2001-2003 Acura CL: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2003 Acura CL Type-S
2003 Acura CL
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2001-2003 Acura CL ▼

  • Price Range:  $5,700 - $10,400
CG Rating

57

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2003 Acura CL and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Acceleration
  • Build quality
  • Steering/handling

Cons

  • Navigation-system controls
  • Rear-seat head room
  • Rear-seat entry/exit

Vehicle Highlights

Honda's luxury division introduced the second generation of its front-drive near-luxury coupe in spring 2000, as an early 2001 model. Slightly larger and heavier than its 1977-99 predecessor, the new CL retained its general appearance and four-seat layout. The CL coupe was based on the platform of Acura's TL sedan and parent Honda's Accord. In Acura parlance, CL stands for "contemporary luxury." In base form, the 3.2 CL used the TL sedan's 225-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 engine. A 260-horsepower version went into the new performance-oriented CL Type-S. Both used a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift gate. Half an inch longer in wheelbase than the previous CL, the new coupe measured 2 inches longer overall and offered an additional 2 inches of rear leg room. Weight increased by about 200 pounds. Front side airbags and antilock all-disc brakes were standard. A sensor system could disable the front passenger airbags if it detected a child or out-of-position occupant. Both versions held alloy wheels, but the Type-S rode 17-inch tires rather than the usual 16-inchers. The Type-S coupe featured handling-oriented suspension tuning and an antiskid system. Traction control was standard. Like the TL sedan, the 3.2 CL coupe came with an abundance of standard features, including heated power front seats, leather upholstery, Xenon headlights, and a power sunroof. Automatic climate control, heated mirrors, and a six-disc in-dash CD changer also were standard. A navigation system with in-dash touch screen was the sole factory option. Rivals include the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz CLK, Toyota Solara, and Volvo C70.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Acura 3.2 CL Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 7
Controls/Materials 8
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 57
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2003 Acura CL. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2003 Acura CL.

Year to Year Changes


2002 Acura CL: Because the 2003 CL coupe was scheduled to arrive as an early 2003 model, changes were few for 2002.
2003 Acura CL: A six-speed manual gearbox became available for the CL Type-S coupe, coupled with a limited-slip differential. When equipped with automatic, the Type-S included an antiskid system. This season's styling updates included newly-designed wheels, revised headlights and taillights, a body-colored grille surround and outside door handles, and interior trim revisions. GM's OnStar emergency/communications system became available, as part of the optional navigation system.

Our road test for the 2001-2003 Acura CL includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2003 Acura CL and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2003 Acura CL is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

While the second-generation CL maintains solid near-luxury credentials, it's noticeably sportier than previous models. Each version is predictable, crisp, and responsive. A Type-S with automatic ran 0-60 mph in just 6.7 seconds, and showed equally strong highway passing power. Add quick steering, fine grip and cornering balance, plus a stable high-speed ride, and the Type-S rivals most any competitor for dynamic ability--including the vaunted BMW 3-Series. The base model is a shade tamer, but still boasts sure acceleration (0-60 in under 8 seconds) and confident road manners. Automatic transmissions in either model can be slightly indecisive in mountain driving, but otherwise smooth and alert, shifting promptly and without jolting. The six-speed's narrow gates can confuse gear selection in quick shifting. Acura recommends premium fuel for both models. As for economy, new Type-S coupes averaged 19.5 to 23 mpg, while base models returned 19.3 to 24.5 mpg and a manual-shift Type-S scored 23.3 mpg. Not an all-around athlete, the CL produces too much noseplow and tire scrubbing in aggressive cornering. A Type-S can suffer torque steer, too, under full-throttle bursts. Either CL is taut but comfortable riding over broken surfaces, though lower-profile tires and a firmer suspension make the Type-S jiggle a bit on washboards and expansion joints. Tire roar intrudes on coarse pavement, and Type-S tire slap annoys on patchy surfaces. Wind noise is minimal, and refined engines emit a pleasant, muted snarl under hard throttle. Braking is swift, stable, confident, and easy to modulate, with little nosedive in panic stops. Carefully assembled from classy materials, the CL cabin is rare among coupes for being airy and roomy (at least in front). Thin roof pillars and a low-cowl dashboard provide terrific visibility, though less so to the rear. Front bucket seats are well-shaped, comfortable and supportive, with plenty of leg and shoulder space; only tall folks may lack headroom. In back is bucket-type seating for two, but only preteens will agree to ride there for long. Front entry/exit is no problem, but rear access is typical coupe crouch-and-crawl. Because the CL uses the well-designed TL dashboard, standard climate controls are a stretch for drivers with shorter arms. The optional navigation system governs some climate and audio functions, but it's less distracting than some. Interior storage is good, but cupholders are shallow. The roomy trunk features a knee-high liftover and a pass-through portal, but fold-down seatbacks are not available and sickle-shaped hinges steal cargo space.
Value for the Money
Acura's prior CL seemed like little more than a restyled two-door Honda Accord. This one has a sportier personality that should satisfy demanding drivers. While lacking the agility of a BMW 3-Series, it appeals for brisk acceleration and adept ride/handling balance. Well-equipped when new, CLs make few concessions to pricier European coupes in performance, comfort, or quality.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Acura 3.2 CL Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 7
Controls/Materials 8
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 57

