Used 1997 Acura CL Consumer Reviews
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My beloved CL 3.0
I sold my Acura CL 3.0 in March of 2015 to buy the new more practical Honda CRV EX-L. I bought this car new in 1997 and didn't realize how much I would grow to loved it, until it was gone. At 198,500 miles and 18+ years it was time because I felt it was becoming less dependable, and much bigger repair bills were on the way. The day I bought it I walked into Acura to buy the 4 cylinder 2.2 CL with cloth seats, and drove away with the much more powerful six cylinder 3.0 CL, with heated leather seats, lots of other goodies, and the super cool alloy wheels. It was a blast, and I'm so glad I did it. Best looking interior I have ever seen in a car. Even now! Great job Acura &Honda. I still see this car around town from time to time. They guy who bought it from my mechanic loves it, but he doesn't take care of it like I did. The last time saw it parked on the street, I had never seen it so dirty. Today I am still glad that I went out and bought the new 2015 Honda CRV. It makes a lot more sense for me in this time of my life. BUT.......... if then I had extra parking space the old Acura it would probably be sitting in it, right next to my new Honda CRV. I hope I never miss another car like I did this one! As of November of 2017 I still miss my old Acura but I do find the CRV be be very practical in many other ways. Even though it only has 15 less horsepower, it does not have near the get up and go of the old sexy beast.
- Safety
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Absolutely the very best!
It took no thinking when I asked my family at the dinner table, of all the cars we have ever had what is or was your favorite one? The Acura 2.2CL by far!!! In fact it has come time to sell the car and I cant even talk about it with out crying...lol! (true story) :/ Anyway if your considering buying one BUY IT! I guarantee you will be 100% HAPPY! Yes I said guarantee...! YOU WILL, NO JOKE! Have a wonderful day...
- 2.2 Premium CoupeMSRP: $5,900633 mi away
- 3.0 Premium CoupeMSRP: $6,9951,967 mi away
1997 Acura 3.0CL Premium
Iv bought my CL back in 2003 with 43,000 miles, its now 2008 and i have about 121,000 miles on it, the car is definitely fun to drive, the J30a1 3.0 liter VTEC engine produces great power in such a light car, the only problems I ran into were alternator at early age, battery, starter other than that the EGR valve was replaced through an Acura check engine light recall. I now have 121,000 and my transmission has begun to slip on me.
I really love this car
Bought this car a few months ago with over 120,000 miles on it. The previous owner made some modifications (adjusted shifting, 18 in. rims, huge air intake, ) and it made the car so much livelier. the best part is starting the car... actually driving it is a dream the engine is a bit sluggish in the lower speeds but the car puts the driver in total control around 60 mph. The car is very powerful and graceful, its kinda ugly but its all that much more endearing. `
13 Years & Still Going Strong
I brought this car brand new in March of 1997 and it has proven to be the best purchase I have ever made. Talk about reliable! And even close to 13 years old the pick-up on this car is great and still just as fun to drive. Even after purchasing a new car last Fall still hanging on to it. Many offers to buy so that won't be an issue when I am finally ready to let go. GREAT car!
20 yrs old and performing like a 2 yr old
Had to put the Acura in the shop. Hit and run accident ... caved in the driver's door. Had a brand new Nissan Altima as a rental car for several days. When I got my Acura back ... wow ... what a difference. Acceleration, brakes, interior quietness, road handling) ... the Altima couldn't touch my Acura. Every time I go in for service at the Acura dealer ... I get an offer from either a salesman or a technician to buy it from me. I'm 75 yrs old ... this is my last ride.
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Best vehicle I've ever owned/driven
I bough this car with 160K on it, it's now at 173K. The previous owner abused this car and I'm currently in the process of getting it back to its former glory. Fun to drive, absolutely amazing sound system, decent on gas, decently quick, there's just so much to this car. But my favorite thing I discovered today. I was in an accident. A reckless driver rear ended me, I was at a stop, he was doing about 40mph. I drove away in that car. There's very little damage, more damage was done to his 2012 accord. The doctor at the ER said I should be in much worse shape but I'm fine. I don't know what that car's made of, but I fell in love all over again. Thank you, my little acura, for saving me today.
Its all you'll ever need
I bought my CL 3.0 with around 70,000 miles on it...it currently has 160,000 miles now, and is just as strong as its ever been. Ive seen many reports of 97 models still running great in the 300k+ range. Its been as trouble free as our 2002 Accord. Replaced window motor, and brakes once. It has the reliability of any typical Honda, the luxury of a Lexus, the comfort of a lazy-boy and plenty of power, which we all like. The seats are roomy, and 2 adults can sit in the back without being too cramped. The Bose sound system has a decent quality sound. The 200 HP Vtech is fast and fun to drive but stepping on the pedal comes at a price. Unlike the Accords and Civics, it doesn't have the best MPG.
