1998 Acura CL 2.3CL MT
All photo credits
- Photo: 1996 Acura 3.0 CL 2017.1.23 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: First Acura CL by Take Me Higher at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1998-1999 Acura CL -- 04-11-2012 1 by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1997 Acura CL, rear 8.2.20 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1997-1999 Acura 3.0CL rear — 04-25-2026 by BuickCentury04, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1998 Acura CL 2.3CL MT is a 150-hp 2.3-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $22,310 MSRP and is rated at 24 mpg combined.
It makes 150 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 152 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm, spinning to a 6,300 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (24 mpg combined).
The CL measures 190.0 inches long on a 106.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,062 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Coupe |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $22,310 ($44,483 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2.3-liter, 16-valve SOHC w/VTEC inline 4-cylinder |
| Displacement | 2.3 L |
| Horsepower | 150 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
| Torque | 152 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
| Redline | 6,300 rpm |
| Valvetrain | SOHC 16-valve w/Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) |
| Bore and Stroke | 86.0 x 97.0 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Injection Type | Multi-point Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| 1st Gear | 3.285 (35 mph **) |
| 2nd Gear | 1.807 (64 mph **) |
| 3rd Gear | 1.193 (96 mph **) |
| 4th Gear | 0.903 (127 mph **) |
| 5th Gear | 0.685 (168 mph **) |
| Reverse | 3 |
| Final Drive | 4.062 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 21 MPG |
| Highway | 29 MPG |
| Combined | 24 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Unleaded regular |
| Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent double-wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | Independent double-wishbone |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | 27.2 mm (hollow) |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | 16 mm (solid) |
| Turning Diameter | 39.04 ft |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | Ventilated, 10.2 in (260 mm) dia., 0.9 in (23 mm) thick |
| Rear Brake Disc | Solid, 10.2 in (260 mm) dia., 0.4 in (10 mm) thick |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 16x6JJ, 5-spoke alloy |
| Wheels Rear | 16x6JJ, 5-spoke alloy |
| Tires Front | P205/55R16 |
| Tires Rear | P205/55R16 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 190 in |
| Width | 70.1 in |
| Height | 54.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.9 in |
| Front Track | 59.6 in |
| Rear Track | 59.1 in |
| Ground Clearance | 4.33 in |
| Cargo Volume | 12 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 3,062 lbs |
| Weight Distribution (F/R) | 63% / 37% |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 37.4 in |
| Headroom Rear | 35.9 in |
| Legroom Front | 42.9 in |
| Legroom Rear | 31 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 54.4 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 53.1 in |
| Hip Room Front | 51.6 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 47.6 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1998 Acura CL 2.3CL MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
5 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1998 Acura CL. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Jan 17, 2020 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
NHTSA campaign 20V026000
Oct 27, 2003 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO "PARK."
Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF CYLINDER BODY WEAR. IF SIGNIFICANT WEAR IS INDICATED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CYLINDER BODY, COLLAR, AND LATCH PLATE. IF NO SIGNS OF WEAR ARE INDICATED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LATCH PLATE WITH A REDESIGNED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
NHTSA campaign 03V423000
May 16, 2002 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.
Consequence: WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
NHTSA campaign 02V120000
May 10, 1999 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.
NHTSA campaign 99V069000
Feb 10, 1998 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES (HONDA ACCORD SEDANS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 18, 1997 TO JANUARY 10, 1998; COUPES MANUFACTURED DECEMBER 11, DECEMBER 15, 1997, AND JANUARY 5, 1998; ACURA 2.3CL MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 22, 1997 THROUGH JANUARY 7, 1998). DURING MANUFACTURING, THE CASTING DIE CAUSED AN IRREGULARITY IN THE RIGHT-SIDE TRANSMISSION COVER. THIS IRREGULARITY CAN LIMIT THE MOVEMENT OF THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATION LEVEL AND PREVENT ADEQUATE ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARKING GEAR PAWL. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN AN INCLINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS LOCKED IN "PARK," INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COLLAR ON THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL TO ENSURE PROPER MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATION LEVER.
NHTSA campaign 98V018000
55 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1998 Acura CL
Owner Complaints
55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Acura CL (2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Electrical System | 18 |
| Power Train | 9 |
| Air Bags | 8 |
| Suspension | 7 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 4 |
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 1998 ACURA CL. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.