2004 Acura TL Review, Walkaround, Start Up, Test Drive

[@jonswiftucf]

This generation TL was the pinnacle for Acura and then just downhill

[@brittoncoil2518]

I completely agree

[@heinman6250]

Me too

[@Iconhulk]

Whatever they tweaked in the the 07-08 Transmissions.(Figuring the tweak would be better than 04-06 TLs, which didn't happen) How I have come to understand it.. I'd have to look it back up specifically what it was exactly.

[@M_773]

@@Iconhulkdid they tweak the auto or the manual?

[@hondakid9170]

HONDA RULES the automatics

[@icecold8974]

I have a 06 TL with Nav and Aspec package. it has 128,000 miles and has been a amazing car for years. If you are looking for one make sure the timing belt and water pump was changed at 105k, and transmission fluid changes every 30-60k. They are prone to dash cracks, crappy motor mounts, and lower ball point failure. I personally have not had any of these issues. They are great cars and I've only had to do regular preventive maintenance with the exception of a new starter at 85k miles. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

[@Jedi_Luke]

Ant M. Hondas and Acuras last forever with good maintenance. I have a 06 TL and it runs like a 2016 car

[@ericheart1198]

VERY true. I have a 04 TL. Best car I ever own. Far as the cracks on the dash board I just tell people its just a design lol.

[@wildk5367]

Is it just me or is this car sexy as hell

[@tikimgratton4774]

Just bought a 2005 TL A Spec with 124,000 on it for a steal of a price. Very impressed with the durability and quality of the car.

[@icecold8974]

@@wildk5367 it's aging very well

[@penti8345]

11 years later, i just bought one of these in 2024. the interior is definitely showing its age but in terms of the design it still feels ahead of its time

[@zachchatterton6421]

my 04 TL is at 190k miles and still drives like a dream. first car and i love it

[@jonnieinthe256]

Do you have to put 93 octane gas in it?

[@rickeysneed3855]

@@jonnieinthe256 yep you do I own a 05 TL Full synthetic oil too

[@alexandermilentis2130]

@@jonnieinthe256no you don’t

[@lollmao9199]

tell me not , the acura tl 2004 is one of the most underrated luxury sedan in history

[@NinjaPickups]

3rd gen TL one of the best aging cars at the time looks like a car that released within the past couple years

[@Jc-ln5rc]

I wiped my screen because of your avatar

[@ultimatewarrior1674]

@@Jc-ln5rc Haha same

[@jonathanmayor5881]

Agreed

[@dsmiley250]

The Acura tl was my dream car back in 04. I finally got one in 2017 and still love driving it. With 180k miles it still rides like new with zero issues. I still get compliments from people.

[@rashadvq]

I’ve always wanted a TL for my first car, still do

[@dsmiley250]

184k still running strong only issue i had was the valve cover gaskets which i just replaced.

[@marcjones744]

Same here... Only took me 13 years to get mine...in manual... I guess in about 15years i can get the modern day tlx typeS

[@AujaAguja]

me too! I just bought one to fulfill my childhood dream :)

[@KillaBean416]

from the little research I've done , your the second person to say this generation had a better quality interior than the most recent generation

[@YuStudios]

agreed!! the center console actually matches the interior of the car unlike most cars during that time. Still think this is the best car money can buy

[@rightfight100]

You're the reason why I fell in love with the Acura TL. I'm getting my 2005 on Monday.

[@rightfight100]

I bought two Acura TL’s since this comment! I had an auto and a 6MT

[@brandonvallejo9792]

@@rightfight100 just got an 06! Love it

[@rightfight100]

@jose619 diaz because the auto was honestly boring and the manual is so much better and made me love the car all over again

[@rightfight100]

@jose619 diaz honestly I felt the same as you at one point until I drove the manual version

[@12degreesnowman11]

@@rightfight100any problems

[@StayCovert]

2020 in 24 hours and these aged so well exterior wise

[@jerryb.7021]