Amazing little car
I bought my 2.2. CL with 126k, two years ago. It is now at 164k, after a few road trips from California to Texas and back. Not to mention a dozen trips from Mcallen to Houston. I've done all the regular services and the 150k major service. I have not had one problem, it starts and is ready to go at anytime. Great car, good fuel economy, and very reliable.
Satisfies all your wants
I originally bought this car because itcost $4,000 less than a comparable usedAccord Coupe and much better drive thana Camry Solara. Now that I've had thecar for a year, I know I made the rightchoice. This car is ultra-smooth on thehighway. In the city, it's veryresponsive and has a stiff ride, but nottoo harsh. It has all the features Ineed and they all work well except forthe ac/heater which is a little slow. On the down side, this car is hard topark in tight spaces because of it'slarge turning radius, but this helps itsstability. The auto is a bit jerky, butsmooth if you accelerate fast enough. The only thing I've had to fix is thepower window motor so far.
Get one!
I've always been a VW/Audi guy and recently bought a used 1997 CL 2.2 for about $1500. Best money I ever spent. I can't believe I got all these option in one package. Engine's good. AC, power seats, sunroof, ABS, radio all work great. Plus it's great on gas. It doesn't corner like an Audi or a VW but close. Has lotsa room and is built tight. VTEC engine performs great and literally sips gas. Why didn't I discover Acuras sooner? Only thing I changed was a ball joint. You can pick these CL's up now for about 2grand and you wont be disappointed. It's a mixture of luxury and performance. It's not a Beemer but is much better than an Accord. My advice, get one!
Jewel of a Ride
Bought my stick 2.2 a year old with only about 8k miles. Only 65k NOW, due to driving 3 other cars, incl. a CRX and Prelude. (Certified Honda nut!). No significant maintenance or driveability problems, even after getting run off a mountain road into a big (life-saving) snowbank in December.
Such a solid car
It says a lot that the most difficult thing I've had to deal with in 6-1/2 years is a window motor. This car is not fast, but it's not meant to be (which saves on insurance). My next car will be another Acura for sure -- but not until the day comes that I need to add two more doors.
Trade in
I loved the ride when i first got it and would love to own another one.
I rate this 2.2 an 8.5.
Buying this car was a smart decision. Think of the CL as a dressed-up Accord. I love the distinctive styling. The back end is especially slick. I've experienced very few problems. Average MPG is 23. The 4cyl is enough pull for most if you go with the 5-speed manual. The brakes are kinda weak when compared to other luxury models. The turning radius is too wide. The ride is fairly sporty but not harsh. The interior is typical Honda everything is in the right place. Not a cheap, but not luxurious. The front seats are nice and there's a lot of leg room. The back seat is fine for 2 people under 5 10.
Faulty Hub/Wheel Bearing Assembly
Purchased my Acura CL (2.2 Premium) with 44K Miles on it. I had regular maintenance done and vehicle was performing fine - till I hit 70K mi. I started hearing humming noice from up front. It gradually grew in intensity to the point where it is unbearble. I am at 72K mi. Dealer investigated issue and says hub/wheel bearings are worn out and I have to replace front wheel and bearing assembly for $900!!! I was shocked. This is my second Honda vehicle and I did not expect this from Acura. You pay a lot for Acuras because of the reliability factor - if you are not getting this, what is the point? Spoke to Acura, got a cold reply: Your vehicle is not in warranty.
up scale honda accord
the only problems i have had with the car was a leaky fuel injector. I paid for an acura extended warrenty but the dealer wouldn't cover the injecter. outher than that i love the car
My 97 Acura
Great car. I have had many years of enjoyment with this car. It has been fairly inexpensive to maintain and extremely dependable. It,s looks have held up fine, as the vehicle did not change that much over the years. Overall, a very good buy for the price.
LOVE THIS CAR
OWNING THIS CAR HAS BEEN A TREAT. THE MOST RELIABLE EVER. IT STILL LOOKS NEW! ONLY THING EVER NEEDED WAS NEW TIRES. AT 7 YRS. IT STILL TURNS HEADS. MAKES LOOKING FOR A REPLACEMENT VERY HARD.
Unreliable Disappointment
My CL 3.0 has 77K miles on it, and has had numerous repairs since the warranty expired including bad alternator ($300+), bad transmission (remanufactured $2500+), check engine emissions($250). Parts are expensive for this car. What has happenned to Acura reliability? This will be my last Acura. I will purchase a long extended warranty if I ever were to get a Honda/Acura product again. Also this car has developed a LOT of noisiness and squeaks in the last few years. The CL is great for highway drives, comfortable and fast on the highway. Has a nice set of standard options and great V6 engine.
What Problems?!
