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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  Love my Acura TL Type-S - 2003 Acura TL
  By mary patterson - December 13 - 7:39 pm

  My only complaint is that the car requires premium gasoline.

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  Dont believe what the dealer tells you - 2003 Acura TL
  By Larry Krause - November 5 - 8:45 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used (106K) to replace my aging 99 TL. Dealer told me that the timing belt had recently been changed. At 123K it failed and l had to replace the engine. Vehicle has been great ever since. Replaced shocks and struts last year and it drives like a new car. Giving the car to my son and replacing it with my 5th Acura. A 2016 RDX.

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  The best car ever - 2003 Acura TL
  By Sandra G - November 5 - 2:58 am

  I purchased the 03 Acura TL S in 08. I paid $7,500. Worth every cent. I have had a Nissan Maxima / Mitsubishi Galant / Honda Accord/ Chevy Blazer/ Toyota Celica/ Ford Explorer just to name a few. This is by far the best car I have ever had. It had 70,000 miles when I purchased it. It now has 180,000 miles on it and still going strong. I keep up with the oil changes and tune ups. Just regular mantaince and it is as smooth as glass to drive. The acceleration smooth speed awesome just a fun & comfortable car to drive. My son is now driving it and loves it over the new 2014 Nissan Rogue.

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  Excellent in every way - 2003 Acura TL
  By Gail Robinson - March 15 - 2:28 am

  I purchased this car in 2005 with 50000. It now has over 130,000 and is running strong. I have never had any problems, just routine maint. It has begun "rattling" but it is 12 years old! Handles perfectly, hugs the road, extremely reliable in snow. Couldnt be happier.

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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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  Pretty Bummed with Acura - 2003 Acura TL
  By corbin12 - December 5 - 3:13 pm

  Bought this TL with about 60,000 miles on it and was very impressed.....for about a year then it started falling apart. A/C needed to be completely replaced. Transmission never shifts down in town, so it hardly ever runs below 2500 RPMs even at low speeds. The exterior trim is faded, the heat controls inside have a mind of their own...you can turn the system off and still have hot air blasting out. The wiring on the steering wheel stereo controls is fried and never worked right. I thought Acura made a quality product but I was very wrong. Disappointed with this car...its kind of a piece of junk.

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  Great car with a few exceptions - 2003 Acura TL
  By fever1 - April 21 - 10:19 am

  As with most of the 2003 readings, my TL lost its transmission at about 90K. As the warranty was shot after 10 years I had to pay 3K+ for a new transmission, DONT GO TO THE DEALER or you will pay 5K+ with a lesser warranty. The airbag sensor light went on and the dealer asked $650 to fix it, I figure I went most of my life without ever even wearing a seat belt until it was made a law, I can live with out airbags for awhile. So after 100K that about sums it up the major repairs. The comfort of the drive is the best I ever had, the engine is great it can throw you back in your seat. Gas mileage is surprisingly good. The leather interior is average at best.

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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!