In its last year before the '04 remodelling, the 2003 Acura TL presents a solid and comfortable domestic midsize sedan. The main change for '03 comes in the trims equipped with a navigation system: OnStar now comes standard. Otherwise, the 2003 TL stays pretty much the same in the wake of the introduction of the Type S trims in 2002. You can choose from 4 trims: 3.2 TL, 3.2 TL with navigation, Type S, and Type S with navigation.

So what distinguishes the 3.2 TL from the Type S? One word: horsepower. The 3.2 TL has a 3.2 L, 225 hp V6 while the Type S upgrades the powertrain to a 3.2 L, 260 hp V6 model. All 4 trims have 5 speed automatic transmission, 4 doors, and room for 5 passengers. Gas mileage comes out to 19 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway.

Overall, drivers appreciate the TL as a solid domestic midsize sedan. The extensive standard equipment and capable powertrain get the job done. However, the interior could use better materials and style. In any event, the TL got a re-design in 2004, fixing some of the shortcomings and bridging the gap with the foreign competition.