Yes, the 1997 Acura CL can be a good used-car buy if you find a well-maintained example, but it’s aging hardware and maintenance costs require careful evaluation.
The CL arrived as Acura’s premium two-door coupe, built on the Honda Accord platform, offering a refined interior, a smooth ride, and a choice between a base four-cylinder and a more powerful V6. As a 1997 model, it sits in the late-90s era of comfort-focused luxury coupes. This article examines what to look for, how it drives, and what ownership costs to expect today.
What the 1997 CL offers
Below is a quick look at the strengths and trade-offs you get with the 1997 CL in today’s market.
- Two engine choices: a base four-cylinder and a more capable V6, with the V6 model (often marketed as CL-S) delivering stronger acceleration.
- Refined interior for its time, with solid materials and comfortable seating aimed at long-distance cruising.
- Quiet, compliant ride with a focus on comfort and highway manners rather than raw sportiness.
- Solid reliability history for a mainstream Honda/Acura product, provided the car has been well maintained over its life.
In summary, the CL’s appeal rests on comfort, a refined feel, and a more powerful V6 option, balanced against age-related maintenance realities.
Performance and driving experience
Understanding how the 1997 CL behaves on the road helps frame its appeal for modern buyers. The V6 version offers much of the performance expected of a mid-1990s luxury coupe, while the four-cylinder is adequate but clearly outpaced by the V6. The chassis is tuned for a comfortable ride and stable high-speed cruising, with steering and handling that feel courteous rather than athletic by today’s standards.
- V6 models deliver noticeably stronger acceleration and confident passing power on highways.
- The suspension emphasizes comfort, smoothing out rough pavement and delivering a relaxed long-distance ride.
- Handling is steady and predictable, though not aggressively sporty by contemporary standards.
- Braking is generally adequate for its era, with proper maintenance yielding reliable stopping performance.
Overall, the CL excels as a comfortable grand-touring coupe, but expect a less sharp feel than modern performance coupes and consider tire, brake, and suspension wear when evaluating a used example.
Reliability and maintenance considerations
As with any 25-year-old car, maintenance history is a major predictor of reliability. The CL can be dependable with careful care, but aging components mean owners should budget for routine wear items and potential repairs.
- Engine and timing: Older Hondas use timing belts on some engines, so verify belt replacement history and related water-pump service to avoid surprise failures.
- Cooling and seals: Water pumps, radiators, hoses, and coolant leaks are common wear items on aging V6s; monitor for overheating signs.
- Transmission: Most CLs used traditional automatic transmissions; ensure smooth upshifts/downs and check for slipping or harsh shifts.
- Suspension and chassis: Worn bushings, control arms, ball joints, and struts are common with age; replacement is routine but can be pricey on older Hondas/Acuras.
- Electrical and interior: Window regulators, climate control components, and instrument cluster gauges can show age-related faults; test all electronics thoroughly during a test drive.
With a documented maintenance history and a thorough pre-purchase inspection, a 1997 CL can be a dependable older coupe; without care, it can become a set of ongoing maintenance costs.
Buying a 1997 Acura CL today: practical tips
If you’re in the market, use these checks to minimize risk and maximize value when buying a 1997 CL.
- Request full service records, especially for timing belt/water pump, cooling system, transmission service, and suspension parts.
- Arrange a professional pre-purchase inspection with an technician experienced in older Hondas/Acuras to identify rust, leaks, and wear items.
- Inspect for rust, particularly around wheel arches, undercarriage, and frame rails if the car spent time in salted or humid environments.
- Test all electrical items (windows, mirrors, climate control, radio, airbags) to gauge overall electronics health.
- Drive with attention to the transmission and engine: listen for timing-belt-related noises, misfires, or overheating signs, and verify smooth shifting.
- Check tires, brakes, and wheel alignment; worn components here can mask other issues and add to ownership costs.
A careful buying approach—combining documentation, inspection, and a test drive—will help you determine whether a 1997 CL is a prudent choice given its age and condition.
Is it worth it compared with alternatives?
Within the late-1990s luxury coupe segment, the CL stands out for reliability and interior quality, especially in the V6-equipped models. However, contemporaries from Europe or other brands may offer sharper handling or more modern tech, often at higher maintenance costs. Your decision should weigh maintenance willingness and expected ownership costs against the CL’s comfort and V6 performance.
- Lexus SC models from the same era emphasize reliability and a comparable luxury feel, often with strong long-term reputations.
- European rivals like certain BMW or Mercedes coupes offer sportier handling and premium tech, but may carry higher upkeep costs and more maintenance risk with age.
- Japanese rivals from the period, including other Hondas or Toyota sport coupes, can provide competitive reliability with potential cost savings on parts.
In short, the 1997 CL can be a solid, comfortable choice for a patient buyer who can handle ongoing maintenance on an aging car, while some rivals may offer a trade-off between refinement and sportiness versus long-term cost of ownership.
Summary
The 1997 Acura CL remains a compelling choice for buyers who value a well-built, comfortable two-door luxury coupe and are prepared for the realities of maintaining a 25-year-old vehicle. Its best-case scenario is a well-documented service history, meticulous preventive maintenance, and a V6-powered model delivering solid highway performance. If you approach it with clear expectations about aging components and potential repair costs, the CL can still offer an enjoyable and stylish driving experience.