Honda Car Forum

i just test drove a 2003 and 2004 acura tl. both cars we amazing but the 2003 is not the new body style and isn't as sleek or stylish as the 2004, but it drove like a champ. so if anyone has some insight about the differences between the two models your advice would be greatly appreciated. thank you.

i think the 2003 models are pretty ugly/mediocre but im in love with the 2004 models. i want one

I would get the 2004 Acura TL

Well, one thing you've already mentioned is the design. I personally like the '04 way better than the '03. '04 has the projector bi-xenon headlights, bigger body, more sturdy, more safety features like side curtain airbags (resulting in better crash test rating), and LED tailights to name a few.'03, on the other hand, has better quality leather seats and less rattles. Rattles were issues on the '04+ TL's. However, '03's are pretty much guaranteed to have tranny issues. I may be wrong but a great number of these 2nd gen TL's suffered from the transmission problem unless you got the manual. Some early '04's were also affected I believe. Make sure to check on that before you purchase.On top of that, to me, the '03 looks pretty outdated.I'd definitely go with the '04. No question.

The question is... Can you afford the 04? - There seems to be a noticeable price difference (at least in my area)I personally went with the 04 because i just loved it (inside and out)The only thing to be worried about with the 03 is the tranny issuesOther then that, it comes down to features/looks vs. dollars

Both are great, see detailed responces above. But do buy a CERTIFIED one from Acura dealership.

Both are great but I like the 03 models better

The 03 is a very good car.Stay away from the 03 type s because they had very,very bad transmissions.I went through 2 transmissions in less than 40,000 miles.Good luck.