2003 Acura TL Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The best-seller for Honda's upscale brand is available for 2003 with OnStar assistance service. The 3.2 TL comes in base and sporty Type-S models. Both have a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate, but the Type-S gets a 260-hp edition of the base TL's 225-hp V6. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and front side airbags are standard, along with in-dash CD changer and xenon headlamps. The Type-S adds an antiskid system, firmer suspension with 17-inch wheels vs. 16s, sport front seats, and metal-look gauges. A navigation system with dashboard screen is the only option for either TL and now includes OnStar service, with in-car e-mail access an extra-cost component.

Competition

This hotly contested segment has its benchmark in the Lexus ES 300. It blends comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 manages to offer a little more luxury than others in the class.

We Recommend the Acura TL, Audi A4, and new Infiniti G35. All offer comfort, speed, and nimble handling at attractive prices. The sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series is Recommended as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.

News

A fully redesigned TL is coming for 2004, predictably on the new-for-'03 Honda Accord platform. The Acura will remain sportier and better-equipped than Accord, but the '04 should have a new look all its own. We're hoping for better eye candy than the outgoing design. A 3.4-liter V6 with around 280 hp will likely replace today's 225/260-hp 3.2, also to give the upscale TL more "image distance" from the mass-market Honda. Another rumor says all-wheel drive will be an option to front drive. We'll have specifics soon, so keep checking back with us.

TL sales dropped 12.5 percent in calendar 2002, the first year-to-year decline for this model since its 1999 redesign. We'd expect another modest loss for 2003 as dealers deliberately "sell down" existing inventory in preparation for the '04s.

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

Base	Type-S w/nav. sys.	Class Average
64	62	60.5

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		60
High Score		70

2003 Acura TL Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 10/03/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$28,980	$26,413	$500

Base 4-door sedan w/navigation system	$31,130	$28,371	$500

Type-S 4-door sedan	$31,330	$28,553	$500

Type-S 4-door sedan w/navigation system	$33,480	$30,030	$500

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.2-liter V6 225-horsepower engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/memory, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, heated power mirrors w/memory and passenger-side back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger, automatic day/night rearview mirror, overhead console, universal garage-door opener, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, automatic-off headlights, remote fuel-door/decklid release, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights, fog lights, 205/60VR16 tires, alloy wheels.

Base w/navigation system adds to Base:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Navigation system, OnStar System in-vehicle communications service.

Type-S adds to Base:

Powertrain

3.2-liter V6 260-horsepower engine.

Safety

Antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Sport suspension.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

215/50VR17 tires.

Type-S w/navigation system adds to S:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Navigation system, OnStar System in-vehicle communications service.

Optional Equipment

No factory options.

2003 Acura TL Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Acura TL 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	108.1

Overall Length, in.	192.5

Overall Width, in.	70.7

Overall Height, in.	53.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3494

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.1

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.

Engines

	sohc V6	sohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.2 /196	3.2 /196

Horsepower @ rpm.	225 @ 5600	260 @ 6100

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	216 @ 4700	232 @ 3500

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	19/29	19/29

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Acura TL 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2003 Acura TL Photos

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