My 2004 Acura TL has 255,000 miles on it. It's old, very old. No engine or transmission trouble, but after all these years, a lot of parts have gone bad: DVD navigation player won't read the disk, passenger side window auto-function went bad, speakers hum, tape player stopped working, motor mounts needed replacing, radiator needed replacing, dashboard cracked years ago, leather seats cracked years ago, and most recently i've had several leaks. Back in 2004, cars still had tape players. Used mine all the time. The leaks have been repaired, so really my car still runs great. Oh, i also had to get a new paint job after about 8 years of ownership. It just started fading all over. I'm going to keep it a bit longer. Has all the power it had on day one. I can deal with some of the electronic parts not working. As long as the engine and transmission work as good as new, I think i got a very reliable car. I've added up all my repairs after 14 years of ownership: $8,000. That's repairs only, not maintenance. Not bad at all i think. A German car would cost probably double after over 250,000 miles. 2004 was one of the most dependable years for the TL. I believe Acura TLs have gone downhill ever since, although i heard recently they are improving again.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

Acura, I miss the days when you made excellent cars like this. This TL is probably one of the best vehicles Acura has made, and this shows just what Acura was able to do back then. This really was their peak back in the early to late 2000s. This was THE luxury sports sedan back when it came out, and I've only seen a couple of these in my lifetime. The styling still looks fresh even 18 years later. The fact that people have said that they have had no issues with these 3rd generation TLs, shows how bulletproof they are and shows the Honda-Acura reliability. You could drive this for 10+ years, and this car would still probably feel really good and almost new.

[@iDelarinix]

6:34 Total Eargasm gotta love the 3.2 Liter V-TEC Been a huge fan of the 04 Acura TL for years and still to this day i still am

[@SlimYabby]

The awkward moment when you realize he drove passed your house. Lol Annandale, VA

[@alanhirayama4592]

I currently have a 2006 TL, purchased 2 years ago from original owner, currently with 111,000+ miles. Such an awesome car! No problems, except the front passenger side window does not work. We drive it all year, handles very nicely in snow with our snow tires. Can't go wrong with them!

[@TheArmedNurse]

I might end up with a 2004 TL as my first car pretty soon. These cars look amazing! Way ahead of their time with all the technology and features.

[@Luweezy]

Did you ever buy it? I might be buying the 2004 TL as well, for my first car

[@TayWhite90]

@@Luweezy I had an 05 TL for 8 years. Got rid of it when the transmission went. (Auto trans is a weak point so make sure you keep up on fluid maintenance AND NOT POWER FLUSHES, dump and fills only and make sure it had proper maintenance in the past) Otherwise this was the best car I've ever owned and I miss it daily! Super reliable, fun to drive, sporty AND luxurious at the same time and surprisingly most parts are cheaper than for my camry. The 04 model has the added issue of dash cracking so beware of that. Otherwise, if you have a mechanic check it out and give you the thumbs up, DO IT! I found this video while watching reviews/browsing marketplace for another one! 2.5 years of having a much nicer car and I want my Acura TL back.

[@Technerd96]

When it comes to Hondas and acuras, idk why but their older designs are much nicer looking. Out of all the designs of the accord and TL, the 7th gen accord and 3rd generation TL are my favorites

[@Earl_Richter]

I just got mine 5 days ago. I love that turbine-like whine it makes when it accelerates. Mine sounds the same as this one at the 6:37 mark. What a great car. I had a 2004 Accord EX-L and it's true, the TL does feel more luxurious and solid.

[@rashadvq]

Yes, that turbine sound is really satisfying and smooth

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

Can't beat the sound of a Honda J-series V6~~

[@josephgaviota]

I have an '06b TL with 83k, 6 speed manual ... what a fun car to drive. Watching these videos gives me hope I can drive this car for another 12 years :-)

[@Jedi_Luke]

I have one and it still turns heads 12 years later. I love this car

[@tawandajones5116]

I have a 04 TL love it,no problems... just hitting 094820. Runs great had it for a year I get compliments all the time. Two road trips 2000 + miles there and back.

[@gracien2008]

I like this model better then any Acura product on the market today ... looks timeless :)

[@YouOnlyIiveTwice]

For a car that you can find relatively easily for under $10K with a base engine of 270 Hp, this really is an underrated car for the used car world.

[@Lee4364]

I have one with the Tech package, I bought it 4yrs ago, it now just turned 120k and it still drives as if it were still new.. The most amazing car I have owned, it Is 12yrs old and I can't say tell how many times I have turned down offers to buy it.

