1998 Acura CL Review
1998 Acura CL Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- This is one luxury car that won't leave you sitting at your mechanic's garage. Based on the stupendously reliable Honda Accord, the 2.3CL should run for miles and miles.
Cons
- Honda Accord: same perfume, different bottle.
What’s new
A new 2.3L engine replaces last year's 2.2L unit. All CL models get a revised grille and new alloy wheels.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Acura CL 2.3 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$178/mo for CL 2.3
CL 2.3
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The Legend is gone. The Vigor is replaced. The Integra will be departing soon. Acura is in the midst of an image makeover of a scale that hasn't been seen since Chrysler was resuscitated after its near-fatal plunge into mediocrity. Yes, Acura is a new company. Oh sure, the traditional Acura quality is still there, as are first rate ergonomics and design. The change occurs with the model lineup and the type of cars Acura is offering.
Acura feels that splitting their models into distinct, function-oriented categories might be what is needed to breathe life into their sales charts. The new CL fits into this scheme by offering performance and luxury that is a step up from the Integra coupes, without the frumpiness of a larger sedan. The CL's target market is aging boomers who are experiencing life without children. No longer needing that five-door wagon or monstrous minivan, these empty nesters are supposed to rediscover the joys of coupe life.
Well, there are worse places to go for a mid-life crisis. Acura's 2.3CL offers spirited performance with its 150-horsepower VTEC engine and double-wishbone suspension. The 16-inch wheels and antilock brakes provide sure footing when pushed to the limit, and the variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering is communicative without being harsh. The unit-body construction used in the CL, combined with the rear-wheel arch extenders and strut tower bar, creates a car with little flex and twisting over most surfaces.
Unlike American personal coupes that are often overly flashy with blinking gewgaws and too many buttons, or German coupes, which are Spartan to the point of monasticism, the CL's interior effectively blends efficiency with luxury. Niceties such as a standard CD-player and remote keyless entry are well appreciated. There is adequate seating for four, although back seat passengers will feel a bit pinched in the legroom department if they are over average height.
This puts interesting cars such as the Mercury Cougar, Honda Prelude and Honda Accord Coupe within spitting distance of this rather bland Acura. Each offers distinctive styling and good performance at a reasonable price. We think that Acura should offer the same.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Acura CL.
5 star(82%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
51 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
11 Years and going
Seth, 04/30/2010
1998 Acura CL 2.3 Premium 2dr Coupe
I've had my CL for almost 12 years and it's still a fine piece of machinery ( 206,780 miles thus far). Over the years, I had very few "major" repairs to the car such as exhaust system replacement. It still maintains many original parts. If you have an opportunity to buy this car, you should do it (especially if it has low mileage). It will pay for itself in a short period of time.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Awesome car!
KevinC, 03/30/2004
1998 Acura CL 2.3 2dr Coupe
I bought the car in 2002 with 82,000
miles on it. It now has 122,000 miles
and is still tight and reliable. Other
than brakes, tires, and oil changes
this car has been nearly trouble free.
I did have to replace the driver's side
electric window motor.
4.75 out of 5 stars
It's Swanky
Vincent, 10/23/2002
1998 Acura CL 2.3 Premium 2dr Coupe
This car has been reliable for the
short period of time i have had it.
But that comes with any honda/acura
you buy. It's nice that you don't see
it at every light that you stop at
too! Could use more power, but that's
because I'm a gear head. But it drives
like it looks, smooth!
5 out of 5 stars
THE BEST
Cory, 01/18/2010
1998 Acura CL 2.3 Premium 2dr Coupe
I own a 98 acura cl 2.3 5 spd tranny and it is amazing . My vehicle has over 200k and STILL RUNNING like new. No Major Problems for the mileage. All my Suspension/steering parts are still factory and not worn out YET. Car is 100% reliable and would rec. to any body looking for a Cheap reliable used car Awesome car!!!
1998 CL Highlights
2.3
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $178/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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