Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Acura CL
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Why buy a used 2001 Acura CL 3.2 with all its inherent problems, when I can get a used 2003 Honda Accord EX, V6 coupe with none for the same price? This is my rationale.
~D~
With the exception of the tranny, I've had the reliability. The biggest push for me to buy the CL-S was the test drive. I went down some curving back roads, and I was allowed to actually drive at an 8/10ths to 9/10ths pace. That was the selling point for me --- I hadn't had so much fun driving a car in years.
I was amazed at the power and handling of the CL-S - it was smooth, refined, yet it behaved like a sports car. The Honda will give you the reliability & practicality that you need. For me, I enjoy the power and handling of the CL-S.
Plus, I figure I made out with the tranny - I still have a year to go on my 4-year warranty, and the tranny has the 7-year warranty.
I could go on about the navigation system, heated seats, Xenon headlights, 17" alloy wheels, great stereo, clutchless 5-speed shifting, and the compliments I receive continuously on its looks, but... I guess that would be akin to bragging, so I won't.
Oh, did I mention that I got 24MPG when I cruised at 90MPH turning 2500RPM's for 110 miles? With several little spurts up to 110MPH? Shucks, I just can't stop, can I?
Enjoy the Honda - it will serve you well I'm sure.
Mark
To be honest, I absolutely love the Acura but as the more research I do on this model the more I'm leaning away from it. Actually, I'm avoiding it like the plague!
To all of the 2001 Acura CL TYPE-S owners out there, I want your honest opinions on whether this has applied to your vehicle?
_________________________________________________
Automotive Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins for 2001 Acura CL TYPE S V6-3210cc 3.2L SOHC (VTEC) PGM-FI.
Provided by ALLDATA
Bulletins for 2001 Acura CL TYPE S V6-3210cc 3.2L SOHC (VTEC) PGM-FI
General Recalls
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 02-027 AUG 03 Campaign - Automatic Transmission Warranty Extension
2. 03-017 MAY 03 Campaign - PCM/Fuel Pressure Regulator Replacement
Service Bulletins
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1. 03-015 AUG 03 Audio System - Remote Controls Don't Work Properly
2. 98-005 JUL 03 Drivetrain - Revised CV Joint Boot Band/Installation
3. 00-037 JUN 03 Brakes - Brake Rotor Refinishing Guidelines
4. 97-040 MAY 03 Keyless Entry - Description/Identification/Programming
5. 01-017 MAY 03 Brakes - Pedal/Steering Wheel Vibrate When Braking
6. 00-019 APR 03 Antitheft System -Type 2 System Operation/Programming
7. 03-010 MAR 03 Engine Controls/Emissions - DTC's & Monitors
8. 03-006 MAR 03 Engine Controls - Idle Speed Inspection
9. 03-003 FEB 03 Interior - Power Seat Rail Synchronization Update
10. 03-001 JAN 03 Emissions - MIL ON/DTC P1457 (EVAP) Set
11. 03-002 JAN 03 A/T - MIL ON/No Upshifts/Downshifts/Slipping
12. 02-020 AUG 02 Air Bag System - Occupant Position Sensor Initialization
13. 02-015 JUL 02 Air Bag System - SRS Lamp ON/DTC's Set
14. 02-012 MAY 02 Clutch Master Cylinder - Fluid Leakage
15. 02-006 MAR 02 Front Seat Back Panel - Loose/Detached
16. 02-005 FEB 02 Emissions - EVAP System Testing and Diagnostics
17. 96-025 DEC 01 Navigation System - Component Exchange Program
18. 99-041 NOV 01 Navigation System/A/C - Operation/Testing
19. 01-041 OCT 01 Engine - Oil Leaks
20. 01-031 SEP 01 Lighting - Road Lamp Bulbs Burned Out
21. 99-051 AUG 01 Exhaust - Muffler Paint Peeling
22. 00-037 AUG 01 Brake Disc - Refinishing Guidelines
23. 01-004 JUL 01 Wipers - Smear or Streak the Windshield
24. 00-009 DEC 00 New Models - Feature Information
25. 00-032 NOV 00 Moonroof - Squeaks from Moonroof Seal
26. 00-025 AUG 00 Body - Windshield Molding Deformed
27. 99-041 FEB 00 TQI OF THE DVD NAVIGATION SYSTEM
28. 92036 NOV 92 Vehicle Fails State Inspection Emissions Test
If I didn't know any better, I would have thought this was either a Ford, GM, or Dodge car.
I guess another question is whether a pre-owned certified Acura CL 3.2 will address all of these issues.
