2003 Acura CL Consumer Reviews

I Could Not Be Happier!

Written by: Robert Clarke on 11/18/2006

Vehicle

2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I found a very low mileage '03 (12,135) with the tranny warranty until 100K! It has a very comfortable ride and it is extremely quiet also. 25 to 27 MPG highway with mid-grade. It does not need premium. Plenty of power, she can get away from you. I have to keep my eyes on the speedometer. All the bells and whistles and I don't see any other ones around. This one's a keeper!

Favorite Features

Heated comfortable seats, HID lights, Bose CD changer and quiet interior.

Suggested Improvements

None.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great car

Written by: btaggart on 09/19/2006

Vehicle

2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is the greatest car i have ever owned. It has a great ride quality and plenty of zip. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quality performance coupe.

Favorite Features

Manual shifting of auto

Suggested Improvements

Why in the world did acura discontinue this beautiful coupe!!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Type-S 6-speed

Written by: denouve2 on 08/21/2006

Vehicle

2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

What a fun car... the engine and manual transmission are the best I've driven of any car in this category. Anyone considering a 6-speed Accord coupe should try to find one these rare gems first. I find myself passing Bimmers on every stretch of road, yet this car can provide a very comfortable and safe drive in all weather conditions due to its design. The 3-series may best the CL in handling, but the Acurs's engine is far more powerful and fun to drive. The list of features and build quality cannot be topped for the money, and I'll be driving this car well over 100K.

Favorite Features

V6 VTEC engine, 6-speed trans, supportive seats, and great Bose stereo and NAV system!

Suggested Improvements

satellite radio... that's about it!

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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CL Fun

Written by: tsmiththi on 08/20/2006

Vehicle

2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

My CL-S is a six-speed manual, which is superior to the automatic in this model. I have seen reports of problems in the auto trans. The car has tremendous acceleration and performance, and excellent, if unexciting, handling. I can see over 25mpg on the highway and over 21 around town (if I short-shift it). It has plenty of torque over 3500 rpm. Great fun to drive and excellent reliability so far.

Favorite Features

Performance and handling.

Suggested Improvements

Tighter turning circle, larger gas tank. Both have improved in its replacement, the new TL.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Follow-up Review (7/8/03)

Written by: Dr. Citrus on 08/07/2006

Vehicle

2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This 2003 CL was purchased in August 2002. The front brakes were replaced at 60K. It's been maintained by the dealership. It continues to be a fun car to drive.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive

Suggested Improvements

As the miles rack up, I'll be looking for another car in the not too distant future. Problem is there isn't another car on the market that offers the blend of style, performance and price.

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2003 3.2 CL Issues

Written by: Byana on 07/01/2006

Vehicle

2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Several recalls in short time frame (transmission, camshaft, fuel tank). Continually losing power steering fluid for 2 years before dealer figured out the rack & pinion unit was the source. CD player/changer operates sporadically - 90% of the time you get an error code on the display, but never when you take to the shop! Enigine has good power, but the curve flattens out to quickly (peaks around 4600rpm). Torque steer is more pronounced than in other cars in it's class.

Favorite Features

Best bang for your buck against comparables in it's class - standard features read like an option list for other manufacturers.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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6 speed makes the difference.

Written by: will on 07/01/2006

Vehicle

2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I really love the power of my CL. The 6 speed manual transmission really sets it apart from the automatic models. I would really recommend the manual model over the automatic model to anyone who is interested in buying a CL. The car is sporty and comfortable. It is a great mix between a luxury and sports car.

Favorite Features

6 speed manual transmission. 3.2L V6 VTEC.

Suggested Improvements

bigger brakes.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Acura fun with value

Written by: Bill on 06/23/2006

Vehicle

2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

While Acura has a great reputation for reliability and resale; I have been extremely disappointed with the Honda Motor Company in customer service. When given an 800 number it appears to only go to the Honda customer service and most of the time the assumption on the part of the phone operators is that I'm a Honda owner. The dealership is not very good considering my experience in the past with a premium vehicle. Acura while being an excellent well engineered and fun car to own, does not measure up on the critical aspects of service and followup with owners when compared to Toyota Company.

Favorite Features

The technology and GPS system are awesome. This is a tight fun to drive car. I have just turned 30K and not one single thing has been an issue other than putting up with a poor service system at the dealership.

Suggested Improvements

Acura needs to decide if their cars are really premium or just glorified Honda's. If they want loyalty to consumers willing to pay premium prices they had better devote approporiate treatment and service for us.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Cl-S Type

Written by: Joseph on 05/25/2006

Vehicle

2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is a very nice vehicle. I wanted a nice blend of performance and luxury, and this car definetly fit the bill. I put 162,000mi on my Honda Accord and I knew the build quality on the CL would be good, since Acura and Honda are related. I really enjoy knowing I have 260hp under the hood available at a moments notice. The acceleration is great! Also, the car is very smooth and handles well with the sports tuned suspension. I do wish the steering was a little tighter though. It feels too much like my Accord. Overall its a great car.

Favorite Features

Powerful V-6, auto-shift, interior design and build quality

Suggested Improvements

Tighter Steering and sportier exterior styling

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Acura 2003 3.2 CL

Written by: AnD on 02/04/2006

Vehicle

2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Great car to own. great to drive. Comfortable interior and good looking outside. Fuel efficient and easy to maintain so far after 36000 miles.

Favorite Features

Great to drive. Smooth ride with plenty of get up and go. Comfortable interior.

Suggested Improvements

Paint seems to chip easy on front end from highway driving

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