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Acura CL includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Acura CL .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: Automatic transmission problems prompted to company to extend warranty coverage to 7 years/100,000 miles. (2000-02)

Automatic transmission: Transmissions may fail due to lack of thread-locking compound on nut for low clutch. Honda/Acura has extended warranty on affected vehicles to 7 years or 100,000 miles. (2001-2003)

Battery: The fan(s) for the radiator and/or air-conditioning condenser may run continuously and kill the battery. Both fan relays require replacement. (2001)

Clutch: The clutch master cylinder may leak into the passenger compartment and should be replaced. (2001)

Engine stalling: Vehicle may stall or be hard to start after sitting 15-20 minutes, especially during warm spells in colder weather where winter-blended fuel is sold. Replacing the fuel-pressure regulator and powertrain computer should fix it. (2001)

Oil leak: Oil leaks due to aluminum-engine porosity require patching and/or installation of special sealing bolts for the timing-belt adjuster pulley, motor-mount bracket, and transmission-mounting bolts. (2001-02)

Windshield washer: The tubing for the windshield washers deteriorates, causing wiper smearing. The tubing and wipers require replacement. (2001)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $805
Alternator $355
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $2,350
Brakes $495
Constant Velocity Joints $820
Exhaust System $950
Radiator $610
Shocks and/or Struts $2,495
Timing Chain or Belt $400
Our price chart for this generation Acura CL details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2003
3.2 CL $9,700-10,800 $8,700-9,700 $5,000-5,600
3.2 CL Type-S $10,500-11,600 $9,500-10,400 $5,600-6,100
2002
3.2 CL $8,000-9,000 $7,200-8,100 $4,100-4,600
3.2 CL Type-S $8,800-9,800 $7,900-8,800 $4,600-5,100
2001
3.2 CL $6,500-7,200 $5,700-6,300 $2,900-3,200
3.2 CL Type-S $7,200-8,000 $6,400-7,100 $3,500-3,900
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Acura CL include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 106.9
Overall Length, in. 192.0
Overall Width, in. 69.2
Overall Height, in. 53.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 3446
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. --
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 17.2
Seating Capacity 4
Front Head Room, in. 37.5
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.4
Rear Head Room, in. 36.7
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Both the regular CL and the Type-S use 3.2-liter overhead-cam V6 engines. In the regular model, the V6 produces 225 horsepower, while the Type-S engine delivers 260 horsepower. Only a five-speed automatic transmission was available initially, but a six-speed manual gearbox became available for the Type-S in 2003.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
ohc V6 3.2 / 196 260 232 5-speed automatic: 19/29 5-speed automatic: 19.5
ohc V6 3.2 / 196 225 216-217 6-speed manual: 19/20
5-speed automatic: 19/29		 6-speed manual: 23.3
5-speed automatic: 19.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Acura CL include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2001-2003 Acura CL directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2001-03: Gear failure due to heat build-up may result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
2003: Water-pump timing-belt tensioner pulley might be misaligned and could cause timing belt to fail, resulting in engine stalling. Dealers will inspect water pump and replace pump and timing belt if necessary.

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