The Acura CL was the newest member of the Acura family since 1996, when it was released as an early 1997 model. It was also the first Acura to be entirely designed and built in the U.S.
Year-to-year changes
1997
In its first year, the Acura CL, a contemporary luxury sports coupe, was equipped with a 3.0 liter, 200 hp V6 engine. It was also available with a 2.2-liter, 145-horsepower inline four cylinder engine. Both engines were equipped with the groundbreaking VTEC system. Pioneered in the NSX, VTEC had broken the age old trade-off between low-end torque and high-end horsepower.
The CL standard equipment package included an Automatic Climate Control System, power windows and door locks, keyless entry system with integrated theft-deterrent system, 6-way power driver's seat, a power glass moonroof and a CD-equipped 6-speaker sound system.
1998
The short-lived 2.2-liter engine was replaced by a new 2.3-liter engine for 1998, along with an upgrade from 145 to 150 horsepower.
1999
On October 14, 1998, along with the Integra, the 1999 CL was introduced. The Premium package, which included leather seats, became standard for 1999. After three years on sale, the Acura CL skipped a model year (2000).
Retail prices
As of March 13, 1996:
- $22,110 (1997 Acura CL 2.2L)
- $23,160 (1997 Acura CL 2.2L with Premium package; optional)
- $25,110 (1997 Acura CL 3.0L)
- $26,460 (1997 Acura CL 3.0L with Premium package; optional)
Shipping prices
- $435 (1997 models)
Gallery
