Overview:
Switching manufacturers but not countries of origin we’ll take a peek at the Honda made (assembled in the US) Acura 3.2 CL Type “S”. This 2-door coupe is one spunky auto. It is sporty, compact, and yet roomy enough for average needs. Honda cars, like most Japanese cars, have been pillars of the auto industry community.
This Acura is no exception. And they are showing a little courage introducing some new vibrant colors. My instant reaction was a little negative, I must admit, but the gold color grew on me, as it appears to have for the majority of people who made comments about the car. Remember “Candy Apple Red”? , Well this is “Candy Apple Gold”. Ok there isn’t such a color, but you get the idea. Unfortunately the most unforgettable feature was the paint.
There is no question this Acura was designed for that sports car feel. Even the seats hug you so you can zip around and not slip and slide in the seat. That reminds me of cars built before the 1960’s. Remember the old bench seats with plastic seat covers? Those were the days before seat belts were required equipment on passenger cars. If you took a left hand turn too hard, you’d slide across the seat toward the passenger side, unless you could hold on to the “Brodie Knob”. Bringing back any memories out there? Those were also romantic days and that little maneuver was great on a date, but with the guys it wasn’t cool.
The CL’s navigation system features an easy-to-read 6-inch touch-screen, a readout of local attractions, and a DVD mapping database that provides coverage of the entire continental U.S. on one DVD. Do you need it? Probably not and it should be an option.
Handling & Performance:
Neat. I really warmed up to this car quickly. Just the right size for me and I love the “G” force in the corners so it was fun to drive. Speaking of “G’s” I need to get into the new NSX.
Styling:
Nice. I suspect this will be a good seller for Acura.
Fit and Finish:
Good.
Conveniences:
Great, and commensurate with the price, but this is one time I’d have preferred making some of the stuff optional. Who needs it all. Virtually everything is “Standard Equipment”. Enough already!
Cost:
A little more than I think it should be. I’d have to see the numbers but they should take some of the gadgets out and make it more affordable.
Recommendation:
Price wise it is a good deal with all the features if you want them, but it doesn’t have the personality of most of the others noted here. It doesn’t have that “beefy” feel of the Mercedes, BMW or even the Volvo for that matter.
The competition: (arguably)
Audi TT $31,200-38,900 BMW 3 Series $26,990-34,990, Lexus SC 300/400 $43,805-56,305, Mercedes Benz CLK $41,600-55-600, Saab 9-3 $26,100-44,995, Volvo C70 $34,000-45,500.
Good News:
Fun to drive, powerful, lots of neat electronics and conveniences, decent gas mileage – potential.
Bad News:
Pricey if you’re not into all that fluff.
Standard Equipment:
3.2 liter 260 horsepower V6 engine, 5-speed auto trans, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, power steering, dual affront and side air bags, traction control / VSA, theft system, keyless entry, Satellite Navigation system, leather, 8-way power driver and 4-way passenger seat with power walk-in feature, driver memory system, power mirrors, Bose stereo with cassette and 6-disc in dash CD changer, climate control, power Moonroof with tilt.
Gas Stats:
19 City and 29 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $32,330.
