2002 Acura TL Type S 3.2 liter

Summary:

Great car for the money

Faults:

No major issues with the car after 90,000. I have had to replace 2 front engine mounts, but that's it; no other issues. Cost of repairs can get high, but that can be tempered a bit by buying parts from a Honda dealership or online.

General Comments:

I love my TL because it's been a very reliable car, easy to service, great ride and good gas mileage. I have a hard time believing those whom say they have replaced the transmission 3 times in less than 50K miles; I don't understand. I'm still on my original transmission after 90K miles and still have no issues. Car is quick, smooth and handles fantastic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th November, 2008

2002 Acura TL -S 3.2

Summary:

Fix trans and I'd buy another

Faults:

Replace trans @ 71K, 90K, 128K.

General Comments:

Drove 830 miles in ll hours and got 29.9 mpg w a/c on and full load. Over a 2,800 mile vacation, averaged 73 mph and just under 30 mpg. Dealer cheerfully replaced trans even while out of warranty but w/o any explanation.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st September, 2008

2002 Acura TL Type-S 3.2

Summary:

Don't be fooled by the Acura name!

Faults:

3rd transmission in 122000 miles. Acura refuses to admit that they have put out a bad product.

General Comments:

Reliability is horrible and Acura does not stand behind their product.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th August, 2008

2002 Acura TL Type S 3.2

Summary:

Great great car with a troublesome transmission

Faults:

I have an Acura Type S 2002, and still love this car despite the transmission issue.

The transmission is starting to slip at circa 144,000 miles. The transmission was replaced by an Acura dealership in 2004 at the 38,000 mile mark. I have always maintained this car meticulously (only the second owner).

I recently called the dealership in July 08 to find out the cost to replace the automatic transmission with a re-manufactured unit. The cost would be circa $3,500 with a 36,000 mile / three year warranty included (I would recommend getting the warranty if you decide to keep this car on the road).

Other than the numerous transmissions issues that has followed this year make and model (2002 - 2003 Acura TL Type S), it is a wonderful automobile for the money. The color is blue and I always get the "is that the original color" question from other drivers.

My motivation by posting this comment on-line is to inform other Acura TL owners of what the replacement COST will be for the transmission. What will I do with a 144K car with a slipping transmission (slipping in second and third gear)? Probably replace the trans (plan to keep this car and buy another used 2005 Acura TL in the next year). Hope this helps...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2008

13th Jul 2009, 12:25

I also have a 2002 tl type s, I have 280,000kms and the transmission went out at 250,000. I have had no other problems!! My 03 accord transmission was also slipping.

21st Jul 2009, 16:17

I also drive a TL Type 2003 with 61,616 miles with no transmission problems. I did have the local Acura dealer service (change fluid) at 60,000 miles. Probably a good idea to follow Acura's recommendation and change fluid every 30,000 miles.

A local transmission shop will rebuild TL transmissions for around $2,500. Owner did say they are seeing TL's coming in with transmission problems. Material on third gear clutch flakes off and clogs screens. Trans over heats and slips. Repair is to rebuild with new material and use a new type of transission fluid.

2002 Acura TL 3.2

Summary:

Time to sell

Faults:

After many years of good service the transmission began to buck and slam. I have less than 77000 miles on the car. My mechanic felt the cost of a new transmission was not a good investment. Everyone felt it was a waste of time to talk to the dealership. I decided to go anyway and guess what - it is covered under an extended (little known- not on the Internet) warranty! Because the poorly designed transmission is being replaced by another poorly built transmission all this does actually is buy me time and give me back some value to my present car. Will buy a new car within the next year.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th May, 2008