1997-1999 Acura CL Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

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

1997-1999 Acura CL Review

American Honda's luxury division introduced a 4-cylinder 2-door midsize coupe in spring 1996, as an early '97 model. Dubbed 2.2CL, it was the first Acura model to be designed and built in the United States. Also used in the latest Honda Accord, its 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine developed 145 horsepower. A companion 3.0CL, powered by a new 200-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine, arrived in fall 1997. Assembled at Honda's plant in Ohio, along with the smaller Honda Civic, the CL was based on the same front-drive design as Honda's Accord. Styling and interior features differ, however. In size and price, the CL was slotted between Acura's Integra and TL. Both engines were produced in Ohio. Each used a single overhead camshaft, with four valves per cylinder and Honda's VTEC (variable valve timing) design. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on the 2.2CL. A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard on the 3.0CL, and optional on the 2.2CL.Dual airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes were standard on both versions of the CL. A standard keyless entry system eliminated the need for an exterior trunk lock. Leather upholstery was included in an optional Premium Package.

Year to Year Changes

1998 Acura CL: For 1998, the 2.2CL coupe was transformed into a 2.3CL, by switching from a 145-horsepower 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine to a 150-horsepower, 2.3-liter four. As before, the 4-cylinder engine came with either manual or automatic transmission. Wheels were newly designed this year, and the grille was revised. Steering-wheel audio controls were installed.

1999 Acura CL: Leather seating for the base model topped the '99 additions to the CL. This year, both models got leather interior trim as standard, and added a trunk cargo net. Acura skipped the 2000 model year, preparing a redesigned CL coupe as an early 2001 model.

1997-1999 Acura CL Road Test

Pros	Cons

Ride	Automatic-transmission performance

Steering/handling	Acceleration (4-cylinder w/automatic)

Acceleration (3.0CL)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Styling is unique; but inside, the CL coupe looks, feels, and behaves like a more robust, better-appointed Accord. Also like the Accord, handling is poised and sporty, while the ride is firm but comfortably absorbent. Because of its bigger tires, however, the CL does feel more athletic than an Accord. Both CL engines run smoothly, but the 4-cylinder version performs best with manual shift. With an automatic transmission, it loses energy. A 2.2CL with the 5-speed accelerated to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds--passable, but no powerhouse. Gas mileage was a bonus, however, averaging an impressive 22.2 mpg overall. The 2.3-liter engine installed in 1998 is about as quick and efficient as the initial 2.2-liter. With automatic, acceleration ranks only as adequate. In contrast, the 3.0-liter V6 delivers brisk acceleration. Unfortunately, with either engine the automatic transmission tends to shift with a bothersome jolt when pushing hard on the gas. In addition, the transmission sometimes seems almost confused about which gear to be in during stop-and-go driving. Four adults sit in reasonable comfort, which is a bonus for a sporty coupe. Of course, the interior is typical Acura/Honda, which means a comfortable driving position, unobstructed visibility, and simple, convenient instruments and controls. The power driver's seat in a 3.0CL automatically moves fore and aft to ease rear entry/exit, and it can sense obstructions and reverse direction as needed. Cargo space ranks as more than adequate, but there's only a pass-through opening to the trunk, not a folding rear seatback. Workmanship is top-notch, as expected from Honda's premium brand. This coupe feels robust even on rough roads and displays good detail finish.

Value for the Money
All told, this is a competent, pleasant, and well-constructed coupe, marred only by unsatisfying operation of the automatic transmission. However, most of the CL's virtues are also available in the appealing but less-costly Honda Accord. That's no surprise, since the cars share a number of components.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acura 3.0CL w/auto	Rating

Performance	5

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	5

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	2

Value within Class	5

Total:	45

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.

1997-1999 Acura CL 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.

Automatic transmission: On V6 models, transmissions may fail due to lack of thread-locking compound on nut for low clutch. Honda/Acura has extended warranty on affected vehicles to 7 years or 100,000 miles. (1999)

Gauges: The tachometer needle fluctuates, and the "D4" light blinks due to a problem with the transmission control module (TCM) that is, in most cases, replaced under goodwill. (1997)

Mirrors: Fluttering or whistling noises come from the outside mirrors due to a faulty run channel that must be replaced. (1997)

Seat: The power seat may not move properly because the synchronizer cable comes loose from the seat. (1997)

Seat: The front passenger seat may not move forward when the access lever is pulled because the rear seat access cable comes loose. (1997)

Speedometer: The indicated speed (on the speedometer) and true speed may not jibe. Speedometers were being replaced under extended warranty. (1997)

Sunroof/moonroof: The moonroof seal may pop out when the roof is opened. (1997)

Windows: The windows rattle when partially open due to a problem with the guide pin and rear channel. (1997-98)

Windows: Power window fitting may come off end of window regulator cable causing window to quit working. (1997-98)

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	$775

Alternator	$365

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$950

Brakes	$190

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$715

Constant Velocity Joints	$855

Exhaust System	$360

Radiator	$515

Shocks and/or Struts	$430

Timing Chain or Belt	$235

NHTSA Recall History

1997-98: Ball joints on certain cars could wear out prematurely and, in worst case, separate and cause front suspension to collapse.

1997-98: Electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current that passes through the switch at startup.

1997-99: Ignition-switch wear may lead to failure of interlock, making it possible to remove key without shifting into "Park."

1998: Irregularity in transmission cover can limit movement of parking pawl actuation lever and prevent adequate engagement; car could roll down an incline while transmission is in "Park."

1997-1999 Acura CL Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1997
2.2CL	$3,300-3,800	$2,600-3,000	$800-1,000
3.0CL	$3,700-4,200	$3,000-3,400	$1,100-1,200

1998
2.3CL	$4,100-4,700	$3,400-3,900	$1,400-1,600
3.0CL	$4,600-5,200	$3,900-4,400	$1,700-1,900

1999
2.3CL	$5,300-6,000	$4,600-5,200	$2,200-2,500
3.0CL	$6,000-6,800	$5,200-5,900	$2,500-2,900

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.

1997-1999 Acura CL Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door coupe

Wheelbase, in.	106.5

Overall Length, in.	190.0

Overall Width, in.	70.1

Overall Height, in.	54.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3009

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	12.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	17.1

Seating Capacity	4

Front Head Room, in.	37.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.9

Rear Head Room, in.	35.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	31.0

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

Powertrain Options and Availability

Three powertrain choices were available in 1997: 4-cylinder in the 2.2CL with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, and V6 engine in the 3.0CL, offered only with automatic. The 2.2-liter engine, with a single overhead camshaft, made 145 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0-liter V6 was rated at 200 horsepower and 195 pound-feet. For 1998, a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine replaced the 2.2-liter, producing 5 more horsepower and 5 more pound-feet of torque.

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

ohc I4	2.2 / 132	145	147	5-speed manual: 25/31 4-speed automatic: 23/29	5-speed manual: 22.2 4-speed automatic: --

ohc I4	2.3 / 137	150	152	5-speed manual: 25/31 4-speed automatic: 23/29	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

ohc V6	3.0 / 183	200	195	4-speed automatic: 20/28	4-speed automatic: 22.3

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

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

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: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

< 1997-1999 Acura CL Photos

1997-1999 Acura CL Local Listings >

Also in the 1997-1999 Acura CL Review:

Acura CL

Acura CL Road Test

Acura CL Reliability

Acura CL Prices

Acura CL Specs & Safety

Acura CL Photos

Acura CL Full Review