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1996 Acura SLX Base MT

The 1996 Acura SLX Base MT is a 190-hp 3.2-liter with a 5-speed manual. It starts at $34,320 MSRP and is rated at 15 mpg combined.

It makes 190 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 188 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, spinning to a 6,250 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 14 mpg city and 17 mpg highway (15 mpg combined).

The SLX measures 178.9 inches long on a 108.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,315 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$34,320 ($71,090 *)
Engine
Engine Type3.2-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, 75-degree V-6
Displacement3.2 L
Horsepower190 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque188 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline6,250 rpm
Valvetrain4 valves per cylinder, belt-driven, single overhead camshaft
Bore and Stroke93.4 x 77 mm
Compression Ratio9.3:1
Injection TypeSequential fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive Type4-Wheel Drive (shift-on-the-fly, full- or part-time)
Transmission
Transmission5-Speed Manual
Fuel Economy
City14 MPG
Highway17 MPG
Combined15 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Unleaded
Tank Capacity22.5 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent double-wishbone with torsion bar springs, 1.02 in stabilizer bar
Rear SuspensionMulti-link with coil springs, 0.75 in stabilizer bar
Front Stabilizer Bar1.02 in (26.0 mm)
Rear Stabilizer Bar0.75 in (19.0 mm)
Turning Diameter38.1 ft
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVentilated, 11.0 in (280 mm) diameter
Rear Brake DiscVentilated, 12.3 in (312 mm) diameter
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 in
Wheels Rear16 in
Tires FrontP245/70R16
Tires RearP245/70R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length178.9 in
Width72.4 in
Height72.2 in
Wheelbase108.7 in
Front Track59.6 in
Rear Track59.8 in
Ground Clearance8.5 in
Cargo Volume46.3 ft³
Curb Weight4,315 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)51% / 49%
Interior
Headroom Front39.8 in
Headroom Rear39.8 in
Legroom Front40.8 in
Legroom Rear39.1 in
Shoulder Room Front57.3 in
Shoulder Room Rear57.3 in
Hip Room Front53.7 in
Hip Room Rear53.5 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 1996 Acura SLX 4-DR.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1996 Acura SLX. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jun 3, 1997 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINES WERE INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AT THE ASSEMBLY LINE RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND AN UPPER CONTROL ARM OF THE SUSPENSION.

Consequence: THE LINE CAN BE DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AND CAN RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS, AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM. IF THE CLEARANCE IS NOT ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS, THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.

NHTSA campaign 97V092002

Dec 12, 1996 · SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN INCORRECT REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY BUCKLE. THE MISBUILD INVOLVED FITTING A BUCKLE FOR ANOTHER MARKET WITH THE CORRECT U.S. SPECIFICATION SEAT BELT.

Consequence: SUCH INSTALLATION RESULTS IN A REAR CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE BELT TONGUE CANNOT BE INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE AND A CONSQUENT INABILITY OF THE SYSTEM TO PROVIDE PROPER OCCUPANT RESTRAINT DURING PANIC BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE OR AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT TONGUE AND BUCKLE AND INCORRECT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES WILL BE REPLACED.

NHTSA campaign 96V248002

11 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1996 Acura SLX

Owner Complaints

11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Acura SLX (2 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Suspension3
Hydraulic2
Service Brakes2
Air Bags1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Equipment1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Mar 1, 2006 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE AND STOPPING DISTANCES WERE INCREASED AS A RESULT. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 97V092002, REGARDING THE SERVICE BRAKES HOSES AND LINES. THE VEHICLE…”
Apr 24, 2002 · Air Bags Crash
“FRONT COLLISION AT 35-40 MPH, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. NO INJURIES.*AK”
Oct 30, 2000 · Suspension
“FRONT BALL JOINTS MAKING NOISES. RECALL WAS FROM CARS BUILT PRIOR TO AUG, 1995 BUT THIS CAR WAS BUILT IN SEPTEMBER OF 1995. THE DEALER REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE OR TO HONOR RECALL AND NOW THE BALL JOINTS…”
Sep 6, 2000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK”
Jul 20, 2000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM I AM EXPERIENCING IS A CRACK IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. IN SPEAKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP THEY CONFIRMED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR CAR MODEL. THEY STATED THAT…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1996 ACURA SLX. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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