2003 Acura TL -S review from North America
"Good price, fun to drive, but flaws"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Beginning at approx. 8,000 miles, the transmission began to upshift and downshift on flat streets from 45mph and below. Upon regular service, I mentioned this to the dealer and "they re-programmed the computer to the transmission". From this point on, the transmission kept doing this plus hard jerking in shifting modes in normal city traffic. The manual states to drive "normally" in 5th gear. At approximately 18,000 miles the transmission had to be replaced. For approximately a month since the new transmission has been replaced, the replacement is doing exactly the same thing.
General comments?
The general design and performance is exceptional. I believe that there is a design flaw in this transmission type.
Recommended reviews
| Too nervous to buy the car at the end of my lease |
|
| Excellent performer with questionable transmission |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | V6 standard Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 200 miles |
| Most recent distance | 33000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 27th March, 2004 |