Why did Acura discontinue the CL?
The CL was retired after the 2003 model year because two-door luxury coupes were losing traction, and Acura chose to focus on higher-volume four-door sedans and SUVs. In short, it was a business decision driven by market demand and brand strategy.
Background: The CL’s place in Acura’s lineup
The Acura CL, produced from 1997 through 2003, was a two-door luxury coupe positioned above the TL in the brand’s lineup. It aimed to combine premium styling with everyday practicality, offering a refined interior and a V6 under the hood for customers seeking a sportier alternative to a traditional sedan.
Why the model was discontinued
Market dynamics
Several factors converged in the early 2000s that made continuing the CL financially unattractive. The following list outlines the core drivers.
- Declining demand for two-door luxury coupes as buyers shifted toward four-door sedans and larger SUVs.
- Intense competition from established premium coupes and convertibles with strong dealer networks and brand cachet.
- Rising development and production costs for a low-volume model with aging design.
- A strategic decision by Acura to consolidate its lineup around higher-volume, profitable platforms.
In practical terms, the combination of shrinking demand and a need to optimize engineering and marketing resources led Acura to retire the CL rather than invest in a costly refresh.
Strategic lineup realignment at Acura
Resource prioritization
With the CL out, Acura redirected its product development toward four-door sedans and SUVs that could drive higher sales volumes and better brand alignment. The TL-based sedan family and the MDX/RDX SUV lineup became the backbone of the brand.
- Emphasis on four-door sedans like the TL/TSX that offered similar luxury with broader appeal.
- Expansion of the SUV lineup to capitalize on growing demand for crossovers (MDX, later RDX).
- No immediate direct two-door replacement planned, reflecting shifting consumer preferences.
Ultimately, Acura's strategy prioritized scale and consistency over niche products, marking an end to the CL era.
Aftermath: what filled the gap?
There was no direct two-door successor to the CL. Acura’s efforts went toward updating the four-door lineup and expanding crossovers, leaving the coupe segment to other brands. In the used-car market, surviving CLs are remembered by enthusiasts for their premium feel and styling, but they remain a niche footnote in Acura’s history of lineup consolidation.
Summary
The CL was discontinued primarily due to shrinking demand for two-door luxury coupes and a strategic shift toward higher-volume four-door sedans and SUVs. The move simplified Acura’s lineup, redirected resources to core, profitable models, and left no direct contemporary replacement for the CL in the brand’s lineup.
