2003 Acura CL Review
Price Estimate: $2,010 - $3,254





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V6 engines, lavish standard features list, comfortable cabin, great value.
Cons
- Average interior materials, lacks the panache of some competing luxury coupes.
What’s new
Acura has made a number of changes on its already highly competent luxury sport coupe. The biggest news is the availability of a six-speed manual transmission on the Type-S trim. If that doesn't interest you, there's certainly more. On the outside, the CL gains new wheels, updated headlights and taillights, a revised grille and new exhaust tips. Inside, Acura has added LATCH child safety seat attachments, a dual-stage and dual-threshold driver's front airbag and an auto-up driver's window. Cars with the optional navigation system also gain OnStar, the vehicle communications service.
Edmunds says
If you are looking for a luxury coupe for about $30,000, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything better.
For sale nearby
6 listings
- 78,241 miles
- Issue reported, 1 owner, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Select Motors (581 mi away)
- Heated seats
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Wichita, KS
1 owner good car fax. Acura CL type S very hard to find. Vehicle is in kilometers on dash. If you dont want it for 10999 great I am hoping to just kee...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 19UYA42793A800085
Stock: B6855
Certified Pre-Owned: No- 155,928 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 6cyl manual
- B Quality Auto Check (583 mi away)
- Heated seats
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Englewood, CO
Offered for sale is a very unique 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type S with an ultra rare 6 speed manual and only 155k original miles. This ultra low production C...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 19UYA41653A006726
Stock: 006726
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-19-2024
Vehicle overview
Introduction: Acura's target market for the 3.2CL is aging baby boomers that 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.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options: There are two trim levels to pick from; the base CL and the high-performance CL Type-S. Both CLs offer near-luxury equipment without a hefty price, and you get more than just air conditioning and a smattering of leather on the seats. You snag lots of standard equipment, including a power sunroof, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, heated front seats, two-position memory system for driver seat and mirrors, steering-wheel audio controls, rear heat/air vents, a micron air-filtration system and high-intensity discharge lights. A super-simple DVD-based navigation system with a smudge-free touchscreen is the only option, and this year it also comes with OnStar, the vehicle communications service. In addition to these items, the CL Type-S comes with a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels and minor cabin trim upgrades.
Powertrains and Performance: The base CL engine is a peppy 3.2-liter V6 that utilizes VTEC technology to produce 225 horsepower and 216 pound-feet of torque, while still getting 19/29 mpg in city/highway driving. The V6 remains strong in every gear, and it can scoot from 0 to 60 in under 8 seconds. A standard five-speed automatic transmission directs power to the front wheels. It's quite user-friendly, thanks to a shift gate located close to the driver and an intuitive shift pattern for the SportShift sequential-shift manual function. Most people should be satisfied with this configuration, but for those who aren't, there's the Type-S. Thanks to special engine modifications, such as a dual-stage induction system, increased compression and performance-oriented camshafts and valves, the 3.2-liter V6 in the Type-S makes 260 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. While the five-speed automatic is also standard on this car, a six-speed manual is newly available. This close-ratio transmission includes a short-throw shifter and a limited-slip front differential. This piece of hardware is designed to allow a driver to apply throttle sooner through turns, thereby improving handling balance and steering feel.
Safety: The CL is equipped with side airbags; the front passenger seat has a system to prevent the side airbag from deploying if a small child or adult leans into the deployment path. Antilock brakes are standard, and other safety items include traction control and a stability control system. Traction control and stability control are standard except on cars with manual transmissions. Neither NHTSA nor IIHS has crash-tested the CL.
Interior Design and Special Features: Inside, standard leather covers the comfortable front seats. Type-S cars also have deeply bolstered, perforated leather seats; a Type-S shift knob and a metallic face instrument cluster. Though certainly functional, the CL's interior isn't as opulent as other cars in this class. As Acura calls the CL a 2+2, it should come as no surprise that backseat passengers will feel a bit pinched if they are more than average height.
Driving Impressions: Both the CL and CL Type-S are satisfying to drive. The Type-S, in particular, is entertaining thanks to its prodigious horsepower and available six-speed manual. However, being a front-drive car has its disadvantages: The CL's handling isn't as dynamic as that of other rear-drive cars in this class.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$231/mo for CL 3.2
CL 3.2
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2003 Acura CL has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 8 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
8 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 19V499000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- Q5A, Y58
- Manufactured from:
- 2001-08-22 to 2002-08-22
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 3947
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
- Recall Number:
- 19V182000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- U40,M45,O4
- Manufactured from:
- 2004-08-12 to 2005-09-02
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1101534
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
- Defect Consequence:
- An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning on April 17, 2019, however, dealers are ready to begin repairs immediately. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
- Recall Number:
- 15V320000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 5100000
- Defect Description:
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153.
- Recall Number:
- 14V351000
- Defect Description:
- American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2001-2007 Accord (4-cylinder), 2001-2002 Accord (V6), 2001-2005 Civic, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2007 Pilot, 2006 Ri
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.
