I thought I'd never say this but... if I had the opportunity to go back and re-decide, I probably would have gone with the BMW 3 Series.

After I washed and polished my CLs, I got to see all of the nook-and-crannies of the entire car. I could not believe my eyes! I had owned a '92 Acura Legend and the quality and craftsmanship between the two are as different as night and day. I found at least 10 paint dimples on my new CLs. I couldn't believe it. It seemed as if they painted the car while the assembly line robots held the parts. With only 1000 miles on the odometer, I was driving down the road (this past weekend), I turned off the music and I heard this constant noise coming from the steering column. It wasn't the keys and I don't have anything in the car that could make that noise. So I emptied the glove compartment and any door and seat pockets and the noise was still there. All I kept saying to myself was, "I can't believe I convinced myself that Americans can build a decent car". They can't and unless the auto industry rids itself of the Automobile Workers Union, they never will.

I know I'm going to get flamed for this one but c'mon, can anyone tell me one good American car that can compete with a BMW or Mercedes? I know what you're thinking, "those cars cost over $30K and American cars don't". Well, guess what? I lived in Germany for a while and not all Bimmers and Benzs cost over $30K. The mark up is over $10K and it's not the Germans marking it up. It's the Americans in BMW-USA, because they know that there are Americans out there that will actually spend more money to get a quality automobile. Now you're probably saying, "what about the X5 built in S.C.?" Well I hate to be the one to tell you, but the majority of the parts come from Germany and it is designed by, you guessed it, Germans. I also question why BMW doesn't sell the X5 in Germany. I know there are probably lots of good reasons why they don't but my gut tells me it's because they know deep down that Americans can NOT BUILD A QUALITY CAR.

But wait... there's more. Here's what I think American auto manufacturers do. They go to extremes and nothing in the middle. Explanation: Take the Corvette or the Viper, the epitome of American muscle power and sports car but that's it. There's nothing else. The interior is crap. It's full of plastic and lasts for only a few short years before it's rattling like a baby's toy. Then there's the Lincoln and Caddies. Again, excellent luxury, they have all the toys but they too are crap. They handle like an aircraft carrier and the cheap interior shows you exactly how cheap it is in a few short years. Now what about the middle? What about an American car that is similar to the CL? What American car did you consider when shopping for a new car. I've been reading these forums for about two months now and I don't think I've ever read a message thread that compared our CL to and American car. Do you know why? Well I'll tell you why, because there isn't any! There can't be a middle in America when it comes to cars! That statement (although my own) confuses the hell out of me. The majority of Americans are not wealthy or poor; they're in the middle. So why can't we (the middle) design and build a solid, attractive and quality car?

It's not just with cars either. Did you know that there isn't a single television manufactured in the US? When was the last time you bought a piece of American Electronics? Well, if you have the money you can. We're back to the extremes. Have you ever heard of Carver? It's American and it will cost you through the nose to get a piece of Carver equipment into your entertainment center.

You have no idea how much this has been on my mind as an American. And please don't call me some stupid name or tell me that I need to move to Germany. I served my country for 10 years in the US Navy and served in the Gulf War - I have earned my right to speak my mind. And I am thankful and greatful for a great site like this one to allow me to express it.

For now, I'm going to make the best of the CLs. It is fun to drive and there are some very nice things about it that I like very much. I just know that in three years, I'm going to have to get rid of it (no, I didn't lease) because either the paint will never hold up or the rattling will drive me crazy.

Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for not insulting me for posting my opinion.

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Black/Tan 2001 CL Type-S
No Mods yet but looking

 

i agree with you 100% but instead of the bmw 3 series i would have gone with the handbuilt s2000.

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silver 2001 cl type s

 

I agree totally! However my Accords where both built in the US and had non of the paint issues the CL has! It is a problem with the paint process on the CL's AND the TL's.

 

The good thing is that the RSX Type-R would still being huilt in Japan.... But, for how long no one knows....

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Black, Ebony, 3.2 CL Type-S, NAV.
- 3M clear bra, by Stonguard (full front bumper, and side mirrors, and partial hood)
- Acura Spoiler, Moonroof visor
- Splash guards, Winter mats, Trunk liner
- Valentine V1 Radar Locator
- HELMS Service Manual
- PIAA 19169 road lamps
- 03/19/01: Injen Polished CAI
- 04/13/01: 235/40/18 NITTO 555 on 18x7.5, +45 offset, Koing Imagine in Silver with wheels locks

 

It's nice to know that I'm not alone. I was thinking, isn't it strange that the CL is built in the US and none of the people who build the car ever post on this board? I guess lack of pride in their work will do that.

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Black/Tan 2001 CL Type-S
No Mods yet but looking

 

Honestly,
Sounds to me like you got a bad car from a good company. I am not saying this to sugar-coat or defend Acura but honestly, I don't have 70% of the problems mentioned on this forum. Yeah, the paint is not the best, I do have a couple of minor chips, and yeah the fit and finish is not 100% but I did not buy a Rolls Royce. I think the grass is always greener on the other side. I know plenty of BMW owners who have their hands up in the air saying I should of went with Acura or Lexus. Ofcourse your buying experience is tainted with a problematic car so I think your problems become even bigger as you find more. I don't disagree with you, just sharing my opinion.

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01' Acura CL Type-S
Piaa 19169 Bulbs
Valentine1 Pig Detector
CompTech Exhaust 4/16
XEPHYR CAI (Yahoo!)
Founding Member of the NO SCRATCHED RIMS CLUB

01'Acura Integra GSR

 

The biggest problems with the CLs I've been reading on this board have to do with the inferior paint. Other than that, everyone appears pleased with their purchases. I own a SAAB 9-3, (built in Trollhatten Sweden with Japanese and German parts) and am also very happy with my car. However, it is not perfect. I'm on my second 9-3 and had (and have) my own complaints. (Wind noise is annoying.) I will agree though, that the good ol' US still needs to improve it quality check procedures. I'm dreading the day, (and it's coming) when GM starts assuming more control over my beloved SAAB.

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I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom.
General Patton