2001 Acura CL Type S 3.2 from North America

Summary:

Fast, classy, yet affordable.

Faults:

Brake and rotor problems. They need to be replaced quite often.

Side airbag light comes on for no reason.

General Comments:

My car has not had this problem, but the 01 Acura CL type S is notorious for transmission problems. Acura recognizes this problem and will fix it if the car has less than 100,000 miles on it.

Performance is very good for a car of this size. Lots of power and decent handling at high speeds.

Car gets about 22 miles per gallon in town.

Interior is plush and very luxurious.

A wonderful car and I absolutely love it! I would definitely recommend Acura to anyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th May, 2004

5th Feb 2005, 18:28

When you state that "the side airbag light comes on for no reason" you don't indicate if someone was sitting in the passenger seat.

Having owned one of these cars, I know that if your passenger moves around in their seat and sits a certain way, the side airbag light will come on UNTIL they resume sitting in a more normal fashion and then the light will go off. The light is warning you that if your passenger sits in that fashion, they will not be properly protected if the side air bag is deployed.

19th May 2005, 18:20

To supplement the last comment about the passenger side airbag lights. It will also flicker on and off if you have objects on the passenger seat. I usually belt down my briefcase in the passenger seat and as it hits the side bolsters the light comes on.

Brakes: I think the brakes are exceptional. I put 77,000 miles, 50,000 of which in one year before I changed the brakes. Also they don't create as much brake dust as those Beemmers do. Have you noticed how filthy their front wheels are?

5th May 2006, 18:20

The side air bag light comes on when my teenage daughter squirrels around in the seat. When she sits like an adult, the light goes off.

12th Oct 2007, 18:17

My transmission keeps slipping when I drive uphill. It just will not move.

2001 Acura CL Type-S 3.2 from North America

Summary:

High performance (keep fingers crossed)

Faults:

The front brakes pulse under hard braking - researched and found that 2001 CL pads are too rough on rotors, and to replace with 2002 CL pads instead.

Side air bag light comes on if your passenger leans the wrong way in the seat.

Have my fingers crossed that I won't have any transmission problems.

General Comments:

Great car, runs strong, sport shift is great when you want high revs and extra performance.

2001 owners, watch for the front brake issue.

Got Comp Tech springs installed, and the car handles a lot better and looks sharp.

Bought used, and can tell the transmission has been worked on. Dealer extended the transmission warranty to 100k miles; just hope they fixed the transmission problem by then. Check out www.acura-cl.com to find out EVERYTHING about the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th April, 2003

19th May 2005, 18:25

Had transmission changed at 70,000+. I also purchased used. A 2001 Type S. Dispite tranny issue I love the car. It handles great on turns even with stock suspension. I've only changed the wheels to 18" w/225-45s.

2001 Acura CL 2.8 from North America

Summary:

Drives like a sports car!

Faults:

Had to have passenger seat motor replaced at about 13,000 miles (under warranty).

No other problems with the vehicle.

General Comments:

We've had this car for nearly two years, and have enjoyed almost every minute. With over 200 horses under the hood, punch the accelerator - even at highway speeds - and it pushes you into the seat as it quickly responds. Tight steering and suspension give you a good feel of the road.

Only problem was a sluggish passenger seat motor; the dealer replaced the whole motor assembly under warranty to avoid any further service calls (a great policy!).

We got the Navigator system with this purchase, and aside from not having the absolute latest new roads, has come in very handy when showing people around, checking for alternative routes, estimating driving time, and so on. The climate control system works great, and heated leather seats are comfortable and hug your body, especially on those quick turns!

Floor mats and cargo net came with, and we purchased a nose guard. Trunk is spacious for two people's luggage with some room left over, and the fold-down access in the back seat is convenient to place your fishing pole entirely out of the weather.

Seats four people comfortably, although big or tall people may be a bit cramped in the back two seats.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2003

27th Jan 2008, 21:30

You must be referring to the 3.2 they never had a 2.8 cl in all of the years they made Cl's.