The 2001 Acura CL sits at an interesting point in Acura’s early-2000s lineup, blending front-wheel-drive coupe styling with either luxury-oriented or performance-minded character depending on the trim. That split matters when it is time to replace tires, because the 2001 Acura CL uses two different radial fitments: 205/60R16 for the Premium and 215/50R17 for the Type-S. The available choices also reflect two distinct directions, from a 16-inch wide whitewall radial with a more custom presentation to 17-inch blackwall performance-series radials for the sportier setup. The right choice starts with confirming the exact sub-model and wheel diameter already on the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2001 Acura CL
The 2001 Acura CL uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the sub-model and wheel diameter. The CL Premium uses a 16-inch radial fitment, while the CL Type-S uses a 17-inch radial fitment, so the first step is confirming which trim the car is and which wheels are currently on it before comparing tire style, series, or appearance.
205/60R16 is a metric radial size in which 205 identifies the section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2001 Acura CL, this size belongs to the Premium trim and keeps the fitment centered on a 16-inch wheel. The available choice in this size uses an American Classic Radial with a 1.50-inch wide whitewall and asymmetrical tread styling. That makes this fitment especially important for owners balancing correct wheel size with a more distinctive appearance direction.
215/50R17 is a metric radial size that uses a 215-millimeter section width, a 50-series profile, radial construction, and a 17-inch rim diameter. For the 2001 Acura CL, this size applies to the Type-S and reflects the sport-oriented wheel and tire package used on that sub-model. Available options in this fitment come from BFGoodrich in blackwall form across g-Force series choices such as Comp 2 AS, Sport Comp 2, and Phenom T/A. This is the size to evaluate when the goal is preserving the Type-S wheel diameter and performance-focused presentation.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2001 Acura CL because the two trims do not share the same tire size or wheel diameter. Choosing the right tire starts with identifying whether the car is a Premium or a Type-S, then matching the size to the wheel already on the vehicle.
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2001 Acura CL Premium
The 2001 Acura CL Premium uses a 205/60R16 radial tire on a 16-inch wheel. Tire selection here is mainly about staying with the correct trim-specific size while deciding whether a wide whitewall presentation suits the car’s intended appearance.
The 2001 Acura CL Type-S uses a 215/50R17 radial tire on a 17-inch wheel. That places the focus on maintaining the correct lower-profile fitment and comparing blackwall performance-series options that match the Type-S wheel setup.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2001 Acura CL Tires for Sale
Available 2001 Acura CL tire choices split clearly by trim: the 205/60R16 Premium fitment includes an American Classic wide whitewall radial, while the 215/50R17 Type-S fitment centers on BFGoodrich blackwall g-Force series radials with comparable 17-inch rim-width compatibility.
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Radial Tires
American Classic Radial | 1.50 Inch Whitewall | 205/60R16
These 2001 Acura CL FAQs focus on trim-specific tire size, 16-inch versus 17-inch wheel fitment, available radial choices, sidewall and brand differences, and the checks worth making before road use or after modifications.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2001 Acura CL?
A 2001 Acura CL uses one of two radial tire sizes depending on trim. The CL Premium uses 205/60R16, while the CL Type-S uses 215/50R17. Those are different primary fitments, and they correspond to different wheel diameters rather than two interchangeable choices for the same setup.
The practical step is to confirm the exact sub-model and the wheels currently on the car before choosing a tire. A Premium on its original 16-inch wheels should stay in the 205/60R16 range, while a Type-S on 17-inch wheels needs the 215/50R17 fitment. If the car has been modified, the wheel diameter stamped on the rim should be checked before ordering.
What size rim does a 2001 Acura CL use?
The 2001 Acura CL uses either a 16-inch or 17-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. The Premium uses a 16-inch wheel with 205/60R16 tires, and the Type-S uses a 17-inch wheel with 215/50R17 tires. Rim diameter is part of the tire size itself, so it is a critical match point.
That means tire selection should start with the wheel, not just the model name on the trunk. A 16-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 17-inch wheel, and a 17-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 16-inch wheel. Looking at the sidewall of the current tire or measuring the wheel can help confirm what is actually on the car, especially if wheels have been changed over time.
Do all 2001 Acura CL sub-models use the same tire size?
No, the 2001 Acura CL sub-models do not use the same tire size. The Premium uses 205/60R16, while the Type-S uses 215/50R17. Both are radial fitments, but they differ in section width, profile, and wheel diameter, so they should be treated as distinct tire setups.
That distinction matters because trim-specific fitment affects both wheel compatibility and the overall look of the car. The Premium’s 16-inch setup opens the door to a more custom or traditional presentation with a wide whitewall option, while the Type-S uses a lower-profile 17-inch performance-oriented fitment. Checking the exact trim helps narrow the tire search before comparing brands, series, or sidewall style.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2001 Acura CL?
