Acura CL 1997-99

     Notes: This is a sports coupe similar to a robust, better-appointed Honda Accord.  The two 4-cylinder engines are a little underpowered when coupled with an automatic transmission, but give good gas mileage.  With all engines, the automatic transmission tends to shift with a marked jolt when pushing hard on the gas pedal, and can seem confused in stop and go driving.  The interior is larger than most sports coupes, and the comfort level is high with good visibility all around. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle is not available.

Acura CL 2001-03

     Notes: Though the newer CL retains the older model’s general appearance and layout, inside it is a different vehicle.  The base model uses a 225-horsepower V-6 engine, with a 260-horsepower engine used in the Type-S “performance version.”  Dual front airbags and antilock brakes are standard.  The Type-S version also has performance-orientated suspension with antiskid control and traction control.  This CL has a large amount of appointments, including heated power front seats, leather upholstery, bright Xenon headlights, a power sunroof, 6-CD changer, and automatic climate control.  In 2003, On-Star became available for the Acura CL.

     Premium fuel is recommended for this version of the CL.  The automatic transmission version can be hesitant when climbing steep hills, especially a succession of them.  Cornering can be a bit slippery and nose dive can be pronounced in hard stops.  Though engine noise is not great, tire noise can be, especially on uneven pavement.  The very tall may lack headroom.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle does not exist.

Acura Integra 1986-89

     Notes: The Integra was introduced as a lower-priced luxury vehicle.  They are hatchbacks, with either 2 or 4 doors.  Manual transmission versions deliver snappy performance, even with the underpowered engine, but automatic transmission sap the power of the tiny engines and must work hard to perform.  The tires are wide and suspension firm, which delivers a sure but stiff ride.  The vehicle can get quite loud at highway speeds between the engine and tire noise. Front seat space is okay, but the rear seats are cramped and better suited for two people rather than three.  There are split folding rear seats that can be used to expand cargo space at the expense of passenger space. 

Acura Integra 1990-93

     Notes: This is one of the basic elements of the Acura line.  The Integra handles very well, agile and able to handle very tight turns at high speed.  Two engines are available, a smaller but higher-revving 1.7L 160-horsepower and a larger, lower-revving, higher torque 1.8L 130-horsepower.  The 1.7L engine is available only in a manual transmission.  The Integra comes in 2-door hatchback and 4-door sedan versions.  The rear seats fold down in either model, allowing for the carrying of larger cargoes at the expense of passenger space.  Engine and road noise, as vibration are abundant, but the Integra is solidly built and reliable.  The Integra is actually built in Japan and was exported to the US, Canada, and several Pacific Rim nations.

Acura Integra 1994-01

    Notes: This is an updated, restyled version of the earlier Integra.  In this version, there are three engines available, but the two higher-end engines are available only in manual transmissions, since those engines lack the low-end torque to make an automatic transmission work properly.  The engines are loud at high speeds or RPM, but are fairly quiet at normal highway cruising speeds.  Rear seat passenger space is, if anything, more limited than in previous models.  A minor complaint was the tiny glove box, in which one could barely put more than the owner's manual.  2-door hatchback and 4-door sedans are available.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: No models beyond the 1995 model are available.

Acura Legend 1986-90

     Notes: This was Acura’s answer to European luxury models.  Though is seems to be little more than an enlarged Accord of the period, the greater luxury sets it apart.  (The greater luxury is not important for what is essentially a civilian vehicle pressed into military service.) The 4-door sedan came first, followed by the 2-door coupe in 1987.  In 1988, the sedan got some of the coupe’s equipment, such as the more powerful engine and antilock brakes.  In 1989, a driver’s side airbag was added to all models.  The automatic transmission version tends to shift too harshly and too often.  The suspension is soft but gives a decent ride; however, the Legend of this period can get a bit bouncy at high speeds and actually bottom out on rough roads.  The Legend is equipped with power steering.  The 151-horsepower engine is not available after the 1987 model year.

