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Acura CL

JDM · Acura

Acura CL: Personal luxury coupe (1997-2003). The CL Type-S 3.2 brought 260 hp and an available manual.
Photo: IFCAR / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Personal luxury coupe (1997-2003). The CL Type-S 3.2 brought 260 hp and an available manual.

The Acura CL was a personal luxury coupe based on the TL and Accord. The standout is the second-generation CL Type-S (2001-2003), with a 3.2 liter J-series V6 making around 260 horsepower and, late in the run, an available 6-speed manual that turned it into a genuine sport coupe. It is a comparatively rare and underrated Honda V6 coupe. On WhipJury, the CL Type-S appears as an affordable, distinctive used coupe, with manual cars the prize.

CL specifications

2.2 to 3.2 liter Honda four and J-series V6. CL Type-S around 260 horsepower. Front-wheel drive. Automatic, with a rare 6-speed manual on late Type-S cars.

Frequently asked questions about Acura CL

What is the CL Type-S?
The high-output CL, with a 3.2 liter J-series V6 making around 260 horsepower. Late Type-S cars offered a rare 6-speed manual, making them the most desirable version.
Is the CL related to the TL?
Yes. The CL is essentially the coupe counterpart to the TL of the era, sharing platform and powertrains.
Does the CL come with a manual?
Only on late CL Type-S cars (2003), which received an available 6-speed manual. These are rare and sought after.
Is the CL reliable?
Generally yes, though some automatic-equipped Honda V6s of the era had transmission concerns. The manual Type-S avoids that issue.
Is the CL rare?
Relatively, especially the manual Type-S. The CL sold in modest numbers and was discontinued after 2003.

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