2004 Acura TL Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
Introduced in 1996, the Acura TL underwent a major re-design in 2004. Acura upped the ante with the engine, upgrading it to a 3.2-liter, 270-hp V6 and adding a critically acclaimed 6-speed manual transmission. The TL also got some fresh bells and whistles with a DVD-Audio sound system and Bluetooth connectivity for your phone.
As for trims, the 2004 Acura TL comes in 4 variations: with a 5-speed automatic transmission, a 6-speed manual transmission, a 5-speed automatic with navigation, and a 6-speed manual with navigation. Expect the automatics to get you 20 mpg in the city, 28 on the highway, while the manuals get you 30 mpg on the highway. All 4 trims have 4 doors and seat 5.
Overall, the 2004 redesign gets a thumbs-up from reviewers. Drivers like the 6-speed manual transmission, more luxurious interior and smoother handling, although the TL still has some room to grow before it can match its foreign competition. In any event, the improvements show Acura's dedication to making the TL a strong contender around the world.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2004 Acura TL
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Marco A
Mar 09, 2022
Awesome car
Looks really nice
Interior well tooken care of Mar 09, 2022
by Lyle B
Nov 10, 2021
They are great cars. They will last forever as long as you maintain them properly. Nov 10, 2021
by Will E
Nov 06, 2020
2004 was honestly one of the best years for semi-luxury to luxury car brands. I have recently owned a 2004 Audi A4 v6 6 speed and now a 2004 Acura TL v6 with 6 speed. and they have shot to the top of the list of Best cars I have ever owned and driven. Solid cars with incredible style and build quality. Seek out any of these pre-2010 models before they are all gone. Seems like the 2008-2009 recession really killed the quality of cars available. Nov 06, 2020
User rating:
by Marco A
Mar 09, 2022
Awesome car
Looks really nice
Interior well tooken care of Mar 09, 2022
by Lyle B
Nov 10, 2021
They are great cars. They will last forever as long as you maintain them properly. Nov 10, 2021
by Will E
Nov 06, 2020
2004 was honestly one of the best years for semi-luxury to luxury car brands. I have recently owned a 2004 Audi A4 v6 6 speed and now a 2004 Acura TL v6 with 6 speed. and they have shot to the top of the list of Best cars I have ever owned and driven. Solid cars with incredible style and build quality. Seek out any of these pre-2010 models before they are all gone. Seems like the 2008-2009 recession really killed the quality of cars available. Nov 06, 2020
by Exzel T
Mar 12, 2015
Went to buy a Honda Accord and saw this next to it on the lot. Instantly fell in love with the style and design of the car. Great gas mileage with plenty of power for the average consumer. Honda like reliability with sports car like handling.Mar 12, 2015
by Rohit P
Mar 09, 2015
Love the car for all its reliability and luxurious comfort. It provides a smooth ride that comes with owning an Acura. The V6 engine and provides the power while optimizing fuel efficiency. This car will be any owners pride for years to come. Mar 09, 2015
by Dante L
Dec 22, 2014
I like the speed. Nothing like Acura 4th gear. The sport shift is good for its year. This was one of Acura last great cars. The 2004 Acura TL styling really caught the eye of many people when it went on sale.Dec 22, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 02, 2014
I love my car. It has been with me for 150,000 miles and I have had virtually no problems. Not one major repair to date, just regular maintenance. My headlights have both died, but I actually enjoyed replacing the old HIDs with the new ones! I know that isn't for everyone. By the way, the OEM headlights lasted waaaaaaay longer than they were supposed to. In short, great car!Dec 02, 2014
by Anonymous
Apr 12, 2014
This was a great car. The engine was smooth and powerful, but gave great gas mileage. The TL boasts classic styling which never dated and still turned heads when i drove it. The cabin was roomy and quiet. The manufacturing roots, Honda, explains the awesome reliability and value, Overall all we loved the car!Apr 12, 2014
by Carol R
Jan 15, 2014
