What size engine is in the 2004 Acura TL?
The 2004 Acura TL is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its balanced ride and solid V6 performance. For buyers and enthusiasts, the engine size is a key spec that influences power, maintenance, and overall driving feel.
The engine size is 3.2 liters.
Engine size and displacement
The 2004 TL is powered by a 3.2-liter V6 engine, delivering a displacement of about 3,199 cubic centimeters. This engine is part of Honda’s J-series family, a line known for smooth operation, good midrange power, and reliability in everyday driving.
Variants and performance
TL trims and tuning
In 2004, Acura offered different TL trims, including a standard TL and a sport-oriented Type-S variant. Both trims use the same 3.2-liter V6 in terms of displacement, but the Type-S receives performance-oriented tuning to extract more power and deliver sharper throttle response.
Typically, the base TL produced around 270 horsepower with roughly 238 lb-ft of torque, giving the sedan confident acceleration for its class. The Type-S variant aimed for higher output through targeted tuning and intake/exhaust refinements, resulting in a more spirited driving experience while maintaining the same fundamental engine size.
Practical considerations
With a 3.2-liter V6 under the hood, the 2004 TL offers a blend of smooth operation and adequate low-to-mid RPM power for highway merging and daily driving. Routine maintenance for this generation focuses on standard V6 upkeep—oil changes, cooling system checks, and periodic timing/drive belt inspections as recommended by Acura’s service intervals.
Summary
The 2004 Acura TL uses a 3.2-liter V6 engine, a displacement that sits at the heart of Honda’s J-series lineup. The base TL provides about 270 hp, while the sportier Type-S variant delivers higher performance through tuning, though both share the same 3.2-liter V6 foundation. This engine size helped define the TL’s balance of refinement and everyday performance.
How much is a 2004 Acura TL worth today?
A 2004 Acura TL 3.2 Sedan 4D has depreciated $78 or 1% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $3,844 and trade-in value of $1,652.
Is the Acura 2.4 engine reliable?
The Acura 2.4L engine, based on the Honda K24 series, is considered highly reliable, with many owners reporting high mileage with minimal issues, say Reddit and Facebook users. Potential issues include timing chain tensioner problems, oil consumption (more so in later K24Z versions), and, less commonly, cracked engine blocks in early K24A versions. Another point to consider is that some models with this engine, like the TLX, are paired with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) which may require specific maintenance or updates, notes YouTube.
Reliability and common issues
- High reliability: The K24 engine is known for being "bulletproof" and is frequently praised for its durability. Many owners report reaching high mileage with no major engine problems.
- Maintenance is key: As with any engine, regular maintenance is crucial to achieve its long lifespan. Owners mention that proper care is essential to get the most out of the engine.
- Potential issues:
- Timing chain tensioner: Some K24 engines have documented issues with the timing chain tensioner.
- Oil consumption: Oil consumption can be a problem, especially in some of the later K24Z versions.
- Cracked blocks: Early K24A engine blocks have been known to crack, though this is less common.
- Model-specific considerations:
- Acura TLX: The 2.4L engine in the TLX is paired with a dual-clutch transmission. While the engine itself is reliable, the transmission may require maintenance. Some owners suggest issues can be mitigated by ensuring the car is properly warmed up or by getting software updates, say YouTube and Facebook users.
- Acura TSX: While the engine is reliable, some early TSX models (2004-2006, 2009) may have had issues with the engine, transmission, and brakes, recommend CarParts.com.
- Long-term ownership: The overall reliability is strong, with many owners keeping their cars well over 100,000 miles without major issues, according to Yahoo! Autos.
This video explains some of the issues found in the 2.4L engine and transmission of the Acura TLX: 55sDiscerning CarsYouTube · Jan 23, 2024
What are common problems with the 2004 Acura TL?
The bads: Dash cracks, HFL units are trash, spark plugs will back out over time (need to check them every 50-60k), auto windows up gets messed up, door handle caps fall off, door lock actuators go out, rear shelf rattle, side mirror rattles, front door panel rattles.
What engine does the 2004 Acura TL have?
Third generation (UA6/7; 2004)
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.2 L J32A3 V6 3.5 L J35A8 V6 (Type-S) |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 107.9 in (2,741 mm) |
