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 31 through 40 of 456.00-
Glorified Honda...So whats your point? - 2003 Acura TL
By Marso - December 27 - 10:00 amI love these reviews Ive seen that complain the 3.2TL is a "glorified Honda Accord". Acura has glorified something that is already glorious; is that supposed to be a negative? Yes, the 3.2TL is a glorified Honda. The Type S is REALLY glorified. Which is what every Honda lover aspires graduating to. Its fast, its sharp, its loaded with options, and its dependable like the Hondas. And the Navigation System is no "toy". Its fun like one, but it is very useful. Friends and family love this car. Even the kids love the look since the re- design.
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My daily driver for 14 years and counting - 2003 Acura TL
By Ted - December 25 - 4:22 amI first purchased my TL-S back in 2002 (2003 model year). The transmission failed in 2003, and again in 2009. Both were replaced under extended warranty. The transmission that was installed in 2009 has been working fine since, with a redesign to prevent future problems. The Acura service department was excellent in remedying the transmission problem, both times. It has been 7 years and 80k miles on my current transmission. My car currently has 190k miles. My TL-S still has strong acceleration and surprisingly compliant yet firm ride quality and capable handling after all these years. The interior materials are holding up well, and the dashboard still retained its original color. The leather seats have aged much better than my 2008 Lexus ES. If not for the transmission issues early on, I wouldve given this car a perfect rating. My TL-S has held up much better than my friends BMW 323 and Mercedes C class, which they purchased around 2002, and both of which fell apart a few years ago. Asides from the transmission and a couple of broken window motors, Ive only done routine maintenance on my car. Kudos to Acura for building a mostly bulletproof car.
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Fun for the Aging Boomer - 2003 Acura TL
By jbscoop - December 22 - 10:00 amTL-S is great driving. Surprisingly good MPG. Traded up from an A-4. Performance is comparable. Interior comfort is much better. And cost about 6-8 K less!! Minor nitpick. The paint coat seems susceptible to dings. I seem to be getting a few too many nicks.
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Best Sporty Bet in Full Sized Four Door - 2003 Acura TL
By Dave TL-S - December 22 - 10:00 amThe TL-S is nearly a true sports car masquerading as a family sedan. Gobs of power, great stereo, supremely comfortable seats on long rides, perforated leather keeps things comfy; Great seating for four adults with a huge trunk; endless options list. A similarly equiped BMW would cost $40k+. Handling has some problems with standard front/rear sway bars.
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Very reliable, build performance car - 2003 Acura TL
By deccan - December 9 - 2:00 amExcept for exterior styling and average braking, the car is outstanding
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I thought Acuras were good? - 2003 Acura TL
By ShouldaBoughtaCaddy - December 8 - 9:23 pmPurchased car used with 90,000km on it. Tranny blew at 185km. Dealer wanted $6000 to replace it, not under warranty. Only under certain VINs were the trannys covered under warranty. Had a Honda Sabre (Japanese TL) tranny imported from Japan, installed for $3K, seems ok for now. The car is pretty quick. My V8 5.3L GMC Sierra get almost the same MPG. Repairs are expensive and front wheel drive cars are a pain to work on. Honda (Acura) has totally dropped the ball on this one. They have built their reputation on reliability and performance. What happened here Mr Honda? Ive had much better luck with my 95 Nissan, my 98 Civic and my 02 GMC Sierra. Shoulda bought a caddy!
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Great Reliable car - 2003 Acura TL
By VK - December 6 - 5:50 pmI bought the car new. After 105K miles its still running great. I did have some transmission trouble and while it was out of warranty and did not fall within the recall group, Acura graciously replaced it. Feel good about the safety features.
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Is this really sport sedan ? - 2003 Acura TL
By Kaddy - December 4 - 10:00 amIf youre after sport sedan, drop Acura from you list in favor of BMW 3, Saab 9- 3, Infiniti G35, Mercedes C. Its too heavy and big. Nose dive in turns, lousy brakes, slow acceleration, awkward ride and stability in curves does not appeal to enthusiatic driver. Otherwise, this is great family/businessman car, just a bit outdated as compared to competition.
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Luxary and Power at an Affordable Price - 2003 Acura TL
By Poohbear - December 4 - 10:00 amJust purchased my 2003 TLS last week. After owning Acuras in the past, I knew about the quality and dependability, but had no idea of the value of the TLS. This car flat out performs. It has great power, comfort and features. The back seat is roomy enough for my 3 children or 2 adults to fit comfortably. The engine has power to spare and the features rival any entry level luxary sedan on the market.
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6-month review - 2003 Acura TL
By Red Dog - November 22 - 2:00 amGreat car so far. I was disappointed that it had a pretty serious water leak in the trunk when I got it, but of course they fixed that right away. Service has been good so far. Engine is strong throughout the powerband. Transmissions shifts kind of hard sometimes when accelerating slowly. Handling is very nice for a large FWD sedan. Seats are very comfortable. Would like to see a telescopic steering wheel since it seems a little far away (maybe I have short arms). Stereo sounds great. Overall, great car and very happy with it so far.
