Acura CL
As Acura's first U.S.-built car, the Accord-based CL offers accessible Japanese performance and style. It's the rare 2003 Type-S, with its exclusive one-year-only 6-speed manual transmission, that represents the peak of collectibility for the model.
Find one with Spotter →Typical sold price of an Acura CL ranges from $1,500 to $12,345, based on 918 sales tracked on Hypercars. 449 currently for sale.
Acura CL Submodels
The Acura CL was the brand's first model designed and built in the U.S. It replaced the Legend coupe and was produced over two generations from 1997-1999 and 2001-2003. Based on the Honda Accord platform, early cars used a 2.2L inline-4 or a 3.0L V6, while the second generation featured a more powerful 3.2L V6.
The most collectible CL by a wide margin is the 2003 Type-S with the 6-speed manual transmission. It's the only year the manual was offered on the second-gen car, and it was paired with the 260 hp J32A2 V6 and a helical limited-slip differential. This combination solved the notorious reliability issues of the 5-speed automatic and created a fantastic front-wheel-drive sport coupe that represented a performance high point for Acura.
The market for the Acura CL is still very accessible, with an average sale price just under $10,000. While many cars trade for less, exceptional, low-mileage 2003 Type-S 6-speed examples can bring over $20,000. These rare manual cars command a significant premium over automatics and first-generation models, a trend that is likely to continue.
Buying Tips
- The 5-speed automatic transmission in 2001-2003 V6 models is a known failure point. Seek cars with documented transmission replacements or budget for a rebuild. The 6-speed manual is the most desirable and reliable choice.
- Inspect the interior for wear, particularly cracked leather on the driver's side seat bolster and a sun-damaged dashboard.
- Test all electronics, as the factory navigation screen and stereo components can fail with age.
- On V6 models, verify the timing belt and water pump have been replaced. The service interval is typically every 7 years or 105,000 miles.
- Check for rust in the rear wheel arches and quarter panels, especially on cars from wet or snowy climates.
Prices for the Acura CL range from $1,825 for project cars to $23,150 for pristine Type-S examples.
918 Acura CL vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 449 currently live. Sold prices range from $500 to $9,643,540.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Acura CL cost?
Based on 918 sales tracked on Hypercars, Acura CL prices typically range from $1,500 to $12,345. There are 449 currently for sale.
How many Acura CL listings are for sale right now?
There are 449 Acura CL listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.