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 1 through 10 of 456.00

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  My Second and Last Acura - 2003 Acura TL
  By GERALD P GENNARO - March 6 - 7:33 pm

  Purchased new and currently has about 50,000 miles on it. While this S-type is fun to drive, continues to get good gas mileage, and looks good, I remain disappointed in the many little things that do not now and rarely have ever worked right (garage door opener auto-dim rear view mirror). Have frequently had total battery failure that, in turn, makes it impossible to even open the trunk. Repairs and maintenance are expensive as compared to my Honda.

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  Great Car despite the tranny recall - 2003 Acura TL
  By sjonly - June 19 - 10:41 pm

  I bought the car in a dealers auction with 149 k. I learn about the transmissionrecall and was scare when the car would occasionally shake during gear shifting. Took it the dealer and they stated I needed another transmission asap. Went to my local mechanic and he state transmission is good just had a broken motor mount and fluid need to be flush. Car drove good ever since, I love the speed. I pass newer car with ease. I hit 90 on the road easily going to Atlanta. I would definitely buy one again. My car is till operating but I gave it to my girlfriend since she dented the doors and bumper in an accident.

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  My Last Acura - 2003 Acura TL
  By tcross - February 14 - 1:10 pm

  I bought this car new in 2003 and have had it serviced at the dealer religiously. I kept it washed, waxed and cleaned inside and out. The car is a lot of fun to drive. Its a little noisy on the inside, though. The transmission went out (second gear recall defect) at 70k miles. The dealer replaced it for free. I spent about 5k to replace motor mounts, timing belt and other major maintenance at 100k. At 101k the clearcoat began failing. At 110, the drive train started wobbling and/or slipping at certain speeds and power settings. At 150k, the car looks awful and isnt worth further repairs. Im done with Acura.

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  120,000 miles - 2003 Acura TL
  By sandie09 - December 17 - 11:24 pm

  Bought the car in 06 with 20k on it! Flawless until 120,000. At 120k the coil went, 4 weeks later transmission dead. I drove it to the dealer and traded it in on an 09 MDX!

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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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  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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  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!!!!!!!!!!