In October 2003, the third-generation Acura TL (the 3.2 moniker was dropped) was released for sale in North America. Developed mainly in the United States by a team led by Erik Berkman, with bodywork by American Honda designer Jon Ikeda, the new TL was built in Marysville, Ohio, and was derived from the seventh generation US-market.     Starting with this generation, this model was not sold in Japan, with the Honda Inspire holding the position of entry level luxury sedan below the Honda Legend in Japan. The Inspire of this era was instead sold as the seventh generation North American spec Honda Accord.

It is powered by a 258 hp (192 kW) – later revised to 258 hp (192 kW) based on the new SAE measurement standard for horsepower – and 233 lb⋅ft (316 N⋅m) of torque, 3.2 L 24 valve SOHC VTEC V6 engine mated to either a "SportShift" manually controllable 5-speed automatic with or 6-speed manual. Manual transmission models featured Brembo 4-piston front brake calipers, a Torsen-type limited-slip differential, stiffer anti-roll bars front and rear and performance tires at no additional cost.