I absolutely love driving the Acura TL! Handles corner amazingly. I love that feeling you get when you walk out of the grocery store and you're like "Yep, that's my Acura TL!" For a 2004 to have all the bells and whistles that cars are just now coming out with- I find that amazing! I have a '09 Acura RL and I will so miss my '04 TL, it has a lot more pick up and go than the RL.Jan 15, 2014
by Scott P
Oct 21, 2013
This Acura TL has much more refined handling and raw acceleration than any of it's more recent models. While it is more practical than the sleeker models, it passes as a car for an adult, but still can come out to play.Oct 21, 2013
by test i
Jun 14, 2013
This car is a pleasure to drive, handles beautifully and feels powerful! I believe it is one of the most attractive vehicles on the road! The only downside would be that a powerful engine requires more gasoline than the more fuel efficient cars on the market.Jun 14, 2013
by Sean M
May 20, 2013
its okay. good luxary sports sedan. i feel rich when i drive it even though im not. 26 MPG. has a tracker so youll always know you average MPG at an average MPH. very fun to do long drives. very relaxing seats all leather and heated. when your in reverse the side mirrors drop to help you parallel park.May 20, 2013
by Brian C
Jan 18, 2013
Just purchased. Still getting the feel for everything. First impression - very nice to drive. Seats are comfortable. The bluetooth built in system is great. Handsfree phone. The in dash navigation looks good and is useful. The V6 is very peppy and responsive for this size car. I am hoping to make good use of this one for some time to come.Jan 18, 2013
by Gregory E
Feb 13, 2012
I have loved this car from day one. I bought it new and have yet to find anything else in its price range that I would consider a viable contender. I will likely keep this car until the wheels fall off, or until Acura goes back to this design with a more efficient engined update.Feb 13, 2012
by Candace B
Jun 12, 2011
Love the acceleration and handling. Gets 25 MPG which isn't bad for a V6 that has 270 horsepower! Cost of ownership can be high, but is to be somewhat expected in a luxury car in this class. They are more expensive to buy as well!Jun 12, 2011
by Candace B
Jun 10, 2011
I LOVE THIS CAR! It has been great, exceptional acceleration and handling, extreme comfort - every option except GPS, which I use on my phone anyway. Gets good gas mileage considering it's a 6 cylinder. TERRIFIC FUN TO DRIVE, LOVE IT!Jun 10, 2011
by Quinton W
Apr 07, 2011
This is a great car that drives nice and tight. It has all the horsepower I would want in a front wheel drive car. Anymore power and it wouldn't be very easy to control when you mash the throttle. It has a great sound system and very good looks.Apr 07, 2011
by Anonymous
Dec 31, 2010
I purchased this car from my parents in March 2010. In my opinion, it's one on the best looking cars on the road and better looking than the new generation TL. Great reliability, power, and refinement. 2004's are great values too since they look just like 2008's.Dec 31, 2010
by Miguel G
Sep 13, 2010
The car has minor imperfections but runs and looks good. 0-60 in under 7 seconds and 1/4 mile in under 15 is not bad for a FWD 3.2 L engine. Drives just like when i bought it. Acura FTW. Sep 13, 2010
by Sean M
Aug 19, 2010
Best car I've ever owned! Sexy looks, a comfortable interior and a performance-minded VTEC V6 motor puts this car leagues ahead of any car in its class. My only gripe? A FWD drivetrain with a lot of torque-steer when you lay heavy on the throttle.Aug 19, 2010
by Liam M
Jul 31, 2010
Awesome except for the hair trigger accelerator. On or off, no middle ground, Clutch was also a little heavy with a very small take-up point. Other than that one of the best cars we have ever had. Enough Said. Wold most definately reccomend to anyone who want s to have some fun.Jul 31, 2010
by Tyler P
Jun 24, 2010
Classy luxury car, sporty, its a honda so maintinence is minimal, quiet inside with a great sound system. Good power, its chipped and will eventually get a cat. back exhaust system and cold air intake system, It has painted wheels.Jun 24, 2010
by Legen-Jerry C
Jul 08, 2009
This car has the looks of perfection and is extremely fun to drive.. for a fwd family luxury sedan, that is. It's modern style invokes thoughts of European designs. The console is very clean and well laid out, as are most Honda/Acuras. Even though it is aimed at the middle aged group, it unmistakeably embodies a young soul.