Right now, I'm extremely disappointed with Acura's supposed quality craftsmanship.
~Darren~
A couple of side-notes: On a couple of occasions, I have encountered the e-brake light on the dash coming on and off intermittently. However, according to the dealer, there was no fluid leak nor any other brake malfunction. The last time it happened they replaced the master cylinder sensor and all is well.
Also, regarding the audio system, sometimes when I try to turn the volume down via the dash knob, the volume would go up rather than down. Usually this would happen if I give the knob a quick twist. If I turn it slowly it doesn't happen. I didn't bring it to the attention of the dealer since I don't think it's a big deal. I usually use the steering wheel volume control anyway.
I think those are all TSB's that Darren listed. I think TSB's are issued quite regularly by all manufacturers, so I'm sure if having a lot of TSB's is any indication of significant problems.
- Pedal/Steering Wheel Vibrate When Braking (Acura turned the rotors at 25k)
- Squeaks from Moonroof Seal (Acura applied fix)
- Wipers - Smear or Streak the Windshield (no fix)
...and of course the Transmission Warranty Extension, but no failures so far.
And I've experienced a 'jumping' or bouncing in the power windows, for which Acura replaced the window regulator mechanisms. None of the other items you listed have happened on my '01. On all problems I've had, my Acura dealer's service has been fantastic to deal with.
I also have to tell you, I have 46k miles on this car and still just love the way it drives. It runs and drives as tight as it did when new. I am disappointed over the problems I read about on this model, but have yet to experience enough to sway my opinion. I think it's fair to say the 01 CL-s is not best at reliability from your choices, but it does offer much better performance than the Honda or Toyota. Do you weigh performance or reliability higher?
Like bodble2, I believe TSBs are not necessarily indication of serious quality problems. Being in a tech-service business myself, I know TSBs can also be communications for unusual or difficult to diagnose problems... making them a sign of effective service departments.
Anyone know if there are more bad trannys then there are good ones? Like is it every 3.2CL Type-S tranny's are bad... or is like one out of every 2 or what i am tryin to get at is what are the odds of gettin a bad one anyone know?
Also another quick question... Does anyone know what year they started to make the 3.2CLS in that nice Blue color?
Now, here's the kicker. If I had to do it all over, I would probably pick the Max over the CL-S. A large part of this is due to the fact I found out a 2-door car is a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] for my daily commute. But also because I don't find the CL-S that satisfying overall (for my needs). When you hammer it the power and acceleration is great, but as a daily commuter, it is not all that poised or composed, for lack of a better term. And to top it off the fit and finish is second-rate, and the car is proned to random squeaks and rattles.
If u dont mind answering what are some of the reasons that you would like to get the Maxima over the CLS? I love how the CLS has everything i need as far as options. And the Maxima is going to be hard to find because of all the specific options i would want.
My last car was a '91 Mustang GT 5.0. It was an all out sports car and now i am lookin for something that isnt all out sports car something in the middle and the CLS i think is perfect. But i also have my eye on '02 Maxima Se which is kinda on the same level as the CLS except it is a lil more less a sports car then the CLS.
Having a Mustang as my previous car got me used to the 2 doors. I dont really mind 2 door car cause i am already used to having to deal with it and its not that a big of deal to me but i only usually have more then 1 other passanger in my car probably about 2 days a week which is nothing so i dont mind 2 door.
The only thing that is holding me back is this tranny problem. If this wasnt such a big issue (at least it seams that way) then i would buy the car ASAP.
Also i dont know much at all about the SS but like u said about the weavin through traffic wouldnt it be better if you were usin the SS cause u said that it doesnt keep up so wouldnt it be better to use the SS and downshift from there and upshift and so on?? just a question cause im not familiar with it
If this is true that only 2% of all CLS have "bad" trannys then my chances are pretty good that i will get a good one... At least i hope...
Yes the ss would be better for someone that finds themselves weaving in and out a lot. The ss mode works very well and, obviously, will not let the engine upshift for economy.
Get the car and enjoy.
But seriously, I find the Max almost on a par with the CL in terms of luxury, feature content and power. The 4-speed auto on the Max is a negative but not really a huge factor given the torque of the engine. I had a '95 Max and I've always found the VQ to be slightly smoother and more refined than the Honda/Acura V6. The Max has a somewhat offbeat front and rear end styling but the overall shape is very masculine.
As gt95 said, the tranny issue on the CL only affects about 2%, and the extended warranty should alleviate most concerns about that. The Max is also not without issues. That generation Max had problems with O2 sensors. And I've also read quite a few people reporting problems with ignition coils. So there you go. You probably won't regret either choice. But I fully understand your view on the 2-door issue. When I was your age, I wouldn't have looked sideway at a 4-door sedan.
If you were my age do you think you would pick the CLS over the Max? I know you said you would pick the Max over the CLS, but if you were my age which would you take?
Actually, if I were 20 now, the car I would be drooling over would be the Nissan Z/Infiniti G35 coupe. I don't know what your budget is, but why don't you go for one of those babies?
From what I have read so far in the previous posts:
1) 2002 model year does NOT have the tranny problem? And the tranny issues were isolated to the type S models?
2) CL handles fine in the snow?
3) Finally is a 2002 CL w/ Navi with 29,000 miles a good deal for $ 21,000?
4) Other than the faster engine and sport tuned suspension; I am not missing anything else by going with the regular cl?
5) 2002 was a good year for the cl?
6) The navi should not have any problems?
Please let me know if my assumptions above are correct and if the price is decent.
Thanks for your advice
TJ
2. From my personal experience, CL will handle moderate amounts of snow with all-seaons tires without any problem.
4. The other major item that the regular CL does not have is the 17" wheels/tires. I don't know about performance, but aesthetically, the smaller wheels/tires don't look as good. To me, there is a significant difference in appearance. And I don't think you get perforated leather in the regular CL.
Word to the wise... get under there and check yours while you are still in warranty!
"... how about a teenager?"
LOL....AH.... the "WONDER" years!!!
fastdriver
Shawn.
I don't see people getting killed who drive an Acura TL or CL like what happened with Firestone. As for reliability I have noticed Honda built models in the US have some first year bugs of late(01 Civic, and 03 Accord.) In their second year of bodystyle the first year bugs seem to get worked out. BTW, those Tranny's that were having problems were assembled in Japan.
Finally, I don't think I will ever buy a car in its first year of bodstyle ever again. I have looked at other boards and seen this of late: 03 Mazda 6: Rust and staning, 03 Accord: rattling and sqeauking, 04 Camry Solara: steering pulling to the right. I had a 98 Mazda 626 built in its first year of bodystyle and it did have some bugs but not like those 3 cars I meantioned above.
Sounds like it's time to start checking out the Lemon Law for your state so that you know what your rights are. Usually 3 strikes and they're OUT!
Check here-
http://www.defect.com/Biblio.htm
fastdriver
It was no more because there is no demand for Coupes in the NA market. Look at what everybody is drving: SUV's nowdays. BTW, I'm sorry you are having problems with your CL-s. I hope you have better luck with your next car purchase.
Opinions / comments?
Been driving a 95 Accord EX-L coupe, 5sp, for 6 years now and 170k later I need a new car. Love Honda reliability and hope to have the same great experience with this car. I'll miss driving stick but the Mrs. isn't interested in manual trannys. Looking forward to the 260HP and some decent "luxury" features.
Just have them run the VIN to see if the transmission was ever replaced. You should also get the extended warranty for 7/100,000.
fastdriver
Appreciate your time.
Looking forward to a new car. It's about time.
Anyone know if dealers will let this occur? I figure they will have better luck reselling it with 21,500 miles on it before the end of summer, rather than waiting until November and having me put 2-3000 more miles on it.
I am really disgusted. I have had the rotors replaced twice and now the transmission twice. All in all the car will have been in the dealer for three full weeks of service. All they could say was this transmission blow out was one of the worst they have seen.
My car accelerated on it's own as I was entering the highway....I was lucky to be able to steer around traffic! If I hadn't I would have had a major accident. (The on-ramp was two lane and I was third car in line) Since I was going 90 at one point and red-lining, I think it's a safety issue and I don't want to drive this car. I just have to convince the dealer.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I owned a lemon-Sequoia for 19 months. In the end, I owned it for free (plus the hassles of frequently visiting the dealer's service department). I was given a check for all payments, downpayment, tax, etc. --- they got to keep the lemon.
1. What other year OEM rims fit? 02? 04?
2. Must I stay with 17x7"--originial equipment or would 16" fit?
3. is the bolt pattern 114.3 x5 and offset 55?
Thank you for your help
John
Also, is there any way to tell by VIN or build date the odds of getting a bum tranny? 2002 CL-P has 26k, no problems so far, but wary as warranty ticks away. Does one have to request the 7/100 warranty extension for the tranny?
Any other CL-P eternal blue owners out there? I have seen only two others, one in the South somewhere and one other in Seattle (but it had tan inside...2001?). The color was insisted upon by the powers that be, and had to be shipped from 300+ miles away, but a good choice, as it remains beautiful. Next week it gets the clay bar and two more coats of wax.