2003 Acura TL Type S review from North America
"North American built Honda/Acuras are no better than domestic makes"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I was driving along, and the D5 light starting blinking. I continued for about 100 metres, and the transmission started 'slipping' and over-revving the engine. I had to have the thing towed. It is currently sitting in the dealership getting a new (rebuilt) transmission installed in it.
I plan on selling it when it comes back. After reading the reviews here, and on other sites, I won't trust the vehicle any more.
About the only good thing about this, is that it is covered under the extended warranty plan.
General comments?
I have had a few problems with this vehicle, including exterior window trip pieces that delaminated, problems with the seat leather wearing prematurely, the stereo system was inhabited by gremlins that randomly chose radio stations and CD settings.
The vehicle is hard on ball joints, (third replacement-first two under warranty) and front end brakes.
For a relatively low mileage vehicle, it seems to wear quickly.
Recommended reviews
  | Too nervous to buy the car at the end of my lease |
| The transmission was the only reason I sold mine! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.2 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 4/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 85000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Nissan Maxima |
| Date of Entry | 11th March, 2008 |