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1997 Acura CL consumer reviews

$22,110–$23,960 MSRP range
side view of 1997 CL Acura
(18 reviews)
94% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.4
  • Interior 4.1
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.7
Explore the 1997 Acura CL

All around great car, very reliable, very powerful

This car has 192xxx miles, stock motor and tranny and has been driven very hard and still holds up. Only problems with the whole car is door window motors are weak. Very recommended car! I'm a very satisfied customer of Acura/Honda.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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Not as the description described

I went to view the car and it is was way more damage done in the inside and out than what is actually listed. When starting up the car it did not sound to well. I would not perferr this car to anyone that I know who is looking for something reliable and neat.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 1.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 1.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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Cant go wrong

We've always been big on Hondas for many reasons. One day I may be able to afford a new, off the showroom Acura but until then, I'll settle on my 1997 CL 3.0. I bought this Acura with around 70,000 miles on it...it currently has 160,000 miles now, and is just as strong as its ever been. I've 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. Keep the oil changed in these CLs and they'll drive forever. It has the reliabilty 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 heated seats are a plus during the cold months. The 200 HP Vtech is considerably quick and always fun to drive although stepping on the pedal comes at a price. Unlike the Accords and Civics, it doesnt get the best MPG. Didnt take long to notice this difference. Cant think of alot of changes I'd make except of course a 5-speed transmission and a more sporty exterior design. I'm thankful mine came with a spoiler. Without one these, the body style is somewhat bland to look at.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Fun & Reliable - Great Combo

I bought my 1997 5-speed 2.2 CL with 50,000 miles on it in 2002. Still driving it today without an issue & I'm up to 175,000 miles and expect to keep it for at least to 200K. Very comfortable ride, good for both around town and long highway trips. Have even been a passenger in the back seat for a long trip or two, and it really does fit 2 adults comfortably. Gas mileage is terrific. On long trips it averages 30 mpg, around town it's 25 mpg. Takes regular gas - a treat when the prices start rising. With a big trunk & plenty of room for storing "stuff" in the doors, behind the seats, the center armrest, etc., if you spend a lot of time in your car - this is a great choice. This car replaced the 1991 Integra I'd bought new and had for 150,000 miles. Acura/Honda makes a great product.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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wonderful car

We bought this new, loved it from the day we saw it and still do. Very Very comfortable & spacious interior for tall or large people. Wonderful seats, easy controls, and excellent all-around visibility make this car more outstanding than anything else out there. We have shopped for a new car several times over the past four years, and every time after looking at everything, we always decide to keep the 3.0CL. It is as good or better than any new car out there. Ours has been dealer serviced and we expect to keep it for at least another 10 problem-free years. If you find one for sale, you cant go wrong with this car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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stored in my garage

well yes i love my car, i bought it new in 96, a earily 97 CL , a rare 5 speed loaded up, i collect cars and i think this will be a future collector car for me, as of today 12-18 07 it only has 2000 miles on the car, maybe people think im nuts to buy a new car and put it away, some day someone will be glad i keep the first year for a new model. bob from pa its a Keeper for me.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Still a Great Car!

Date: May 2006 I recently bought a very clean '97 CL 3.0 Premium last month with 101K miles for 22% off original list and it is a wounderful ride. Runs & shifts very smoothly. Comfortable, quiet, quick and it should be good for another 100K miles without any major expense. And I can get 2 sets of golf clubs in the trunk easily, which is more than I can say about the 2002 Volvo S60 this car is replacing. I'll never buy another new car again. Only quality used cars good for 80K-100K+ miles after the original owner has taken 70%-80% depreciation.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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rich

its a nice first car i guess. i had an integra for a few months, then upgraded to the 3.0CL because it is a little bigger. it is nice it hasn't given me any problems, except the door handle broke once, but was replaced for under $100. it is a good car ill keep it for about 4 years. i just 100k, no problems.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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