1999 Acura SLX Review
Price Estimate: $1,967 - $3,174
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Spacious interior, good off-road ability, outstanding visibility.
Cons
- It's not really an Acura.
What’s new
The SLX is carried over unchanged from a year ago.
For sale near Woodson, TX
Vehicle overview
Corporate sharing is all the rage these days. Manufacturers are scrambling to fill the holes in their lineups 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 another 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 necessarily a bad thing, but it does seem dishonest. Imagine the embarrassment of the SLX owner who thinks they bought something special only to find that they are driving an Isuzu?
The SLX has a 3.5-liter, dual-overhead-cam engine that produces 215 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 230 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 rpm. 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.
Last year's revisions included a more powerful engine, as well as the Torque On Demand (TOD) drive system, which replaced conventional four-high mode for better performance on paved or slippery roads. That's plenty of improvements under the hood, but the interior design is starting to show its age. A recently revised instrument panel includes a digital odometer and trip meter.
The Acura SLX is priced the same as a fully loaded Isuzu Trooper. The SLX has a softer ride that results in improved on-road manners, but it still handles like a tall truck. 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.
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 full potential. With this in mind, the SLX is a fine vehicle, delivering the prestige and comfort that Acura owners have come to expect from their cars. If you are looking for a large, luxurious sport-utility vehicle, and you aren't prone to whipsawing the steering wheel back and forth during your daily commute, this truck might just be your best option.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$227/mo for SLX Base
SLX Base
vs
$159/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Acura SLX Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Best car ever had.
4.88 out of 5 starsBob, 04/08/2010
1998 Acura SLX 4dr SUV 4WD
I just love the SLX. If you're looking for a reliable car this is it. This car has almost 200,000 miles on it and its still running great. All i've done on the car was change the oil the brakes and tires. I read some reviews saying that this car tips over very easily but trust me from the way i drive it I'm surprised that it hasn't tipped over yet. This is a great car compact from … outside and extremely roomy in the inside. IF acura continued the production of this car, hands down i would have one. I currently drive a BMW but i still have the acura on the side for emergencies and I'm happy i never sold it since my BMW only gives me problems.
Rugged Box
4.75 out of 5 starsmac85260, 09/04/2002
1999 Acura SLX 4dr SUV 4WD
The SLX is a true off road vehicle with
ample cargo space. I've used it for
hunting and for launching a boat from
an unimproved ramp (beach). Visability
is excellent. We've used it for family
vacations and it will cruise all day at
75+. In spite of it's square shape is
not adversely affected by cross winds.
Still a great value & ride!
4.63 out of 5 starsJewell, 11/29/2006
1998 Acura SLX 4dr SUV 4WD
Still own my 1998 canary teal blue SLX, still in great shape. I got caught in a wicked snow storm almost 2 years ago & went careening off the road. The vehicle remained upright & steady even though I ended up on the other side of the freeway & facing in the opposite direction! Still a great drive & ride!
Best Vehicle I have ever owned
5 out of 5 starsOilfieldtruckguy, 06/20/2004
1998 Acura SLX 4dr SUV 4WD
This is the best SUV ever made. It
has plenty of cargo room, power, can
actually go off road, and yet swadles
the passengers with luxury.
It is also tough and durable --- six
years later, people ask me if it is
the "new" Acura SUV, as no one has
ever seen one.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 Acura SLX, so we've included reviews for other years of the SLX since its last redesign.
1999 SLX Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $227/month |
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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