Purchased my 2.2 CL brand new in 1997. 125k miles later, it's still running wonderfully. I've performed the required maintenance every 7500 miles and it's never had any problem other than replacement of worn parts like brakes, tires, headlights...etc.This car gets the highest rating in reliability. I'm not sure if the other reviewers just got lemons, but driving style, weather, road conditions, and quality of your mechanic do influence how well the car holds up.
Excellent Car
This is the best car I've ever owned. Extremely reliable, looks great even after 6 years and 120000 miles, sporty yet roomy.
3.0 CL
I am 17 and this is my second car...not a good start but whatever! i have lowered my CL 4" and have 18" wheels w/ high performance tires making the handling much better then it already was. This car's performance is great! Quick pick up and ive done a good 145 mph. So top speed isn't bad. Great stereo and looks! Overall i have been pleased with this car.
Very nice car
This car is superb. I loved it. Indeed old but works very good and looks new. Engine is just great. I think mileage is getting less, but everything is good.
97 Acura 2.2 CL
I bought this car a month back and so far I've been very satisfied. The car looks great both inside (polished wood- like panelling) and outside and I admit that was the main reason I went for it. It drives great though the engine feels the strain when there are more than 3 occupants (it's a 4 cyl 2.2 L engine). It handles superbly and even though its a big car (it's as long as a taurus) it maneuvers like a smaller car. I've had no problems parking it in tight spaces. The a/c unit doesn't cool the air inside immediately on +90F days.
I love this car.
This car is very reliable. It's also very fun to drive, good on gas, low maintenance, even better when you the change the oil on schedule and keep it clean.
dissapointed
We bought this car used in 2000 (45,000 mi)and we've put about 32,000 miles on it since then. So far we've had a check engine problem-$250+ , a window motor failing- $300+, a bad alternator, $300+. This is not my idea of reliable. During the same time period I've spent less than $300 fixing my 1989 Honda Accord (186,000 mi.) The tires are awfully expensive to buy for this car and hard to find. About $150-200 EACH. This car is definitely overrated.
My love / hate relationship
Bought the car new when it came out in '96 as a '97 model. Since day 1, it has been plagued by squeeks and rattles. Dealership still couldn't fix these after 6 attempts. I enjoy driving the car (when it runs properly), but has been the most aggravating car (and least reliable) I have ever owned. Aside from a ridiculous amount of rattles in the dash, the driver side window motor was replaced, radiator fan, oxygen sensor, transmission.... Will probably never buy another Acura.... and I previously owned 3 other Honda products which NEVER gave me such grief.
great car
the CL is an awesome car for the money. you get both the prestige of the acura label, and the dependability of a honda. ive had it for about 3 months now, and bought it with 58000 miles on it. it hasnt had one problem yet, and is a strong runner. it has a responsive original clutch, and is a smooth ride. it is a stylish luxury coupe, and overall, it is a great car!!
Sporty, fast sports car
The Acura 3.0 CL has everything going for it. It has a 3.0 liter 200 horsepower V6 engine and has many features. Its quick to accelerate and pass even with the standard automatic transmission (only transmission avail. for the 3.0). The interior is luxurious and may remind you of a beefed up Honda Accord. I like how even now, in 2006-2007, I still get compliments telling me how nice my car is, even though it is nearly 10 years old. The styling is hate it or love it and I absolutely love it. It looks contemporary and better than many cars now.
go 2,2cl!!!!!
This is my second Acura - liked my original Integra very much, but the 2.2cl is sportier and more fun to drive. It is thoroughly reliable and quick to respond and easy to handle. I have only had the usual repairs, brake pads + replacing the timing belt at 90,000 miles.
love it
owned this car from new, very reliable. 73k miles, done all maintenance...warranty replaced computer in first year after erratic cold idle. michelin tires dry rotted after 36k, same happened to next michelins. continental extreme contacts at almost half the price seem great after 7k miles. after tune-up at 7 years 57k the emission system needed warranty cleaning. driver window motor replaced a few years ago. everything else done was routine maintenance, never a problem, great car. prefer honda dealer for work over acura for all reasons. will need muffler soon, parts are expensive.
More repairs than expected
We bought this CL with 62,000 miles on it and it was 7 years old. It is premium coupe with spoiler, leather seats, sunroof and climate control with CD player. At 80,000 miles, the clutch went out. While in the shop, they found the rear main seal leaking, the plastic radiator leaking, the front CV joints shot and several other smaller problems. Cost about $1,800 to fix. At 105,000 miles, the starter went out and they found the ring gear on the flywheel was shot and loose. Another $400. The security system quit working. We have had 4 other Honda cars, and none of them needed this kind of expensive repairs, even when they were over 100,000 miles. Don' think we recommend a used CL.