Acura Legend 1991-95

     Notes: This is a step up from the Integra, with a more powerful (but less fuel efficient) 6-cylinder engine.  Midrange downshifts can be difficult, and upshifts can be rough in this range, especially under hard acceleration.  Ride quality is smoother than the Integra, but lacks some of the suppleness of comparable European models.  Handling is stable, similar to that of a sports car, but the ride can get bumpy over harsh surfaces.  The interior is mostly roomy, but headroom can be a problem with tall persons, and the non-tilting steering wheel of earlier models can crown the thighs.  The construction is solid and gets excellent crash ratings.  There are two-door and 4-door versions.  The 230-horsepower engine did not appear until 1994; at this point, the base 200-horsepower-powered 4-door sedan was discontinued.

Acura MDX 2001-03

     Notes: This is Acura’s SUV, and it has the large, boxy exterior that most SUV’s share.  Though it is based on the Honda Odyssey minivan chassis, it is intended to be a luxury SUV to compete against the likes of Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes SUVs.  It is slightly underpowered, but does have a 240-horspower V-6 engine with considerable torque (towing ability is 2.04 tons).  The MDX has Variable Torque Management 4-wheel drive that can sense slipping wheels and deliver more power to non-slipping wheels.  The front seats are heated, there are front airbags, and the brakes are antilock.  A CD player is standard; a 6-CD player is optional, as is a roof rack and navigation system.  The second and third-row seats fold into the floor to increase cargo space.  Third row seating is best for children.  The MDX is said to drive more like a car than a truck.  The 260-horsepower engine was not available until 2002.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle does not exist.

Acura MDX 2004

     Notes: The new MDX is still based on the Odyssey chassis, but the body is more reminiscent of the Honda Pilot.  The engine is slightly more powerful than the earlier MDX at 265 horsepower, but the 2004 MDX is also a heavier vehicle.  They come only in automatic transmission versions, and have all-wheel drive.  Standard equipment includes front and side airbags, antilock brakes, and an antiskid system.  A rear spoiler, luggage rack, and brushed metal brightwork has been added.  Options include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and a navigation system.   The manufacturer recommends premium fuel for proper performance.  It has decent cornering and maneuverability, but the brakes tend to be a bit sensitive.  There are three rows of seats, but the third row is a tight fit for adults.  The second and third sets of seats fold into the floor for more cargo room.  This version of the MDX can tow a maximum trailer of 2.04 tons.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle does not exist.

Acura NSX 1991-03

     Notes: This is Acura’s sports car, meant to compete with the likes of the Ferrari, Corvette, and suchlike.  The initial NSX was a manual transmission vehicle that had a 270-horspower V-6 engine; the addition of an automatic transmission version came a few months later, but the engine power was only 252 horsepower.  The suspension was fully independent, the vehicle had antilock brakes, power steering (only on automatic transmission models), driver’s airbag, a very powerful sound system, AC, and power locks.  A version known as the NSX-T had a removable roof panel that stows away, making it a sort of convertible.  By 1995, power steering was available to the manual transmission version; in 1997, a more powerful 290-horsepower engine was made available.  By 2002, only the NSX-T version was available.

     This car’s handling is among the best of production vehicles; steering is crisp and precise.  Cornering is flat and stable, and braking stops the car in a very short space.  The ride is firm, but not so firm as to be uncomfortable.  However, rear vision is not good, even through the rear-view mirror.  The low nose is vulnerable on bumpy roads and among speed bumps.  Seating is low but comfortable for even the tall and husky.  Luggage space is poor.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Model years after 1994 are not available outside of Japan.  Model years after 1995 are not available anywhere.

Acura NSX 2004-05

     Notes: Despite the big difference in the looks department, the 2004 is not very different from the 1991-03 NSX – same 252- or 290-horsepower engine, same basic chassis, same wheels, on a heavier chassis.  The 2004-05 NSX has standard dual front airbags, a large lift-off “targa” roof panel, traction control, and a trunk-mounted CD changer.  The suspension is firm which can mean a choppy ride. Rear vision has been improved so that it is not such a problem anymore.  The cargo space is, of course, passable at best.

