Acura CL

Price Paid:  $29000.00 from Acura of Omaha

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 3.2CL Type-S

Strengths:
The 260hp is definitely a strength. I have owned almost every performance car with rear wheel drive and a throaty V-8, but they don''t compare with the smooth power delivery of the S-Type. You don''t even realize you are going as fast as you actually are! The titanium accents around the stereo cluster and on the door panels look very classy and edgy at the same time. The seats are the most comfortable that I have sat in and offer the most lateral support of any sports car that I have owned.

Weaknesses:
Since I have owned my Acura less than a month, I have not noticed any weakness yet.

Summary:
I have found the Acura to be the best of all of the vehicles that I was interested in. My wife cannot drive a manual, which I love, so the Tiptronic transmission was a very good compromise. The powertrain feels very strong, even at low speeds, with a very nimble feel that was not expected in a car of this class. The looks are breathtaking with beautiful lines and 17'' rims finish the sport luxury package tastefully. Anyone that wants the best of both worlds; sport and luxury, will love this car!

Similar Products Used:
89'' IROC Z-28: 96 Mustang GT: 97 Z-28: 96 Impala SS: 99'' Z-28 SS

Price Paid:  $30700.00 from Gary Force Acura

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 Acura CL Type-S 6-Speed

Strengths:
quality of materials, value, Acura service (so far), power on demand, smooth shifting 6-speed, historic reliability.

Weaknesses:
sunroof doesn't open very far, no fold down rear seat, no telescoping steering wheel.

Summary:
This car is great. I rung my hands over whether to wait for the 350Z, G35 coupe or the RX-8. I obviously haven't driven any of these machines, but I think this car hits the sweet spot in luxury, performance and value. I'm sure I won't have any quality issues and this one was made in America. This car is completely loaded. What decided it for me was when Car and driver gave this car a 96/100 and said that it had 'the best front wheel drive system anywhere, any time, bar none'

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $31500.00 from University Acura, Cl

Strengths:
6 speed transmission, I wouldn't have considered the auto. Low end torque for a multi-valve engine. Great seats, quiet ride. Doesn't look flashy like the BMW

Weaknesses:
Minimal head room(I'm 6' 1" and I have a longer torso), bose system has marginal bass. No telescoping steering wheel. Not rear-wheel drive.

Summary:
I have always driven trucks, Toyota trucks for the reliability, not the comfort. The Acura was the best performance vs. price around. I test drove the Lexus IS300 (great car for people under 5'8"), the BMW 325ci (great car but not that powerful and pleather at $30,000?), Infinity G35 (excelent handling, but I'm not ready for a 4 door), and a Ford Mustang (fast but all the refinement of my 1991 Toyota 2wd truck and not much more). So far the car has been a blast to drive. Above 3500 the car pulls like the Mustang right up to 7000. The intake sounds are wonderful. Below 3500 I was surprised at the torque available. The car produces peak torque from 3500-5500. The car comes pretty well stocked with options. The only factory option is the navagation system, but for those of us who can read maps the extra $2000 is wasted.

Similar Products Used:
Toyota Tacoma 4wd TRD

Price Paid:  $28000.00 from curry acura

Strengths:
power, build quality, handling to comfort ratio is ideal for every day use. price.

Weaknesses:
not quite european road feel of audi a4 30 or bmw 330 ci.

Summary:
i test drove 3.2cl s type 6 spd 2 times and wow. great power through the entire rpm range. smooth shifting tranny, great clutch. very comfortable seats. i also test drove audi a4 3.0 stick and maxima se stick and concluded a4 is sluggish in power but handles better, but is a $140 mnth higher. not worth it. the maxima does not have the shift action of the cl but overall, a decent value. but for the same money, i got the cl. i have looked at and drove a lot of other cars, but none came close to performance, comfort, quality and value. i pick it up in 2 weeks. cant wait.

Similar Products Used:
audi a4, bmw 330, lincoln ls, maxima se, saab 9.5 aero

Price Paid:  $28800.00 from Sussman Acura

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 CL Type-S 6-speed manual

Strengths:
Very fast off the line! Very tight short throw gear shifts! Handles like a dream! Comes totally loaded with leather, 6-disc, moonroof etc. The only option available is a navigation system which I did not get, it's like $2,200, I don't need it.

Weaknesses:
No rear spoiler standard, it's like a $550 option.

Summary:
One bad ass ride! Quick, nimble, sleek, very impressive! You've got to drive one!

Similar Products Used:
I work at a car dealership, I've seen and driven them all!