2003 ACURA 3.2CL

ACURA Reviews:    • 3.5RL    • 3.2TL    • 3.2CL    • RSX    • MDX    • NSX   Read Feature Story   Read New Car News   Read Brand Reviews   Read Car-Truck Test Reviews   Return to Guide's Homepage

Six distinct products make up the 2003 fleet from Acura, a brand of luxury and performance vehicles derived from Honda of Japan. The diverse collection ranges from Acura's elegant full-size flagship 3.5RL sedan to the race-bred RSX sports coupe and NSX exotic two-seat sports car with the muscle of a Ferrari but the dependability of a Honda. Between these extremes, the line encompasses the 3.2TL mid-size luxury sedan and a slick 3.2CL coupe variation. In addition, even Acura's plush sport-utility wagon aligns toward performance, as its name -- MDX -- means Multi-Dimensional Cross-Trainer in the image of a toned athlete accomplished in various sports. A boost in power becomes Acura's theme for 2003 as both the 3.2TL sedan and 3.2CL coupe present new souped-up Type-S performance editions with engines tuned to deliver more juice and the coupe adding an available new six-speed manual shifter. The MDX packs a new V6 that serves up 20 more power points and links to a new five-speed automatic. Further, MDX scores a drive-by-wire throttle on 2003 issues plus Acura's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) anti-skid controller tuned to integrate with a standard four-wheel-drive (4WD) system.

3.5RL: Acura's elegant full-size flagship sedan matches European machines with sophisticated yet understated exterior styling. Inside the spacious passenger compartment, luxurious appointments range from leather-clad bucket seats in front of a bench for three to rich hardwood trimmings and high-tech electronic controls. The editions of 2003 offer two more color choices for cabin wood trim in black or brown, along with the new interior shade of Cool Gray. Three new exterior colors also emerge with Gray Pearl, Aerial Blue Metallic and Marble Beige Pearl. For power, RL uses a single-cam 3.5-liter aluminum V6 that nets 225 hp. Sport-tuned suspension elements are aboard, plus big disc brakes and computer linkage to an anti-lock brake system (ABS). Additional standard safety equipment includes four air bags, with dual-stage inflation for the front passenger-side air bag, plus a smart side air bag that can figure out the size and position of the seat occupant before deciding to deploy the device. Acura's VSA anti-skid system is optional, as is DVD-based navigation equipment with in-dash display.

3.2TL: In the class of mid-size near-luxury sedans, Acura's 3.2TL takes on airs of European cars, although price points seem downright domestic. New exterior styling was applied last year, and for 2003 the TL offers a slick performance edition labeled Type-S. A 60-degree V6 engine displaces 3.2 liters with overhead camshafts and high-tech controls on-board. In the base 3.2TL, the plant produces to 225 hp. Special tuning and more hardware for Type-S add a kick -- to 260 hp. Each engine connects to an electronic automatic five-speed outfitted with Honda's Sequential SportShift override for clutch-less manual shifts as desired. Type-S also stocks the taut hardware of a sport-tuned performance car. The cabin, arranged with twin front buckets and a rear bench for three, provides generous personal space and touches of luxury. Perforated leather covers seats and buckets add heat elements plus power controls. A power moonroof and Bose Music System with in-dash CD changer are standard, and a dash-mounted navigation system with connection to OnStar telecommunications is the only option.

3.2CL: Both CL models for 2003 -- base 3.2CL and Type-S performance model -- look sleek in wedge format with fresh exterior forms obviously inspired by shapes of classic Gran Turismo coupes out of Europe. The face changes with a new tipped-back grille trimmed in chrome that squeezes between composite lenses shielding xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. Monochromatic bumpers and cladding convey the understated elegance of elite luxury coupes. Inside, the cabin stocks twin buckets in front of a bench with carved seats for two plus luxurious appointments. Engines compare to 3.2TL with the base edition generating 225 hp but the tweaked Type-S increasing to 260 hp. Standard transmission for both base CL and Type-S is an electronic automatic five-speed with Honda's SportShift, but Type-S for 2003 also offers a malleable new six-speed manual. With the automatic installed, Type-S adds Acura's VSA. Type-S with six-speed manual eliminates VSA in favor of a limited-slip differential.

RSX: Acura's price-leader, a compact-class hatchback coupe, emerged in 2002 on Honda's global compact platform as successor to the original coupe, Integra. It repeats for 2003 in two different flavors with the base RSX and high-performance Type-S edition. Both stock a twin-cam 2.0-liter four-in-line engine that employs Acura's advanced i-VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system with computer-controlled intelligence for regulating camshaft phasing to boost performance and fuel economy. The RSX base version makes 160 hp and links to a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic. Type-S goes further through tuning to push output to 200 hp and manage the power through a six-speed manual. Type-S also has track-tuned suspension settings with firmer springs and dampers plus larger front vented disc brakes. With hatchback styling, the two-door cockpit provides seats for two up front and two more on a folding back bench. Standards range from automatic climate system and keyless entry to power controls for mirrors, windows and door locks, plus a power moonroof and premium audio with in-dash CD deck. Perforated leather lines seats on Type-S but is optional on the base model. A new color emerges in 2003 with Redondo Red Pearl.

MDX: Substantial upgrades go into 2003 models of Acura's luxury sport-utility wagon. Debuting in 2001 with the unitized structure of a car plus car-like independent suspension elements and a strong V6 engine aboard, MDX for 2003 gets a V6 upgraded with a boost by 20 points to 260 hp. In addition, there's a new five-speed electronic automatic transmission and drive-by-wire throttle. Revisions in suspension settings bring a smoother ride quality but also more agility for responsive handling, while the power steering system has a firmer feel when turning the wheel. Acura's VSA is aboard with an electronic 4WD system redirecting engine torque from front wheels to rear ones when sensors detect wheel slippage. The cabin, clad in leather with deluxe appointments, provides three rows of seats including front buckets and a second-row bench for three plus two fold-down seats in row three. Convenience features improve with new rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-up driver's side window and auto-off headlights. MDX also carries more color choices this year in new shades like Midnight Blue Pearl and Sandstone Metallic.

NSX: Acura's supercar continues in 2003 and it may be the only exotic that not only can zip to speed in the blink of an eye, but perform with ease at a slow rate in a parking lot. With an aluminum body and high-output engine mounted mid-ship, the two-seater offers ideal weight balance and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) traction with a choice in powertrains. A dual-cam 3.2-liter aluminum V6 worth 290 hp mates exclusively with a six-speed manual or the twin-cam 3.0-liter V6 with 252 hp pairs with an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic that adds a lock-up torque converter and Acura's SportShift manual mode. High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are aboard, with perforated leather covering seats, door panels and steering wheel, and a Bose Music System in the dash.