4 Star Reviews for 2003 Acura TL

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.60/5 Average
456 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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

Pros:
  • Excellent value, comfortable front seats, impressive power from the Type-S engine, long list of standard equipment.
Cons:
  • Average interior materials, lacks the panache of some competing luxury sedans.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 456.00
  • transmission failure - 2003 Acura TL
    By -

    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.

  • My daily driver for 14 years and counting - 2003 Acura TL
    By -

    I 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.

  • Is this really sport sedan ? - 2003 Acura TL
    By -

    If 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.

  • 6-month review - 2003 Acura TL
    By -

    Great 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.

  • Not so good - 2003 Acura TL
    By -

    This is my first Acura and probably last one. Mileage is very low. I believe there is something wrong with the transmission.

  • Surprisingly Economical - 2003 Acura TL
    By -

    I bought this car used with 61000 miles on it about 9 mos. ago. I have to say, what surprised me the most was the fuel economy. All around driving I have seen approx 24 MPG. On the highway on a long trip - I saw 33-34 mpg! For an intermediate size car - that is amazing. My son has an Acura RSX and that is about what he see on his compact 4 cyl car. So far, I have had no problems with the car. Comfortable and handles reasonably well. Acceleration isnt all that great. Interior is very comfortable - audio system is good. What bugs me - is on a luxury car - you would think it would have sensors to turn the headlights on at dusk! Even my old Malibu had that!

  • Best Acura - 2003 Acura TL
    By -

    i priced and drove the TL-S, Accord V6, and BMW 325. this is the best for the money. it kills the accord in driving and quality and is way cheaper and faster than the 325. doesnt get any classier for $30k

  • Great Car! TL-S - 2003 Acura TL
    By -

    I upgraded from a top of the line Camry. It has great power and features that come standard. It feels well-built and reliable--yet sporty.

  • Great value - 2003 Acura TL
    By -

    Got my TL-S in early March, 2003. So far, its been a great drive -- fast, powerful, great standard features. Actually, if I couldve gotten a G35 for about the same price, I wouldve gotten one, but the TL-S was available for 2.9% financing and the dealers were making good deals, unlike Infiniti. Plus, I think the TL-S looks better than the G35. Ive been getting about 25-26mpg all-around and even got over 31mpg on a highway drive (with A/C on!).

  • Acura TL 3.2 - 2003 Acura TL
    By -

    This is a very nice car to have, I am only 17 and I love it. It is build very solid and is reliable, I have already driven it almost 20,000 miles and have only owned it for 8 months and I have loved every minute. I have driven to several states and I enjoy showing it off to everyone and anyone who looks my way, and they love to look b/c it is a beautiful piece of art-work.

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