2003 Acura TL Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2003 Acura TL includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Acura TL from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Acura TL, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Acura TL help you decide if a 2003 Acura TL is right for you.

2003 Acura TL Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Road noise (Type-S)

Steering/handling	Climate controls (w/navigation system)

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base	Type-S w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	7	6.5

Lively off the line and strong thereafter. Acura says the base TL needs 8 sec 0-60 mph. Test Type-S clocked 6.8 sec vs. a claimed 7.2. The automatic transmission is always responsive and mostly smooth.

Fuel Economy

Base	Type-S w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	4.5

Both engines require premium fuel, but fuel economy is good for the class. Test base TLs averaged 19.3-24.5 mpg. Type-S test models averaged 23.7 mpg in mostly highway driving, 20.1 with more city miles and gas-eating performance tests.

Ride Quality

Base	Type-S w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6	7.1

Controlled and stable, but no magic carpet. Even the base TL is tauter than comfort-minded rivals such as the Lexus ES 300. Type-S is firmer still, but only a bit less comfortable.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	Type-S w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	8	6.7

Base TL behaves like a sportier Honda Accord. Type-S is more BMW-athletic, with sharper steering and slightly less cornering lean. Either way, simulated panic stops are short and undramatic.

Quietness

Base	Type-S w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7	6.8

Wind rush modest, but road rumble and tire slap--especially in Type-S--still intrude more than in most rivals. Engines sporty yet muted at high rpm, hushed otherwise.

Controls

Base	Type-S w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	6	6.6

A standout, in Acura/Honda tradition. One exception: Navigation system absorbs some climate functions and thus complicates routine adjustments. Understated materials and hard-to-fault workmanship, but a recent test car's heater fan made an annoying fluttering sound.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	Type-S w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7.2

Slightly cozy feel, but head and leg room agree with 6-footers, as does driving stance. Both TLs have supportively comfortable seats; Type-S buckets hug a little more, but don't feel confining.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	Type-S w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5.5

Head room is tight for taller riders, but knee room is decent even with a front seat pushed fully back. Good foot space too, but cabin is too narrow for three grownups.

Cargo Room

Base	Type-S w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	3.9

Not supersize, but low-lip trunk is sufficient for four on a longish trip.

Value within Class

Base	Type-S w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	5.7

The TL is beginning to show its age, but it still impresses for refinement, quality, and features per dollar. Type-S imbues the already sporty TL with even better go and extra nimbleness without compromising comfort. A redesigned TL is due for 2004.

Total Score