The first consideration is choosing the correct size for the exact trim: 205/60R16 for the CL Premium and 215/50R17 for the CL Type-S. After that, the decision shifts to tire character, such as whether the car is being kept closer to a luxury-coupe presentation or a sportier Type-S-oriented setup.
It also helps to compare sidewall style, rim-width range, load figures where shown, and how the tire suits the car’s intended use. A Premium owner may focus more on appearance, especially with a wide whitewall option, while a Type-S owner may be comparing blackwall performance-series radials. The right tire is the one that matches the trim, wheel size, and the way the car is actually driven.
What sidewall styles are available for 2001 Acura CL tires?
Two different sidewall presentations are available across 2001 Acura CL fitments. The 205/60R16 size used on the CL Premium includes a wide whitewall option, while the 215/50R17 size used on the CL Type-S is available in blackwall form. The sidewall choice changes the visual character of the car more than the fitment itself.
A wide whitewall gives the Premium a custom, boulevard, or retro-inspired look that stands apart from a stock late-model coupe presentation. Blackwall tires on the Type-S keep the appearance more restrained and sport-focused. Since the sidewall style is tied to the available products in each size, the trim and wheel diameter need to be confirmed first before choosing the appearance that suits the car best.
What brands offer tires for the 2001 Acura CL?
The available brands for the 2001 Acura CL include American Classic and BFGoodrich. American Classic appears in the 205/60R16 Premium fitment, while BFGoodrich appears in the 215/50R17 Type-S fitment through several g-Force series choices. The brand options therefore depend on which trim-specific size the car uses.
That makes brand comparison a second-step decision rather than the first one. A Premium owner is really choosing within the 16-inch fitment and its visual style, while a Type-S owner can compare among several BFGoodrich performance-oriented 17-inch options. Start by matching the size to the car, then compare the available series, sidewall treatment, and specifications that matter for the intended use.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 2001 Acura CL?
A period-style choice for a 2001 Acura CL starts with preserving the correct trim-specific size and wheel diameter. The CL Premium uses 205/60R16, while the Type-S uses 215/50R17. For a more distinctive visual statement, the Premium fitment includes a wide whitewall radial that changes the car’s presentation in a very noticeable way.
Appearance goals should be balanced against how the car is being interpreted. Some owners want an early-2000s factory-inspired look, while others prefer a custom presentation that leans into the coupe’s personal-luxury character. The safest path is to keep the proper size for the trim, then choose the sidewall and tire series that support the style of restoration or personalization the car is meant to carry.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 2001 Acura CL?
On the 2001 Acura CL, construction is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial tires. That means the visual differences come less from bias-ply versus radial appearance and more from the tire’s profile, sidewall treatment, and the wheel diameter tied to each trim. A 16-inch Premium and a 17-inch Type-S do not present the same stance.
The Premium’s 205/60R16 wide whitewall option creates a custom-oriented look that is much different from the blackwall 215/50R17 choices available for the Type-S. Owners aiming for a more authentic early-2000s presentation should pay close attention to keeping the correct trim-specific size before making appearance decisions. The tire should support the character of the car rather than fighting against its wheel and trim identity.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2001 Acura CL?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2001 Acura CL. Wheel changes, suspension lowering, altered ride height, or different offsets can all change whether the original 205/60R16 or 215/50R17 fitment still makes sense for the car. Even when the tire size looks close on paper, the wheel and body setup may no longer match stock conditions.
That is why a modified CL should be checked at the wheel rather than selected by model year alone. Wheel diameter, wheel width, and available clearance at the fender and steering range all matter. A car with aftermarket wheels may still use one of the original sizes, but that should be confirmed physically before mounting new tires and putting the car back on the road.
What should I inspect before driving a 2001 Acura CL on new tires?
Before driving a 2001 Acura CL on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the trim and rim diameter, and check that inflation pressure is set correctly for the tire and vehicle setup. It also helps to look over suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to work around worn hardware.
A short clearance check is worthwhile before regular road use. Turn the steering from lock to lock, look for contact points, and make sure nothing rubs under normal suspension movement. After the first drives, recheck pressure and look for any uneven wear or marks on the sidewall. Those simple steps help catch fitment or condition issues early, especially on a car that may not be driven every day.
How often should tires on a 2001 Acura CL be inspected?
Tires on a 2001 Acura CL should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Collector and weekend-use cars can develop age-related issues even when tread looks good, so it is wise to look at the tires before road use and give them a more thorough inspection several times through the year.
The key things to watch are pressure loss, sidewall cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, and any signs of rubbing. A CL that sits for extended periods should also be stored away from prolonged sun, heat, and ozone sources when possible. Catching those issues early is just as important as choosing the correct 16-inch or 17-inch fitment in the first place.
