Very quick (especially if you use the triptonic shifter), lots of standard features. Good looking interior (dash, upholstry). Stereo controls on the steering wheel. Very supportive seats for long trips. Nice climate control.?

It would be great if the triptonic shifter could be incorporated into the steering wheel as on the Lexus IS300. Also needs a telescoping steering wheel, and bumper guards on the outside of door panels. Horn should be closer to the wheel hand grips. A slightly more aggressive styling would be welcomed.?

After testing many cars, I felt that the CL type S gave me the most for the money in terms of sportiness, standard features and quality. The closest competitor was the Lexus IS300, which has a good deal of pep and sporty feel, but costs several thousands more for their base model. It would cost a lot to similarly equip the Lexus. The Mercedes C230 while nice, has only 4 cylinders with turbo, and had significant turbo lag. The BMw 330i was also nice, but I think the CL type S gives better performance (in most areas except for handling) for a much lower price. The Passat was very nice, buts its less fun to drive family-type car. The Acura should also have few repair problems and when they do occur, should be less expensive to fix than the German cars. Ive had the car 6 months with no probelms.

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Datsun 240z, mazda RX7, mustang`

260 hp vtec v6, good pickup, kicks in well at high rpm. suspension is smooth, 17 inch wheels are a nice touch. sportmatic transmission is fun and practical.

un-intuitive controls.

just got a 3.2 cl type s, and it has so far, blown my mind, great acceleration, i love the sportmatic option, the 260 horses that give it a smooth but still powerful ride. the suspension is first class, controls are a bit confusing, but easy to learn. this car looks like a killer, and it plays the part.

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94 explorer xlt, cant compare...

Looks, Reliablity

Gas Milage

This is a beautiful automobile. I had a Civic before, and really decided to spring for beauty. THe rear panel of the driver seat is falling off, that''s the only problem. It has 38000 miles on it, and I''ve never had a problem. Once again, it''s a beautiful car!

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Honda Civic

Looks, Stereo, speed, handling

Wood trim came loose and fixed in no time by dealer. Mileage could be better but I blame my heavy foot for that one.

Had a BMW for three years and everybody asks me if I like this Acura better. I respond with a "yes" and a smile. Car rides great with great speed and highway riding. Hate when I get to work or home and have to get out of car. Recommend this car to anyone.

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BMW,

260 HP
DVD Navigation System
5spd Autostick Transmission
Memory Seating with OS Mirrors
Traction and Stability control (standard)

Could use wider Tires (225 or 235/45/17s would be nice)
Little more Growl in the Exhaust (not Muscle car growl, but a little heavier sounding)

I have owned mostly american muscle cars (currently a 98 Z-28 and 99 Trans Am), so when the spouse said she wanted something with luxury, I was slightly upset to say the least. Being the car guru that I am, I pulled out my Road and Track, Motor Trend and Car & Driver mags and started my research. Started finding the standard lux cars, BMW and MB. Looked at speed times and price. UGH!!!!!! Then you put on the options to complete its luxury list and I was going to have to cough up $40,000+ for a car with power to satisfy me, and enough luxury to pacify her. Then I came across the Jan 01 edition of, I think Motor Trend, and I was blessed with heavenly light shining on the page of their Acura CL Type S review. 260 HP, Standard EVERYTHING! Yet I was still skeptical, and we had to go see in person. I never make up my mind before I test drive the car. After stepping on the gas for the first time, and seeing the interior of the vehicle, I was in love. Power, luxury and (my favorite new toy) DVD-Navigation System. Come to find out that Acura was the only people I could find that provided a DVD Based. All the rest were CD-Based so if you wanted to travel the US with these maps you would have to spend 400+ dollars for the rest of the CDs (the one they give you from the dealer is only for the zone you live in. Can be anywhere from 3-5 additional Zone disks for about $130 dollars a piece). Also the price for the DVD Navigation system in the Acura is $2000 dollars, the price for BMW and MB CD-Based System $1900-$2100 (without the additional discs only the Zone you live in). Lists of standard options. Heated seats (a 500-1100 dollars extra item for BMW) standard, Power seats (another additional cost for BMW) 6 disc CD player ($700 additional for BMW), Powered Moon/Sun roof (additional $1100 dollar package for BMW) and leather seating (believe it or not, it is NOT standard on the 3 series BMW almost another $1000 dollar package.)
Final Tally:
Acura CL-Type S $32780 LOADED with Navigation System.
BMW 330 Ci (with same options) $42000+

For the Longterm buyers, these cars have similar Depreciation Values.
3 year BMW 60% 3 Series Residual Acura CL 60%
5 year BMW 31% 3 Series Residual Acura CL 30%

Yes the BMW has some advantages, it comes in a Manual if you want, and handles a little better, but if you wanted to get a manual and good handling with luxury for more then $40000, get a Corvette, they are all that and faster.

I love the Acura CL Type-S. The most Lux and Power at the smallest cost.
Do the Comparison yourself if you dont believe me. I was suprised as well.

