Acura TL Type-S
The Acura TL Type-S was Honda's luxury division at its best: understated, meticulously engineered, and deeply satisfying to drive. Building on the already well-regarded third-generation TL, the Type-S added meaningful performance upgrades that elevated it from a competent luxury sedan to a genuine sport sedan.
The 3.2-liter J32A2 V6 with VTEC produced 260 horsepower, a 35-horsepower increase over the standard TL. Brembo front brake calipers with four pistons replaced the standard units, dramatically improving stopping power and pedal feel. The suspension received stiffer springs, firmer dampers, and thicker stabilizer bars, while a limited-slip differential aided traction out of corners.
The five-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift allowed manual gear selection, and while not as engaging as a true manual (which Honda did not offer), it responded quickly to paddle inputs. The interior featured perforated leather seats, titanium-finish trim, and a Bose audio system.
The TL Type-S competed directly with the BMW 330i and Audi A4 3.0, and automotive journalists frequently placed it at or near the top of comparison tests. Its combination of Honda reliability, luxury appointments, and genuinely engaging driving dynamics represented exceptional value. Today, clean examples are increasingly sought after as enthusiasts rediscover what may be the finest front-wheel-drive sport sedan of its era.
The J32A2 engine is known for Honda reliability. Check for timing belt service (due every 105K miles; this is an interference engine). Transmission fluid changes are critical; Honda automatics of this era can develop harsh shifts if neglected. Brembo brake calipers may need rebuild if pistons stick. Check for torque steer under hard acceleration (inherent to FWD). Interior leather holds up well but driver's bolster can wear. Factory navigation system screens can fail.
Produced at Honda's Sayama plant in Japan. The Type-S was available for the 2002 and 2003 model years only before the fourth-generation TL arrived. Based on the Honda Inspire sold in Japan.