Used 2003 Acura CL Consumer Reviews
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Not bad for price
Daniel, 03/15/2010
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ive owned this car for about 4 months and am enjoying. I use to own a 01 Altima so I consider this a real upgrade. Although I love this car I have had quite a few problems with it in just these 4 months of ownership. I have already had to replace the transmission and starter. I have an exhaust leak so my check engine light is always on. Acura says it will take time to find the leak ($105 an hour just to diagnose and see where the leak is coming from). The 2003 automatic CLs are also known for transmission problems. Luckily mine was 2 months away from the warranty expiring so I did not have to pay a cent. Other then those things I am pleased with this car and would recommend for the price.
A Sleeper
Old Duffer, 05/14/2004
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car was delivered in perfect condition. Finish and mechanicals all done well! Comfortable to drive, quiet, excellent sound system, handles well. Big trunk. 3.2 (not Type S) is a little shy on mid-range torque for spirited highway driving but is fine for touring and accepts 89 octaine witrh no complaints.
2003 Acura CL for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
- 3.2 Type-S Coupe w/NavigationMSRP: $10,995793 mi away
- 3.2 Type-S CoupeMSRP: $8,7881,171 mi away
- 3.2 CoupeMSRP: $4,9951,959 mi away
See all 4 listings
Not Bad But not good enough to be Acura
dj1billion, 05/23/2004
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I know I did'nt buy a civic but, daggggg the gas mileage sucks!!! I swear that when I get on it I see the gauge move and that would'nt be so bad if it took reg. gas. But other than that know problems!
2003 CL Type S; 6-Speed Stick; Red/Tan
Red Rocket, 06/03/2004
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for its high reliability (per Consumer Reports), safety (assuming same www.iihs.org crash worthiness as Honda Acord), performance (270 HP, clutch with very narrow sweet spot and 6-speed gear ratios), fun (VTEC sound/growl), styling (classic), winter traction (front wheel drive) and value (under $30k).
So much fun to drive!!!
TypeSRocks, 01/27/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Traded in my boring 2002 A4 for this 03 Type-S, sportshift. It is so much fun to drive this car, incredible sounding VTEC V6 (deep, throaty, muscular sound). Lightning quick acceleration. Excellent leather seats, 8way power seat for driver is amazing. Smooth leather.
Fun to Drive, but Poor Reliability
Fastkar, 03/08/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car was fun to drive however, it was in the shop at least five times with under 20,000 miles. I had to get a new transmission, new rotors, seats got stuck many times, and my sunroof rattles like it was put in after market. They were never able to really fix it. Their fix was special tape made by Acura. This was my first and last Acura.
Clutch problem
INUD, 06/24/2004
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was a great car for 30,000 miles, until the clutch went out. I babied this car. I had no warning of a clutch failure, no slippage at all. Riding on a flat raod and went to shift and the clutch pedal stuck to the floor. That's all she wrote. cloast me $800+. Have had lots of manual shifts and this was a first for me. Also have had trouble with the home link.
Power/Performance in Disguise
knox66, 04/06/2002
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I first showed my new 2003 CL Type S to my friend, he wasn't impressed. "Looks like an Accord" he said. Admittedly, this car's exterior styling and sightlines haven't revolutionalized the industry. The true heart and soul of this car lied under the hood & in it's wonderfully sporty suspension and chassis system. Once I took him on an edge-of-the-seat 70-80 mph joy ride, he no longer saw this car as an Accord. I've also suprised many a city stoplight-racers in my area. After I blow them off the line with lurching tires and screaming acceleration from the VTEC 6 cylinder, I suspect they won't look at an "Accord" in the same light ever again.
Acura CL
Zuchinidog, 05/17/2002
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a very good car. I traded in an Audi A4, and although it was a fun car to drive, the repair bills were gettting to be very expensive. I also test drove a BWM 3, a Volvo S60 and Lexus IS300. Each was an excellent car; however, the Acura was the best choice, in my mind, when factoring in the price.
BEST ACURA
candy, 06/24/2002
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Too good to have munual tranny!
