1997 Acura SLX Review
1997 Acura SLX Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- One of the biggest "compact" sport-utility vehicles available. Powerful engine and high level of standard equipment make this truck an excellent interstate cruiser.
Cons
- Reputed by a consumer advocacy group to be unsafe during emergency lane change maneuvers.
What’s new
No changes to Acura's upscale Isuzu Trooper twin.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Acura SLX 4dr SUV 4WD 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$307/mo for SLX Base
SLX Base
vs
$207/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Corporate sharing is reaching a fever pitch. Manufacturers are scrambling to fill the holes in their line-ups by slapping their badges on vehicles they buy from other makers. Even highly regarded firms like Acura are not above climbing into a cozy relationship with a lesser marque; witness the Acura SLX. Based on Isuzu's competent Trooper, the Acura is a marginally spruced-up version of the same truck. This isn't a bad thing since we have always thought the Trooper to be attractive, but it does seem dishonest. Imagine the embarrassment of the SLX owner who thinks they got something special only to find that they are driving an Isuzu?
The SLX has a 3.2-liter dual-overhead-cam engine that produces 190 horsepower. It delivers capable acceleration in a vehicle this large, and this vehicle is definitely large. Markedly wider and taller than most of its competitors, the SLX has a rear cargo capacity capable of hauling several sheets of plywood.
The Acura SLX is priced the same as the top-of-the-line Isuzu Trooper Limited. Offering similar levels of luxury as the Trooper, the SLX has a softer ride that results in improved on-road manners. Off-road capability is equal to the ground-pounding Trooper but large bumps may cause the suspension to bottom out; the price you pay for that luxurious highway ride. Of course, very few SLXs will ever find their way off-road, unless the gravel driveway of the local polo club counts.
We know that luxurious sport-utes of today are like the sports cars so prevalent in the mid-eighties. Designed for function but purchased for prestige, they are seldom driven to their capabilities. With this in mind, the SLX is a fine vehicle delivering the prestige and comfort that Acura owners have come to expect. Infiniti, Mercedes, and Lincoln have released luxury sport-utes this years; most of them based on vehicles that are already in existence. This, and the bad press tha the Acura SUV received as a result of an independent consumer group's roll-over test, has made the SLX somewhat vulnerable in the highly competitive luxury sport-ute marketplace. As a result, we've seen great lease deals and attractive financing to move these trucks out of showrooms If you are looking for a large, luxurious sport-utility vehicle and aren't prone to whip-sawing the steering wheel back and forth during your daily commute, this truck might just be perfect for you.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Acura SLX.
5 star(50%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(33%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
6 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
I miss my baby. ;.. (
Welsher, 09/25/2009
1996 Acura SLX 4dr SUV 4WD
I bought my '96 SLX in August of '07 before leaving for college in Cali (Washington is home). I loved this car, my plan was to drive it til it died, and then drop a V8 in it , slightly lower it, and black it out (it was the green/beige 2 tone). :) Long story short I got hit by a drunk 18 days ago and it's totaled, and the insurance company just offered me $3,462.35 for it. It was great … for hanging out w/ my friends at college, driving to the beach, driving to the mountains, driving around town, on the HWY, wherever. It had a very solid, strong, tank-like feel, although sluggish (3.2L V6 in 2 ton vehicle), and in spite of having failed the 30 mph swerve test, it took the corners surprisingly well.
4.88 out of 5 stars
SLX Premium Package I Love It
Gremlenman2000, 04/18/2008
1996 Acura SLX 4dr SUV 4WD
I love this SUV! 20 MPG. Tows an 18 ft boat well. No problems in the boat ramp. Slips in and out of 4WD with ease. I would buy another. I wish I had bought this SLX new. Thanks
4.13 out of 5 stars
SLX
MissMrozik, 08/20/2002
1996 Acura SLX 4dr SUV 4WD
Great car, very few mechanical
problems. Vehicle is large and my
husband's LX470 Lexus, but it gets
17.00 mpg, 4 more than the Lexus.
Acura dealers treat certified used car
purchasers very well.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Big
Kristeen Fitts, 03/21/2003
1996 Acura SLX 4dr SUV 4WD
I love the size of this SUV. Lots of
storage space in the back and lots of
headroom. The back seat is large enough
for three carseats!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Acura SLX, so we've included reviews for other years of the SLX since its last redesign.
1997 SLX Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $307/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 46.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 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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