Acura RL 1996-03

     Notes: This is a more luxurious car then the Legend, but due to a higher weight and not markedly higher performance engine, is not as snappy as the Legend.  The engine is very quiet, even at high speeds and hard acceleration, and has acceptable performance.  It unfortunately demands premium gasoline for proper performance.  Ride is very smooth, even for the already high quality of premium sedans, and handling mimics a much smaller car, with turning quick and sure.  The antilock brakes produce short stops without nosediving.  The interior is plush with lots of luxury options, such as onboard navigation, with greater interior room than the Legend.  In addition to a large glove compartment, there are a lot of assorted nooks and crannies for stuff.  In 2002, the RL gained 15 horsepower in its engine, and a host of other luxury options and standard items have appeared over the years, such as CD changers, latches for child seats, high-intensity headlights, etc.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle was available for one year (1996 model year) outside of Japan, but otherwise was available only inside of Japan itself.  The onboard navigation system was useless once GPS satellites were largely knocked out during the war.

Acura RL 2004

     Notes: Basically the same as the models for previous years, the 2004 RL is basically the same car with some extra accouterments, such as antilock brakes, 4-wheel traction control, front side air bags, a navigation that now accepts voice commands, and the car has satellite radio.  The changes increased the weight of the car, but the engine power did not increase, so the vehicle is a bit more sluggish.  The 2004 RL has power steering, but it is a bit overassisted. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle does not exist.

Acura RL 2005

     Notes:  This is a dramatic redesign for the RL, being a physically smaller car on the outside but a larger one on the inside, coupled with a huge increase in horsepower to 300.  The transmission is automatic, but can be shifted into manual mode.  The all-wheel-drive system has been changed to a Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, basically an improved version.  Airbags protect the front, sides, and side of the head in a crash.  The headlights turn on corners.  The 2005 RL has keyless entry and ignition.  A navigation system is standard, as is the AccuLink system, which displays notifications about maintenance, fuel, faults, etc.  The 2005 RL has outstanding handling and acceleration.  The stereo is also capable of playing audio DVDs as well as CD and MP3s.  A fault is the trunk, while wide and deep, it is not tall.  Another on is that the car demands premium fuel for proper performance.

Acura RSX 2004

     Notes:  This is an entry-level Acura, without as many accouterments and without the powerful engines most other Acuras have.  The 160-horsepower I-4 is the only one available to those who want automatic transmission; for those who take manual transmission, a 200-horsepower I-4 is also available.  However, they have as standard antilock brakes, dual front airbags, a sunroof, and AM/FM/CD player.  The Type-S model has a CD changer, and leather upholstery.  The RSX 2004 is small, but comfortable in the front seats, with good leg room.  The rear seats are cramped except for children, with limited head room.  The cargo/trunk space in this hatchback is not generous. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle does not exist.

Acura RSX 2005

     Notes: The RSX has been given a face-lift for 2005, with revised steering, suspension, and brakes, and various cosmetic improvements.  The Type-S model adds a rear spoiler.  It is, nonetheless, basically the same vehicle, though the former 200-horsepower engine is increased in power by 10 horsepower.  The engine can feel sluggish until is passes 3000 RPM, and the tires and engine can get loud at high speeds.  The rear seats are split foldable to increase cargo room at the expense of passenger space.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle does not exist.

Acura SLX 1996-99

     Notes: This is basically a luxury version of Isuzu’s Trooper SUV.  All SLX’s have automatic transmission, and all have styling changes to the grille, trim, paintwork, and other exterior parts.  The SLX has 4 side doors and a dual swing-out door in the rear (split 70/30).  The SLX may be shifted between 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive up to Combat Move 80.  Standard equipment includes dual front airbags, 4-wheel antilock brakes, AM/FM/Cassette player, power windows, and power locks.  Options include leather upholstery, heated power front seats, and power moonroof, among others.  The moonroof became standard in 1997, and the cassette player was replaced by a CD player, and more options were introduced.  In 1998, engine power went up to 215 horsepower, and switching between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive became possible at merely the touch of a button.  The SLX was abandoned in favor of the MDX after the 1999 model year.

     Twilight 2000: Only one model year, 1996, was shipped overseas, and few were shipped overseas at that.  The Japanese Self-Defense Force commandeered most of the production after that for use as faux military vehicles, usually stripped and with luxuries replaced with military equipment.