[@GamerDadschannel]

This car is gorgeous. Saw one with 127k miles for 6k

[@Luweezy]

Man the price has dropped over the years thankfully. I might be buying one as my first car, with 132k miles for $3.4k

[@Erichmg]

getting mines this week! can't wait!

[@kichansilva]

I'm saving up for mine as we speak! i will hopefully get one by next year!!!!

[@masterchiefgtxable]

kichansilva So did you get it?

[@kichansilva]

yeah i got a 2008 one in march 2014

[@johndiaz8349]

Did you regret buying it ? I’m trying to get this car as my first. So I wanna ask people that owned one. What they liked and dislike.

[@The0neand0nlyD]

i always and STILL love this generation of TL (2004-08). i was about to get a 2007 TL but after test driving my 2010 maxima, i ended up with the maxima.. still love the this TL. great review

[@JohnnaBelleXoXo]

Man I'm really hoping I get this car, I will look so good in it :)

[@evanpakos3733]

I have this car but a 6 speed manual, comes with brembos and some other goodies. Loads of fun every time I drive

[@Zohirul-Jewel]

I think Japanese cars are more durable than German cars.

[@KoolJayable]

I definitely agree with this... I'm ditching my 2006 Audi A4 for one of this...

[@MrFreakofnature999]

+Jay Marquez talking about a4 I use to own a 2010 one with over 100k miles , it sucked ! It always game me problems , and would burn thru oil quickly .

[@heinman6250]

Yes

[@heinman6250]

Transmission blew in my uncles bmw 335i 2-3 weeks after purchase

[@heinman6250]

2-3 years with my dads g37s never a problem same when they both my dad and uncle had 07 TL type s'

[@xxFireFox86xx]

This is my favorite Acura

[@importcarenthusiast]

The 07-08 TL is my favorite Acura, but this 04 is still really great.

[@splewy]

I have one of these (06 with the 6 speed manual) that I got a year and a half ago for $16k with 44k miles. Lot's of people think it's a much newer and more expensive car. I guess it's because the design aged well. Over all it's a great car, with no problems. It was assembled close to 8 years ago but it still looks almost new. The engine is also plenty powerful and returns fairly good mileage (I average 27mpg).

[@exeot]

I've been watching your channel for a while, and imo, and between the channel changes and updates the reviewing technique has really gotten refined. It shows in the video and has gotten more professional and glad the changes returned positively.

[@Jakeman21642]

I like the way this looks SO much better than the current one. But I have to admit the 2012 SH-AWD 6 speed manual TL my friend has is absolutely insane to drive even though I find the interior kinda button crazy and confusing. Still an awesome car!

[@thelightskinliberian885]

That acceleration sound is very unique. I like it.

[@xoquixxoqafxo]

Hey thanks so much! I cringe whenever I watch my older videos and cannot believe thats what I used to put out, I'm excited to see how this channel ends up in the future, we are constantly looking for new things to do and improve on. We are planning to get some new mounts soon so we can start doing some exterior driving shots as well. Thanks again for being a long time subscriber, it really means a lot :)

[@stompkins1000]

I'm thinking about getting this for my first car. Good choice?

[@parik2878]

Yes

[@masonresendes2865]

Same!

[@alexisascencio9397]

Me To!!!

[@kaczmogal]

I’ve had two cars since 1990. My first Acura Legend 1990. Only sold because the windshield kept rusting around edges. So my body repair guy loves his daily driver! Bought the Acura 2008 and love it as well. Fabulous. Only problem has been the Hands Free feature drained battery but it is an easy fix to disconnect. I never used Blue tooth anyway. Will have it until it drops.

[@arabbeef8988]

Yes this is also going to be my first car

[@theredline]

You know if that car came in we would be ALL over it :)

[@athelton]

This is the next car I'm going to get. I've got a 99 model with 250,000 miles and it's still going strong. When I sold cars this model was one of the best cars I ran across. The doors on it make you feel like your in a tank and the quality was great, about like an LS of that generation. I wish they would put in a folding back seat for more cargo instead of that ski door or whatever its called but other than that I would say they are probably the best car for the money.

[@bradleymeyer9775]

This TL is perfect. It’s in the color I like, it has the I interior color I like. And the way it sounds when it accelerates.

