2003 Acura CL
Coupe 4 seats
6 trims
Starting MSRP
$28,200
to $32,700
About the 2003 Acura CL
The 2003 Acura CL stands as a data-defined entry in the premium coupe segment, positioned with a starting price between $28,200 and $32,700 depending on the configuration. Power is consistently sourced from a 3.2L 6-cylinder engine, delivering 225 horsepower and 216 lb-ft of torque across the base trims. Efficiency metrics reveal a combined EPA rating of 21 MPG, broken down into 17 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, demanding premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. Its front-wheel-drive architecture is paired exclusively with a 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission for the standard trims, contrasting with the available 6-speed manual option on the Type-S model. Measuring 192.0 inches long with a 106.9-inch wheelbase, the 2003 Acura CL prioritizes front occupants, offering 42.4 inches of legroom versus 33 inches in the rear, while maintaining a practical 13.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Key Highlights
Type-S Power Bump
The 3.2L engine, standard across trims, produces 225 hp, but enthusiasts could opt for the Type-S variant, which often included performance enhancements not detailed here, while still retaining the FWD platform.
Fuel Economy Consistency
Across the spectrum of 6 available trims, the primary efficiency rating holds steady at 21 MPG combined (17 city/27 highway), providing predictable running costs for the premium fuel requirement.
Size and Stance
With a substantial length of 192.0 inches and a width of 69.2 inches, the 2003 Acura CL occupies a mid-size footprint for a coupe, balancing exterior presence with a relatively low profile height of 53.3 inches.
Transmission Choice
Buyers had flexibility between the standard 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission and the enthusiast-focused 6-speed manual transmission available specifically in the 3.2 Type-S trim.
Best For
Performance Enthusiasts on a Budget
- The 2003 Acura CL offers 225 horsepower from its 3.2L V6 paired with an available 6-speed manual transmission, providing dynamic metrics at a segment-appropriate price point of up to $32,700.
Long-Distance Solo Drivers
- The vehicle achieves its best fuel efficiency at 27 MPG highway from its front-wheel-drive platform, which is beneficial for extended highway use.
Front-Occupant Focused Couples
- The cockpit emphasizes front comfort, dedicating 42.4 inches of front leg room compared to the significantly tighter 33 inches allotted for rear passengers.
Available Trims
| Trim | MSRP | Drivetrain | Horsepower | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A) | $28,200 | front wheel drive | 225 hp | 21 mpg |
| 3.2 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A) | $30,350 | front wheel drive | 225 hp | 21 mpg |
| 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A) | $30,550 | front wheel drive | 260 hp | 21 mpg |
| 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M) | $30,550 | front wheel drive | 260 hp | 20 mpg |
| 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A) | $32,700 | front wheel drive | 260 hp | - |
| 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 6M) | $32,700 | front wheel drive | 260 hp | 20 mpg |
Specifications comparison table for 2003 Acura CL, 2003 Acura CL, 2003 Acura CL, 2003 Acura CL, 2003 Acura CL, 2003 Acura CL. Data includes dimensions, performance, fuel economy, and interior specifications. Green highlighting indicates best values, red indicates worst values.
Specifications Comparison
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Features Comparison
Feature
3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
3.2 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
| Feature | 3.2 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A) | 3.2 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A) | 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 5A) | 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M) | 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 5A) | 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.2L 6cyl 6M) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety (18 features) | ||||||
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ||||||
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ||||||
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) | ||||||
| Electronic Stability Control | — | — | — | — | ||
| Emergency Trunk Release | ||||||
| Engine Immobilizer | ||||||
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ||||||
| Front Seatbelt Pretensioners | ||||||
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Headlight Delay-Off | ||||||
| LATCH System | ||||||
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ||||||
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Traction Control System | — | — | ||||
| Xenon High-Intensity Discharge Headlights | ||||||
| Engine (8 features) | ||||||
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.2 L | 3.2 L | 3.2 L | 3.2 L | 3.2 L | 3.2 L |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas | gas | gas | gas | gas |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Single overhead cam (SOHC) |
| Horsepower | 225 hp @ 5600 rpm | 225 hp @ 5600 rpm | 260 hp @ 6100 rpm | 260 hp @ 6100 rpm | 260 hp @ 6100 rpm | 260 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | V6 | V6 | V6 | V6 | V6 |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Torque | 216 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 216 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 232 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 232 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 232 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 232 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable |
| Drive Train (3 features) | ||||||
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive | front wheel drive | front wheel drive | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | — | — | — | Limited Slip | — | Limited Slip |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel (5 features) | ||||||
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 292.4/464.4 mi. | 292.4/464.4 mi. | 292.4/464.4 mi. | 292.4/447.2 mi. | 0/0 mi. | 292.4/447.2 mi. |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 17/27 MPG | 17/27 MPG | 17/27 MPG | 17/26 MPG | — | 17/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 21 MPG | 21 MPG | 20 MPG | — | 20 MPG |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 17.2 gal. | 17.2 gal. | 17.2 gal. | 17.2 gal. | 17.2 gal. |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Warranty (4 features) | ||||||
