1997 Acura SLX Base MT
All photo credits
- Photo: 1997 Acura SLX in Cream White-Light Silver Metallic, front left, 08-15-2022 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Acura-SLX by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Acura SLX by LukaCali, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1997 Acura SLX in Cream White-Light Silver Metallic, rear left, 08-15-2022 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1997 Acura SLX Base MT is a 190-hp 3.2-liter with a 5-speed manual. It starts at $35,735 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 Type | SUV |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $35,735 ($72,361 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.2-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, 75-degree V-6 |
| Displacement | 3.2 L |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Redline | 6,250 rpm |
| Valvetrain | 4 valves per cylinder, belt-driven, single overhead camshaft |
| Bore and Stroke | 93.4 x 77 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Injection Type | Sequential fuel injection |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | 4-Wheel Drive (shift-on-the-fly, full- or part-time) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 14 MPG |
| Highway | 17 MPG |
| Combined | 15 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular Unleaded |
| Tank Capacity | 22.5 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent double-wishbone with torsion bar springs, 1.02 in stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with coil springs, 0.75 in stabilizer bar |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | 1.02 in (26.0 mm) |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | 0.75 in (19.0 mm) |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 ft |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | Ventilated, 11.0 in (280 mm) diameter |
| Rear Brake Disc | Ventilated, 12.3 in (312 mm) diameter |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 16 in |
| Wheels Rear | 16 in |
| Tires Front | P245/70R16 |
| Tires Rear | P245/70R16 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 178.9 in |
| Width | 72.2 in |
| Height | 72.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 in |
| Front Track | 59.6 in |
| Rear Track | 59.8 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.5 in |
| Cargo Volume | 46.3 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 4,315 lbs |
| Weight Distribution (F/R) | 51% / 49% |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 39.8 in |
| Headroom Rear | 39.8 in |
| Legroom Front | 40.8 in |
| Legroom Rear | 39.1 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 57.3 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 57.3 in |
| Hip Room Front | 53.7 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 53.5 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1997 Acura SLX Base MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | Not rated |
| Frontal crash | Not rated |
| Frontal – driver | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal – passenger | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | Not rated |
| Rollover | Not rated |
Recalls
2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1997 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
Mar 11, 1997 · SUSPENSION
THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A LOCK WASHER AND/OR SCREWS IN THE FRONT HUB.
Consequence: THE BEARING ADJUSTMENT NUT CAN LOOSEN, RESULTING IN TOO MUCH FREE PLAY BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND AXLE. THE BEARING CAN SEIZE, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO LOCK AFFECTING VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT HUBS TO DETERMINE IF THE LOCK WASHER AND SCREWS WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED. IF NOT, THEY WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS.
NHTSA campaign 97V035002
11 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1997 Acura SLX
Owner Complaints
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Acura SLX (2 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Air Bags | 4 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
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 1997 ACURA SLX. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.