A reliable source tells me the 03 TL will have cosmetic changes to the front and back as well as the ones we've heard about already. That would make sense after seeing the new CL...headlight assembly, painted grill, painted door handles and updated tail lights would generate a lot of upgrades from the people on this website, but I hope Acura doesn't go for that cleared out tail light design that's becoming so trendy.

AND, I'll bet they change the wheels on the new TLS! What a mistake, if they don't make them at least as appealing as ours.

 

give us the souce!!!!
i like my tails, i like my rims

 

Well, this is a catch-22. I hope your source is wrong, but I also hope he's right. I hope he's wrong b/c that would just make the TL-S soooo ugly (like the '03 CL-S is). Hopefully they won't rice it out like that. At the same time I hope he/she's right for the same reason. Then, my car will be nicer and more luxurious while the new one will be ricey.

Personally, I've learned to take the believe it when I see it road. If they were really making changes for '03 and releasing it in March.....why wouldn't it be at any of the auto shows along with the 2003 CL-S?? Sounds weird to me......

 

what the??

they jsut facelifted this car a yr ago and now they facelift again???

 

I doubt they will have a facelift for the TL. Honda has a schedule that seems to last four/five years for each model with a minor facelift in between models. If you noticed.. The CL was a new model for 2001 did not receive a facelift for 2002, thus it is time for a minor facelift in 2003 then a couple years after that a new model to replace the current model.. As for the TL, the curent model was introduced in 1999, thus for 2002 there was a minor facelift with the redesigned headlights, tailight, side mirros and the addition of the type-s. Thus the TL will probably not get a facelift or redesigned until the next bodystyle come out (approximately 2004). However, the TL might get new power train options, such as a 6 spd Manual option that is slated for the CL, but probably 1 year after the CL has the 6 spd manaul. Honda uses the CL to see if there is market for a 6spd manual in a "near luxury market" and if sucessful, may adapt the 6 spd over to the TL. Although this is probably highly unlikely since the other TL competitors in its class (I35, ES300) will not have a manual transmission. Keep in mind that CL buyers and TL buyers represent different markets, Sports vs. Luxury, so the Manual may not be offered in the TL. Also Keep in mind that though we, as enthusiasts, want the 6 spd manual, the majority of "near luxury" sedan buyers do not care for a manual, and Honda has to take the route that would makes the most economic sense, thus probably not offer the manual in the TL. Some may argue my views but please keep in mind these are just my speculations only, and I for one do wish they offer a 6 spd in the TL.

 

I doubt TL will get facelift.... maybe black-out headlight housing like '03 CLS.... and many other small things, but definitely nothing major.... New model is just around the corner anyway, why bother facelift again.....

Andy Kuo

 

The '03 CL gets the new cosmetic changes to the front and the rear because it hasn't been updated for two years, and is due now for the mid-model year minor change. The TL just has its done last year in the '02 model, so there will not be any more cosmetic changes until the next major redesign. Maybe Acura will add a few new styled wheels as options.

 

No way will they change it. They just changed it and the present look is great. Also, I just hate the new tails on the Maxima. It was bad enough before with the red ovals, now it is a clear oval with the Altezza look. Nissan just keeps making the Max look worse in the rear end. The Altima however, has the same Altezza look, however somehow it looks good on that car.

 

Well, I think it would be pretty cool if they did change it up a bit on the '03 TL b/c all of us with a '02 TL will have a design that was exclusive to only one year. (Someone already mentioned this earlier in another thread, but I can't remember who....sorry)

 

You know what? Honda is one of the best people to hide what they want to do. I can't believe that there is going to be an IS300 competitor coming soon! (It will be premiered at the NY Autoshow later this season...)

So if this reliable source that tee elle there will be a change ... perhaps it's all true. I agree with juniorbean -- I'll see it to believe it!

- derrick