Too many Problems
Roynj, 01/29/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The good things about the car are its awesome transmission and the engine power. It also looks great. OK enough of that. The low profile tires have given me nothing but trouble. So far I've had to replace two of them at over $200 each due to sidewall bubbles. No, the tire manufacturer does not warranty the side wall. The guages are crude. The sunroof only opens about (what seems) six inches. What a waste! The cupholders should be called cupholder (singular!). And I've had to have the drivers side interior door panel replaced. In addition, I don't think that the "auto" rearview mirror is working. Probably wont buy another one.
Think Again!
MadHorse, 08/02/2004
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Car is fun to drive, But there are too many problems. I bought this used at 23,000 miles and drove it for about half year, initially the parking brake did not work, then the wheel bearing went back, then the battery cable went loose and I was stuck at a fast food restaurant after lunch for two hours, then the brakes went back and the rear rotors were damaged and brake pads only had 5% (highly unusal). Then the expenses tires needs replacement and I am up for a wheel alignment, the cupholder keeps making noise and the rear window defroster does not work... thought I bought an Acura but this thing is not reliable at all.
sleeeepppperrrrrr
ae, 08/13/2004
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
awesome ride! handels like its on rails. i love the european look. i also love the fact that i dont see any around. its nice to be original and not have an appliance for a car (accord/camry)LOVE IT!!
I thought Acura meant reliability!!
Husband, 02/16/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Don't get me wrong...this car is fun to drive and performs great..when it is running, that is. After only 1700 miles, my brand spanking new Acura was in the shop for over 3 weeks. The dealership had to replace the short block on the engine AND brake rotors. I think their quality control guy must be sleeping. Once a car has engine work, I don't consider it a new car. Very very disappointed with Acura, their answer, and the overall experience. I was a repeat customer. Will now re- evaluate them for future purchases.
Hard To Kill!!!
Edk, 08/24/2004
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When this came out in the 6-speed I bought it! I put 20k a year on her & they are hard miles.. I drive it like the performer it is!! NO PROBLEMS!! I have 45k on it now!!
More smiles per mile!
racingpharm, 09/18/2004
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The BEST performance car I have ever owned(1st car: 63 Chevelle w/396ci v8 and 2nd 69 Chevy Camaro SS-350). The Acura CL Type-S 6-speed has smoother torque off the line and accelerates without hesitation PLUS gets decent gas mileage for a "performance" sedan... 25- 27mpg highway! Absolutely great fun driving thru heavy traffic! Haven't had any mechanical problems with the vehicle (48000 miles current) except for a stuck home-labeled cd in the changer (which was covered under the warranty). Great car, great dealership! Power plus great finish (not luxury but great fit and finish=quality) in my book!
CL Type-S
esucker, 02/17/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Elegant, understated, conservative, stokin' motor!
Follow-Up Review (See 7/8/03)
Dr.Citrus, 03/24/2005
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I can only echo my previous review. What I will add is that my transmission failed at 45300 miles. The car has been maintained at the dealership, and only the tires have been replaced (at 45K). Still an outstanding car. The transmissions on the 2001-2002 CLs were extended to 7 years/100K miles, but not all 2003 CLs--including this one--have been extended.
Gary's
Gary Olson, 09/07/2005
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is finished with all the little details looked after. Getting into and out of it is much easier than American 2 door coupes that I have owned. I am very impressed with the mileage (29 to 30 mpg on freeway @ 80 mph) from the powerful V-6. I can't believe that I waited so long to get into this quality car.
Great Car!
bradleybradley, 02/23/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought a 2003 when they came out. Great car, bulletproof so far. Gotta love a Honda. We went with the Acura as you basically get one upgrade in chassis at the same price, namely the Corolla chassis (IS300) at Lexus costs more than the larger Accord based car (CL or TL) at Acura. Lexus was just comparatively over-priced.
more luxury than sports in this coupe
vaid02, 03/18/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this was my first car, and im very very happy with it...for now. its a great luxury car with an enourmous power band, but only in the lower gears. your gonna have to downshift to get any acceleration, but when you do downshift, its there. the handling nowhere near matches the power though. its all but non-existant. for a japense car, the price your paying, and the fact that luxury comes first in its name, you cant expect much. although its not horrible, it cant match BMW or anything else in its price range. but you can tell how they cram in so many options as standard equipment, by cutting back in certain places.
