2nd Jun 2009, 15:03

For the people who say the Acura is built to the same specs as the same platform in Japan, that's not true! That's like saying the Walmart frosted flakes is the same as the Kelloggs frosted flakes. It's not the same!!! Sorry... but the vehicles built here in North America are different, and the Japanese spec vehicles do not have the "bad quality" issues that the North American vehicles have. So why do most recalls involve vehicles made in North America?

28th Sep 2009, 22:58

I've been shopping for a 2dr coupe as I like the big doors to my wheelchair in. I've owned an 87 Accord Lxi hatchback that was by and large my favorite car ever (except for the collector cars I've owned like 66 Fairlane XL w/390 HO, 4SP or my current 71 International Travelall). The 2.0 liter gave me nearly 30MPG and top speed more than twice 60 and still not redlined.

After I got crashed into, I replaced it with an Integra GS 1.8 liter that almost was equal, but smaller. That got crashed into as well.

I had a brand new 99 Grand Prix GTP with the GM 4L60E transmission that burned out at 66K miles. That transmission was rebuilt with a coupe holes drilled and Corvette servo to push fluid. GM still uses same transmission.

I read that Acura has similar issues. Acurazine the Acura forum has many tips to fix the issues noted. A cooler may help delay the inevitable. Since I can't use a manual, thank you all for helping me make a better decision.

7th Nov 2009, 13:46

My tires cupped. What kind of struts are people replacing the OEMs with? I have some smooth roads, but don't want to be jarred around on the Chicago crappy pavement.

Thanks!

12th Feb 2010, 12:16

This is tarp1 again with a follow up comment on my 2003 Acura CL Type-S 6spd manual.

The car now has 110,000 miles on it, and other than the brake issue (which I explained how to fix), it's been flawless!!!

I just finished some maintenance on it, including struts/tokico blues, timing belt, water pump, belts and hoses, spark plugs and the radiator (which I change on all my vehicles after 100k miles, as I never change coolant).

My original clutch is still going strong, but I'm going to replace it soon anyway. Anyone who has a clutch issue with this vehicle needs to learn how to drive, as I routinely beat the hell out of it.

Good luck

Bob.

15th Aug 2010, 19:47

I have a 2004 Acura CL.

It didn't give me any problems until this year. The tranny went bad, they want so much money to fix the car. They wanted $4500. I told them I just want the tranny then they hung up! When the car is cold it will drive, then when it warms up it just stops moving. Then I turn it off for about 3 minutes then start it, then it drives for about 1 minute, then it starts slipping again.

This sucks. I paid $26,000 for this car.

27th Sep 2010, 17:54

In 2005 purchased a 2003 CL S Type Acura from my Aunt with 17,000 miles on it. She was the original owner, and took very good care of the vehicle, as I have.

Up until a year ago, I thought this was the best car I have ever owned.

I have had to replace the transmission at the cost of $1800, because of course my car wasn't a part of the recall.

The rotors warped, which is part of normal wear, and I need three motor mounts.

My biggest problem is that now the car will not start, but only sometimes. It's not the battery, because everything works, and it tries to turn over and doesn't, but after I try to start it a few times and then leave it alone for a while, it will start.

I would have it fixed; the dealership tells me they find nothing wrong, and I have to bring it in when it doesn't start. Even if I have it towed there, it could still start when it gets there. Has anyone else ever had this problem?

24th Oct 2010, 17:00

Hey all! I just purchased a 2003 Acura CL-Type S, and I couldn't be happier.

I also have a problem with the power seats (they just stop working for no reason).

This car drives and handles exceptionally. All the problems posted by other owners do concern me a bit, but all in all, I'm very pleased with the vehicle.

For the person that asked if $10,000 is a fair selling price, I say yes. I got very lucky with the cost of mine, and didn't pay anywhere near that, but you will NOT find an 03 like mine (which is in mint condition) for what I paid. Of course, I've only owned it for a short while, so problems could arise, but as of now, it's a wicked cool car. I'm in love with it.

Good luck to all the other Acura owners. I truly hope you get your problems with yours resolved, and get out on the road and start to enjoy a truly nice car.

30th Oct 2010, 14:11

I bought a 2003 CL-S MT new. I have 82,000 miles and have had to replace both headlights and inverters (roughly $700 each) and have had problems with the rotors (my dealer fixed for free). My clock light just went out, but I probably won't replace it. My CD player also jammed, but I picked up an MP3 cassette adapter for $10 and will just live without CD's.

I want to keep the car for another few years, and am planning on having the timing belt replaced (along with other belts and water pump).

I really like the car. It's unique and is comfortable on long trips.

I do worry about the quality, given how much everything is to replace.

25th Nov 2010, 11:36

I bought a mint condition Acura CL-S MT-6 with 134000 km back in March 2010. Had it fully inspected prior to purchase and it's without a doubt the best car I've owned!

I replaced the timing belt and drive belt/water pump a little early. Got it done at a local garage that I trust for $575! Dealer wanted $1000!

Did I mention it's FAST!

3rd Dec 2010, 11:49

Followup to the bulleted list for 2003 CL 6MT back aways. Now got 74K on the blasted thing and...

New clutch system at 64K (and please, DON'T condescend to say I should learn how to drive. I do, thank you. It wasn't wear on the clutch plate).

HIDs replaced, again.

Passenger seat recliner motor busted.

Driver seat "leather" tearing (NOT through abuse... Perforations seem designed to prove perfect tear. No wear anywhere - just the rip.

Engine mounts busted.

Door panels warping and now misaligned.

Dashboard covering warping and shrinking.

Clear coat flaking in some areas.

Hood struts failed.

Driver seat memories failed.

Dodgy radio control on steering wheel (sometimes simply fails to work).

Steering wheel (leather) covering deteriorating to the point of coming off.

For the supposed prestige and quality in association with the price I paid for it (new), this car is utter crap. NEVER again will I consider a Honda product. Or any other domestically assembled car (for the more delicate and sensitive readers that object to criticism of "American" cars. Which, frankly, are also garbage by comparison with most Japanese, Korean, German... The list goes on. Well, maybe not including French and British, mind you. Oh, but wait. They're pretty much all owned by American companies: GM, Ford... Hmmmm).

And that's not even to mention the dealerships. Useless. And a complete rip-off. One example: engine mount price quoted from Acura - $220 - $250. Depending who you talked to. Same OEM part from Auto Part Warehouse online - $82.95. No tax, free delivery and it arrived the day after I ordered it.

STAY AWAY from this! And the new ones are cheap and nasty by comparison to other cars in the range... Check out the dashboard materials and the crass and cheesy brushed alloy trim.