I am very confused about what several people are saying on here about the 2003 TL Type S, being the possible revamped version.

Some people are even saying that the 2002 Type S will become the base model for the newer 2003 / 2004 TLs.

I guess you just can't keep up with what will eventually come out. I don't think you can go wrong either way about the TL Type S, no matter what year.

I just wish we could get better info on what is upcoming from Honda. Acura has a hit with the TL & MDX in this market and soon with the RSX, but the flagship RL, really needs to beef up to compete against the luxury divsions of Lexus, BMW, etc.... Acura just seems like it is catching up at all times.

 

It's nice to get the latest and the greatest, but again today I hear from members on here that the 2003's will most likely have a revamp and some major changes for both the TL & TL Type S. This could be correct, since the the 2002 Type S doesn't have many exterior changes.

Reminds me of when I got my brand spanking new 1999 TL and then the next year, although the outside did not change, Acura added the 5 speed sports shift and side air bags, which I still believe is a major change.

If the 2003 TLs are revamped that this screws those buyers that are jumping all over the 2002 Type S, although personally I don't think you can lose either way, but I am excited to find out what is in store for the 2003 TL Type S as well as the Next Generation Lexus ES300.

 

Could it be possible that Acura could issue a 2002 1/2 TL?
I know some manufacturers do this.

 

They not only changed the 4-speed transmission to a 5-speed one, they also did a lot of engine modifications on the 2000 model, including changing the intake manifold to a free-flowing one (in the 2000) that increased low-end torque and also mid-range power, even though the peak horsepower/torque numbers remained the same at (225/216)....even the 0-60 acceleration time dropped by 0.50 seconds (which is very significant)

They also added smart dual-stage airbags in addition to side-airbags. The also changed the Navigation system from a CD-based one, to a faster and more comprehensive DVD-based system that included data for the entire continental US in one DVD.

Basically, it was almost as if the 1999 model was a quick almost finished job while the 2000 model was a finished final product.

just my 2c



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2000 Naples Gold 3.2TL/Navi - Factory Stock but with up-graded tires

 

This is why you can never win in the car buying game. The goal of the manufacturers is for you to drool and long for some car that is the "best yet" with "so many improvements over the previous model". So you get your dream car only to feel like crap two years later when they make umpteen improvements over that car. If you don't need to replace a car, you can just wait forever and watch for the never-ending improvements. But if you need to get a car at a particular time, you just do the best with what is currently out there. Then be happy for 6 months until you hear the rumors of the next model and it starts all over again.

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Doug Silver
2000 TL
1995 Vette
Los Angeles, CA

 

Crap.. with all this talk about being screwed over, I'm seriously considering the Impreza WRX again... at least I won't be screwed over by the next model, it's much cheaper and I get to rice it out!