Acura CL 2nd Gen

The second-generation Acura CL, sold from 2001 to 2003, was a US-designed and built coupe based on the popular TL sedan. It offered a blend of luxury and performance, with the standard 3.2 CL producing 225 hp from its V6. The main attraction for enthusiasts was the CL Type-S, which boosted output to 260 hp and added a sport-tuned suspension.

The car's collectibility is almost entirely centered on one specific model: the 2003 CL Type-S with the 6-speed manual transmission. This was the only year and trim a manual was offered, and it transformed the car's character, also adding a helical limited-slip differential. With fewer than 3,000 built, it's the definitive version collectors seek out, especially since the 5-speed automatics used in all other models are known for premature failures.

The market for the CL is highly segmented. High-mileage automatic cars can be found for very little money, making them an accessible entry point. However, the rare 6-speed Type-S models have seen their values climb steadily. Pristine, low-mileage examples now trade for more than their original MSRP, proving there's strong demand for this unique piece of Acura's performance history.

Prices for the Acura CL range from around $1,800 for automatics needing work to over $23,000 for pristine, low-mileage Type-S 6-speed examples.