After taking my car to be appraised for damages (some jerk hit my car while parking and left the scene) I decided to stop into the Acura dealer to look at the 2003 CL-S.

My guess is you've heard reviews of the 6 speed by now, but I wanted to share my thoughts. Lucky for me the dealer had a red (just like mine) CL-S with a 6 speed and no Nav. The dealer gave me the key and said have fun.

So I know what you're all thinking, but no, I did not beat the poop out of it. I actually did the opposite, I took it into traffic. (no I'm not on crack, I don't enjoy traffic)

My goal was to see how the car was in traffic to see if I would be annoyed with it or not. I've driven manual for 7 years before my current CL-S so I'm used to traffic in a manual, but I wanted to see how the CL-S was.

To begin, the best way I can describe the car is with a smile! I was happy to be back into a manual transmission. For me, there is more then just the sporty aspect that makes it enjoyable. Don't get me wrong, I love how manuals offer a little more power to the wheels, but they offer another type of control that automatics don't offer.

I like how I can leave the car in 2nd or 3rd gear, and let the engine slow me down rather then press the break every 5 seconds in traffic with an automatic. The car is not jerky in anyway, the transmission feels very close to the automatic, and if you can shift well enough, I'd even say it shifts nicer then the automatic. The clutch was easy to press, but I never felt like it couldn't handle to power. The peddle had more "open space" before it would grab then I expected for a new car, but I doubt there is any reason to think it's an issue. The clutch seems to grab aggressively as soon as it begins to engage, but this may be because it is new.

I love how the car pulls with the 6 speed. After I drove around in traffic for a while, I want to see how the car accelerated. I got onto 290 (in Mass) and gave it a little gas on the on ramp. I like how I can keep it in 3rd or 4th and press the gas a little harder without the car down shifting on me. Downshifting from 6th takes a little getting used to, but with a few clicks I was in 4th gear and flying by people. I didn't want to get a ticket so I kept it under 80. Even cruising in 6th offers plenty of power for lane changes and passing people.

One comment regarding highway driving is that the RPM's run higher at 70 MPH then the automatic. The answer is explainable based on the drive rations, but I was surprised that at 70 MPH the RPM's were around 2200.

Having a 6th gear was indeed a little strange at first. I've driven only 5 speeds in the past 7 years, so being able to shift one more time was odd. It made downshifting a little confusing, but only for a couple of seconds.

In all, I found the 6 speed to be very enjoyable ride. I spent about 25-30 minutes with the car before returning it to the dealer. The shifting was a little tight compared to my 92 integra, but I'm sure it's because the car is new. For some reason I felt as though the engine had a more aggressive sound during normal driving. I doubt they changed anything, but it was definitely nice.

I'm going back to the dealer this week to discuss what it would cost to buy a 6 speed and trade in my car. I expect they won't give me what I want, but i will try anyway. The sales man that sold me my CL-S said they are only selling the new CL-S at sticker. I find this hard to believe so I may try a few Acura dealers.

Here is a picture from the brochure I like:



CL-S 6 speed gets 2 thumbs up IMHO!

 

I feel like an idiot, I posted this in the wrong forum topic. Sorry about this, I thought I was in car talk when i typed it.

 

It was quite a long and detailed review too.. copy and paste

 

If anyone in the DC area is looking for a CL-S 6spd, there is an anthracite one sitting on the Karen Radley lot in Woodbridge, VA. The car looks very sharp in that color!