Nicest car I've ever owned
Mark O'Brien, 07/23/2007
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's the nicest car I've ever owned. Sporty, comfortable, almost too quick. Handles very well, especially for being a luxury vehicle. I actually get better mileage than factory sticker suggests (over 30 on highway w/ the 256hp V6). If I could figure a way to keep it and purchase a truck, I would.
The best for under $35,000.00
JohnSandoval, 07/29/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car rocks! It really deserves a 9.5 rating. I have never driven a better car, but then again, I have never driven a Ferrari.
CL Type-S is a great car...realize it
rooktobishop, 05/04/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's been almost a year since I bought my red '03 CL-S. It replaced a '99 VW Passat GLS V6 that was simply poorly built and was simply a piece of junk. I try to own my cars for 7 years, but the VW had other ideas. I traded it in for the CL and this car is GREAT. I can own and drive this for 7 years-easy! It's quality all the way around and performs extremely well. I saw another review complain about mileage, for me the fuel economy is great, better than I expected: c19-20 and h32 in most cases...I try not to put my foot into the gas too often, which is easy to do because the car is so eager to get going. I highly recommend this car.
Wonderful car!
JW'SCL, 07/17/2002
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a well built, dependable car that is stylish both inside and out! Plus, it's a blast to drive! All of the features that usually cost extra on other cars, come standard on the Acura CL. The only negative is the design of the cupholders. They are too close together and do not hold different sized drinks well. However, if this is the only complaint about the car...I'll definitely take it!!!
Great Value
frankie-z, 05/16/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent horsepower. Fun to drive. Great value for 30K. Low maintenance cost. Hadn't had problems with rattling or transmission in 3 years.
Great Car
Longhorn, 08/06/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun stuff. Luxury and sporty at the same time.
Cl-S Type
Joseph, 05/25/2006
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Wow!
Steverino054, 07/01/2002
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was all primed up for an Audi TT and was waiting for my wife to get ready and go buy it. She was against the TT from the get go, and asked me to just try this car and she would shut up. Since the dealers were in close proximity-what could I lose? I never got to the Audi dealer. You are on the bridge of the Enterprise in this car. Everything is right at hand. No wind or engine noise at 90 mph and a solid road hugging ride.
Great CL
JimmyCL, 02/25/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best 2 door coupe on the market. The handling of my CL S-Type couldn't be better. It hugs the road like a sports car. The exterior is clean and sleek and very appealing to the eye. When you hit the throttle you are pinned to the seat, but just driving easy through town is a real joy too. The exhaust system sounds great, you not only feel the powerful V-6 you hear it too. I have had the car for 10 months without any problems. Just like a Honda, the reliability is the best. The Bose sound system provides a great place to listen to your favorite CD while driving on the open road. My next car most likely will be another Acura, Cl or RL.. Jim
Acura fun with value
Bill, 06/23/2006
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
A Dream Come True
Flong, 08/14/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My second CL. First was a 99. A great car. My new 03 is a dream come true. I love the styling and comfort. Many standard features make this baby a real "bang for the buck". Looked at other comparable cars and none could match the features and comfort when compared to the purchase price of this gem.
Excellent!
namruf, 01/16/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We are very, very happy with our new CL Type S. We have had zero problems with the car. In addition, we are very pleased with the deal we got and the dealership in general.
Amazing
I am RobG, 07/23/2002
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car!
Nirvana for former Olds owner!
k6tmk6, 08/17/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have been thrilled with the look and handling so far (2 months). Was exactly what I was looking to buy for less than I'd expected to pay (especially with end of year discounts). Great deal and nice ride.
Great car
btaggart, 09/19/2006
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
CL-S - Great Value for the Price
mbackus, 02/26/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Acura CL-S would be best called a "sleeper." The exterior styling is a bit bland, but once you are in the drivers seat the Acura takes on a whole new flavor. This automobile is truly fun to drive. While it won't meet the true driving enthusiast's needs (except perhaps with the 6-speed manual) this car has plenty of luxury and power to go around. The level of options included make the Acura a great value. The interior is cozy and comfortable with all switchgear close to hand. The Acura has a good sized trunk and would be a good choice as a touring car for a single person or a couple.
