Acura CL

Overview

The Acura CL filled a specific and appealing niche in Honda’s North American lineup — a premium two-door coupe positioned above the mainstream Honda Accord coupe but within the Acura luxury brand, providing the elegance of a personal luxury car with the performance character of a proper V6. Launched in 1997 on the same platform as the Accord and the TL, the first-generation CL offered either a 2.2L four-cylinder or a 3.0L V6 — both in automatic-only configurations that prioritised comfort over sport.

The second generation (2001–2003) was where the CL truly came into its own. Honda developed the J32A2 — a high-output version of the J-series V6 producing 260 hp — specifically for the CL Type-S, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. 260 hp from a naturally aspirated V6 in 2001 was genuinely impressive performance for a front-wheel drive luxury coupe, and Honda’s VTEC system delivered the power with a characteristic rush above 4,000 rpm that rewarded enthusiastic driving.

In Azerbaijan, the Acura CL is a rare and distinctly appealing used import. Examples from North America are occasionally available through specialist importers, and their combination of 260 hp V6 performance, Honda J-series reliability, and elegant coupe styling make them a compelling choice for buyers who want an unusual, characterful luxury coupe at a very modest used price. The J32A2 engine shares its family architecture with the J35 used in Honda Accord V6 and Pilot — routine maintenance is well within the capability of Honda workshops in Baku.

Acura CL in Pictures

The second-generation CL’s proportions were well-balanced for a personal luxury coupe — a long hood, short rear overhang, and frameless door glass gave it a genuinely elegant profile. The Type-S added discreet sport touches: chrome exhaust tips, unique wheels, and the emblematic Type-S badge.

CL Type-S — Front View

Side Profile — Personal Luxury Coupe

Rear View — Coupe Elegance

Interior — Premium Coupe Cabin

Type-S Performance Badge

J32A2 3.2L V6 Engine

Key Specifications

• Engine (2nd gen base): Honda J32A2, 3.2L V6 VTEC; 225 hp at 6,100 rpm; 295 Nm at 5,000 rpm.
• Engine (2nd gen Type-S): Honda J32A2 (high-output), 3.2L V6 VTEC; 260 hp at 6,200 rpm; 298 Nm at 5,500 rpm.
• Transmission (Type-S): 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic with sequential SportShift; one of the very few luxury coupes with a manual option in 2001–2003.
• Drive: Front-wheel drive on all CL variants — no AWD was offered.
• Performance: 0–100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds (Type-S manual); top speed approximately 230 km/h.
• Dimensions: 4,760 mm long × 1,787 mm wide × 1,384 mm tall; wheelbase 2,632 mm — proper personal luxury coupe proportions.
• Boot capacity: 283 litres — typical for a luxury coupe; limited by the coupe body structure.
• Suspension: MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear — sport-tuned on Type-S for more responsive handling.
• Safety: Dual front and side airbags; ABS with EBD; standard on all second-generation models.
• Fuel consumption: Approximately 11–13 L/100km in mixed driving (Type-S V6).
• Audio: Premium Bose 6-speaker audio system available; one of the better factory sound systems of the early 2000s era.
• Interior: Premium leather seating; wood grain trim; dual-zone climate control; heated front seats standard on Type-S.

Variant Comparison

What Makes the CL Stand Out

The Acura CL Type-S represents one of the most characterful and undervalued luxury coupes of the early 2000s era — a genuine grand touring car with 260 hp, an available manual, and Honda’s enduring reliability, now available at prices that no contemporary European luxury coupe can approach.

• 260 hp J32A2 V6: The J32A2 high-output V6 was developed specifically for the CL Type-S and delivered 260 hp from a naturally aspirated 3.2 litres — competitive with far more expensive European coupes of the same era, all with Honda’s proven long-term reliability.
• Manual gearbox in a luxury coupe: The CL Type-S’s 6-speed manual option was extraordinarily rare in a luxury front-drive coupe segment dominated by automatics. The combination of 260 hp V6 and 6-speed manual delivers a driving engagement virtually unavailable elsewhere in the early 2000s luxury coupe market.
• Honda J-series longevity: The J32A2 engine, while a higher-output variant, shares the J-series architecture that has proven capable of 300,000+ km with proper maintenance in other Honda and Acura applications — extraordinary longevity for a 260 hp performance engine.
• Frameless window elegance: The CL’s frameless door glass gives it a genuine sports coupe appearance that differs from the slightly more utilitarian appearance of coupes with window frames — a detail that contributes significantly to its elegant overall look.
• Exceptional used-market value: The Acura CL has depreciated to values that represent extraordinary specification per dollar. A clean CL Type-S manual offers 260 hp V6 luxury coupe ownership at used prices that are genuinely remarkable compared to BMW M3, Mercedes CLK, or Audi S4 alternatives of the same era.
• Understated styling: The CL’s clean, conservative coupe styling has aged gracefully — it looks neither dated nor outlandish on Baku’s streets today, providing quiet confidence rather than the overwrought design choices of some contemporaries.

Maintenance & Repairability in Azerbaijan

The J32A2 engine’s architecture is related to the J35 family used in Honda Accord and Pilot. While J32-specific parts may require specialist sourcing, routine maintenance items are well within the Honda parts network in Azerbaijan.

• Engine oil: 5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic every 7,500–10,000 km. The J32A2 uses a timing belt (not chain) — replacement at 90,000 km is critical; this is an interference engine and belt failure causes catastrophic damage.
• Timing belt service: Confirm the timing belt has been replaced at or before 90,000 km. Water pump replacement is strongly recommended simultaneously as a preventive measure; both are serviced together for efficiency.
• 6-speed manual gearbox: Honda MTF-3 gear oil every 40,000 km. The CL Type-S manual is robust; synchromesh wear on 2nd gear is the most common wear item at higher mileages.
• 5-speed automatic (auto models): ATF change every 60,000 km with Honda-specified fluid. The 5-speed SportShift automatic is a reliable unit found across multiple Acura and Honda models of the era.
• Multi-link rear suspension: Rear control arm bushings and trailing arm bushings should be inspected from 100,000 km. These are wear items on vehicles over 20 years old and can significantly affect rear handling precision.
• Power window regulators: Frameless windows require more precise regulator alignment than framed door glass. Power window regulator failures are common on high-mileage examples; replacement parts are available from specialist suppliers.
• Age-related seal maintenance: At 20+ years old, door seals, sunroof seals (if equipped), and trunk seals should all be inspected for cracking and water ingress. Seal replacement is straightforward but essential to prevent cabin moisture issues.

Acura CL vs. Competitors

Cost-of-Ownership Calculator (Azerbaijan)

The CL’s J32A2 engine requires timing belt service at 90,000 km — factor this into your ownership budget if not already completed. Beyond this critical service, running costs are modest for a 260 hp luxury coupe.

• Estimated annual fuel use: 1440 litres
• Estimated annual fuel cost: $936
• Total annual ownership estimate: $2836
• Average monthly ownership estimate: $236

Used Acura CL Buying Checklist

• Timing belt history (critical): The J32A2 is an interference engine. Confirm the timing belt has been replaced at or before 90,000 km. If service history cannot confirm this, budget $400–600 for immediate belt and water pump replacement before driving the car.
• VTEC engagement: Accelerate firmly through 4,000–5,000 rpm in 2nd or 3rd gear. The J32A2 VTEC should engage with a noticeable power increase. A hesitation or rough crossover indicates VTEC solenoid maintenance needed.
• Manual synchromesh (6-speed): Test 2nd gear engagement carefully — the most common synchromesh wear point. A grinding 2nd gear is addressable but requires gearbox work.
• Frameless window alignment: Operate all windows fully up and down. Confirm the glass seals flush against the door frame at the top when fully raised. Poor alignment or irregular operation indicates worn regulator mechanisms.
• Suspension condition: At 20+ years old, all rubber suspension bushings should be considered for inspection. A thorough underbody inspection for worn control arm bushings, sway bar links, and ball joints is essential before purchase.
• Body and paint condition: Inspect all panel gaps, the A-pillar and C-pillar seams, and the sill areas for evidence of accident repair. The CL’s coupe structure means that collision damage can be more complex and expensive to repair than a sedan equivalent.
• Underbody corrosion: North American imports may have road salt corrosion on brake lines, exhaust, and rear subframe mounting points. Inspect carefully on any example from a northern US state or Canada.
• Age-related rubber condition: Engine mounts, transmission mounts, drive axle boots, and all rubber seals deteriorate with age independent of mileage. Budget for replacement of these items on older examples as preventive maintenance.

Acura CL in Azerbaijan FAQ

Is the Acura CL too old to be worth buying today?

The Acura CL’s age (20+ years) is a real consideration, but Honda’s legendary build quality means that well-maintained examples remain mechanically robust. The J32A2 V6 is genuinely long-lived when properly serviced. The key risks are timing belt deferred maintenance and age-related rubber component deterioration — both addressable with known costs. A properly inspected and documented CL Type-S remains an excellent used buy for the enthusiast.

Is the timing belt the biggest risk on a used CL?

Yes. The J32A2 is an interference engine — timing belt failure causes catastrophic engine damage. Always verify timing belt service history before purchase. If history is unavailable, replace the belt immediately regardless of apparent mileage. The cost of belt replacement ($400–600 with water pump) is trivial compared to the cost of engine repair or replacement after belt failure.

Can Honda workshops in Baku service the J32A2?

The J32A2 shares its design philosophy with the J35 and J30 family that is well-known in Azerbaijan. Routine service items — oil, filters, belts, plugs, and seals — are within the capability of any experienced Honda technician in Baku. J32A2-specific parts such as VTEC solenoids and high-output-specific components may require sourcing from specialist importers or online markets.

What is the CL Type-S like to drive with the 6-speed manual?

It is genuinely engaging — the J32A2 V6 delivers strong torque across the rev range and builds dramatically above 4,500 rpm with VTEC engaged, making the most of the manual’s close ratios. The steering is direct for a front-drive luxury coupe and the sport suspension limits body roll effectively. It is not a sports car, but it is a legitimately entertaining grand touring coupe that rewards spirited driving.

Is 260 hp from a front-wheel drive coupe a problem?

At the limits of grip, 260 hp through front-wheel drive can produce torque steer under hard acceleration from a standstill. In normal driving and even brisk motorway overtaking, it is entirely manageable — and the Honda transmission’s smooth power delivery reduces the drama compared to many turbocharged front-drive alternatives. Fitted with good-quality tyres, the CL Type-S is a confident and capable grand touring companion.

Should You Buy an Acura CL?

The Acura CL Type-S is the right choice for the Azerbaijani buyer who wants a genuinely beautiful luxury coupe with 260 hp V6 performance and an available manual gearbox, at a used price that no contemporary European luxury coupe of equivalent specification can match. For the enthusiast who appreciates understated elegance, Honda mechanical reliability, and a driving experience that remains genuinely rewarding two decades after production ended, the CL is an outstanding choice.

The age caveat is real — buyers must be prepared to address timing belt service and age-related maintenance proactively. But Honda’s build quality means that a well-maintained CL remains mechanically trustworthy long after its production run ended, and the J-series V6 parts accessibility through Baku’s Honda network keeps running costs within reason for the coupe’s performance class.