ACURA CL 1997-2001 Photos, engines & full specs

After more than a decade on the market, Acura finally launched its first product entirely built in the U.S., and, despite all odds, it was not a four-door sedan, but this: the 1997 Acura CL.

Acura stopped producing the Legend Coupe in 1995 and introduced the CL lineup on Honda's assembly lines from East Liberty, Ohio. While early models were named 1996 model-years. Soon, the 1997 model-year took over and spread on the market. It wasn't exactly a replacement for the Legend Coupe, but it became an excellent grand tourer and a daily driver as well.

At the front, the CL featured curved lines on the headlights, flanking the grille that was integrated into the hood. The car's shape was influenced by the bio-design trend, which was on the rise all over the world. From its sides, the CL revealed its two-door bodywork with an unusual beltline that ascended up to the C-pillars and then went on a downward slope towards the back of the vehicle. Maybe that was not the best idea since that led to a smaller trunk.

Inside, Acura garnished the car with the usual amenities such as tilt-steering wheel, air-conditioning, and power windows and locks. The front bucket seats were comfortable, but they didn't offer significant side-bolstering. Despite being a coupe, it offered enough room in the back for two adult-sized occupants.

Acura offered the CL with a choice of two engines: a 2.2-liter inline-four or a 3.0-liter V6. Later on, the automaker also included a 2.3-liter powerplant. Power went to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.