- Corrective Action:
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
- Recall Number:
- 11V260000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 2430
- Defect Description:
- HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 HONDA ACCORD, AND CIVIC 2-DOOR AND 4-DOOR, MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 CR-V, MODEL YEAR 2002 ODYSSEY, MODEL YEAR 2003 ACURA CL, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 ACURA TL VEHICLES. THIS RECALL IS RELATED TO A SERIES OF RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES IN WHICH HONDA IS REPLACING THE INFLATORS WITHIN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG TO ADDRESS A DEFECTIVE CONDITION. THIS RECALL ADDRESSES APPROXIMATELY 2,430 AIR BAGS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS REPLACEMENT SERVICE PARTS IN THE EVENT, FOR ONE EXAMPLE, A COVERED VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN A CRASH NECESSITATING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG, AND THE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG INSTALLED WAS ONE THAT MAY HAVE CONTAINED A DEFECTIVE INFLATOR.
- Defect Consequence:
- IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG, THE INFLATOR COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE THAT COULD CAUSE THE INFLATOR TO RUPTURE WITH METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING AND INJURING THE DRIVER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS.
- Corrective Action:
- OWNERS OF ALL VEHICLES ON WHICH A REPLACEMENT SERVICE AIR BAG MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WILL BE NOTIFIED. DEALERS WILL INSPECT VEHICLES, AND WHERE A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG INFLATOR IS IDENTIFIED, THE INFLATOR WILL BE REPLACED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 27, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009. THIS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IS RELATED TO RECALLS 08V-593, 09V-259, AND 10V-041.
- Recall Number:
- 10V041000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- Q96 & R13
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 379000
- Defect Description:
- HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 HONDA ACCORD AND CIVIC, MODEL YEAR 2002 CR-V AND ODYSSEY, MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 3.2TL AND ONE VEHICLE FOR MODEL YEAR 2003 HONDA PILOT, CIVIC AND ACURA 3.2CL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG INFLATOR COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE. IF AN AFFECTED AIRBAG DEPLOYS, THE INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE MAY CAUSE THE INFLATOR TO RUPTURE.
- Defect Consequence:
- METAL FRAGMENTS COULD PASS THROUGH THE AIRBAG CUSHION MATERIAL POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY OR FATALITY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIRBAG INFLATOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 26, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
- Recall Number:
- 04V176000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- P30/P31
- Manufactured from:
- 2002-01-29 to 2003-06-12
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1099796
- Defect Description:
- ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
- Defect Consequence:
- GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
- Recall Number:
- 02V226000
- Manufactured from:
- 2002-07-10 to 2002-07-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 17551
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
Acura CL Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great blend of touring comfort and performance in a mid priced coupe
4.63 out of 5 starsjimmbbo, 04/03/2011
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
Bought the car new after having had Honda Acuras and Preludes for a decade, and I wanted to move up.
Was struck immediately by its spirited performance, good handling and comfort for long drives.
The styling is refined and understated, but clearly not head turning.
Interior is well finished, and mechanically the car has been excellent.
Straight line acceleration is faster than it … feels, and it's a blast to drive in the curves.
The manual six speed is smooth, and perfectly matched to the engine and car... RECOMMENDED!
11 years and counting
5 out of 5 starsbill2003cl, 11/09/2013
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
My CD player just died and I had to consider whether to pat $400 to have it fixed or possibly getting a new car and going with getting the CD fixed. After 11 years and 150,000 miles, it's showing its age externally, but it still drives great. I just had the manual transmission fluid changed for the first time. With no radio for a couple of weeks I could appreciate how great the engine … purrs.
If you can find a used one with a manual, I would recommend it. It sounds like it should be good for another 100,000 miles and only an Audi or a BMW might seem like an improvement.
Love this car
5 out of 5 starsKane Jones, 04/28/2015
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Bought a 2003 acura 3.2 cl 2 years ago from a friend of mine who owns a mechanic shop, and I must say that this car is an amazing car, the engine sounds great and at times I would just turn the radio off just to listen to the engine purr as it has a distinct sound to it that sounds so good, the only issue I've had so far is with the power steering making a whining noise which turns out … to be the power steering pump, but otherwise this is a great car, I updated the deck to a double din screen, hooked up a back up camera to it and installed an amplifier with an 18 inch sub woofer and now my wife is driving in style lol....I will buy another cl for myself.
You want quick and reliable? Start here
4.63 out of 5 starsairplane nerd, 09/29/2010
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
By a large margin, the best car I've owned in more than a half-century on the road. Impressive response to throttle inputs, smooth shifts, excellent torque, even in 5th gear, pretty decent mileage (22 with a lot of stop-and-go 25-mi commutes into DC and back). Virtually no shop time other than for reg maintenance, brakes went 60K before replacement. Finish holding up very well despite … outside parking at home. The kid wants to know when I'll be too old to drive it so she can have it, even tho she's not sure why there are three pedals. When they pry my cold, dead fingers from the shift knob, that's when. Or when Acura builds me a suitable and acceptable successor.
2003 CL Highlights
Coupe
3.2
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $231/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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