Car Chomper

1997 Acura CL

Coupe 4 trims

About the 1997 Acura CL

If you're looking at a 1997 Acura CL, you're checking out a surprisingly practical piece of Japanese near-luxury. This coupe wasn't about aggressive sports car performance; it was about refined daily driving. With its standard FWD layout and available 5-speed manual transmission, the 1997 Acura CL offers predictable handling perfect for navigating city streets or highway cruising. You’ll appreciate the fuel efficiency, hitting 28 MPG on the highway while still offering 145 horsepower in the base configuration. Its overall length of 190.0 inches means it fits nicely in standard parking spots, yet still manages 11.9 cubic feet of trunk space—enough for weekly errands or a weekend bag.

Key Highlights

Decent Highway Cruising

The 1997 Acura CL achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG highway, making longer drives less painful at the pump for a vehicle of this era.

Manual Transmission Option

Enthusiasts will be happy to find a true 5-speed manual transmission available, offering more driver engagement than the standard automatic offering.

Usable Interior Space

Despite being a coupe, the 42.9 inches of front leg room means taller drivers won't feel cramped during their commute.

Regular Fuel Economy

Both engine options run happily on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs down compared to premium-only competitors.

Best For

Solo commuters prioritizing refinement - The 1997 Acura CL balances a comfortable ride with a respectable 24 MPG combined rating, perfect for the daily drive.
Practical coupe buyers - With 11.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, this coupe offers more practical storage than many smaller two-door rivals.
Drivers seeking basic engagement - Those looking for a smoother, less extreme drive can enjoy the predictable front-wheel-drive dynamics paired with the available 5-speed manual.

Available Trims

Trim MSRP Drivetrain Horsepower MPG
2.2 2dr Coupe
- front wheel drive 145 hp 24 mpg
2.2 Premium 2dr Coupe
- front wheel drive 145 hp 24 mpg
3.0 2dr Coupe
- front wheel drive 200 hp 20 mpg
3.0 Premium 2dr Coupe
- front wheel drive 200 hp 20 mpg
Specifications comparison table for 1997 Acura CL, 1997 Acura CL, 1997 Acura CL, 1997 Acura CL. Data includes dimensions, performance, fuel economy, and interior specifications. Green highlighting indicates best values, red indicates worst values.

Specifications Comparison

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Features Comparison

Feature
2.2 2dr Coupe
2.2 Premium 2dr Coupe
3.0 2dr Coupe
3.0 Premium 2dr Coupe
Feature2.2 2dr Coupe2.2 Premium 2dr Coupe3.0 2dr Coupe3.0 Premium 2dr Coupe
Safety (3 features)
Head Airbags (N)
N
Side-Mounted Airbags (N)
Engine (5 features)
Base Engine Displacement2.2 L2.2 L3.0 L3.0 L
Base Engine Typegasgasgasgas
Horsepower145 hp @ 5500 rpm145 hp @ 5500 rpm200 hp @ 5500 rpm200 hp @ 5500 rpm
Number of Cylindersinline 4inline 4V6V6
Torque147 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm147 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm195 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm195 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Drive Train (2 features)
Drivetrain Typefront wheel drivefront wheel drivefront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Transmission Type5-speed manual5-speed manual4-speed automatic4-speed automatic
Fuel (5 features)
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)378.4/481.6 mi.378.4/481.6 mi.309.6/447.2 mi.309.6/447.2 mi.
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)22/28 MPG22/28 MPG18/26 MPG18/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)24 MPG24 MPG20 MPG20 MPG
Fuel Tank Capacity17.2 gal.17.2 gal.17.2 gal.17.2 gal.
Fuel Typeregular unleadedregular unleadedregular unleadedregular unleaded
Frontseats (4 features)
Front Head Room37.4 in.37.4 in.37.4 in.37.4 in.
Front Hip Room51.6 in.51.6 in.51.6 in.51.6 in.
Front Leg Room42.9 in.42.9 in.42.9 in.42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room54.4 in.54.4 in.54.4 in.54.4 in.
Rearseats (4 features)
Rear Head Room35.9 in.35.9 in.35.9 in.35.9 in.
Rear Hip Room47.6 in.47.6 in.47.6 in.47.6 in.
Rear Leg Room31.0 in.31.0 in.31.0 in.31.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room53.1 in.53.1 in.53.1 in.53.1 in.
Measurements (7 features)
Cargo Capacity (Seats Up)11.9 cu.ft.11.9 cu.ft.11.9 cu.ft.11.9 cu.ft.
Curb Weight3009 lbs.3009 lbs.3219 lbs.3219 lbs.
Height54.7 in.54.7 in.54.7 in.54.7 in.
Length190.0 in.190.0 in.190.0 in.190.0 in.
Turning Circle39.0 ft.39.0 ft.39.0 ft.39.0 ft.
Wheelbase106.9 in.106.9 in.106.9 in.106.9 in.
Width (Without Mirrors)70.1 in.70.1 in.70.1 in.70.1 in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of fuel does the 1997 Acura CL require?

Good news for budget-minded owners: the 1997 Acura CL is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline for both the 2.2L and 3.0L engine variants.

How efficient is the 1997 Acura CL in city driving?

When stuck in traffic, the 1997 Acura CL is rated for an estimated 22 MPG in the city, providing decent mileage for urban commutes.

What are the main power differences between the 1997 Acura CL trims?

The base engine produces 145 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque, while the larger engine option in the 3.0 trims offers a significant increase in power.

Is the 1997 Acura CL a very long car?

At 190.0 inches long, the 1997 Acura CL is relatively compact for a coupe, helping it feel manageable in tight parking situations.

What kind of seating arrangement does the 1997 Acura CL coupe have?

As a coupe, the 1997 Acura CL focuses on the front passengers, evidenced by its substantial 42.9 inches of front leg room, though rear passengers have limited space at 31 inches.

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