View source for Acura CL

{{Short description|Luxury mid-size coupe by Acura (1997–2003)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2025}}
{{Distinguish|Mercedes-Benz CL-Class}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name         = Acura CL
| image        = 2nd Acura CL.jpg
| caption      = 2nd-gen Acura CL
| production   = 1996–2003
| manufacturer = [[Honda]]
| class        = {{ubl| [[Personal luxury car]]| [[Executive car]] ([[E-segment|E]]) }}
| body_style   = 2-door [[coupé]]
| layout       = [[FF layout|Front-engine, front-wheel-drive]]
| assembly     = United States: [[Marysville, Ohio]]
| predecessor  = [[Acura Legend]] (coupe)
| successor    = [[Acura TL#Third generation (UA6–UA7; 2004–2008)|Acura TL]]
}}

The '''Acura CL''' is a [[midsize car|midsize]] four passenger coupe manufactured and marketed by [[Honda]]'s [[Acura]] brand across two generations from 1997–2003 [[Model year|model years]].

All first generation Acura CLs were manufactured at [[Honda]]'s plant in [[East Liberty, Ohio]] with the Honda Civic.  The second generation CL, [[Acura TL|TL]] and the [[Honda Accord]] upon which the Acura CLs were based, are manufactured at [[Honda]]'s plant in [[Marysville, Ohio]]. The CL was the first Acura to be built in the [[United States]].

With the release of the TL and 3.5RL in 1996, Acura transitioned to [[alphanumeric]] and/or two-letter names.
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== Acura CL-X ==
[[File:Clx.jpg|alt=Acura CL-X concept car media picture|thumb|Acura CL-X concept car]]The Acura CL-X is a [[concept car]] built by [[Acura]] (in conjunction with its parent company [[Honda]]) for the [[North American International Auto Show#1995|1995 North American International Auto Show]] in Detroit. It was designed in Honda's R&D North America studio in Los Angeles. It is a two-dour coupe with a wheelbase of {{Convert|106.9|in|cm|abbr=unit}} and a track width of {{Convert|63.2|in|cm|abbr=unit}}. The concept was shown to preview the styling and body style of what would become the CL. The particular car shown had special carbon fiber and aluminum composite wheels designed for performance, with a staggered wheel setup of 18 inches in the front and 19 inches in the rear.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1995 Acura CL-X Concept History, Pictures, Value, Auction Sales, Research and News |url=https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z46/acura-cl-x-concept.aspx |access-date=2019-04-10 |website=conceptcarz.com |language=en}}</ref> It was reported to have a top speed of {{Convert|140|mph|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acura cl x. Photos and comments. www.picautos.com |url=http://www.picautos.com/11489-acura-cl-x.html |access-date=2019-04-10 |website=www.picautos.com}}</ref>

==First generation (1996)==
{{Infobox automobile
| image        = 1998-1999 Acura CL -- 04-11-2012 2.JPG
| caption      = 1998–1999 Acura CL
| name         = First generation
| production   = February 1996&ndash;1999<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/99324400/|title=Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan on February 19, 1996 · Page 1|website=Newspapers.com|date=February 19, 1996 }}</ref>
| model_years  = 1997–1999
| wheelbase    = {{convert|106.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length       = {{convert|190.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| width        = {{convert|70.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height       = {{convert|54.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| weight       = {{convert|3064|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} (I-4)<br />
{{convert|3285|lb|kg|0|abbr = on}} (V6)
| related      = [[Acura TL]]<br>[[Honda Accord]]<br>[[Honda Odyssey (North America)|Honda Odyssey]]<br>[[Isuzu Aska]]<br>[[Isuzu Oasis]]
| transmission = 4-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
| engine       = 2.2&nbsp;L ''[[Honda F engine#F22B1|F22B1]]'' [[straight-4|I4]] <br />2.3&nbsp;L ''[[Honda F engine#F23A1|F23A1]]'' [[straight-4|I4]] <br />3.0&nbsp;L ''[[Honda J30|J30A1]]'' [[V6]]
| model_code   = YA1
}}
The Acura CL entered production in February 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 February 1996 |title=Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan on February 19, 1996 · Page 1 |url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/99324400/ |access-date=2019-04-10 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref> For the 1997 model year, the CL was offered with either a 3.0&nbsp;L ''[[Honda J30|J30]]'' [[V6]] producing {{Convert|200|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, or a {{Convert|145|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 2.2&nbsp;L ([[Honda F engine#F22B1|F22B1]]) [[straight-4|I4]] [[internal combustion engine|engine]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/16/automobiles/behind-the-wheel-1997-acura-2.2-cl-luxury-that-s-priced-to-please.html|title=BEHIND THE WHEEL/1997 Acura 2.2 CL;Luxury That's Priced to Please|last=Schuon|first=Marshall|work=The New York Times |date=June 16, 1996 |access-date=September 1, 2018|language=en}}</ref> The 1998 and 1999 models featured a 2.3&nbsp;L 4-cylinder ([[Honda F engine#F23A1|F23A1]]) engine with {{Convert|150|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://consumerguide.com/used/1997-99-acura-cl/|title=1997-99 Acura CL {{!}} Consumer Guide Auto|date=May 9, 2014|work=Consumer Guide Auto|access-date=September 1, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:1997 Acura CL -- 01-28-2010.jpg|thumb|left|1997 Acura CL]]
[[File:1997 Acura CL, rear 8.2.20.jpg|thumb|left|Rear view]]
Both the 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder CL offered a "Premium" trim level which offered leather upholstery (with heated front seats in the 3.0), and in the 3.0, an Acura/Bose stereo. For the 1999 model year, the "Premium" trim level was eliminated, and leather upholstery became standard on all models, as was a trunk [[cargo net]].<ref name=":1" /> The alloy wheel design was different on the 3.0 for each year, moving from a five-spoke design (MY 1997) to a seven-spoke design (MY 1998), to a different multi-spoke alloy design for the 1999 model year. The 2.2/2.3 CL used a six-spoke design for 1997, then moved to a 5-spoke double-prong design for 1998 and 1999. The 4-cylinder model had an option for a 5-speed [[manual transmission]].<ref name=":0" /> The CL also featured [[galvanized]] body panels which helps to prevent rust.

