- Newest year: 2003
- Gas
- Small cars
2001-2003 Acura CL MPG & Fuel Cost
3 model years · 20–21 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 3 of 10 small car configurations, MY2003. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2001-2003 Acura CL at a glance
The 2001-2003 Acura CL covers 3 model years in the EPA database (4 configurations in all), rated 20–21 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2003, costs about $3,830 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the 3.2CL 3.2L 6-cyl FWD (21 MPG), at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2002 and 2003. The best combined rating in the generation, 21 MPG, was reached in 2002 and 2003.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2001-2003 Acura CL by model year
What the 2003 3.2CL 3.2L 6-cyl FWD costs to drive
Per month
$319
$3,830 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$6.38
Per 100 miles
$25.53
Five years
$19,150
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the small car median
$340more a year
Class median $3,490 a year, MY2003
Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2003 Acura CL MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2002: The most efficient configuration stays at 21 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,830.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2CL 3.2L 6-cyl FWD Automatic (S5) (Most efficient) | 3.2L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 27 | 21 | $3,830 |
| 3.2CL 3.2L 6-cyl FWD Manual 6-spd | 3.2L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,020 |
2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2002 Acura CL MPG
21 MPG · $3,830/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2001: The most efficient configuration moves from 20 to 21 MPG, up 1. Its annual cost goes from $4,020 to $3,830, $190 less.
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2CL (Most efficient) | 3.2L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 27 | 21 | $3,830 |
1 configuration requires or recommends higher-octane gasoline and is costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2001 Acura CL MPG
20 MPG · $4,020/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (1)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2CL (Most efficient) | 3.2L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 27 | 20 | $4,020 |
1 configuration requires or recommends higher-octane gasoline and is costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the 3.2CL 3.2L 6-cyl FWD: $4,560 in California and $3,320 in Texas, a $1,240 difference.
- California $4,560
- Washington $4,290
- New York $3,780
- Florida $3,490
- Texas $3,320
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2003 small car models.
Generations
- 2001-2003 (2nd gen)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2001-2003 Acura CL get?
EPA rates the 2001-2003 Acura CL at 20–21 MPG combined across 4 configurations and 3 model years. The most efficient version, the 2003 3.2CL 3.2L 6-cyl FWD, is rated 21 MPG (17 city, 27 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2001-2003 Acura CL?
The 3.2CL 3.2L 6-cyl FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 21 MPG, in 2002 and 2003. The lowest top rating, 20 MPG, was in 2001.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2001-2003 Acura CL?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2002 and 2003.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Acura CL per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the 3.2CL 3.2L 6-cyl FWD costs about $3,830 a year. Across all 2 configurations the cost runs $3,830–$4,020 a year. That is a $190 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2003 Acura CL 100 miles?
About $25.53 per 100 miles for the 3.2CL 3.2L 6-cyl FWD at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $25.53 and $26.80 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2003 Acura CL more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The 3.2CL 3.2L 6-cyl FWD is rated 17 city and 27 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 10 MPG.
How does the 2003 Acura CL compare with other small car configurations?
The 3.2CL 3.2L 6-cyl FWD costs about $3,830 a year to fuel, $340 more than the class median of $3,490, and less than 3 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 349 rated small car configurations for MY2003, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2003 Acura CL different from the 2002 model?
The most efficient configuration stays at 21 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,830. EPA lists 2 configurations for 2003 against 1 configuration for 2002. See the 2002 Acura CL for that year.