1996 Acura SLX Review
1996 Acura SLX Review
View more photos
Used SLX for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
The SLX is one of the first luxury-badged sport-utes to be released in this country. Based on the successful Isuzu Trooper, the SLX is very similar to its twin.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 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 plans to release luxury sport-utes within a few years; many of them based on vehicles that are already in existence. Who knows, with the rush towards these up-market trucks it may be more exclusive to own the vehicles on which they are based.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Acura SLX.
5 star(60%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(20%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
5 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!
1996 SLX Highlights
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 RatedDriver5 / 5PassengerNot 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
Related Used 1996 Acura SLX info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Volvo XC70 2013
- Used Saab 9000 2010
- Used Chevrolet Volt 2011
- Used Volvo C30 2011 For Sale
- Used BMW M6 2013
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 News
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2023
- 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
- 2024 BMW i5
- 2023 Giulia
- 2023 DB11
- Mclaren 720S
- BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 2023
- 2025 Volvo XC90 News
Research other models of Acura
- 2024 Acura RSX
- 2023 Acura RDX
- Acura Crossover RDX
- 2023 Acura TLX
- Acura TLX
- Acura RSX 2023
- 2023 Acura MDX
- 2024 Acura MDX
- 2024 TLX
- Acura MDX
Other models
- Used Kia Carnival in Paris, TX
- New Audi Q4-E-Tron for Sale in Endicott, NY
- Used Suzuki Equator in Gaylord, MI
- New Lexus RX-350 for Sale in Mishawaka, IN
- Used Ferrari California in Elk Grove, CA
- New Hyundai Elantra for Sale in Hopkins, MN
- Used Ford F-450-Super-Duty in Easley, SC
- Used Kia Ev9 in Lagrange, GA
- New Audi R8 for Sale in Allendale, MI
- New Mercedes-Benz Maybach-Eqs-Suv for Sale in Edwardsville, IL