* '''1997–1999 Acura CL''' 3.0&nbsp;L [[V6]] – {{Convert|200|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}
* '''1997 Acura CL''' 2.2&nbsp;L [[straight-4|I4]] – {{Convert|145|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}
* '''1998–1999 Acura CL''' 2.3&nbsp;L [[straight-4|I4]] – {{Convert|150|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}

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==Second generation (2001)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name         = Second generation
| image        = 2nd Acura CL .jpg
| caption      = 2000–2003 Acura CL
| production   = January 2000&ndash;2003
| model_years  = 2001–2003
| wheelbase    = {{convert|106.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length       = {{convert|192.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| width        = {{convert|70.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height       = {{convert|55.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| weight       = {{convert|3,450|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| related      = [[Acura TL]]<br>[[Honda Accord]]<br>[[Honda Pilot]]<br>[[Honda Odyssey (North America)|Honda Odyssey]]
| engine       = {{ubl|3.2 L ''[[Honda J engine#J32A1|J32A1]]'' V6|3.2 L ''[[Honda J engine#J32A2|J32A2]]'' V6 (Type-S)}}
| transmission = 5-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]] (2003 only)
| designer     = Donald Herner, Harumi Okano, Kunihiko Tachibana (1997) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/USD440186S1/en|title=Automobile body}}</ref>
| model_code   = YA4
}}
For the 1999 model year, the Acura CL's sibling, the TL, was redesigned. The CL, however, was never produced as a 2000 model and instead in March 2000 the completely redesigned Acura CL was released as a 2001 model featuring a 3.2&nbsp;L [[SOHC]] [[VTEC]] ''[[Honda J engine|J-series]]'' [[V6]]. A navigation system was also available along with the [[Acura A-Spec and Type-S models|Type-S]] model, denoting Acura's 'Sport' edition. While the regular CL featured a {{Convert|225|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} V6, the Type-S boasted a {{Convert|260|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} V6 with 17-inch wheels, a firmer suspension, slightly larger brakes, and firmer seats. At the time, the Type-S was the most powerful front-wheel drive vehicle Honda had ever manufactured.<ref name="caranddriver.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comptech-supercharged-acura-32cl-type-s-specialty-file|title=Comptech Supercharged Acura 3.2CL Type-S|publisher=|accessdate=July 14, 2015|date=June 2003}}</ref>

In 2002, the CL Type-S was offered, as a 2003 model, with a close-ratio 6-speed [[manual transmission]] with a helical limited-slip differential. The 6-speed CL deleted some minor interior features from the automatic, such as a center console light. Also, the heated seats only featured one heat setting (vs. high and low in the auto). VSA and TCS were also not found on the 6-speed car, and as such, a 3-channel ABS unit was used. One of the main criticisms of the CL was that a manual transmission had been dropped when the car was redesigned for the 2001 model year. Very few manual transmission models were built; there were 2,690 without navigation and 824 with navigation, for a total of 3,514 in the US market. An additional 331 cars were produced for the Canadian market, all without navigation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWupfHYbTes | title=The Truth Behind the Actual Number of Acura CL 6-Speeds Produced! | website=[[YouTube]] | date=August 5, 2023 }}</ref> Despite such small numbers of manual transmissions, there was still a greater demand than Acura had expected. The 6-speed car was highly praised by critics, with one calling it "the high point of Acura performance outside the NSX and Integra Type-R".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://playswithcars.com/?p=737|title=Acura 3.2CL Type-S 6-Speed Manual: Used Car Reminder|work=PlaysWithCars|accessdate=July 14, 2015}}</ref> However, with the CL's sister car, the TL, coming up on a redesign for the 2004 model year, the CL was dropped from Acura's lineup with no [[mid-size]] luxury coupe replacement. Total Acura CL sales from 2000 until 2003, when the last new model was sold, was less than 31,000 units. The CL's [[manual transmission]] survives in the third-generation [[Acura TL|TL]] and 7th generation [[Honda Accord (North America seventh generation)|Honda Accord]].