[@pipilopez9527]

Damm those A-Spec wheels are 🔥🔥🔥

[@theredline]

We thought the tires looked off too, they were 235/40R18, seemed like the right size to us

[@Calbenmike]

This guy is really good at what he does.

[@summushieremiasclarkson4700]

I have this car, with the rare 6spd manual. Honda manuals are brilliant. Mine is Incredibly clean, bone stock and I love it. I am taking care of all the maintenance items the previous owner neglected though, mainly the suspension.

[@SpacedQuill]

mine too, except i got the automatic 5 speed but i was wondering what kind of issues you’ve had that i could maybe look out for?

[@summushieremiasclarkson4700]

@@SpacedQuill Sure. Beyond the listed maintenance items (timing belt/water pump etc), I would say be careful with oil level and pressure. This engine is a little too big for a 4.7qt oil capacity, so you want to be right at the top limit. The rest I'm listing is for preventative maintenance: Drivetrain: 1. Valve clearance and adjustment 2. Idler pulley and tensioner (replace with timing belt) 3. EGR valve and throttle body cleaning 4. Rear main seal, though less of an issue with the A/T 5. Transmission in general: This is a big one for the automatics, it's known to be fragile. Service regularly. 6. Some of the coolant pipes are susceptible to dry rot. Not a big deal, If any look poor just replace them, should be the same parts across Honda/Acura, so inexpensive. 7. Aluminum radiator - eventually it will be sensible to replace for preventative purposes Steering and suspension: 1. The previous owner replaced the P/S pump and hoses on mine, but this is probably one-off. Still, it has variable ratio assisted power steering at low speeds, so watch out. 2. Lower control arm bushings and ball joints: Prone to failure. Inspect and service as necessary. The control arm bushings you should be able to tell from the clunking and vibration at highway speeds (65-85mph) 3. Wheel bearings - this should be audible if you drive at low speed with the windows down. Cheap part by NSK, $50 on ebay for OEM. Discontinued by Honda. 4. When doing to struts, be sure to replace the dampers and bump stops. It's a heavy car for its time, these wear out. 5. Rear suspension is multi-link. Again, lower control arms to watch out for here. Electrical: Not too many things on this one. 1. Relays: notably the turn signal relay. Some reports of failure, but if it does, it should be pretty obvious. Cheap part, easy to replace, annoying to reach though. That's pretty much it. If I think of anything else as I go through my list, I'll post it here and on the forums.

[@parsley0120]

I have this car and I love it! Wish I had the 6MT version but I still love it!

[@rayfoster1723]

I was fortunate enough to own a 2006 in silver for about four years. Got it with 110,000 kms on it and drove it 26 kms each way to work and back 5 days a week. I had a set of sticky Dunlops on it, and would attack the on-ramps on the way home. Had to trade it for a 2009 HHR for business. Sooo sad! I would like to get a 2008 TL Type S some day soon. It's not the same without my Sunday cruises down to Niagara with the 5.1 Surround Sound playing my favourite tunes.

[@IKhanNot]

Sofyan the way a car drives after many years and miles comes down to the maintenance. I test drove an 04 BMW 545i with 128k on it and it drove like a dream, firm but not harsh and sharp handling along with silky smooth power. It was properly maintained and they're built solid from the factory. A well maintained car with 128k on it will drive better than a trashed and poorly maintained car with 65k on it.

[@ilove2p]

Great review, this guy is very knowledgeable and honest. i learned a few things from watching this video, looking forward to buying an Acura tl in the near future :]

[@beachbro8559]

I love luxury cars, My down fall. Last year I bought a 05 Honda Odyssey as family vehicle because I have a larger family. loved the feel of the hole car. Haven't had a problem. Thought I better look into Acuras glad I am. I love the styling. And they don't look that bad for there age. All I've been looking at have been in good shape. Thanks for the video. I learned a little more. Haven't been behind the wheel of one but can't wait!!!!!! Still doing research. Think I have found the one!!!!

[@DustinB855]

for an 04 this car is nice as heck!!!! Id buy one. Doesnt look old at all.

[@chelvinone50]

this guy gives the best reviews !

[@theredline]

It was, but it sold a while ago

[@JGMURPY1]

Got one recently at a steal for $3,200 at 210,000 miles!!! Feels like its brand new!!

[@MangKolokoy333]

nice! I got mine for $3600 @ 130000 km...