ACURA CL 2.2
GREAT CAR... JUST HAS LOTS OF LITTLE DEFECTS THAT COMPANY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF. THE WARRANTY IS A GOOD THING, HOWEVER IF YOU TAKE IT TO THE SHOP, YOU HAVE TO PAY 45.00 TO DIGNOSE IT, BUT IF IT IS UNDER WARRANTY YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY. THE SEATS ARE VERY UNCONFORTABLE WHEN TAKING LONG ROAD TRIPS. AND VERY DIFFICULT TO TAKE CARE OF. SOMETIMES IN SMALLER CITIES, IT IS HARD TO FIND SOMENOENT TO FIX IT
My first new/used car
Bought this car used. Drives well, although the turning radius could be tighter. Very reliable. Got 29mpg while traveling interstate; 24mpg in the city. Changing oil couldn't be easier with this car. My first Acura, definately not my last.
Nice car
I bought this car new since 1997. It currently now has 161000. I get around 24 mpg. My only complain is that the electrical system has problems over the years, such as bad starter, alternator, ignitor, to name a few.
Great value!!!!
The CL is a great car! I bought mine about 3 years ago with 50k on it, now I have 95k. No problems at all, just your basic maintenance. The car handles wonderfully for a luxury car. Best of both worlds, all in one package! I would buy another one if I was to sell it.
Falling out of love with my Acura
There were so many things to love about my 97CL: handling, performance, good looks. But alas, during the past 6 months, I've had to replace the starter, AC condenser & evaporator and routine maintenance are costing almost $3,500. I only have 82,000 miles and I really pampered my CL. Sad to say, I don't love this car anymore. Other people will rave about its reliability, but that has not been my experience, and the cost to repair is hideous. My last 2 cars (1989 Camry 146,000 miles and 1994 Nissan Quest 163,000 miles) were not nearly as expensive to maintain. Maybe I expected too much, but I thought this car would last longer without so many repairs!
A nice car
I bought this one in 1996, and it's been the best vehicle I have owned.
nice car
u should definitely get it because it's really comfortable and it's easy to drive when u are a beginning driver, nice handling and can be a good family car, too. interior is the best thing about the car that is so grand that i would give it an A+++++
97 CL 3.0
never had any problems, I love My CL
Awesome car
Fun to drive, I bought it used and it has been handling great. I read the review here before I bought it and it helped. It still turns head. People say it is hard to believe it is a 97. Mine is in great condition, great paint and my new fuzoni racing speed rated tires makes it looks great. Very fast, with the V-6. If you like power, get the V-6. Else if you like a honda accord lx power then get the regular coupe.
smart alternative to new car
All the reliablity you'd expect in a compact, nice looking package with top notch materials. After 10k miles with this car, I haven't been happier.
Awesome car
Fun to drive, I bought it used and it has been handling great. I read the review here before I bought it and it helped. It still turns heads. People say it is hard to believe it is a 97. Mine is in great condition, great paint and my new fuzoni racing speed rated tires makes it looks great. Very fast, with the V-6. If you like power, get the V-6. Else if you like a honda accord lx power then get the regular coupe.
Great Performer
A blast to drive. Solid Acura quality. Excellent paint and body work. Looks like new after 65000 miles.
Excellent Car
I like the fast engine and the nice styling and interior ... I love the transmission and definitely the relability. Clocking this 3.0 with 200 horsepower to 60 takes only 7.2 seconds ... which I love.
love my 3.0 CL
Very fast and Great fun to drive, outstanding and unmatched visibility, very comfortable and utterly reliable. Nice looking too. I think I wasted my money on an extended service contract since quality is so high. My second Acura over 13 years.
Excellent Car!
This is the perfect alternative to a BMW 3 series...in price and performance...I bought this car in November 2004 and have put 6000 trouble- free miles on it...I bought the car with a very low 43,213 miles on it which attracted me. I looked at the car and it was the perfect color inside/out (Gray Leather/Silver). What pleases me is the heated seats, excellent Bose CD system, Leather and comfortable seats. The automatic climate control is efficient and works properly. Performance is a huge plus in this car. There is a 3.0 liter engine under the hood and the dual pipes out of the rear end complement its 200 horses.
I'm VERY happy!
I fell in love with the looks of the vehicle and had to have one. Acceleration is good for the 2.2 model, although I drop it into 3rd gear for quicker acceleration at take-off and for passing. I enjoy the solidness of the car and it handles well. Trunk space is great. I've never kept a car this long but I believe I'll have a long and happy relationship with my CL and see how long it will run. Maintenance is not too pricey which is a big plus. I actually like the design on my '97 better than the newer ones and so do most of my friends.
my car
Love my 3.0 CL. I wish it was a manual tranny though. Fuel consumption is much more efficient than my last car. Always a soft smooth ride, handling is great, the look is slick. Just love this car and now that I'm going on 150k miles, it stills performs like it was new.