2003 Acura TL
Should You Buy a 2003 Acura TL?
The 2003 Acura TL is a luxury sedan that combines performance with comfort, featuring a robust 3.2L V6 engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. With a 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission, it offers a smooth driving experience, making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer road trips. The MSRP of $33,480 positions it as a competitive option in the luxury sedan market, appealing to buyers looking for a blend of performance and refinement. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's reliance on premium unleaded fuel, which can increase running costs over time.
Despite its strong reliability score of 93.5/100, the 2003 Acura TL has recorded 466 complaints with notable issues primarily related to the powertrain and automatic transmission, particularly around the 60,000-100,000 mile range. This suggests that while the vehicle is generally reliable, prospective owners should be prepared for potential maintenance related to the transmission as the vehicle ages.
The 2003 Acura TL is best suited for individuals seeking a reliable luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance and comfort for daily commuting and occasional long drives.
Strengths
- +Strong performance with 260 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque
- +High reliability score of 93.5/100
- +Luxurious interior with comfortable seating for five
- +Smooth 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission
- +Good balance of performance and comfort for daily driving
Weaknesses
- -High reliance on premium unleaded fuel
- -Notable complaints regarding automatic transmission issues
- -Potentially high maintenance costs as the vehicle ages
- -Limited rear passenger space compared to some competitors
- -Older technology features may not meet modern expectations
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2003 Acura TL has a total of 466 complaints reported to the NHTSA, with a significant focus on issues related to the automatic transmission, which accounts for 175 of these complaints. Additionally, there have been 36 crash incidents and 5 fire incidents, resulting in 26 injuries and 4 fatalities. While the reliability score is high, the concentration of complaints in the powertrain category indicates that buyers should be vigilant about transmission performance, especially in higher mileage vehicles.
Performance
- Horsepower
- 225 hp
- Torque
- 216 lb-ft
- Engine
- 3.2 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual
- Drive Type
- front wheel drive
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- –
- Fuel Type
- premium unleaded (required)
Dimensions
- Length
- 192.5 in
- Width
- 70.9 in
- Height
- 56.3 in
- Wheelbase
- 108.3 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,492 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- 5
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –