Acura history · 1997–2003
Acura CL history: the US-built luxury coupe and the first Type S, 1997–2003
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The Acura CL was a two-door luxury coupe sold for the 1997–1999 and 2001–2003 model years. Acura calls the first CL the first luxury import designed, engineered and built in the United States. The second-generation 3.2CL launched the Type S badge in North America with a 260-hp V6, and a six-speed manual arrived for 2003.
Acura CL history history
The CL coupe joined Acura's lineup for the 1997 model year as the 2.2CL, with a 145-hp 2.2-liter four, and the 3.0CL, with a 200-hp 3.0-liter VTEC V6. Acura calls it the first luxury import model designed, engineered and built in the United States, and its 20th-anniversary history ties US assembly to insulating Acura from yen swings.
For 1998 the 2.3CL, with a 150-hp 2.3-liter VTEC four, replaced the 2.2CL, and for 1999 the Premium features became standard. EPA lists no CL for the 2000 model year.
The redesigned 3.2CL debuted at the 2000 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2001 model, with a 225-hp 3.2-liter VTEC V6, a five-speed automatic with SportShift and a $28,000–$32,000 price range. The 260-hp 3.2CL Type S was the first Type S sold in North America; for 2003 it gained an available six-speed manual and limited-slip differential, and 2003 was the CL's final model year.[1],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7],[8],[9]
Years and production numbers
| Generation | US model years | Models | Engines | Transmissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1997–1999 | 2.2CL (1997), 2.3CL (1998–1999), 3.0CL | 2.2L four, 145 hp; 2.3L VTEC four, 150 hp; 3.0L VTEC V6, 200 hp | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (four-cylinder); 4-speed automatic (3.0CL) |
| 2nd | 2001–2003 | 3.2CL, 3.2CL Type S | 3.2L VTEC V6, 225 hp; Type S 260 hp | 5-speed automatic with SportShift; 6-speed manual on 2003 Type S |
Generations and key variants
| Variant | US model years | What it was |
|---|---|---|
| CL Premium model | Through 1998 | Higher-equipment model; dropped for 1999, when its features became standard |
| 3.2CL Type S | 2001–2003 | 260-hp V6 with dual-stage induction, sport suspension, 17-inch wheels and Vehicle Stability Assist |
| 3.2CL Type S six-speed | 2003 | Close-ratio six-speed manual with a limited-slip differential |
Engine and drivetrain facts
- The 1997 2.2CL used a 2.2-liter SOHC four with 145 hp and 147 lb-ft; the 3.0CL used a 3.0-liter SOHC VTEC V6 with 200 hp and 195 lb-ft.
- The 1998 2.3CL's 2.3-liter SOHC VTEC four made 150 hp and 152 lb-ft.
- The 2001 3.2CL's 3.2-liter SOHC VTEC V6 made 225 hp and 216 lb-ft; Acura said it was similar to the engine in the 3.2TL.
- The Type S version made 260 hp and 232 lb-ft using a dual-stage induction system whose butterfly valve opened at 3,800 rpm.
What changed over the years
- 19972.2CL and 3.0CL launch.
- 19982.3CL replaces the 2.2CL; grille, wheels and trim updated.
- 1999Premium features standard; last first-generation year.
- 2000 LA Auto ShowRedesigned 3.2CL and 3.2CL Type S debut as 2001 models.
- 2003Type S offered with a six-speed manual and limited-slip differential; revised grille, headlights and taillights.
- 2003Final CL model year.
What to check before you buy one
- Confirm a Type S from the VIN rather than the badge; EPA lists the 3.2CL with a six-speed manual only for 2003.
- Check the VIN for open recalls at NHTSA. Air bag inflator recalls 20V-026, 20V-027 and 19V-182 cover various CL model years, and the remedy is free.
- Ask for service records, and on a 2001–2003 automatic check that the SportShift manual mode changes gears on command.
- Remember the gap: there is no 2000 model-year CL, so a car sold as a “2000 CL” should be checked against its VIN.
How to verify a Acura CL history's factory options
An Acura's model, engine and drivetrain are fixed at the factory. CarWhere decodes the 17-character VIN and, where licensed factory build data exists, lists the equipment the car was built with. It does not promise a complete option list for every VIN.
Acura build sheet by VIN
CarWhere checks a specific VIN for licensed factory build data and, when it exists, lists the equipment the vehicle was built with — trim, drivetrain, paint, interior and option packages — in plain English. Coverage varies by VIN and model year and is strongest for recent vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
What years was the Acura CL made?
The first generation ran for the 1997–1999 model years and the second generation for 2001–2003. EPA lists no CL for 2000.
Where was the Acura CL built?
In the United States. Acura calls the first CL the first luxury import model designed, engineered and built in the US, and the 3.2CL was also designed, engineered and built in the US.
What is the Acura CL Type S?
The 2001–2003 3.2CL Type S had a 260-hp version of the 3.2-liter V6, sport suspension and 17-inch wheels. Acura says it was the first Type S sold in North America.
Did the Acura CL come with a manual transmission?
Yes, in two forms. The four-cylinder 2.2CL and 2.3CL offered a five-speed manual, and the 2003 3.2CL Type S offered a close-ratio six-speed manual with a limited-slip differential.
How much did the 2001 Acura CL cost?
When it was introduced, Acura said the 2001 CL would be priced between $28,000 and $32,000.
Related histories
More research
Sources
Production figures, dates and ratings come from Acura and Honda press, product and heritage materials, official race results and reputable automotive press wherever available. References marked secondary are encyclopedic or enthusiast sources used only where a primary figure was not available. Market medians are CarWhere's own analysis of live US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers.
- Acura Model Chronology: 1997-1999 2.2CL/3.0CL (January 5, 2006) — American Honda Motor Co. (Acura News)
- Acura Model Chronology: 2001-2003 3.2CL (January 5, 2006) — American Honda Motor Co. (Acura News)
- New Acura 3.2 CL Luxury Performance Coupe Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show (January 3, 2001) — American Honda Motor Co. (Acura News)
- 2003 Acura Lineup Features More Powerful MDX and Ultra Sporty 3.2 CL (September 19, 2002) — American Honda Motor Co. (Acura News)
- Acura Type S Timeline and Milestones (April 11, 2023) — American Honda Motor Co. (Acura News)
- Acura Firsts (November 7, 2012) — American Honda Motor Co. (Acura News)
- 20th Acura Anniversary: Acura History (January 7, 2006) — American Honda Motor Co. (Acura News)
- Acura Chronology (March 29, 2011) — American Honda Motor Co. (Acura News)
- Acura model listings by model year, 1986–2026 (Find a Car) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
- 2003 Acura 3.2CL 6-speed manual fuel economy (vehicle 18458) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
- Recall 20V-026: driver air bag inflators (1998–2000 3.5RL, 1998–1999 CL, 2001 3.2CL and others) — NHTSA
- Recall 20V-027: replacement driver air bag inflators (2000–2003 3.5RL, 2001–2002 3.2CL and others) — NHTSA
- Recall 19V-182: driver air bag inflators (2003 3.2CL and others) — NHTSA
- 49 CFR Part 565 — Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) requirements — eCFR (U.S. Government)
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere Research — not affiliated with or endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. or Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. Acura and the model names are trademarks of their owners.