Well, it has been one year today with my CL-S and I have 14,950 miles which is good since I am only allowed 15k on my lease. Still enjoying the car and thinking about buying her some headers today...

Overview:
Good power
Love the 6 speed
Sharp car
Nice ride and interior

Small wheels
Crap tires
!@#@#! Paint

Soon to remedy the first 2 complaints. Anyway, really do love the car. Good "bang and bling for the buck."

David

 

I agree with you, the 6 speed is a great, great car. It's frustrating that it was overlooked by most coupe buyers. I think by offering the 01 CLS only as an automatic, many buyers never looked at the CL again. The CL engine/6 speed is a top notch combo.

Now, why are bigger tires so sought after? Is it just for the look, or is it handling, or both? I've never really understood that. I think 17" is pretty big, considering my Prelude and Legend Coupes had 13" to 15" wheels. And bigger tires cost so much.

 

6 month with my CLS 6sp after trading in my 01 CLS. Couldn't be happier with the car. It so much better to drive than the auto I traded in. 3 months ago, I had CT intake/headers/springs/sways installed by the dealership @ 3500 miles. At the same time, I replaced my OEM tires with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 225/50ZR17s - way better than the stock tires.

After these mods, car is definetly faster and handles so much better. Also, the CT intake/header combo makes for a really sweet engine note.

Now that I've just turn 7500 miles on her, I'll have the dealership install CT exhaust/b-pipe/strutbar and konis when they do the scheduled maintenance.

There other mods in her future, brembos and SC...

There are only two major problems with this car:
1) It's hard to hold onto your $$$ cause this car has an apetite for mods.
2) FWD. I wish it had RWD or AWD, would make it even more drivable in cornering.

 

IMO the stock tires just do not handle very well. Also, given other cars in similar price, the 18 inch wheels would have been nice. I am planning to have my dealer do the headers. Already have the intake/spring/sways. Have not decided on exhaust - I need to hear one first. I use the car for work and do not want it too loud - at least Monday-Friday. What is the b-pipe?

 

I used to thin 17" wheels looked big enough but you're right in saying that they look small on this car. I'm hoping that after I get headers I'll have enough money to get a set of 18s to compete with those Gs and Zs with their beautiful stock wheels.

As for tires I'm installing mine soon, hopefully they'll run well

 

Go 19"!!!

 

Glad to hear you've had a great i year. Here's to many more.

BTW 4 months here and i'm loving every minute of it.