2002 Acura TL Type-S review from North America

I flew out of town to purchase my used 2002 TL Type-S w/NAV due to the awesome deal I got on the car compared to local dealers at the time (2004). Since then (44k miles), the car has performed flawlessly (has 103k miles now) and having owned a 93' Nissan Maxima SE previously, you can tell that I am a so called car enthusiast. Cutting to the chase, just a few short hours ago, whilst running some errands with my wife, the car began jerking after take off from a dead stop. It happened 4 times in a row! Having read about transmission problems on this page, I dutifully called my local dealership and they asked me to take the car in for examination tomorrow morning. I've already gone to the class action suit website and verified that my VIN is covered and am now anxiously waiting for what comes next. I absolutely LOOOOOVE the car, but, if the "T" word is mentioned by the service folks at the dealership, I'll cut my losses and sell for what is still owed on it and move on. It's sad (I know) but with kids looking at college in a couple of years and 'life' in general to live, this is one hassle that I can do without. To close, I'm hoping that it's not the case and that I'll get to live out my goal of driving this thing well into oblivion. If not, oh well, back to scouring the used car lots for something cheaper and more reliable. If the TL does go, I will surely miss it! It's been a thrill.

The 2002 TL Type-S w/NAV was a car I had set my eyes on the day it was made available for sale. The combination of looks, peformance and world-class navigation system were unmatched! Adding to this, when a buddy of mine got one (delivered to him with 6 miles on the odometer) and let me test drive it, the fate of my wallet was sealed - I had to have one! It's been a joy to own and drive. Highway road trips are a breeze and it's quickness catches many by surprise. I'm yet to see a car, even today (2007) that combines everything in such an excellent package as the 2002-03 TL Type-S's did - at least from a car enthusiast's standpoint. That said, the transmission problem I'm just now about to get into, if it ends up being similar to the others I've read about on this page, then my dream will sadly have to come to a speedy and abrupt end.