This car would appeal a lot more to sport-drivers if it was offered in AWD or RWD flavors.. unfortunately not until '09Jul 08, 2009
by Darren S
Sep 17, 2008
I love this car, but I hate it turning radious. Three point turns become 5-10 point turns and some U-turns are not possible. The only other problem I have had is with the sun visor, it rattled a bit, but Acura replaced and it seems to be better now.Sep 17, 2008
by Chris M
Sep 13, 2008
an all around high quality car. the car runs smoothly and corners well. 300 hp is nice too, except i always accidentally gun it if i haven't driven in a while. a good drive and not many problems cost wise, except for the overall cost of the car which was like 35gs. Sep 13, 2008
by Mike R
Sep 11, 2008
love it! only thing i really dont like at all is the low end
torque it lacks a lot. other than that its awesome. once
the vtec kicks in your gone. handles great. madd
comfy. nott many ppl have it in stick which i love
about it. JDM wanna be!Sep 11, 2008
by Evan J
Jul 07, 2008
Excellent car for the investment! Performance is as good as you can expect from 270 hp. Great build quality, quiet. Looks great. Cheap to maintain; do all my own oil changes (it reminds you to based on how you drive it).Jul 07, 2008
by Lance T
Jun 15, 2008
I've driven a couple of these and each time I think I like it more. Great sound system, great ride, sufficient power, good quality, comfortable, good looking.Jun 15, 2008
by Daniel C
Jun 13, 2008
This car sounds great, looks good, and handles really well for a car just under $40k. The heated seats, nav system, and voice command offer the luxurious feel while the V6 will get you to around 155 mph.Jun 13, 2008
by Lucky C
May 10, 2008
She never let's me down. Always has me up to highway speeds anytime I want it. She is the true work horse of the family. Stop and go, hot & fast highway miles, main driver thinks cars' must have accelerator or/and brake on at the same time.May 10, 2008
by Marc D
Mar 30, 2008
Great car for the money, excellent technology package.Mar 30, 2008
by Kimberly B
Mar 20, 2008
It's a nice looking car, but it needs tires every year. I have brought a total of 4 sets of tire since I had the car. Mar 20, 2008
by Carlos G
Jan 06, 2008
The car's great, although it shows its Honda roots often (not good)Jan 06, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 15, 2007
We were out one day scouting automobiles for my wife when I spotted the Acura TL. I loved this car the first moment I layed eyes on it. It was nicely redesigned for 2003 and it looks great! After I put my eyes back in my head, I entered the driver's seat. We took it for a spin and it handled like a nice sedan on steroids. This car has nice power and descent handling, but was whisper quiet and smooth as silk. The V6 power is more than adequate for my requirements and the mileage was good to. The interior was plush and refined with wooden (synthetic) panels flowing throughout the car. The soft leather was a nice addition and made the ride that much more comfortable. All of the dash and accessory knobs felt solid - not flimsy or hollow.
We've had it for almost 2 years now and have not had one problem. It's been a great car and a joy to drive. I would recommend an Acura to anyone.Jun 15, 2007
What users have asked
Manual adjustment of clock time.
After losing my battery connection, I can no longer adjust the clock manually. It resets to 1:00 each time the battery is disconnected & reconnected.
55 views
Whats Wrong with my 2004 Acura TL
Recently i was driving on the freeway when my car started making noises, then wheel was shaking a little, rpm going crazy while i was losing speed abd smoke was coming out behund the car.
35 views
Why cant I get my car to start?
I cant get my car to start back up again, when I turn the key to start the car up there's no signs of power to the starter (example: no turn over clicking noise and when car door is open there's no dinging noise.) Although there is power to the dash lights and radio.
25 views
2004 acura tl no start no check engine light codes
I was driving my 2004 acura tl (automatic transmission) i put it into the manual gear selector mode and was shifting up through the gears while accelerating when the engine shut off. No loud noises or anything. I put the car in nutral and coasted to the curb. The car will crank over but wont start. I unhooked the battery overnight thinking maybe i just needed to reset the computer but that did not work. Autozone scanner says no codes. Has this happened to anyone before?
56 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2004 Acura TL?Compare this car
2004 Acura TL Pricing
Original MSRP
$33,220 to $35,420Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent