Acura CL | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Acura |
Production | 1996–2003 |
Assembly | East Liberty, Ohio, United States |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Personal luxury car Executive car (E) |
Body style | 2-door coupé |
Layout | FF |
Doors | 2 |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Acura Legend (coupe) |
Successor | Acura TL |
The Acura CL is a midsize four passenger coupe manufactured and marketed by Honda's Acura brand across two generations from 1996 until 2003.
All Acura CLs were manufactured at Honda's plant in East Liberty, Ohio with the Honda Civic. The second generation 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.
The Acura CL-X is a concept car built by Acura (in conjunction with its parent company Honda) for the 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 106.9 in (272 cm) and a track width of 63.2 in (161 cm). 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. [1] It was reported to have a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h). [2]
First generation (YA1) | |
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Overview | |
Production | February 19, 1996–1999 [3] |
Model years | 1997–1999 |
Body and chassis | |
Related | Acura TL Honda Accord Honda Odyssey Isuzu Aska Isuzu Oasis |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.2 L F22B1 I4 2.3 L F23A1 I4 3.0 L J30A1 V6 |
Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 106.9 in (2,715 mm) |
Length | 190.0 in (4,826 mm) |
Width | 70.1 in (1,781 mm) |
Height | 54.7 in (1,389 mm) |
Curb weight | 3,064 lb (1,390 kg) (I-4) 3,285 lb (1,490 kg) (V6) |
The Acura CL entered production in February 1996. [4] For the 1996 and 1997 model year, the CL was offered with either a 3.0 L J30 V6 producing 200 hp (149 kW), or a 145 hp (108 kW) 2.2 L (F22B1) I4 engine. [5] The 1998 and 1999 models featured a 2.3 L 4-cylinder (F23A1) engine with 150 hp (112 kW). [6]
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. [6] 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. [5] The CL also featured galvanized body panels which helps to prevent rust.
Second generation (YA4) | |
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Overview | |
Production | January 2000–2003 |
Model years | 2001–2003 |
Designer | Donald Herner, Harumi Okano, Kunihiko Tachibana (1997) [7] |
Body and chassis | |
Related | Acura TL Honda Accord Honda Pilot Honda Odyssey |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 3.2 L SOHC VTEC J-series V6 |
Transmission | 5-speed automatic 6-speed manual (2003 only) |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 106.9 in (2,715 mm) |
Length | 192.0 in (4,877 mm) |
Width | 70.6 in (1,793 mm) |
Height | 55.5 in (1,410 mm) |
Curb weight | 3,450 lb (1,565 kg) |
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 L SOHC VTEC J-series V6. A navigation system was also available along with the Type-S model, denoting Acura's 'Sport' edition. While the regular CL featured a 225 hp (168 kW) V6, the Type-S boasted a 260 hp (194 kW) 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. [8]
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. [9] 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". [10] 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 TL and 7th generation Honda Accord.
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 were now body color, as opposed to being chrome on the 01–02. 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 now featured a blacked-out interior, and the taillight lenses had a cleared turn signal and reverse light. Type-S's now 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).
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 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 369 hp (275 kW) at 6,800 rpm and 302 lb⋅ft (409 N⋅m) of torque at 5,400 rpm (both measured at the crank), with a fuel economy rating of 19 mpg‑US (12 l/100 km). The complete tuning and appearance package added $22,412 to the $31,050 base price of the CL Type S. [8]
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. [12]
Due to many failures, the manufacturer extended the warranty on the automatic transmission on some CLs and TLs for 7 years, 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Many replacement rebuilt units had problems. A class-action lawsuit later extended the warranty to 93 months or 109,000 miles (180,000 km). Despite the conversion to kilometers, the class action settlement applies only for persons and entities residing in the United States. [13]
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 [14] and at the official Acura Service Bulletin. [15]
Calendar year | Total US sales [16] |
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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 |
Acura is the luxury and performance division of Japanese automaker Honda, based primarily in North America. The brand was launched on March 27, 1986, marketing luxury and performance automobiles. Acura sells cars in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, and Kuwait. The company has also previously sold cars in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Russia, and Ukraine. Plans to introduce Acura to the Japanese domestic market in the late 2000s did not eventuate due to the financial crisis of 2007–2008.
The Honda Integra, sold in North America as the Acura Integra and later the Acura RSX, is an automobile produced by the Japanese company Honda from 1985 until 2006, and then since 2021. It succeeded the Quint as a more luxurious and sport-oriented derivative of the Civic. The Integra was one of the launch models for Acura in the US in 1986 alongside the Acura Legend. Throughout its production run, the Integra was highly regarded for its handling and performance. The 1995–2001 Integra Type R is widely regarded as one of the best front-wheel-drive cars of all time.
The Honda Accord, also known as the Honda Inspire in Japan and China for certain generations, is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, best known for its four-door sedan variant, which has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States since 1989. The Accord nameplate has been applied to a variety of vehicles worldwide, including coupes, station wagons, hatchbacks and a Honda Crosstour crossover.
The Acura TSX is a compact executive car manufactured by Honda and sold through its Acura division from 2003 to 2014. The TSX spanned two generations, both derived from the corresponding Japanese/European versions of the Honda Accord, which were more compact and sporting-oriented than their larger North American counterpart. The latter Accord platform was also used for the Acura TL, which slotted above the TSX in Acura's lineup. All TSXs were built in Sayama, Saitama, Japan.
The Acura TL is a car that was manufactured by Acura, the North American luxury division of Honda. It was introduced in 1995 to replace the Acura Vigor and was badged for the Japanese-market from 1996 to 2000 as the Honda Inspire and from 1996 to 2004 as the Honda Saber. The TL was Acura's best-selling model until it was outsold by the MDX in 2007. In 2005, it ranked as the second best-selling luxury sedan in the United States behind the BMW 3 Series, but sales decreased after the 2008 model year. Four generations of the Acura TL were produced, with the final fourth generation TL premiering in 2008 as a 2009 model and ending production in 2014, when it was replaced together with the TSX by the TLX.
The fourth-generation Honda Integra, produced by Honda, was introduced in Japan on 13 April 2001 and produced from July 2001 until August 2006. It was introduced in North America on 2 July 2001 as the Acura RSX, the name a part of Acura's naming scheme changing the names of its models from recognizable names like "Integra" or "Legend" to alphabetical designations in order for buyers to build more recognition to the marque, and not the individual cars.
The Honda NSX, marketed in North America as the Acura NSX, is a two-seater, rear mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car manufactured by Honda.
The Acura Legend is a mid-size luxury car manufactured by Honda from Japan. It was sold in the U.S. and Canada under Honda's luxury brand, Acura, from 1985 until 1995. It was the first flagship sedan sold under the Acura nameplate, until being renamed in 1996 as the Acura 3.5RL. The 3.5RL was the North American version of the KA9 series Honda Legend.
The Oldsmobile Achieva is a front-wheel drive compact sedan and coupe that was introduced by Oldsmobile for the 1992 model year. The Achieva was based on the GM N-body platform, which it also shared with its siblings the Pontiac Grand Am and Buick Skylark. The Achieva replaced the GM N-body Cutlass Calais after its final 1991 model year, and ended production after the 1998 model year.
The Pontiac Grand Am is a car model that Pontiac Division of General Motors produced in various years between 1973 and 2005. The first and second generations were RWD mid-size cars built on the LeMans GM A platform. The Grand Am name was reused for a FWD compact car for the third- and fourth-generations. The fifth-generation versions was enlarged to a mid-size car.
Honda's first production V6 was the C series; it was produced in displacements from 2.0 to 3.5 liters. The C engine was produced in various forms for over 20 years (1985–2005), having first been used in the KA series Legend model, and its British sister car the Rover 800-series.
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The seventh-generation Honda Civic is an automobile produced by Honda from 2000 until 2005. It debuted in September 2000 as a 2001 model. Its exterior dimensions stayed similar to the outgoing predecessor, with interior space significantly increased, bumping it up to the compact car size designation. A notable feature was the flat rear floor that gave better comfort to the rear seat passengers. This generation abandoned the front double wishbone suspension, used previously from fourth to sixth generations, replacing it with MacPherson struts. This generation was the last to offer 4WD variants.
The eighth generation Honda Accord for Japanese and European markets is a mid-size car. It went on sale in mid 2008 for the 2009 model year. The Japanese-built Accord is also sold in Australia and New Zealand as the Accord Euro. It is also available in US, Canada, and Mexico as the second-generation Acura TSX. From late 2009, it is available as Honda Spirior in China. While not as large as the North American Accord, sold in Japan as the Honda Inspire, this generation Accord is not in compliance with Japanese Governments regulations concerning exterior dimensions, and is not classified as a compact sedan in Japan.
In the U.S., the seventh generation North American Honda Accord is a mid-size car that was available as a four-door sedan or a two-door coupe and was produced by Honda from September 2002 to 2007. The sedan was also marketed in parts of Latin America, Asia, Middle East, Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand markets, and also known as the Honda Inspire in Japan from 2003. The North American Honda Accord, with modifications for local market needs, was the launch vehicle of Honda in the South Korean market with sales beginning from May 20, 2004.
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