2001 Acura CL Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
If you are looking for a luxury coupe for about $30,000, you'll be hard pressed to find anything better.
Pros
Subdued yet elegant styling, powerful V6 engines, lavish standard features list, comfortable cabin, impressive handling.
Cons
Interior trimmings lack refinement, rough ride from Type S suspension, front-wheel drive, no manual transmission.
What's New for 2001
Acura's CL undergoes a major makeover to gain headway in the luxury coupe market. New from the ground up, the CL receives upgraded 3.2-liter V6 engines making up to 260 horsepower, a five-speed automatic transmission with sequential SportShift, and a full load of standard equipment for a bargain-basement price. A new sport-tuned Type S is worth the extra money if you value performance over ride comfort.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
No (Major) Complaints
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Great car all around. Had problems with initial transmission, but Acura happily replaced it. (It helps that I had bought the extended warranty.) Everyone I know loves my car (and most of them are jealous of me for driving it...oh well, that's their problem!).
Favorite Features
Styling, stereo system, large trunk space.
Suggested Improvements
Better seat belt system.
I'm Still Driving It
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
After 103,000 miles it seems like it will go another 100,000 no problem. It gets 30 mpg hwy and has only one problem; the tranny which Acura replaced under warranty at 63,000. It is quick, handles well and I have only put one set of tires on it at 65,000. My biggest complaint is that it picks up a lot of road noise... RRRRRRR. Otherwise it handles well, is faster than 98% of cars out there, and just keeps on keeping on. Heck it still has the original battery. I wish I could buy another one, but Acura, in its wisdom (?) doesn't offer a sporty coupe anymore.
Favorite Features
Motorized seat function. Polished aluminum rims that don't rust. Everyone still thinks it is new
Suggested Improvements
Quiet the road noise. Fix the rims that bulge out further than the tire sidewalls which means they pick up scrapes if you aren't careful.
Failed Transmission at 138,000 Miles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
The car looks great and I really like the way it runs but I expect more than 138,000 miles from an Acura transmission. I wish Acura would have done more to help me but I am stuck with a car that has a lot of miles and will have a new transmission soon and I am out several thousand dollars. If I buy from the same company I will buy an Accord. No need to pay extra if they don't take care of you and their cars don't last.
Favorite Features
When it runs it runs smooth and looks good. I was really happy with the car until the transmission went out at 138,000 miles
Suggested Improvements
Fix bad transmissions. Large blind spot.
Now you see me...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Ok honestly, I am a 22 year old male and I give this car hell in a handbasket. I live out in the country so the roads can feel my 260+ hp. I love this car. It sounds like a T-rex lives under my hood. From the line, automatic mode is probably faster than the manumatic but hey, nobody likes that anyway on any car. If you wanna shift all the time get a five speed its that simple. Car is really light for a 3.2 engine and is getting rarer by the month. No problems yet with mine and like I said I drive it like Mr. Hyde.
Favorite Features
Dual exhaust, leather, type S black burlwood, the 3.2 vtec, pretty decent on gas (20, 29), spacious back seat.
Suggested Improvements
The Bose system is a bit lacking. My dad's stock Bose system in his 90 something Mercedes is much much better. Also, sunroof could be a little bigger, but that's being real picky.
Would Keep It Forever
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I keep hoping Acura will make another coupe like this. It still looks great and handles well at 91,000 miles. I'm hoping it lasts 91,000 more. Its second transmission slips just a little on a quick shift, and there's rust on the bottom of the passenger- side door. The brakes have had a major overhaul. Our other car is a 2003 CTS, which I like just as well although the features differ.
Favorite Features
Overall appearance, reliability, engine, handling, heated seats. Motorized front seats make access to rear seats easier.
Suggested Improvements
Seatbelt is hard to find and frequently gets caught in the door. Paint chips easily. Chrome on wheel nut rusted early on.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2003 Acura CL
- 2002 Acura CL
- 2001 Acura CL
- 1999 Acura CL
- 1998 Acura CL
- 1997 Acura CL
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