1997 Acura CL review from North America
"Better than most cars on the market and fun, but too expensive"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Check engine light has come on and have been told it is the EGR valve that needs replacing though I have not done so yet. It came on at about 70,000 miles.
Starter died on me suddenly at about 68,000 miles. Thankfully I was almost home since it would not turn over or make any sound when I got back into the car. Had to be pushed to the house.
Passenger power window died due to a piece of plastic breaking that controls the up down mechanism. I could make it go down, but not up. Cost to fix was the entire motor and bar etc. About 75,000 miles.
Warped rotors are making the car shake. It was super smooth when I bought it and is likely my driving and some of the roads I had to drive on. Not been fixed yet. Started at about 60,000 miles.
General comments?
The car has a poor turn radius so getting into and out of a parking spot can be difficult. I hear that Acura fixed this since the 1997 was made.
Overall I love the power and the comfort.
I love the way it looks.
It hugs the ground on curvy roads.
It is fun to drive.
It is a disappointment over my previous car. A 1988 Acura Integra. I had that car also used from 1995 to 2000 and never replaced a single thing in the car. It was 12 years old when the driver door handle broke off in my hands. Everything else was a little wear and tear. The cost was also over double to buy the CL from the Integra. I paid 18K for the CL and 8K for the Integra.
Recommended reviews
  | A stylish money pit |
| A unique-looking car based on a dependable platform |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 43000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 78000 miles |
| Previous car | Acura Integra |
| Date of Entry | 14th September, 2003 |