The Acura CL was the newest member of the Acura family since 1996, when it was released as an early 1997 model, replacing the Acura Legend coupe. It was also the first Acura to be entirely designed and built in the U.S.
Year-to-year changes[]
1997[]
In its first year, the Acura CL, a contemporary luxury sports coupe, was equipped with a 3.0 liter, 200 hp V6 engine. It was also available with a 2.2-liter, 145-horsepower inline four cylinder engine. Both engines were equipped with the groundbreaking VTEC system. Pioneered in the NSX, VTEC had broken the age old trade-off between low-end torque and high-end horsepower.
The CL standard equipment package included an Automatic Climate Control System, power windows and door locks, keyless entry system with integrated theft-deterrent system, 6-way power driver's seat, a power glass moonroof and a CD-equipped 6-speaker sound system.
The first 16,740 coupes, all as early 1997 models, were sold in the United States in 1996, followed by another 28,939 more in 1997.
1998[]
The short-lived 2.2-liter engine was replaced by a new 2.3-liter engine for 1998, along with an upgrade from 145 to 150 horsepower.
A total of 26,644 units were sold in 1998.
1999[]
On October 14, 1998, along with the Integra, the 1999 CL was introduced. The Premium package, which included leather seats, became standard for 1999. After three years on sale, the Acura CL skipped a model year (2000). Production of the 1999 models continued through September 1999 and remained currently on sale through early 2000.
A total of 20,968 units were sold in 1999.
2001[]
Halfway through the 2000 model year, the second-generation CL was released as an early 2001 model. It had a 3.2-liter V6 engine with 225 or 260 horsepower.
2002[]
The Type-S with 260 horsepower last sold in 2002.
2003[]
The CL was discontinued in 2003 with no replacement whatsoever.
Retail prices[]
| Model year(s) | Engine size | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 2.2L | $22,110 | $435 | March 13, 1996 |
| 1997 | 3.0L | $25,110 | $435 | October 2, 1996 |
| 1998 | 2.3L | $22,310 | $435 | November 10, 1997 |
| 1998 | 3.0L | $25,310 | $435 | November 10, 1997 |
| 1999 | 2.3L | $23,100 | $455 | October 14, 1998 |
| 1999 | 3.0L | $26,150 | $455 | October 14, 1998 |
| 2001 | 225 HP | $27,980 | $480 | March 1, 2000 |
| 2001 | 260 HP | $30,330 | $480 | March 1, 2000 |
| 2002 | 225 HP | $28,030 | $500 | |
| 2002 | 260 HP | $30,380 | $500 | |
| 2003 | 225 HP | $28,200 | $500 | |
| 2003 | 260 HP | $30,550 | $500 |
Gallery[]