[@StayCovert]

These aged really well! Been debating between one of these or an 06 is250

[@hondata974]

Can you do a review of the 2004-2008 TSX as well if you can find one as well as the 2003 CL Type S 6 Speed, also great cars like the 2004-2008 TLs.

[@brianwill4744]

I have an 03 CL Type-S 6-speed. From what I can tell it is the most unloved Acura, maybe it’s the look, not sure. But I love mine, the build quality is better that my 08 TL, and it runs with any 3 liter on the market at the time. Never breaks, I get to shift, and it’s a coupe. Checks all the boxes for me.

[@904Kellyy]

Great video. Thanks can't wait to start driving my car. I always wanted an Acura

[@ChromeMan04]

Proud owner of an 06 TL!

[@S1LLY_Y0SHI_L0V3R]

Great Review Of 2004 Acura TL. 😀

[@raylindert4432]

Bought this model last year. Amazing car.

[@MTLJack]

absolutely great review

[@JorgeLara-up9qi]

Great review

[@WannabeSS]

The S2000 is a treat. My buddy Brad (with the M37X) has an 02 S2k as his summer car and i'v driven it a few times. It is like a go cart haha. So much fun to drop the top and cruise.

[@nathanholmquist7757]

I have two Acuras,2005 and a 2012, my 05 has 265000 plus my 12 55000 ,there both cruisers, there fast,fun,looks good going down the road.

[@mrdave777]

Sofyan, you're the best. Thank you.

[@theredline]

Both are great cars, it really depends on the person's taste

[@jackmueller6348]

Redline Reviews turbo charged ??

[@hamdysayrafi8122]

6:34 Dat sound

[@jackmueller6348]

Hamdy Sayrafi turbo????

[@NinjaPickups]

Jack Mueller nope naturally aspirated Honda engines have the best sound

[@TheRookie-ld3cb]

Hamdy Sayrafi Transmission whine from take off, all old J series with the 5 and 4 speed automatics did that

[@hamzi1220]

Everything on this car is great. I have an 2004 Acura TL. But the one thing I have to warn some of you guys who are trying to buy this car is the Transmission. The transmission are really weak on this car from 2004 to 2006 Acura TL. So if you are gonna buy this car then do not think about flooring the crap out of it on highway. I learned my lesson I got my transmission rebuilt.

[@jeeperzzz1636]

that acceleration sounds great!!

[@sschevy903]

Nice review! I'm planing of getting this generation TL or a 2006-2007 V6 Accord Sedan. What would be your choice Sofyan?

[@hondaftw1234]

The interior in the current one 40 million times better quality then this one FYI lol. The 2012 TL is freaking sexy, I don't care what anyone says its the best looking Acura sedan IMO. Still a beautiful car 9 years later!!

[@thweepz]

I love the transmission whine!

[@jackmueller6348]

thweepz it sounds great do all the tls that generation do it??

[@Dillon1791]

I think it's kinda funny how the 04 TSX had a cleaner interior vs the 04 TL. Example, The Gauge's and Radio/Navi screen(s) in the TSX look alot more sporty and modern for the 03-04 years when the cars debuted. I just think the Grey/ Black Plastic Bezzel around the gauges on the TL look cheap. For the 07-08's they looked fine though. Still the 1st gen TSX and 3rd gen TL are my favorite. Nice find and review as always!

[@penvon]

Great review,plan on getting the TSX soon.

[@foehammerone]

Thanks for making this review, very informative

[@ms3173]

I still see these everywhere!

[@cityoftrees9953]

I just got one lol. They're fast af

[@MR.F30]

I love this car, it's fast, and smooth. I just had to get the alternator replaced, but It might have been the only time since the first owner!

[@EmpraMcdade]

This video was good i liked it but to comment on the part you said about bmw's or mercedes vehicles, the older models were known to be way more reliable and less problematic lol as well as still be fun to drive with high miles as long as you take care of the car obviously.

[@IKhanNot]

Driving wise the most current generation of TL is the most fun to drive especially with the SH AWD system. The exterior styling is a bit vulgar but the interior is beautiful and the driving characteristics is amazing.

[@TheBasher-_-]

Used to have one of these for all of two weeks. Car had water damage and when I got on it after a week or so off ownership the cats stopped up the engine. Smfh. But then I got a 2014 Accord so... 🤷‍♂️ God is Good.