Acura TL 1996-98

     Notes: The Acura Vigor started life as a mid-sized sedan.  The Vigor was discontinued after the 1994 model year, and replaced with the TL (Touring Luxury), basically a larger and more powerful version of the Vigor, and otherwise much improved.  The crash rating of the TL is good, and the vehicle has dual front airbags and antilock brakes.  The TL has a luxury option package.  The steering is very easy with excellent handling and independent suspension.  Automatic transmission versions are slow to downshift after passing and other high acceleration maneuvers, but the manual transmission is excellent.  The 5-cylinder engine version gets a bit noisy when worked hard and acceleration can be a bit uneven, but the 6-cylinder engine performs smoothly.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: One model year (1996) made it outside of Japan, but others were limited to Japan only.

Acura TL 1999-03

     Notes: This is a restyled TL with a beefed-up engine (one available, a 225-hp V-6).  The transmission is in three flavors: manual, automatic, and one that can be used in manual or automatic mode.  The TL of this period features keyless entry on some models, which unfortunately can lock the driver out of his own car in high-electronic interference environments, particularly those with broadcast towers in the vicinity.  High-octane fuel is not recommended, since it can damage the engine.  The ride is very stable and sure, but a bit stiff, and less nimble than its competitors.  The interior is roomy, mainly due to it being lower than previous models.  The vehicle has a navigation system, but it is mainly a mapping system that covers only certain geographical areas (depending on the area of the country where you bought it).  This vehicle comes only in a 4-door sedan version.  The 260-horsepower engine was added for the 2002 model year, along with a firmer ride.  OnStar was added for 2003.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle was never built.

Acura TL 2004-05

     Notes: The TL was redesigned in 2004 for more comfort and power.  It is half a foot shorter, but the interior dimensions are changed very little.  The engine for the 2004-05 TL is a 270 horsepower V-6.  Standard features include front and side airbags, antilock brakes, an antiskid system, heated front seats, a sunroof, and a satellite radio that also plays CD and DVD audio disks.  The audio system also acts as a hands-free link to cell phones.  A navigation system is an option, but OnStar is no longer offered.  Gear shifting, in both manual and automatic transmissions, can be a bit abrupt.  The ride is firm.  Steering is precise except at low speed.  The trunk is a bit on the small side and the opening is also small. The rear seats do not fold, but there is a pass-through for long items such as skis. 

Acura TSX 2004-05

     Notes: This is a new car to Acura’s line for 2004; it is a sports “near-luxury” sedan with a decent, but not outstanding 200-horsepower 4-cylinder engine.  Standard equipment includes antilock brakes, front and side (head-protecting) airbags, anti-skid traction controls, leather upholstery, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a CD changer, and bright xenon headlights.  There are no options, though a second version adds a navigation system and voice command for some audio, climate, and navigation controls.  The 2005 version adds satellite radio as standard, and the version with a navigation system seems to have better voice-recognition software.  The power response can be a bit sluggish below 3000 rpm, but is quick above that.  The ride is firm, but not jarring.  The TSX is a very agile car, even on very challenging roads.  The interior is cozy, but is large enough for most drivers.  The headroom in the rear can be a bit tight.  The version that has voice recognition frequently misunderstands commands, especially if the driver has a foreign or extreme accent or speech impediment.  The cargo room is decent considering the size of the car, but not impressive. 

Acura Vigor 1992-94

     Notes: This Acura sedan was introduced in 1991 as a 1992 model, but 1994 was its last model year, when it was replaced in production by the TL.  It has been described as the "ultimate Honda Accord," looking as if it was designed by marketing people rather than engineers, and spiced up with impressive extras that have little functional value.  The 1992 and 1993 models have a driver's side airbag; a passenger-side airbag was installed on the 1994 model as well.  The engine has good power for a vehicle of its weight, but not exceptionally so; the transmission on the automatic transmission model shifts rather harshly and crudely.  The firm suspension makes the Vigor handle exceptionally well, but ride quality is correspondingly poor.  Soundproofing is poor and there is a lot of operating noise in the interior when driving.  The front seats are comfortable with good head and legroom, but the rear seat can be a squeeze, especially if three people are put in it.  A common, but strange complaint about the Vigor was the frequency at which people banged their heads and faces on the frameless windows when getting in, as they are hard to see when the door is open.  The GS is the base model; the LS has a few more luxuries like power accessories, leather seats, and a wood-trimmed dash.  Only one engine is available, a 176 horsepower I-5.