2002 Acura CL Review
2002 Acura CL Review
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+82
Used CL for sale
Appraise This CarAcura CL types
- Coupe
- 3.2 Type-S
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V6 engines, lavish standard features list, comfortable cabin, great value.
Cons
- Interior trimmings lack refinement, rough ride from Type-S suspension, front-wheel drive, no manual transmission.
What’s new
Updated last year, the Acura CL is unchanged for 2002.
Edmunds says
If you are looking for a luxury coupe for about $30,000, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything better.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$259/mo for CL 3.2
CL 3.2
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Acura's target market for the 3.2CL is aging baby boomers who are experiencing life without children for the first time in decades. No longer needing that silly SUV or monstrous minivan, these empty-nesters are supposed to rediscover the joys of coupe life... preferably in a CL.
Well, there are worse places to go for a midlife crisis. Acura's CL offers spirited performance and competent handling in a package that effectively marries the two with a comfortable, well-appointed cabin. Two models are available: the standard CL or, for those who crave a sportier ride with additional power, the performance-oriented Type-S.
Though it will never threaten an NSX in terms of absolute handling or a Bentley Continental R with regard to lavish trimmings, the stoutly bodied CL may surprise drivers who think that automatic climate control and canyon carving are mutually exclusive.
Highway manners are excellent, with a comfortable ride that provides plenty of feedback. Standard 16-inch wheels and antilock brakes provide sure footing under most circumstances (though we've noticed a tendency toward brake fade when using the binders repeatedly), and the variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering is communicative without making low-speed parking maneuvers difficult. A smooth, torquey 3.2-liter 225-horsepower V6 in standard CLs (or a 260-horsepower version in the Type-S model) makes for lively acceleration. The front wheels are driven through a five-speed SportShift automanual transmission.
The extra investment required to purchase the Type-S is worth the cost in drivetrain dividends, which include a dual-stage induction system, low-restriction dual exhaust, larger throttle body, increased compression ratio, special cylinder heads, firmer springs, increased shock damping and handsome 17-inch wheels. The Type-S also gets a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system to keep the car pointed in the direction you want to go. Be warned, however, that the stiffly sprung Type-S suffers from a somewhat harsh ride on most urban streets.
Unlike American personal coupes that are often overweight and overtly flashy, or austere German sport coupes, which are often spartan to the point of monasticism, the CL's interior effectively blends ergonomic simplicity with the look, if not the feel, of rich appointments. Up front, occupants will find comfortable and supportive leather-faced seats, as well as plenty of legroom. Side-impact airbags are standard. Acura calls the CL a 2+2, so it should come as no surprise that backseat passengers will feel a bit pinched if they are over average height.
Standard niceties include an in-dash six-disc CD changer hooked to an Acura/Bose audio system, heated front seats, remote keyless entry and a power moonroof. The only option on either model is a DVD-based navigation system containing complete mapping of the 48 contiguous states.
As the first Acura designed, engineered and manufactured almost entirely in the United States, the CL certainly doesn't feel "American." From its high-end accoutrements to its sporty road manners, the CL takes personal luxury to a level not commonly found on vehicles in this price range.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Acura CL.
5 star(67%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(2%)
42 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
New to this Acura
Nuggets2008, 12/17/2008
2002 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
I just bought Acura CL 2002 base model with only 35,000 original miles. It was a lease in FL and I live in Co. So this car was taken care of. It is a very smooth car with a lot of power. I came from a 1992 Acura GS, which I was hit an ran on but survived to tell this story. Overall it's a very smooth and comfortable ride with nice luxury features.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Great car!!!
Fighter, 03/14/2005
2002 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
I had pontiac GTO 2004 before this car. What a mistake. I love my CL-S. Great engine, seamless interior, classic exterior forms. HID, heated seats. I love this car. I got it for 18K with 20K miles only.
4.38 out of 5 stars
TYPE S
JAMES THURSTON, 02/13/2004
2002 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
GREAT ALL-AROUND CAR.VERY RELIABLE,THE
ONE FEATURE THAT IS A BOTHER IS THE
FRONT SEAT BELT SYSTEM WHICH DO NOT
ALLWAYS RETRACT AND GET CAUGHT IN THE
DOOR WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Auto Transmission Woes for CL
rallyhat, 04/20/2002
2002 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
My 2001 CL Type S went through its
transmission in just over one year.
Getting a replacement took a month. (I
was told they were in extremely short
supply due to high failure rate.)
Apart from this, my only complaint is
mysterious rattles from the passenger
side that nobody at the dealership can
find. This adds to the noise level
that already seems a little high … given
Acura's reputation.
2002 CL Highlights
Coupe
3.2
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,030 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $259/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the CL include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
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