2002 Acura CL Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2003 2002 2001 1999 1998 1997
Crash Test
Not Tested
Source NHTSA
MPG (up to)
19 City / 29 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
225 -260
Seats
4
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Chris F
Cars are fun great cool and fun
Great fun and awesome really cool great fun cool and stuff nice and stuff like you have any friends you need you
accountCircle King L
TL is more common than the CL model, more parts are available for the TL.
I like the V8 Engine, has a lot of kick to it. The mileage is not as good and runs on premium gas which could be better. It's a car that can go another 50,000 miles knowing It's only a 2002.
accountCircle Claudia J
If taken care of and serviced, it' a really great running car.
It is more like a luxury car. I like the digital dash and the heated seats. The only thing I do not like is all the problems that I have been having with the wheels and brakes.
accountCircle Carolyn D
Excellent color, excellent size, excellent personality.
It has the most amazing features. It is truly the best. I love its performance, it is fast. It is reliable. It is comfortable. It is great. Everyone loves it. Space is good. Space is good. Space is good. Space is good. Space is good. Space is good. Space is good. Space is good.
accountCircle Kay H
Looks way better than it should.
Runs great. There is no accident history, just fixed 2 days ago for engine problems fine now, there is a/c and heat.
accountCircle Jonathan S
It's a fast little demon for a cheap as I got it
My car is a 2002 Acura CL base model I purchased this car in 2017 about 2 years ago and since buying the car the engine had ran like a stallion, I've only replaced the battery, brake light switch and the spark plugs. All of this being just normal wear and tear on a car this old. No major issues. Goes to show you take good care of an Acura it'll take good care of you!
accountCircle Stephen W
I like It's color the size It's speed is excellent
I like It's color the size It's speed is excellent
accountCircle Denise G
This vehicle can perform like a manual transmission or automatic.
The Acura cl is a great vehicle because it performs like a sports car and is great on gas. I have had no serious issues with this vehicle and have only replaced some minor things like rotors, brakes etc. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking to purchase a new vehicle.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Rob R
The review and opinion of an old Japanese car Acura
Issues. The car always has issues. The AC broke the steering has a leak the gasket was bad and the brakes needed to be replaced. I would sell the car if it didn't have so many issues. This is a Japanese and shouldn't have so many issues. It has cost a lot of money in repairs.
accountCircle NP Smith
Tranny and Factory Cusomer Service s**k
Basically a nice, fun car to drive. However, transmission is weak and Honda (Acura) refuses to acknowledge a known problem past the warranty period. My transmission went out at 61K even though I did a complete ATF replacement at 40K. I was told by Honda Customer Service to have it evaluated by a dealer who charged me $150 to drive it 10 feet and say it was blown. When I called Honda to report their findings, I was told it was out of warranty at 50K. Why should I be advised to pay $150 for the service assessment if Honda were not going to cover a transmission repair on a recalled problem? Brakes also s**k...they vibrate when hot.
accountCircle Matt M
Comfort and affordable and gas friendly
Comfort and affordable on gas. It is great for long drives to the beach or in town. Not the best for long distances (a couple hours plus) as the seats are not very well built. I would say however, that this car, for the money, is one of the best I have purchased in the past 10 years.
accountCircle Me W
Would buy again! Very impressed with the high quality of this vehicle.
The vehicle works great. I have had very few issues with it. The dealers are great to work with. It does make some rattling noises but what car does not I guess. It is great on snow and in summer. Heat and ac work great. Speakers are high quality. Accelerated quickly and the steering is perfect.
accountCircle David F
If you are looking for a starter this is your car.
Well since it is an older car it sometimes runs a little rough. However, since I do regular maintenance I find that other than it not having aux or good ac it in a great starter car.
accountCircle Molly G
Classic luxury for an affordable budget.
Seat warmers & side mirror that lowers while backing makes it feel like a luxury car. Leather seat shape makes it hard to fit a cover on it snugly. Great trunk space.
accountCircle Jason W
It works, however it is from time to time uncomfortable driving.
My vehicle, yet old, gets the job done and more. It has been running for about 16 years with little to no issues, however the quality of the inside such as space and the seats were not really thought through,

Acura CL Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
Base
225 HP 24-24 MPG 4 Seats
car
Type S
260 HP 24-24 MPG 4 Seats
Photos may not match model

2002 Acura CL Owner Reviews

3.92
25 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 36%
4 stars 36%
3 stars 16%
2 stars 8%
1 star 4%
accountCircle NP Smith on March 15, 2021
Tranny and Factory Cusomer Service s**k
Basically a nice, fun car to drive. However, transmission is weak and Honda (Acura) refuses to acknowledge a known problem past the warranty period. My transmission went out at 61K even though I did a complete ATF replacement at 40K. I was told by Honda Customer Service to have it evaluated by a dealer who charged me $150 to drive it 10 feet and say it was blown. When I called Honda to report their findings, I was told it was out of warranty at 50K. Why should I be advised to pay $150 for the service assessment if Honda were not going to cover a transmission repair on a recalled problem? Brakes also s**k...they vibrate when hot.
accountCircle Jack W on February 17, 2021
It is held up for long time is pretty reliable.
Old a few transmission problems but comfortable functional affordable my own love it. Smooth ride reliable old fashioned manual windows lack of modern features nice blue color. Big and roomy. Has some scratches because I have had it a while but not a big deal love it.
View All Reviews (25) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #15 Luxury Midsize Cars by Owners

The 2002 Acura CL has an average owner rating of 4.00 out of 5 which ranks it #15 of 21 other Luxury Midsize Cars.

1
Tie
car
2002 Audi S6
5
1
Tie
car
2002 Lexus GS
5
15
car
2002 Acura CL
3.92

Ranks #2 Luxury Midsize Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Acura CL has a combined MPG of 29 which ranks it #2 of 21 other Luxury Midsize Cars.

1
car
2002 BMW 5 Series
30 MPG
2
Tie
car
2002 Acura CL
29 MPG
2
Tie
car
2002 Lexus ES
29 MPG

Is The 2002 Acura CL A Good Car?

Yes very good on gas and mileage it has just enough room for my grandkids for a road trip I would recommend this car to anyone feels good on the road
April R.
Yes seems like a good vehicle. Run great deal. Had it for a long time would get another if I was given an opportunity.
Christina C.

How Reliable Is The 2002 Acura CL?

Only problems is the tires it's hard to find the ones that actually fit and the parts is so hard to find these days they are so outdated
Toni G.
No never had a problem with it. Would get another one if I was given the opportunity. This moment a car would be a great help.
Stacy S.

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test
(Not Rated)
*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test
(Not Tested)
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety