2003 Acura CL: Road Test
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2003 Acura CL ▼
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- MSRP: $28,200 -$32,700
- Invoice: $25,996 -$30,140
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Our road test for the 2003 Acura CL includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Acura CL from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Acura CL, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Acura CL help you decide if a 2003 Acura CL is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 3.2 CL | Type-S, man. | Type-S w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7.7 |
Base CL no slouch at under 8 sec 0-60 in our tests. Test Type-S did 0-60 mph in 6.7 sec with automatic transmission, and feels even lustier with new 6-speed. Automatic is smooth and alert, but 6-speed's narrow gates can confuse gear selection in quick shifting.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 3.2 CL | Type-S, man. | Type-S w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Expect base CLs to mirror our 19.3-24.5-mpg test averages. Test CL Type-S averaged 19.5-23 mpg with automatic transmission, 23.3 with manual. Acura recommends premium fuel for all CLs.
RIDE QUALITY
| 3.2 CL | Type-S, man. | Type-S w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
Firm but comfortable, though Type-S shows moderate jiggle and tire slap on patchy pavement and corrugated freeways.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 3.2 CL | Type-S, man. | Type-S w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 8.6 |
Some noseplow and tire scrubbing in aggressive cornering. Test Type-S 6-speed suffered torque steer--pulling to the side--in full-throttle bursts. But in most conditions, CLs are predictable, crisp, and responsive. Braking swift, stable, confident.
QUIETNESS
| 3.2 CL | Type-S, man. | Type-S w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
Little wind noise, but fair tire roar on coarse pavement. Refined V6s rise only to a subdued, pleasant snarl in full-throttle acceleration.
CONTROLS
| 3.2 CL | Type-S, man. | Type-S w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
CL shares well-designed TL sedan dashboard, but standard climate controls a bit of a reach. Navigation system governs a few climate functions, but isn't as distracting as some. Pedal parking brake annoys on automatic models; manuals get a more-convenient center pull-up lever. Top-notch workmanship and interior materials--including standard leather upholstery.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 3.2 CL | Type-S, man. | Type-S w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Supportive, well-shaped seats and plenty of space, though taller folk have limited head room. Fine driving stance, but steering wheel should telescope as well as tilt. Styling slightly impedes rear visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 3.2 CL | Type-S, man. | Type-S w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | .7 |
Better than most coupes, but bucket-type seating best suits preteens. Entry/exit typical coupe crouch-and-crawl, though front passenger seat powers forward on tipping its backrest, which helps.
CARGO ROOM
| 3.2 CL | Type-S, man. | Type-S w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.2 |
Again, good by coupe standards, but sickle-shaped trunklid hinges steal space and the narrow rear-seat pass-through isn't as useful as folding seatbacks would be.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 3.2 CL | Type-S, man. | Type-S w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.6 |
It lacks the outright agility of a BMW 3-Series coupe, but the CL appeals for brisk acceleration, an adept ride/handling balance, and now the extra sportiness of an available manual transmission. And like the TL sedan, it's well-equipped for the money.
Total Score
| 3.2 CL | Type-S, man. | Type-S w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 61 | 59 | 48.1 |
Total Score: 60
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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