Honda Car Forum

I want to buy one because it looks really nice, but I have read that it has serious transmission problems. I have always thought Acura's to be reliable. How has your experience with a CL been? Are there any other problems that should be mentioned? How is the Type S? Please answer only if you own an Acura CL or you know someone with an Acura CL.

I'm sorry I do not have a CL, but I have been a Acura owner for some years. I am not aware of CL's having any particular Tranny issues. However it is imperative that when you changes the automatic transmission fluid that you use Honda brand fluid, or they will start to shift poorly. that is with any Honda product. For your own peace of mind I do suggest researching the Acura CL/TL reliability ratings in Consumer Reports.

My 2003 CLS is a jet. My other car is a vette. They are both performance cars and have similarities. Many compliments come towards the CLS. It has now 31,000 mi on the odometer. There are some problems with the manual trans. Mine has been replaced (warranty covered). An internal part blew a hole the size of a quarter through the case. I was in heavy traffic going appx. 10 mph...I have had 2 clutches...one covered, one not. I did not return to the first dealer for the 2nd clutch. Another dealer was cheaper for the same pieces. I asked the tranmission mechanic about reliabity of the manual tranny. He said that mine was the first one he had seen but that there are some pblms with the auto for the TL & CL. My girlfriend's TL has had minoe pblms with loud clinking sounds when shiftig from reverse. Adjustments were covered.My radio/tape/CD unit has been replaced twice by Acura at no cost. CD discs had become impossible to remove and deck malfunctioned. Both decks were sent to CA for disc removal and reconditionong. The car has a pblm. with a new set of "Rolling Stones" CD's. No pblms with other discs. Sound system is stock Bose. It lacks a sub-woofer.GPS is top rated for 2003 and has been updated. New version has more and better maps.Another pblm I have experienced is paint/metal durability. There seems to be small dents made by thumb pressure on hood and trunk. Paint chips fly from front bumper to easily.The original Michelin PILOT tires are fragile due to the narrow stock profile. One has been replaced due to an unseen pothole...$235 each. The CLS has tight suspension and is front heavy in high speed turns due to FWD. Special attention has to be given in snow.This is NOT an economical car to drive but a blast to go through the 6 gears. I use 91 or 93 octane at fill ups. According to both the shop and owner's manuals, 91 octane is the minimum octane to be used. Mileage is about 19 mpg with both city/hwy use. Car gets regular maintenance.The CLS has a high stance and is quick in a straight line. Corners are a concern at high speed but delivers better than most hi end coupes. Ther is a lot of storage areasDo not expect to sit more than 4 people in the firm leather seats. This is a performance car, not a family sedan.

Hey, i own a 2003 acura CL type S. they are reliable cars, the only thing is the 2002 CL type S has had a transmission recall, which only deems that particular year unreliable, but there are no other problems with it. But my 2003 is doing well, I have had it for 2 and a half years and have yet to have any problems with it.

Yes because Acura Tran is not make in Japan any more it make in AK, USA now, even now you buy any Honda it also make in AK, no kidding!I own a Toyota Camry 2005 3.3 Liters VVTI engine. but you know what the only thing is make in Japan is the Engine. so... it only 20% Japan and the rest is make in USA, if they do it their is no point to buy an import, let get the ford right??? sorry if you didn't like what i said, but it true. Honda Accord 1994-2003 is also have a bad Tran problem too so don't buy it unless you know it pretty well before any purchase. I hope is help. Good Luck

I just bought an 03. The transmissions are a problem however Acura has extended the warranty on the to 100,000 miles or 7 years. I won't even own it that long.