[@brandonwisler2755]

Just bought an '04 TL with an aux port in the center console, alongside a neat little change holder (Arcade style) Not sure if the aux is aftermarket, however.

[@joer736]

Yea i have a 05 97,000 miles. I got the car with 72,000 miles. The only issues Power Steering i swear! The power steering went like 4 times. However, no major issues. However, i put 2000 into the car. I had it for about 3 years... 2000 dollars as in regular maintenance. The body was nice when i first got my car, but for some odd reason I'm random;ly getting scuff marks everywhere.

[@airjordanfan11]

Love the Acura TL's! :D

[@romulas-cushmanproject3273]

I got a 04 TL 6 speed with 198k on it for less than $1500 I got it to learn manual in it but I think if I fix the dent I the rear bumper, and polish it up I might keep it, It has the elevated spoiler (not the ducktail one) and it’s a one owner the lady who owned it took great care of it internally, (the body is beat up a bit) serviced it at the same dealer, has followed the service schedule to a T, it drives good, all though I’ve only had it for a week

[@georgedoughly8682]

I really like those aspec wheels 🤩

[@BoostedGPTL]

wow your dashboard is not cracked! make sure to cover that dash! but very nice my acura tl is aswell a 04 Manual tho very nice car!

[@BoostedGPTL]

My 04 has 125,000 Miles btw!

[@xoquixxoqafxo]

TL for sure! I want the HIDS and more power... just as long as you don't mind paying for premium gas

[@Swarl3s]

Aspec Wheels, I think they removed the mid muffler for that exhaust sound, doesn't sound stock.

[@heavyhitta6905]

I like the style of this car inside and out and it seems to be quick and reliable from what I hear, reliability is top priority, yeah Nissan altima and maxima have a lot of power but I've heard nothing but bad news about Nissans and BMW

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

You're right. I had a 2007 Altima 2.5 S that I drove for four years & 30k miles, bought it used with 36k miles for $13k. Was a very nice car, looked great, rode & handles very well, had a high quality interior & the 4-cylinder had surprisingly good power, but it had some problems, mainly the CVT which had to be replaced around 50k miles, the radio display would fade when it was hot outside, some buttons would sometimes not work & the A/C blower motor had to be replaced way too early. Never buying a Nissan ever again.

[@DylanandJazi]

Mine just reached 170,000 this month

[@GilZu]

That purple neon is always there

[@ecurules]

yea these cars were pretty awesome, its actually kind of interesting, the manual version of this gen TL (non-Type S) actually had a LSD and Brembo Brakes. I think it's still one of the best looking Sedans around.

[@2Kriss2Kross]

Hard to believe this car is 8 years old!

thank for your video, I have a car of acura TL 2004. Still now, I alway likt it

[@duck748r]

Great car! The next generations simply went downhill in terms of styling and driving dynamics...

[@chrisak49]

When are you gonna do the latest generation TL?

[@techdude6693]

We have an 07 TL in Black. We LOVE it. Tho its going away soon. Its got 166K on the odo ATM, so we're changing the car for a 2013 Altima 2.5SL :D

[@johnnykham3501]

Hopefully I get to own one of these TL's!!

[@cashivan]

Good luck!, i had an 04 bout with 133K, such a good car, had it for a year, no issues except for battery draining. Sold it to my brother and hes only replaced the starter has around 150K now.

[@XaioPuppy]

Hopefully Im not late but I heard the battery drains due to the bluetooth being messed up. It would constantly boot even while the car is off, draining the battery.

[@ModelGarage]

This car is prone to dashboard cracks, though this particular one doesn't have them, they can be very bad.

[@danieljones7490]

How expensive are they to replace?

[@ModelGarage]

Over $3,000.

[@danieljones7490]

+james 699 I thought that was a ridiculous estimate. I actually bought an 08 that didn't have the same cracking as the previous one I was looking at.

[@MR.F30]

Just order a dashmat, and cover it up!

[@MR.F30]

And the rattling.

[@carmaster6474]

If you make a video of a 2008 Acura TL Type S 6MT I will by the happiest person IN THE WORLD!! (P.S awesome video)

[@1337BananaL33TVostok]

It looks very fresh, does it!! I wish it had been sold in europe