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

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  2003 3.2 tl-s - 2003 Acura TL
  By cliff wolff - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Amazing car for the price

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  2003 acura tls - 2003 Acura TL
  By webman - November 1 - 10:00 am

  tremendous value no competition. extremely quick,dependable,fun to drive

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  Excellent Car - few nits - 2003 Acura TL
  By Old Joe - October 15 - 10:00 am

  This car has every option I can think of, good power and handling, and the price was very good. Resale is very good (from what I understand) as demand is high for Honda products - so I wont have to break my neck to sell it one day. Yes - I have a few nits with it but for the price, I dont think you can beat it. The Accord is close - especially the new one but the price is very close too if you opt for a loaded Accord EX vs the base TL (which is already loaded). I also find our area Acura dealer a lot better to work with than the Honda dealers in our area (better respect for customers, better treatment overall).

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  Good, but still a case of Caveat Emptor - 2003 Acura TL
  By saitoman - September 20 - 2:19 pm

  Acceleration, handling and braking are good. Interior fit/finish still the Honda/Acura levels. Reliability an issue. I knew about the recall on the trans, mine was repaired, but then had to replace trans at 52,000 miles. Battery replaced, factory replacement died after 7,000 miles. Headroom could be better as could fuel economy. Seat adjustability needs better range. Bought Type-S instead of Premium because seats fit me better as a taller person (regular seats too cushy and cut head room for me). Exterior striping is a decal instead of black metal which is now bubbling. If buying a 1999-2003 TL research wisely and make sure the car is solid before purchasing.

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  Caveat emptor - 2003 Acura TL
  By skpjah - July 12 - 3:07 pm

  Bought it used - since then the Bose radio went out the drivers side heated seat element went bad the headlight lens leaked and the HID transfomer went out the dash lights went out the sunroof, dash and other components rattle. Almost all have been fixed but the repairs were very expensive and not what I expected to have to deal with on an Acura. This is the Honda Motor Car Co. premium brand vehicle and it certainly wasnt built like it!

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  2003 Acura TL Type-S - 2003 Acura TL
  By vman - June 25 - 10:34 pm

  Upscale Accord. Wish I chose the G35 or 330i which had better resale and reliability. Ride is jittery, stiff and not comfortable on city trips. Leather is low quality and went out of shape. Good room inside and seats are OK on long trips. Very thin paint. Squeaks and rattles appeared after first year. CD player broke 4 times. Like any big FWD sedan, the TL eats up front rotors on a regular basis coz they are nose heavy cars. I had tranny issues covered by the P/T warranty. Acura extended the trans warranty but long-term use became doubtful. Resale value took a big hit due to the tranny recalls of TLs and other Hondas. This could have been a good car if they offered it in stick.

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  Comfy - 2003 Acura TL
  By jfbrown42 - May 6 - 11:44 am

  I was looking for a sporty family car, something better than the Mazda 626 ES my wife was driving - bigger, sportier, better gas mileage. We looked at a 2003 TL Type-S and the 2004 models. The 2004s were more edgy looking, had more horspower, and had more tech (bluetooth) but my wife didnt feel that they would go when she stepped on the gas pedal. Also, the 2004 felt smaller on the inside and had a smaller trunk. The trunk is important because we have two little kids. Wed like to be able to go on vacation and not have to rent an SUV for the luggage. I dont really push this car, but it performs well enough and is quite comfortable.

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  Good but not great - 2003 Acura TL
  By Andy - April 10 - 8:15 am

  Overall I have been very happy w/ my 03 TL-S. Pros: fun to drive, styling, handling is good. Con: no auto lights, vehicle information display is limited (no mpg, mile remaining, oil life, etc), wiper spray doesnt work below freezing, no dual zone heating/cooling. I had some transmission problems early on, two wheel bolts sheared while driving, and the steering wheel stereo controls quit working about at about 80k. I have always thought I would have been happier with the Infinity G35, which will be my next car most likely.

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  Like it, but problems - 2003 Acura TL
  By Dave - March 1 - 6:07 pm

  I really do like this car. Great interior appointments, Nav is great because you can use it while you drive (good and bad, but you can find restaurants on the fly) and the car has excellent acceleration in the limited powerband. However, I am on my second transmission. The shuffling through gears is rough, and it has issues picking a gear from 45-55 mph. The seats are squeaking, and there is a rattle in the dash. I am going to take it to the dealer to have these fixed before I give it back to them at the end of my lease. Good car, but beware of the transmission and engine issues.

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  OK, but.... - 2003 Acura TL
  By catcher10us - January 15 - 7:23 am

  This is my third acura, a vigor, 1999 3.2 TL and the 2003 3.2 TL. All in all, a good value, but far from perfect. Brakes and brake rotors have been an issue, from the 1999 to the one I have now. Suspension is a little soft and if you push the car around a corner, you can feel it. Then there are the tranny problems, legend for TL owners. Compared to whats out there in the price range, the TL, especially the new one is a good choice, but, the bloom is off the rose for me in some areas. My lease is up in about 6 months and I will explore all options. The fit and finish on the Acura is still far above that of the Maxima.