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BMW 3 Series, MB 230 and 320, Audi A4 and S4, Infiniti I30, Cadillac Catera, Pontiac Bonniville

Looks, handling, comfort, reliability factor

The sales staff!! I almost didn't buy the car because of them.
Headroom is a bit lacking, and the wheel sits too low for my liking.
The stereo is the worst sounding factory stereo I have ever heard.

I think this is a great car overall. The creature comforts are top notch. The seat warmers may seem frivolous at first, but once you have them you'll love them. The heated mirrors are a plus too if you park outside during the winter like I have to.
The handling of the car surprised me. It handles much better than I thought it would. I compare everything to my 98ss Camaro I had. While it can't compete with that, it handles damn good for being a luxury oriented car.
The reliability factor was a big plus, also. Honda is known for making cars that last a long time, and adding to that the extra luxury and finishing touches that make up an Acura, I found a winning combo.
The minuses are as listed above: I'm 6'0" and only have about 2 inches at best of headroom. Probably closer to 1". The steering wheel also sits too low. I'd like to have the option to position it up a bit higher so I had more leg room. Having to squeeze my legs underneath the steering wheel every time I get in and out is annoying. Also, the Bose stereo system: YUCK!!! They did everything else so nicely for the car, why couldn't they at least get a decent company to do the sound system. I'm ripping the entire thing out and replacing it with a Nakamichi/MB Quart system, which includes a 6 disc in-dash changer also. That's the best part about the stock stereo, the changer.
Overall, a great car with only minor complaints. I fit in (a little snug, but I fit) and I'm putting in good sound. Everything else on the car is top notch. Recommended for anyone looking for a car with good reliability, good looks, good handling, good power (the 3.2 has some pep to it, and I like the auto-stick a lot), and is much cheaper than the BMW's, Lexus, and even most Audi's.
As also mentioned, good luck trying to find a dealer nearly as good as the car. Arrogant, misleading, straight out lies at times, they were by far the worst thing about Acura overalll

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None

Good power, hot looks, leather, reliable, I've had no trouble in the 3 years I've owned it..

Automatic!

Great fast car. Its classy, fast, and handles great. Unfortunately, its automatic. I also got a great deal on this car (purchased new).

I've never had to put any money into repairing it, and seeing as its a commuter in Canada, that's pretty good, especially considering how hard it's driven.

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None

Well designed car with lots of standard features. Car is reliable and rides smoothly. Accelleration is very good. The V-tech is a surprisingly good engine that hits home at high revs. Sound system is very good.

The handling of the car feels more like a big car than a sports coupe. Again, once you sit on the car, you get the feeling that the double wishbone suspension can do the job; however, the driver feel at normal speeds is less sporty and therefore less fun.

For an everyday commute car where the driver wants an upgrade from an Accord or Camary, this is a great car. If you are looking for sporting thrills it almost hits the spot,not quite.

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BMW 325: The Acrua is roomier, more reliable and has more features. The beemer drives better

Great roomy interior, excellent sound system, heated front seats, 2 cell phone hookups!,standard moonroof,awesome woodgrain trim,enough leg room,has basically every option included, unlike BMW & Mercedes

nothing.... A PERFECT VEHICLE

I love it!!!! I also own a 2000BMWci and a 1999 land rover discovery, and I must say that the cl drives much more smoothly then them.. The price is unbeatable, and the shape of the car might look lame, but the interior is just perfect. This coupe gives so much room to both driver and passengers. It comes with a bose 6 cd changer stereo system equipped - Its not an option!!!! This car is fabulous!

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NOTHING CAN COMPARE to it....

Beautiful Interior, nice leather, excellent fit and finish, well thought-out cockpit. Excellent highway car, also quite comfortable and roomy for a coupe. Overall great value

I've driven smoother 5 speeds before
4 cyl lacks punch
A bit heavy (dosn't grab corners too well)

I've driven the 1997 CL 4cyl 5-spd for 6 months, and I definitely like the car. I was overwhelmed by the comfort level and understated luxury that I could get in a car at this price range (paid 14k).

For a while, I was unimpressed by the low torque supplied by the 4 cyl V-Tech engine at normal RPM's (I needed to rev it over 4000 RPM to get any significant power). It was almost painfully slow accelerating from a stop.

So, I went and got a K&N air filter, threw it in, and it's made a world of difference (only $50!). The car has normal acceleration now, and I'm pretty satisfied with it.

I reccomend the 2.2 CL for someone looking for an everyday commuter car (caveat: the 5 spd version is NOT good in stop and go traffic AT ALL) that will start everyday, has an excellent interior, and is very well made, I reccomend this car. You won't win any drag races, quarter-miles, or smoke the tires (buy the 2002 260 hp CL Type S if you want to do that), but you will enjoy the ride.

5 Star Value = ACURA (need I say more?)
4 star Overall = Lacks power, tighter transmission

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