Vehicle model
Acura CL
The Acura CL appeared in 1996 as the first model designed to fill the entry-level luxury coupe segment within Honda's premium division in North America. Launched for the 1997 model year, it targeted buyers seeking a refined sporty coupe, more affordable than Acura's most prestigious sedans, while offering equipment and comfort superior to conventional Hondas. The first generation was built on a platform derived from the contemporary Accord, ensuring proven reliability and reasonable maintenance costs. It was offered with a 2.2-litre and later 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, as well as a 3.0-litre V6 that brought greater smoothness and performance. Automatic transmissions dominated the lineup, in keeping with the car's comfort-oriented positioning, while the design featured the soft, elegant lines typical of the late 1990s. In 2001, Acura introduced a completely redesigned second generation, more ambitious in terms of driving dynamics. This new CL, still based on the North American Accord architecture, gained refinement and sportiness. The top of the range was embodied by the Type-S version, powered by a 3.2-litre V6 producing significantly higher output, paired for the first time with a six-speed manual gearbox on certain variants, which delighted driving enthusiasts. The Type-S also featured a firmer suspension, upgraded brakes and a more aggressive presentation, bringing it closer to high-end sport-luxury coupes. In terms of design, the second generation displayed a more muscular and better-proportioned silhouette, with a carefully crafted cabin offering leather, heated seats and advanced audio systems. The market positioning remained clear: to offer an accessible premium coupe capable of attracting buyers who did not wish to turn to the more expensive German brands. Critical reception was generally positive, highlighting build quality, comfort and the reliability inherited from Honda, although some regretted dynamics that were sometimes less sharp than those of European rivals. Production of the Acura CL ended in 2003, with no direct successor under this name. Its role as a coupe was gradually absorbed by other models in the lineup, while the technical base and sporty spirit of the Type-S inspired later developments at the brand, notably on the high-performance TL sedans. Today, the CL, and particularly the manual-transmission Type-S, enjoys a well-regarded reputation among enthusiasts looking for a reliable, enjoyable-to-drive coupe with discreet charm. It remains an interesting milestone in Acura's history, illustrating the brand's desire to offer products combining sportiness, comfort and accessibility, in a then highly competitive segment that was constantly evolving in the North American market during this pivotal period of expansion and growing brand identity.
History
History of the Acura CL
The Acura CL appeared in 1996 as the first model designed to fill the entry-level luxury coupe segment within Honda's premium division in North America. Launched for the 1997 model year, it targeted buyers seeking a refined sporty coupe, more affordable than Acura's most prestigious sedans, while offering equipment and comfort superior to conventional Hondas. The first generation was built on a platform derived from the contemporary Accord, ensuring proven reliability and reasonable maintenance costs. It was offered with a 2.2-litre and later 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, as well as a 3.0-litre V6 that brought greater smoothness and performance. Automatic transmissions dominated the lineup, in keeping with the car's comfort-oriented positioning, while the design featured the soft, elegant lines typical of the late 1990s. In 2001, Acura introduced a completely redesigned second generation, more ambitious in terms of driving dynamics. This new CL, still based on the North American Accord architecture, gained refinement and sportiness. The top of the range was embodied by the Type-S version, powered by a 3.2-litre V6 producing significantly higher output, paired for the first time with a six-speed manual gearbox on certain variants, which delighted driving enthusiasts. The Type-S also featured a firmer suspension, upgraded brakes and a more aggressive presentation, bringing it closer to high-end sport-luxury coupes. In terms of design, the second generation displayed a more muscular and better-proportioned silhouette, with a carefully crafted cabin offering leather, heated seats and advanced audio systems. The market positioning remained clear: to offer an accessible premium coupe capable of attracting buyers who did not wish to turn to the more expensive German brands. Critical reception was generally positive, highlighting build quality, comfort and the reliability inherited from Honda, although some regretted dynamics that were sometimes less sharp than those of European rivals. Production of the Acura CL ended in 2003, with no direct successor under this name. Its role as a coupe was gradually absorbed by other models in the lineup, while the technical base and sporty spirit of the Type-S inspired later developments at the brand, notably on the high-performance TL sedans. Today, the CL, and particularly the manual-transmission Type-S, enjoys a well-regarded reputation among enthusiasts looking for a reliable, enjoyable-to-drive coupe with discreet charm. It remains an interesting milestone in Acura's history, illustrating the brand's desire to offer products combining sportiness, comfort and accessibility, in a then highly competitive segment that was constantly evolving in the North American market during this pivotal period of expansion and growing brand identity.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The Acura CL was built on platforms derived from the North American Accord, a guarantee of reliability and controlled maintenance costs. In terms of powertrains, it offered 2.2- and 2.3-litre four-cylinder engines, as well as 3.0- and later 3.2-litre V6s, the latter topping the Type-S version with increased output. Automatic transmissions equipped most models, but the second generation introduced a six-speed manual gearbox on certain Type-S variants, prized by drivers. The chassis featured independent suspension, disc brakes and, on sporty versions, firmer tuning and upgraded braking. Onboard technology included automatic climate control, heated leather seats, advanced audio systems and, depending on the version, anti-lock braking, all in a spirit of comfort and refinement.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
Tire and wheel dimensions vary by model year and version (especially the Type-S); always verify the exact original size before any purchase.
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