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Comfort & Convenience (26 features) | ||||||
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ||||||
| Cargo Net | ||||||
| Center Console Trim Material | Leather | Leather | Leather | Leather | Leather | Leather |
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Dash Trim Material | Simulated Wood | Simulated Wood | Simulated Wood | Simulated Wood | Simulated Wood | Simulated Wood |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ||||||
| Front Cupholders | ||||||
| Front Door Pockets | ||||||
| Front Reading Lights | ||||||
| Front Seatback Storage | ||||||
| Interior Air Filtration | ||||||
| Leather Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Trim on Doors | ||||||
| Leather Trim on Shift Knob | ||||||
| Overhead Console with Storage | ||||||
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ||||||
| Rear Cupholders | ||||||
| Rear Floor Mats | ||||||
| Remote Trunk Release | ||||||
| Single Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Speed-Proportional Power Steering | ||||||
| Tilt Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Trunk Light | ||||||
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ||||||
| In Car Entertainment (5 features) | ||||||
| AM/FM Stereo | ||||||
| Antenna Type | Element | Element | Element | Element | Element | Element |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | Bose | Bose | Bose | Bose | Bose |
| Premium Stereo System | Bose | Bose | Bose | Bose | Bose | Bose |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Power Feature (6 features) | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass |
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ||||||
| Frontseats (14 features) | ||||||
| Driver Seat Heating | ||||||
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ||||||
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 2-way | 2-way | 2-way | 2-way | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way | 8-way | 8-way | 8-way | 8-way |
| Front Head Room | 37.5 in. | 37.5 in. | 37.5 in. | 37.5 in. | 37.5 in. | 37.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.9 in. | 52.9 in. | 52.9 in. | 52.9 in. | 52.9 in. | 52.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 42.4 in. | 42.4 in. | 42.4 in. | 42.4 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ||||||
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.4 in. | 56.4 in. | 56.4 in. | 56.4 in. | 56.4 in. | 56.4 in. |
| Passenger Seat Heating | ||||||
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way | 4-way | 4-way | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Leather | ||||||
| Rearseats (7 features) | ||||||
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ||||||
| Rear Head Room | 36.7 in. | 36.7 in. | 36.7 in. | 36.7 in. | 36.7 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.4 in. | 50.4 in. | 50.4 in. | 50.4 in. | 50.4 in. | 50.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33 in. | 33 in. | 33 in. | 33 in. | 33 in. | 33 in. |
| Rear Seat Folding Feature | ||||||
| Rear Seat Storage | ||||||
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.2 in. | 54.2 in. | 54.2 in. | 54.2 in. | 54.2 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Tires and Wheels (7 features) | ||||||
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Wheel Material | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| Tire Size | P205/60R | P205/60R | P215/50R | P215/50R | P215/50R | P215/50R |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Season |
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy | Alloy | Alloy | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Suspension (3 features) | ||||||
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ||||||
| Front Suspension Type | Double Wishbone | Double Wishbone | Double Wishbone | Double Wishbone | Double Wishbone | Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension Type | Multi-Link | Multi-Link | Multi-Link | Multi-Link | Multi-Link | Multi-Link |
| Instrumentation (4 features) | ||||||
| Clock | ||||||
| External Temperature Display | ||||||
| Low Fuel Level Warning | ||||||
| Tachometer | ||||||
| Measurements (12 features) | ||||||
| Cargo Capacity (Seats Up) | 13.6 cu.ft. | 13.6 cu.ft. | 13.6 cu.ft. | 13.6 cu.ft. | 13.6 cu.ft. | 13.6 cu.ft. |
| Country of Final Assembly | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States |
| Curb Weight | 3470 lbs. | 3485 lbs. | 3510 lbs. | 3446 lbs. | 3525 lbs. | 3461 lbs. |
| Front Track | 61.1 in. | 61.1 in. | 61.1 in. | 61.1 in. | 61.1 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 6.2 in. | 6.2 in. | 6.2 in. | 6.2 in. | 6.2 in. | 6.2 in. |
| Height | 53.3 in. | 53.3 in. | 53.3 in. | 53.3 in. | 53.3 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Length | 192 in. | 192 in. | 192 in. | 192 in. | 192 in. | 192 in. |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 13.6 cu.ft. | 13.6 cu.ft. | 13.6 cu.ft. | 13.6 cu.ft. | 13.6 cu.ft. | 13.6 cu.ft. |
| Rear Track | 61 in. | 61 in. | 60.9 in. | 60.9 in. | 60.9 in. | 60.9 in. |
| Turning Circle | 37.4 ft. | 37.4 ft. | 39.4 ft. | 39.4 ft. | 39.4 ft. | 39.4 ft. |
| Wheelbase | 106.9 in. | 106.9 in. | 106.9 in. | 106.9 in. | 106.9 in. | 106.9 in. |
| Width (Without Mirrors) | 69.2 in. | 69.2 in. | 69.2 in. | 69.2 in. | 69.2 in. | 69.2 in. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the required fuel type for the 2003 Acura CL?
The 2003 Acura CL strictly requires premium unleaded fuel for operation across all trims. This is a necessary component to maintain the performance output of the 3.2L V6 engine.
How does the cargo capacity of the 2003 Acura CL compare to its passenger space?
The coupe offers 13.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which must be balanced against the front-heavy interior dimensions. Front occupants receive 42.4 inches of leg room, whereas the rear seats are significantly more restricted at 33 inches.
Is there a manual transmission available for the 2003 Acura CL?
Yes, while the standard configuration utilizes a 5-speed shiftable automatic, a 6-speed manual transmission option is explicitly listed for the 3.2 Type-S 2dr Coupe trim.
What is the horsepower output for the standard 2003 Acura CL?
The standard 3.2L 6-cylinder engine configuration produces 225 horsepower and 216 lb-ft of torque. This power rating applies to the base 3.2 trims regardless of whether they have navigation.
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