Just got it yesterday:



Acura CL
Reliability : top half of circle (red) which means pretty good
Saitisfaction: same as reliability
Depreciaition: N/A


This front-drive coupe is a two door version of Acura's TL sedan. It is a sportier alrenative to the Toyota Camry Solara but not as fun to drive as a BMW 3- Series. The reliable CL rides nedly and handles competently, and it V6 powertrains are smooth and able. Styling is a bit reserved but still elegant. The interior is spacious and quiet, and even the rear seat is reasonably hospitable. The CL is available i two versions: a base model with mildly sporty aspirations and a higher performance 260-hp Type-S mode, wich features a tauter suspension and standard stability control. The Type-S now offers a six speed manual.

ok now....

BMW 3-Series
Reliability: Half black circle (which means pretty bad)
Satisfaction: Full red circle (means top rated)
Depreciation: Full red circle

BMW's 3-Series offsrs a nearly ideal blend of comfort, luxury, and saftey. Sedan, coupe, wagon and convertible models are available, as are sedan and wagon "xi" variants. The 333-hp M3 brings even more performance to the line. Handling is nimble, and the ride is comfortable and composed. all engine choices are smooth, strong and relatively fuel efficient. The 225-hp 330i sedan we tested had sprts-car acceleration, excellent brakes, as smooth five speed automatic, and a quiet cabin. The front seatss are very comfortable, though the rear seat is cramped. reliablility has fallen below average, so we no longer recommend the 3-series.



the rating circles are:
Full red: means excellent
Half red: means above industry standard; petty good
Empty cirlce: Average...OK
Half black: Below industry average...not good at all
Full black: as bad as it gets

 

How dare they mention the CL in the same sentence as the Slowera....

 

Three of my friends have had BMW's, 2 of them had the computer get confused and shut off the engine in the middle of the highway while they where doing 75, I don't know if that is better or worse than having tranny problems but when 2 of the 3 people that I know that have the 3 series have had computer problems with their car, the odds are pretty good that you will have a major problem with this car.

 

I know several friends who have had MANY problems with their 3 and 5 series bimmers. Always expensive (and slow) to fix. That put me off from considering my most recent car purchase. Glad I don't have their problems, even if the BMW is a sexier ride.

 

My cousin just bought a new 325ci and the first day he got it there was a problem with the computer and it had to go back to the dealership for almost a week.

 

well, i think Consumer Reports generally knows what they are talking about.

 

Dude you cannot extrapolate any kind of data from a group that small.

 

That's why i would have to be hardpressed to ever buy a german car unless i was filthy rich.

 

Consumer Reports is about as accurate as acid-soaked toilet paper is comfortable.

 

Hmmn.... No mention of the "wonderful" Acura Tranny

 

Wow, did you think of that one all by yourself?

 

They rated the 5 series as one of the best rated cars ever.