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Acura CL II 3.2 i V6 24V (228 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Acura CL:
The Acura CL is a midsize four passenger coupe manufactured and marketed by Honda's Acura brand across two generations from 1997–2003 model years.
All first generation Acura CLs were manufactured at Honda's plant in East Liberty, Ohio with the Honda Civic. The second generation CL, TL and the Honda Accord upon which the Acura CLs were based, are manufactured at Honda's plant in Marysville, Ohio. The CL was the first Acura to be built in the United States.
With the release of the TL and 3. 5RL in 1996, Acura transitioned to alphanumeric and/or two-letter names....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II Overview:
Acura CL (II). With 293 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1610 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.8 s). The top speed reaches 215 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Acura CL II was primarily sold in the North American market and was not tested by Euro NCAP. It featured standard safety equipment for its time, including ABS and front airbags.
3.2 i V6 24V (228 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers smooth and ample power for daily driving and comfortable highway cruising. The V6 engine is refined, providing a good balance of responsiveness and quiet operation.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is average for a V6 luxury coupe of this era, with urban consumption being a notable consideration. Extra-urban figures are more respectable.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Refined and powerful V6 engines (especially Type S)
- • Comfortable and well-appointed interior
- • Smooth ride quality
- • Stylish and understated design
- • Good value on the used market
Cons:
- • Known automatic transmission reliability issues (for this generation)
- • Front-wheel drive limits ultimate sportiness
- • No manual transmission option for the base V6
- • Steering can feel a bit numb compared to rivals
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(CL: 1997 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Acura |
| Model: | CL |
| Generation: | II |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.2 i V6 24V (228 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 228 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71 Hp/l [52mm more] |
| Torque: | 293 Nm @ 4700 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J32A1 More details about the engine J32A1 |
| Engine displacement: | 3210 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.4 l |
| Coolant: | 7.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 215 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.1 kg/Hp, 141.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 182 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1610 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 396 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4877 mm mm [52mm more] |
| Width: | 1793 mm mm [13mm more] |
| Height: | 1410 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2715 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1552 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1547 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Acura CL!