1996-1999 Acura SLX Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Acura SLX. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Acura SLX.

1996-1999 Acura SLX Review

Honda's luxury division issued a more posh version of the full-size Isuzu Trooper sport-utility vehicle in 1996. Built in Japan by Isuzu, the SLX got a different grille, wheels, and exterior/interior trim, as well as more luxury features than a Trooper offers. Available in base form or with a Premium Package, all SLX models had an automatic transmission, whereas Troopers could have manual shift. Power came from a 3.2-liter V6 engine that produced 190 horsepower. The 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger wagon had four side doors and dual swing-out rear doors (split 70/30). A two-speed transfer case provided low-range 4-wheel-drive gearing. Shifting between 2WD and 4WD High could be accomplished at speeds up to 60 mph. Standard equipment included dual airbags, 4-wheel antilock braking, air conditioning, a 6-speaker sound system with cassette player, power windows, and power door locks. An optional Premium Package added leather upholstery, heated power front seats, and a power moonroof, among other extras. SLX rivals included the GMC Yukon and Lincoln Navigator, as well as the lower-cost Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition.

Year to Year Changes

1997 Acura SLX: Base models got a standard power moonroof this year. Each version gained keyless entry and an in-dash CD player. Also added: an in-glass radio antenna and rear-seat cupholders. Revised power steering furnished more assist at low speeds.This year's Premium Package added a "multimeter," consisting of a compass, outside-temperature gauge, and barometer. That option also included heated perforated seats, leather upholstery, power fold-in mirrors, simulated woodgrain interior trim, a limited-slip differential, integrated fog lights, and 6-spoke alloy wheels. In 1997, NHTSA investigated charges that SLX and Trooper were more prone to tipping over than other SUVs. No merit to these allegations was found, but the charges did hurt sales figures.

1998 Acura SLX: For 1998, SLX revised front-end styling as well as most of the changes that went on the Trooper. A new 3.5-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 engine, rated at 215 horsepower, replaced the prior 3.2-liter. "Torque on demand" 4-wheel-drive became standard, which allowed switching between 2WD and 4WD High "on the fly" using a dashboard button instead of a lever. The Premium Package was gone, but some of its features became standard. They included leather upholstery, woodgrain interior accents, heated power front seats, and an overhead console.

1999 Acura SLX: Sales had been sluggish, so SLX was unchanged for '99. Acura abandoned the vehicle after the 1999 model year. A completely different Acura sport-utility vehicle, called MD-X, was later scheduled for introduction as a 2001 model.

1996-1999 Acura SLX Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger room	Fuel economy

Cargo room	Ride

	Entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

An SLX offers plenty of room for people and cargo, though the tall step-up height makes entry/exit a chore. Acceleration in early models is more than adequate, and the engine is generally smooth and quiet. Fuel economy ranks as dismal. We averaged just 12.6 mpg in a mix of urban commuting and expressway cruising. An early Isuzu Trooper got 15.5 mpg with a lot of highway driving. The power boost of 1998-99 was immediately evident, and most welcome. A driver could now step away from a stop with swiftness that the prior 3.2-liter engine could not muster. Changing engines, the SLX also lost its slightly ponderous feeling during in-town driving. The infusion of torque coaxes prompter, more effective downshifting from the automatic transmission for highway passing. EPA gas-mileage estimates were unchanged with the new V6. An SLX suspension provides a stable highway ride, but does not soak up the big bumps all that well. Also, the ride feels harsh over rough pavement. Body roll is quite evident in tight turns. Power steering is slow and numb, too. Braking is good, but stopping distances are not exceptionally short. That's not exactly a surprise, considering the amount of weight that's being brought to a halt. Like Trooper, Acura's SLX is one of the roomiest SUVs around. You can expect plenty of head clearance, in both front and rear. The back seat is wide enough to fit three adults without squeezing. The tall build combines with large windows for fine visibility. Unfortunately, the steering wheel sits at a buslike angle that takes some getting used to. Some minor controls seem haphazardly placed.

Value for the Money
All told, the SLX delivers a hefty, rugged feel. Excellent detail workmanship is evident throughout the vehicle. Abundant passenger and cargo room and solid construction are also definite "pluses." With the stronger 1998-99 engine, the SLX feels more competitive. Still, it doesn't rate as high in our estimation as a Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition. Many other alternatives might be considered, from the Ford Explorer to a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Land Rover Discovery.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acura SLX	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	2

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	3

Quietness	4

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	5

Cargo Capacity	7

Value within Class	4

Total:	44

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1996-1999 Acura SLX Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Dashboard lights: The four-wheel-drive indicator stays on when the vehicle is in two-wheel drive. (1996-97)

Dashboard lights: The 4WD indicator light may stay on due to problems with the vacuum solenoid valves that must be replaced. (1996-97)

Doors: The rubber molding between the doors and front pillar (A-pillar) comes loose and makes a buzzing noise. (1996)

Vehicle noise: If there is not enough limited slip additive in the rear differential, it chatters and vibrates when cornering. (1996-99)

Vehicle noise: A buzzing noise from the A-pillar (between the windshield and door) requires resealing with silicone sealant between the molding and pillar. (1996)

Vehicle shake: Vibration and chattering when cornering is usually due to lack of limited-slip differential (LSD) additive in the rear differential. (1996-99)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$640

Alternator	$445

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,020

Brakes	$575

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$700

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,250

Exhaust System	$500

Radiator	$695

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,180

Timing Chain or Belt	$400

NHTSA Recall History

1996: Certain vehicles were built with incorrect rear center seatbelt buckle; tongue cannot be inserted.

1996-97: Left front brake line can be damaged, resulting in fluid leakage, reduced brake effectiveness, and longer stopping distance.

1998: Improperly-installed transfer gearbox nuts may loosen; propeller shaft can then separate, resulting in sudden loss of drive to wheels and possible damage to critical components.

1996-1999 Acura SLX Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1996
SLX	$2,800-3,500	$2,100-2,600	$600-800
SLX Premium	$3,100-3,800	$2,400-3,000	$700-900

1997
SLX	$3,500-4,200	$2,800-3,400	$900-1,100
SLX Premium	$4,000-4,700	$3,300-3,900	$1,300-1,500

1998
SLX	$4,500-5,500	$3,700-4,600	$1,600-2,000

1999
SLX	$5,600-6,600	$4,800-5,700	$2,300-2,700

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1996-1999 Acura SLX Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	108.7

Overall Length, in.	183.5

Overall Width, in.	72.4

Overall Height, in.	72.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	4315

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	90.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	22.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.8

Rear Head Room, in.	39.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	39.1

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

For its first two years, the SLX used a 3.2-liter V6 engine that produced 190 horsepower. A 3.5-liter V6 with dual overhead camshafts replaced that engine for 1998, adding 25 horsepower. All SLX models had a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc V6	3.2 / 193	190	188	4-speed automatic: 14/18	4-speed automatic: 12.6

dohc V6	3.5 / 214	215	230	4-speed automatic: 14/18	4-speed automatic: 14.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1997 SLX

Front Impact, Driver	3

Front Impact, Passenger	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Japan

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1996-1999 Acura SLX Review:

Acura SLX

Acura SLX Road Test

Acura SLX Reliability

Acura SLX Prices

Acura SLX Specs & Safety

Acura SLX Photos

Acura SLX Full Review