The inspiration of all this is the decidedly English "Range Rover-esque" look and feel of the Acura SLX. At first glance. The bodylines are sharply defined and seem to all run perpendicular to each other. This casts a formal, dignified, British aura to the vehicle.
The interior is finely appointed. Leather seat surfaces are of high quality and the fit and finish are impeccable. All instrumentation is functional and understated in appearance. Ride comfort is exceptional for a four-wheel drive vehicle. Long highway excursions are as effortless as sitting around a fireplace at the club.
The standard equipment list is equally impressive. Power windows, power sunroof, power seats, and leather just begin the list. The sound system is a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/cassette combination that provides excellent quality and response. The SLX also offers a most unusual power option: power folding outside mirrors. So, when Indiana Jones puts his life in your hands, you can squeeze through the narrowest portal without losing your mirrors.
Power on the SLX comes from a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine. It produces 215 horsepower and 230 lbs.-ft. of torque. That's enough power for the truck to accomplish any task smoothly and to offer the sudden acceleration those less cultured amongst us might desire. As large as the truck is, this six-cylinder moves it very well. Do not expect great fuel economy from the SLX however. EPA ratings indicate 15/19 mpg city/highway. I think these numbers are extremely optimistic. With a curb weight of well over 4,000 pounds and the aerodynamics of a garage door, the SLX is your gas station's best friend.
Handling on the SLX is somewhat clumsy. This is a very large truck and you never forget it. That translates into a very smooth ride but somewhat awkward maneuvering. On uneven roads the truck wanders and requires constant steering corrections. Crosswinds can be a scary proposition. After a week behind the wheel and adjustments in my driving style, I found these things more manageable.
The 1998 Acura SLX stickers at $36,300. In the world of SUVs, that's not the high end but somewhere near the high middle. If you can tolerate the awkward maneuvering, it's worth a test drive.