I Could Not Be Happier!
Robert Clarke, 11/19/2006
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
hot cars
JESUS, 08/28/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
rides good roomy and fast GOOD ON GAS I HAVE HAD A VERY WONDERFUL EXSPERIENCE.
Acura 3.2 CL
L124RD, 08/27/2002
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun and good to drive!
No SUV for Me!
Dr.Citrus, 07/08/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Time for a new car. I thought briefly of adding still another SUV to the roads. Then I remembered that I really did love to drive once upon a time. The Acura CL is a fast, fine handling car with excellent fit and finish. The styling is not exceptional, but the engineering definitely is. Convenience items like mirror defroster, seat heaters and plenty of concealed storage are welcome. My hockey sticks fit through the (unfortunately small opening from the trunk to the rear seats. Controls are logical and well placed. The AC is effective (though whiney at times).
good car
alex7899, 06/02/2002
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owned this car for a while now and its a joy to drive
Price-performance ratio gets no better
despair, 03/31/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A $30,000 car with the luxury and features of a vehicle far more expensive. The CL has enough power to make extended highway driving as much of a breeze as peeling away from stoplights, but sacrifices not an ounce of driver comfort for that performance. From the heated leather seats to the (admittedly gimmicky) shiftable autotransmission, this car as all about giving you that in-command feeling, at a price you can actually afford.
i thought i was the only one!!!!!
lesley5272, 07/08/2002
2003 Acura CL 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
oh my god, i am glad to know that i am not the only who constantly complains about the squeeky and rattling noises that come from my dash and sunroof. i have had my sunroof worked on at least 5 times. every time i take it there is a bulletin recall but the problems has yet to be solved so i give up.and now im complaining about the whistling noises that ac makes but of course they say its normal.take my advice the service dept of southern motors acura sucks. ishould have purchased a lexus!
BMWho?
Chaptorial, 06/11/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been nothing but a joy since the first day I picked it up at the dealership. The overall performance out of the 3.2 liter V6 is more than adequate for daily driving. The interior is laid out perfectly in my opinion with all the instruments in easy reach of the driver. Navigation with Onstar is great. For me the Five-speed automatic shifts perfectly by itself and when I feel the need to drop from 5th to 3rd on the highway, the Sport Shift option works great. Torque steer is minor. Overall you wont find all of these features anywhere for this price.
Fast, solid coupe
bobc0944, 04/02/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Traded in a Porsche 968 for a CL Type-S 6spd. Can drive this just as fast if not faster, sticks well, neutral right up to breakaway,very confidence-building. Only..wish for less body roll, better headroom (I'm 6-0, have to sort of duck), sunroof baffle doesn't baffle, just buffets, and did I mention headroom.
An Incredible Coupe!
Gidget, 06/11/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2003 Acura CL Type-S in Anthracite Metallic the day the model was released. I have been thrilled with this car. With the VSA and tighter suspension, you almost feel like you're driving a sports car. The handling is great, the interior is rich, the body is solid and the engine is quick. I do not believe there is a more luxurious, better performing car out there for the money (the ONLY option on this car is the navigation system).
CL Type S
RKeatF1, 04/07/2003
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have our CL 3 years this forth of July. Dead Ass reliable! Lots of power, comfort. No problems other than squeeking at the sunroof. Fixed by the dealer. Treated very weel at the Dealership. Style of the front end is a little dull.
Great car, great value!
Einsatz, 04/28/2002
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After over six months of research before buying my first new car, there was no doubt of which car I had to buy. I considered the BMW 3 series (add up all the options & accessories to compare with the CL-S and it was too expensive-short and long term), the Lexus IS-300 (OMG the interiors are cardboard! FUGLY!), the Solara SLE V6 (I used to own a 92 Camry LE, they were basically the same car, also overpriced), and Audi A4 (too big). The CL-S has the best bang-for-the-buck. Built solid, looks good in and out, and lives up to its "Type S" name.
acura cl3.2s type
garymp, 05/25/2002
2003 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great pickup, narrow seat, knee room overall performance excellent, owned one year, no problems either interior or engine, runs great all weather.