2002 Acura TL Reviews

Transmission needed replaced.

We bought our TL for $2000, knowing that the transmission had to be replaced. We found a used transmission for $1200 (shipping included) with about 80,000 miles on it. Our friend is installing it for $350. The previous owners took extremely good care of the car, no rust, all maintenance records (done at Acura or Honda dealers), the interior is absolutely pristine.

With respect to the transmission problems, I don't blame Honda, the problem is that this car is built in Marysville, Ohio. Had the car been built in Japan, I believe there would be no issues whatsoever. Sad to say, but "American quality" with respect to cars is so ridiculously low that it's pathetic - so pathetic the Government had to rescue Detroit from self destruction. I would love to see Honda close up shop in Ohio, and have their cars made in Japan, where quality is still a given, unlike American auto workers.

I bought this Acura TL used in very good condition.

The transmission had recently been serviced.

At 160,000 miles, the transmission started slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear.

RPMs revving like it was not in gear at all.

Otherwise, the car has been comfortable and reliable so far.

The car is very comfortable.

The defrost system does not seem to be adequate in very cold climates.

Car has been relatively trouble free until transmission problems that recently surfaced.

Great car... but the transmission repair will cost some US$4,200. Time to get rid of the car.

I have a strange transmission slip. I say strange because it does not lose power or halt, but it makes sort of a grinding/vibrating noise. I push on the accelerator, and it immediately goes away.

I have not had the car serviced for this problem; I'm afraid that if the dealer does something, I'll need a new tranny in a short time. The car runs great otherwise.

I do not like the need for high test gas, but the performance (except for the tranny noise) is great.

I bought this car as a used car, and it was running perfect for a couple of weeks, and then started to slip the transmission. When I called the Acura dealer and tried to find out if it's a recall, they actually don't care and I was very disappointed with their customer service. I would not recommend any one to buy from 2002 till 2004 Acura TL 3.2. I think 99.9% have transmission problems.

Temour Sayed.

Don't buy the Acura TL 2001 till 2003 or 4.