Acura TL vs Infiniti I30
The short answer
Based on available data, the Acura TL comes out ahead of the Infiniti I30 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
TL
Overall
Owner sentiment is sharply divided by transmission choice rather than by the car itself. The 3rd generation TL (2004-2008) draws heavy criticism for its automatic transmission, which owners repeatedly describe as failure-prone, while the same car with the 6-speed manual is widely praised as durable and fun. The 4th generation (2009-2014), especially the SH-AWD with the 3.7L V6 and 6-speed manual, is regarded as one of the best sport sedans Acura built, with owners citing the combination of a naturally aspirated V6, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, four doors, and a manual as something no longer made.
Best version to buy
The 2007-2008 3rd generation TL and the 4th generation TL (2009-2014), particularly the SH-AWD with the 6-speed manual, are the versions owners most often endorse. The 2007-2008 cars are singled out for receiving a revised, beefier automatic transmission, and the 4th generation SH-AWD 6MT is called by multiple owners arguably the best sport sedan Acura ever made.
Known issues
- 2004-2006 automatic transmission failure: Frequency: very frequent. Owners report failures as early as 60,000 miles and as late as 190,000 miles, with multiple owners replacing the transmission two or more times.
I30
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability and durability, particularly for the VQ30DE engine and automatic transmission. The vehicle is consistently praised as a high-mileage workhorse, with multiple reports of reaching 250,000 to 300,000 miles with basic maintenance. Owners describe it as a tremendous value, offering luxury features and comfort derived from the Nissan Maxima platform at a lower cost.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to specify a preferred trim or model year. Feedback is generalized across the 1996-2001 generation, with no specific trim (e.g., base, Touring) highlighted as superior.
Known issues
- Ignition coil failure: Coils reported to fail around 120,000-140,000 miles, causing misfires (codes P0300, P0305). Frequency: very frequent.
- Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Sensor failure: Causes intermittent stalling, no-start conditions, and diagnostic trouble codes (P0335). Frequency: recurrent.
- Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) failure: Leads to rough idle, stalling, and high idle issues (code P0505). Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Infiniti I30 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Acura TL, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Infiniti I30 are a dealbreaker, the Acura TL is worth a closer look instead.
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Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Acura TL or the Infiniti I30?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Infiniti I30 than the Acura TL. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Acura TL or the Infiniti I30?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Acura TL or the Infiniti I30?
The EPA rates the 2014 Acura TL at 20–23 mpg combined and the 2001 Infiniti I30 at 20 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura TL or the Infiniti I30?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.