Overview & Reviews
The TL Type-S makes its debut this year, sporting a 260-horsepower engine, sport-tuned suspension, Vehicle Stability Assist and 17-inch tires. 2002 also sees some styling revisions to the TL's front end and taillights. An in-dash six-CD changer, one-touch-up driver's window and two-position memory system for driver seat and mirrors are newly standard on both the 3.2 TL and the Type-S, and Acura has added insulation materials to the doors and reshaped the side mirrors to cut down on wind and road noise inside the cabin. Anthracite Metallic, Aegean Blue Pearl and Eternal Blue Pearl are the new exterior colors.
- Excellent value, comfortable front seats, impressive power from Type-S engine, SportShift transmission is fun to use.
- Average interior materials, cramped rear seat room, lacks the panache of some competing luxury sedans.
User Reviews:
Showing 11 through 20 of 159.00-
Good family car - 2002 Acura TL
By killerisme - August 21 - 10:36 amOur first Acura has been a long distance trooper for the family, and despite three transmissions, overall reliability has been outstanding. Only one of the transmissions actually failed, and it gave plenty of warning. Harper Acura in Knoxville, TN has been great in helping take care of maintenance and the trans issues. 140k miles and it is still a nicer ride than new Accords and Camrys.
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Nice car, terrible transmission - 2002 Acura TL
By Ralow - August 9 - 2:41 pmAll the transmission issues you hear about the TLs are very real. I bought mine as a 1 owner trade with 109K. I did all the research and found that the transmission had the recall done and it was serviced at the local Acura dealer. So I went ahead and bought it thinking it might be OK. WRONG. Had to replace the transmission 3 weeks after I bought it & Acura wasnt willing to help out AT ALL even though it was only a few miles over the recall warranty. Needless to say, I ended up paying $4000 extra for a new tranny. The replacement is under warranty for 3 yrs/36,000 but I will likely never buy another used Acura again. Too much hassle and no reliability. Acuras reputation is tarnished IMO.
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Bad transmission - 2002 Acura TL
By cp - June 26 - 3:50 pmWe purchased this acura from a private ownership @ 47,000. It performed beautifully until the transmission went on @ 116,000. I had it serviced at 104,000 and nothing was wrong with it. I have learned that a rebuilt one from the acura dealership would cost $4900. Hello, anyone in there! I paid over $14,000 and still owe $8800. This is truly a LEMON of the technology aged vehicles.I have been told I can build a case with acura that is so far a joke because they told me that I will not get enough credit because I take it to another service provider for the car serviced. If I took it to an acura dealership, I could receive more credit for a new rebuilt transmission. Discrimination?
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True to Honda - 2002 Acura TL
By Eric - June 3 - 5:56 pmBought the car brand new and have over 105K miles on it. I did have the transmission replaced once (2007/98K miles), but it was under warranty and 3 years later still no issues. Its a great car, fun to drive and a great value to feature ratio. Very reliable and cost of ownership has been low for me. Overall the car has been a pleasure to own, which is good, since I plan on keeping it another 8 years.
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Great mix of Power/Gas Mileage - 2002 Acura TL
By gonzalgi21 - May 15 - 10:07 pm02 TL-S bought the car with 64k miles which is amazingly low miles for an 8 year old car. First thing that i noticed right away soon as i bought the car is the POWER the car is extremely fast and the gas mileage is pretty darn good for a 260 hp engine, audio system is also very good.Good old Honda reliability. Unfortunately owning this car is stressful because you never really know when your transmission is going to fail even though i havent had that problem i know its coming and theres nothing i can do about it. If this car didnt have these transmission issues i would literally want this car forever.
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Love my car but not the transmission - 2002 Acura TL
By Ralph - May 12 - 4:13 pmI purchased this car "pre-owned" off a lease, 3 yrs old, 30k miles. I have loved this car. Transmission went out at 104K miles and 7 yr, 9 mos from date of purchase. Transmission was replaced, just under the mandated extended warranty, but told new transmission has no warranty. What? Ive had two problems with windshield wipers. Other than that, it is a great car. My dealership has been great to me (Atl)
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Terrific car, everyone loves it - 2002 Acura TL
By DMac - December 24 - 3:19 pmI bought it in 2007 w/ 35K mi. I havent had any trans problems. I would say that it is a little slow to go into D5 or R and a little slow to downshift for passing. Using auto- manual solves the passing issue. The lower profile tires make a big difference compared to the non-TypeS. The rear spoiler adds a sportier look, which it needs also.
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Acura is just average - 2002 Acura TL
By Gerhard - December 13 - 12:53 pmI bought my Acura based on consumer reports reliability and performance recommendations. However, my Acura did not live up to my expectations. I spent the extra money on Acura over domestic products and other foreign brands because I thought I was getting top quality. Instead I got many headaches. For the record, I still like the design and I like the performance. However, I did not like the fact that I have had to have my transmission changed 2 times. I am on my third trans and now I have to purchase a new timing belt that is supposed to cost over $1000. And that is only at 7100. Needless to say I would not recommend this model, nor would I endorse this brand any more.
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Worst Car since my 1977 Chevrolet - 2002 Acura TL
By R Jarrell - December 4 - 2:09 pmIm on the second Transmission now. Its going bad and the dealer wont acknowledge. Among other failures blower motor, emissions sensor, brake rotors, leaked for over a year - defective rear view mirror, trim is coming loose on dash. Thin metal will dent at the slightest bump. Awful quality. Great mileage though but they lightened it up too much. I will never buy another Acura. Not as good as a regular Honda.
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Happy Owner - 2002 Acura TL
By SLM206 - November 9 - 10:00 amIve owned this car for a year and 1/2 and the only, picky thing I would change about it is the cup holders. It is a joy to drive, has the pick-up I need for merging onto busy freeways, and the ride is smooootttthhh. Everyone who rides in this car loves it. And the price makes it even better.