[[File:2nd Acura CL -- 09-26-2010.jpg|thumb|left|2003 Acura CL]]
[[File:2000 Acura 3.2 CL 2017.4.16.jpg|thumb|left|Rear view]]
The 2003 model year also brought cosmetic changes to the CL. The 5-watt road/fog lamps found on the 2001–02 models were deleted, and non-functional air vents were installed in their place. The grille surround and door handles became body colored, as opposed to being chrome on the 2001–02 models. The side mirrors were also redesigned (for both the 2002 and 2003 models) by having a more square shape, full-body matched paint, and tinted glass since customers had complained about excessive wind noise coming from the mirror seam. The 2003 models also saw new headlights which featured a blacked-out interior, and the taillight lenses had a cleared turn signal and reverse light. Type-S models included updated 17 × 7" 12-spoke wheels. Revised thicker exhaust tips were also a new addition. Canadian CLs offer [[daytime running lights]] and a windshield washer fluid level sensor as standard equipment (USDM CLs do not have these as an option).

* '''2000–2003 Acura 3.2 CL''' – {{Convert|225|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, {{convert|217|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} mpg: 17 city/27 hwy. (5AT)
* '''2000–2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type S''' – {{Convert|260|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 6,100 rpm, {{convert|232|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 3,500–5,500 rpm. mpg: 19 city/29 hwy (6MT),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2003-acura-32cl-type-s-first-drive-review|title=2003 Acura 3.2CL Type-S|publisher=|accessdate=July 14, 2015|date=March 2002}}</ref> 17 city/27 hwy. (5AT)

===High-performance models===
In 2002, Honda Access America developed a performance package for the CL Type S, which was built in concert with tuning firm [[Comptech]]. A specially designed Eaton twin-screw [[Roots-type supercharger]] was coupled with numerous suspension, exhaust, braking, and drivetrain enhancements. 0 to 60&nbsp;mph times of the coupe were reduced from 6.0 seconds on a stock Type S to 5.7 seconds with the modifications. Output was claimed to be {{Convert|369|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 6,800 rpm and {{convert|302|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 5,400 rpm (both measured at the crank), with a fuel economy rating of {{Convert|19|mpgUS|l/100 km|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="caranddriver.com"/>

===Automatic transmission concerns===
Problems have been seen with the second-generation CL models equipped with automatic transmissions (manual transmission models are unaffected). Reports say that after an average of around 40,000 miles, the transmission experiences gear failures, such as downshifts, slipping, flaring and not shifting, and leaking.

One main cause is excessive wear of the 3rd gear clutch pack, resulting in large amounts of debris blocking the flow of transmission fluid. Many owners reported problems with the replacement transmissions as well. Similar transmission-related issues exist in the [[Honda Accord]], [[Acura MDX]], [[Acura TL]] as well as the [[Honda Odyssey (North America)|Honda Odyssey]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-sep-11-hy-acura11-story.html | work=Los Angeles Times | title=Honda's Unexpected Gear Shift | first=John | last=O'Dell | date=September 11, 2002}}</ref>

Due to many failures, the manufacturer extended the warranty on the automatic transmission on some CLs and TLs for 7 years, {{convert|100000|mi|km|-4}}. Many replacement rebuilt units had problems. A class-action lawsuit later extended the warranty to 93 months or {{convert|109000|mi|km|-4}}. Despite the conversion to kilometers, the class action settlement applies only for persons and entities residing in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hondatransmissionsettlement.com/ |title=Honda Transmission Settlement |publisher=Honda Transmission Settlement |date= |accessdate=November 8, 2012}}</ref>

In addition, there was an unrelated transmission recall for safety reasons. One gear tended to overheat, break and cause the transmission to lock up. Since this failure would cause the car to come to a sudden stop, this might cause accidents. Further information on the transmission issue was available on enthusiast forums<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cl.acurazine.com/forums/archive/index.php/f-6.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080817001656/http://cl.acurazine.com/forums/archive/index.php/f-6.html |title=Acura CL Community - Transmission Recall Q & A |archivedate=August 17, 2008}}</ref> and at the official Acura Service Bulletin.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.acuraworld.com/tsb/2gRL/b90-009.pdf |title=Automatic Transmission In-Warranty Exchange Program |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017103338/http://www.acuraworld.com/tsb/2gRL/b90-009.pdf |archivedate=October 17, 2013}}</ref>

==Sales==
{| class=wikitable style="font-size:97%"
|-
! Calendar year
! Total US sales<ref>http://news.honda.com/newsandviews/local_news_content/{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}[5147g]_Honda_2015_Digital_FactBook.pdf</ref>
|-
 | 1996
 | 16,740
 |-
 | 1997
 | 28,939
 |-
 | 1998
 | 26,644
 |-
 | 1999
 | 20,968
 |-
 | 2000
 | 24,677
 |-
 | 2001
 | 18,993
 |-
 | 2002
 | 12,072
 |-
 | 2003
 | 6,593
 |-
 | 2004
 | 283
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline}}

{{Acura}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Acura Cl}}
[[Category:Acura vehicles|CL]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1996]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 2003]]
[[Category:Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States]]