1999-2003 Acura TL Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Acura TL. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Acura TL.

1999-2003 Acura TL Review

For 1999, the slow-selling, Japanese-sourced TL gave way to a slightly larger TL sedan. Built in the U.S., on the same chassis as the Honda Accord and the contemporary Honda Odyssey minivan, the near-luxury, front-drive TL slotted between the entry-level Integra and the luxury RL sedan. Rivals included the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Infiniti I30, and Lexus ES 300. A new, more powerful V6 engine replaced the previous five-cylinder, driving a four-speed automatic transmission that incorporated SportShift manual gear selection. Premium fuel was required. Seating five, the new TL came in a single, well-equipped model. Standard equipment included leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power moonroof. A satellite-based navigation system with a color LCD dashboard screen was the only factory-installed option. All-disc antilock braking and traction control were standard, but side-impact airbags were not available, though they were at least optional on most competitive sedans.

Year to Year Changes

2000 Acura TL: Acura tuned the TL's V6 to deliver more low-speed power this year, and installed high-intensity-discharge headlights. A new five-speed automatic transmission ousted the four-speed, again including a SportShift manual shifting gate. Side-impact airbags for front seats became standard. Sensors could determine the size and position of the right front passenger, so the airbag would deploy only when necessary, not if a child was present. In that case, the dashboard's front airbag would deploy with reduced force. The optional navigation system now used a DVD database with full nationwide coverage, and its touch screen got a matte finish for easier reading.

2001 Acura TL: Acura's best-selling model was unchanged for 2001, except for the addition of an emergency opener inside the trunk and standard carpeted floor mats. The TL was modestly redesigned again as an early 2002 model.

2002 Acura TL: Revised front styling and the addition of a sporty Type-S version were the highlights for TL in 2002. The Type-S had a standard antiskid system, firmer suspension, larger wheels, sport front seats, and metal-look gauges. In-dash CD changer, 2-posistion seat/mirror memory linked to remote keyfob, revised cupholders, and GM's OnStar assistance system were newly standard for all TL's.

2003 Acura TL: The availability of On-Star assistance is the only change of note for '03. TL was redesigned for '04.

1999-2003 Acura TL Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Navigation-system controls

Steering/handling	Climate controls

Build quality	Road noise (Type-S)

Exterior finish

Interior materials

Refinement

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Quick, quiet, and composed, the TL is a seriously polished performer with a smooth powertrain that takes an athletic approach to luxury. Acceleration is competitive, revealed by a 0-60 time of 8.2 seconds with an early model. Added sportiness stems from the exceptionally quick-shifting automatic/manual transmission. The five-speed automatic introduced for 2000 provides more relaxed cruising than many four-speed units, and also subtly improves acceleration. Impressive road manners include unerring high-speed stability, plus terrific grip and control in turns. The downside is a ride that's much firmer than such less-nimble competitors as the ES 300 and I30. Tire rumble and slap are more prominent than most rivals, but not objectionable. The Type-S, added in 2002, offers an even firmer ride than base models, but without sacrificing comfort. It's 260-hp edition of the base TL's V6 gives it slightly better acceleration and adds only minimally to otherwise low levels of engine noise. Braking is swift and stable, but with more nosedive than expected. The driving position is low and sporty, but accommodating, in a cabin that feels roomier and more comfortable than before. Adults can stretch out in front. Back-seaters get good head room and ample toe clearance, but only adequate leg space. Seat cushions offer unexceptional thigh support, but the driving position is set-and-forget comfortable. Gauges are large and legible, visibility unobstructed. Climate controls are far from the driver and, with the optional navigation system, inadequately sized and illuminated in an otherwise thoughtful layout. The navigation system is useful, but covers only selected U.S. population centers, and the touch screen is susceptible to fingerprints. Storage space is generous, though the trunklid hinges intrude into the cargo area.

Value for the Money
Solidly built and impeccably finished, the TL equals or exceeds anything in its class for quality and utility. Its sporty nature should please the most demanding driver, though at risk of turning away entry-luxury buyers who expect Lexus-like isolation. With so many features for the price, the value-packed TL ranked as a Best Buy when new.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acura TL	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	4

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	7

Total:	56

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1999-2003 Acura TL Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: Transmissions may fail due to lack of thread-locking compound on nut for low clutch. Honda/Acura has extended warranty on affected vehicles to 7 years or 100,000 miles. (1999-2003)

Fuel gauge: Some higher-sulfur gasolines can damage the fuel-gauge sending unit causing the gauge to display inaccurate readings. (1999)

Horn: If vehicle alarm sounds weak, shimming two horns assemblies might solve problem. (1999)

Keyless entry: Certain broadcast towers interfere with the keyless entry transmitter rendering it inoperative. (1999)

Steering noise: If power steering pump grows noisy, replacement of pump bearing might be required. (1999)

Transmission problems: Failure of manual and automatic transmissions may be covered under extended warranty up to 7/100,000. (2000-03)

Wipers: The wipers streak/smear because washer fluid deteriorates the hoses. Replacement of the hoses and wiper blades is required. (1999-2001)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$720

Alternator	$355

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,350

Brakes	$450

Constant Velocity Joints	$820

Exhaust System	$950

Radiator	$610

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,495

Timing Chain or Belt	$400

NHTSA Recall History

1999: Electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current that passes through the switch at startup.

1999: Ignition-switch wear may lead to failure of interlock, making it possible to remove key without shifting into "Park."

1999-00: May be possible to turn the ignition key to "off" position and remove the key, without shifting the transmission to "park"; an unengaged parking brake could allow to vehicle to roll.

2000: Airbags may not deploy correctly, due to improper welding.

2000-02: Damaged vehicle may not have been repaired with the correct seatbelt buckles.

2000-03: Gear failure due to heat build-up may result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.

2002: Certain driver and passenger seatbelt buckles were improperly manufactured.

2002: Driver-side power window with "Auto Up" feature may become inoperative, operate independently of switch activation, or the auto-reverse system may not operate.

1999-2003 Acura TL Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1999
TL	$6,500-7,400	$5,700-6,500	$2,900-3,300

2000
TL	$7,700-8,700	$6,900-7,800	$3,900-4,400

2001
TL	$9,300-10,300	$8,400-9,300	$4,800-5,400

2002
TL	$11,500-12,700	$10,400-11,400	$6,300-7,000
TL Type-S	$12,500-13,500	$11,300-12,200	$7,100-7,700

2003
TL	$14,000-15,200	$12,700-13,800	$8,500-9,300
TL Type-S	$15,000-16,200	$13,700-14,700	$9,500-10,200

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1999-2003 Acura TL Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	108.1

Overall Length, in.	192.9

Overall Width, in.	70.3

Overall Height, in.	55.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3447

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.2

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	36.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

A new 3.2-liter V6 engine developed 225 horsepower. The initial four-speed automatic transmission has a separate shift gate for manually selected gear changes. A five-speed automatic transmission replaced the four-speed unit for 2000. With the addition of the Type-S in 2002 came a new 260-hp version of the standard V6.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc V6	3.2 / 196	225	216	4-speed automatic: 19/27 5-speed automatic: 19/29	4-speed automatic: 19.3 5-speed automatic: --

dohc V6	3.2 / 196	260	232	5-speed automatic: 19/29	5-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 TL

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1999-2003 Acura TL Review:

Acura TL

Acura TL Road Test

Acura TL Reliability

Acura TL Prices

Acura TL Specs & Safety

Acura TL Photos

Acura TL Full Review