2001 Acura CL Review

Cynical
12/7/2007

Ownership Status: I own this vehicle.
Recommendation: I recommend this vehicle.

Pros Straight Line Acceleration Sporty "Feel" Interior Features Value Top-of-the-tack exhaust note

Cons Exterior Handling Actual Performance vis a vis other sport offerings from manufacturers in the price range Transmission (Changed Twice) Fuel Consumption

I've had this car, along with the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, for the last 7+ years. I bought the first-gen Type S back in April 2000. I would have recommended this car at 90/100 if not for (1) the two transmissions that I have changed (perhaps as a function of overly aggressive driving and utilization of the triptronic system for downshifts while cornering); and (2) spinning out today while taking a generally mild corner on semi-wet pavement despite pretty decent tires (80% tread).



A little too bland - perhaps not sporty enough?

Amazing interior that has withheld the test of time quite well. The black marble wood looks quite good, and the navigation system is quite good as well. The only design flaw is an excessive amount of interior noise/wind entrapment when the sunroof is open and the windows are up.

Never a problem - amazing build quality. Fit and finish are quite good with the vehicle, and the paint has easily withstood a harsh environment (had put the car to somewhat extreme conditions, as defined by being naked in the snow consistently for 6+ months)

Never seen a problem - the interior is just as good as or better than the german counterparts. The interior design is quite functional and very well laid out. The Type S gauges are good-looking and easy to read (although a bit more unique when the vehicle first premiered - now the white gauges can be found on any vehicle).

Good engine that revs quite well (I think the tack goes up to 6,500 before the red-line, in excess of the IS-F); good top-of-the-tack kick typical for Honda engines; great acceleration line and no issues after 7 years of ownership

Consistently spin-out in corners when driving at high speed; too much body roll

Getting 14-15 mpg, but it is to be expected with a heavy right foot. However, not bad (especially in comparsion with my Jeep GC).

Good features (not to mention, save the Navi, that they are all included with the car and you don't have to pay up for ridiculous option packages) that were inline with the class for its day and age. I would have liked some additional sport suspension/adaptive ride height, but perhaps it was too early for the model debut.

Very easy vehicle to own; the only complaints are that premium fuel is somewhat expensive and this thing has been a guzzler. Also, for some bizarre reason, my insurance agency considers this vehicle a sports car (my insurance cost is similar to that of an M3, and was more than the Lexus GS I owned, which had more HP, torque and perhaps better straight-line acceleration figures).

Great value new, even greater value used (only $16k gets you into this vehicle?)



Great vehicle as a daily driver, but-for the fuel consumption if you have an especially heavy right foot. I would not get this vehicle with any machinations of true sport-like driving, as the acceleration is good, but the handling is just o.k. (better than an accord, but much worse than a 3er). The interior is amazing (which I believe to be just as important than the exterior), but the exterior is bland as can be. Also, there seems to be something wrong with pushing the vehicle, as I have had two trannies replaced (under warranty). That being said, it is a fun-enough car to have as a daily driver or to get groceries, and the exhaust note is entertaining.