out again. Acura wouldnt replace it because of the mileage on my car so I had to get another company to fix my car. Then 1 year later, I am having transmission failure again. I am so dissapointed. Such a nice car with a horrible transmission. I will never buy another Acura again!!!!!!!!!!

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  Hole in Piston - 2003 Acura TL
  By taxrefnd - April 3 - 3:29 pm

  Ive been a long time Honda believer and my immediate family currently own 6 Honda/Acura cars. With my recent experience with a 2003 Acura TL motor, I may never buy another Honda product. First had a CEL and needed a new timing belt tensioner, then 3 months later another CEl and this time it was revealed a hole in the piston. Only had 55K miles and a hole? Was too costly to repair so had a used motor installed. Honda refused to pay for anything siting "out of warranty" Some Honda motor. Now Im worried about the transmission which is slipping from 2nd to 3rd. Need to get rid of it soon to some poor sucker.

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  disappointing - 2003 Acura TL
  By ccccccc - April 3 - 2:22 am

  Has well documented transmission problems. I have a 7 yr 100k warranty that expired 3 mos ago & i have 94k. I bought this as a certified used car at an acura dealer. Due to known issues & under mileage talked to Acura Client Svcs. but did no good. S.O.L. Replacement $4500. Do your research or better skip it

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  transmission failure - 2003 Acura TL
  By emmett gonzalez - February 20 - 10:03 pm

  Bought the 2003 TL brand new. Comfortable and smooth ride. Interior features adequate and functioned well since driven off the lot. The transmission failed at 81,000 miles. We never got a notice that the transmission was under recall but the dealer still required me to pay $1,000 out of the $3,000 cost for a new transmission. Previous to the transmission failure they try a "fix," that did not work. Some kind of deal.

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  Great car minus the transmission problem - 2003 Acura TL
  By Ed - January 6 - 12:19 pm

  The styling was good now the car looks really dated, honestly it is a glorified Honda Accord. Bought car with 50k on it, at 78k tranny went out covered by dealer. Now at 120k it went out again this time costing me $3000 worth of repairs. Dealer was no help this time around. Car is reliable like any Honda starts up every time. Steering has a real heavy feel to it. Drive is nice, interior is ok, the display on radio and hvac look too old now like 80s digital watches black font... I would not recommend this car due to tranny issues. all of them suffer from it.