The 1998 TL is an important vehicle to Acura for the sedan market segment. The Base is a member of a series of two trim levels for the TL which include Base and Premium. The four-door car with its front-wheel drive is positioned to aggressively fill this niche for Acura. There is strong competition from vehicles from Nissan.

Engine Performance

The TL Base is equipped with a Honda 2.5 liter five-cylinder engine that utilizes 20 valves. The engine is mated to a Honda 4-speed Transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Acura.

Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The TL has power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. The car uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.

TL Base Statistics

The dimensions of the TL Base are 70.30 inches wide by 191.50 inches long. It sits a comfortable 55.30 inches off the ground. It seats a standard five passengers, with 4 doors. The wheelbase of 111.80 allows for limited leg room for the backseat passengers.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $30,700 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $27,431. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 4-door Sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel system for the 1998 TL is a traditional PGM-FI, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The capacity of the fuel tank is 17.20 gallons.

The 1998 TL gets 25 miles/gallon on the highway and only 20 in the city. This is average for a sedan car.

Conclusion

The 1997 model began the promise of the Acura TL. The 1998 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Acura hopes that the TL Base will continue to be a profitable vehicle.

In 1998 Lexus released the SC300 Base to the car-buying market. The SC300 came in one configurations: Base. The Base configuration is powered by the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, which makes 27 highway miles and 19 city. The SC300 competes in the Coupe market segment, in direct competition with Kia.

Lexus SC300 Engine Specs

The SC300 Base is equipped with a Toyota 3.0 liter six-cylinder engine that utilizes 24 valves. The engine is mated to a Toyota 4-speed Transmission. This is a long-standing favorite for buyers in the Coupe arena.

The SC300 uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.

Vehicle Statistics

The SC300 is 190.20 inches long, 70.50 inches wide, and 54.90 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 105.10 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $30,790 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $26,745. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 2-door Coupe.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel is handled for the SC300 is a MPI design, running on gasoline fuel. The gasoline is managed by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The 18.50-gallon tank provides the fuel storage for longer trips.

The 1998 SC300 gets 27 miles/gallon on the highway and only 19 in the city. This is exceptional for a coupe car.

We Think...

The 1998 model year was telling year for the Lexus SC300. The introduction of several trim levels (along with the Base version) meant that buyers had several options to choose from..

Several things can be said about the Acura TL series: including the polarizing reactions most buyers have towards their car. The five-cylinder engine is at the heart of the strong emotions, it is powerful for its class and delivers a large amount of torque.

Acura TL Engine Specs

The restyled TL Premium is equipped with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that utilizes 20 valves. The engine is mated to a Honda four-speed transaxle. This has resulted in an increase in horsepower and torque over the 1997 version.

The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The TL uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. Load balancing is provided by coil front springs and coil in the rear.

The fuel system for the 1998 TL is a PGM-FI system, running on gasoline . The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The 17.20-gallon tank provides the fuel storage for longer trips.

Vehicle Statistics

The dimensions of the TL Premium are 70.30 inches wide by 191.50 inches long. It sits 55.30 inches off the ground. It seats a standard five passengers, with 4 doors. The wheelbase of 111.80 allows for extra leg room for the rear passengers.

The standard warranty period for the TL is 60* months, or 50,000* miles, whichever comes first. There is also a warranty on the powertrain for 36* months or 50,000* miles respectively. This is standard in the sedan market.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $30,700 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $27,431. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 4-door Sedan.

MPG Ratings

The 1998 TL gets 25 miles/gallon on the highway and only 20 in the city. This is subpar for a sedan car.

The vehicle is available in Cayman White Pearl, Crystal Blue Metallic, Flamenco Black Pearl, Granite Silver Pearl, Juniper Green Pearl, and Pacific Blue Pearl.

What We Think of the Acura TL

The 1997 model began the promise of the Acura TL. The 1998 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Acura hopes that the TL Premium will continue to be a profitable vehicle.

The SLX Premium is equipped with a Isuzu 3.5 liter six-cylinder engine that utilizes 24 valves. The engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 4-speed Transmission. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Acura.

The SLX uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering gear-style configuration. The truck uses torsion bar and coil springs front and rear respectively.

Vehicle Statistics

The SLX is 187.80 inches long, 72.20 inches wide, and 72.20 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 108.70 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

The standard warranty period for the SLX is 48 months, or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is standard in the sport utility market.

The listed retail price in 1998 (MSRP) was $36,300, with an invoice cost of $32,251. This price is above average of the industry average price for a four-door Sport Utility.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel is handled for the SLX is a Isuzu design, running on gasoline fuel. The gasoline is managed by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The 22.50-gallon tank provides the fuel storage for longer trips.

The 1998 SLX gets 19 miles/gallon on the highway and only 15 in the city. This is exceptional for a sport utility truck.

We Think...

The 1997 model began the promise of the Acura SLX. The 1998 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Acura hopes that the SLX Premium will continue to be a profitable vehicle.

A high point in the coupe market is the Lexus SC400. In 1998 Lexus rolled out an upgraded version of the SC400 with one versions: Base. Sales for the SC400, especially the SC400 Base, were brisk during 1998 and 1999. The improved reliability and the sporty styling were responsible for the increased interest.

1998 Lexus SC400 Base Specs

Standard equipment in the SC400 for 1997 and 1998 includes the 4.0 liter engine by Toyota, weighing in at 8 cylinders and thirty two valves. A 5-speed Automatic Transmission puts the power of the engine to the pavement. The has proven to be a popular configuration for the SC400.

The fuel system for the 1998 SC400 is a SFI design, using gasoline fuel. The fuel flow is controlled by a electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The fuel capacity of the fuel tank is 18.50 gallons.

The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The SC400 uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. Load balancing is provided by coil front springs and coil in the rear.

Statistics

The SC400 is 190.20 inches long, 70.50 inches wide, and 54.90 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 105.10 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $30,790 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $26,745. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 2-door Coupe.

There is a 50,000 mile, 48 month warranty with this vehicle, including a powertrain warranty of 70,000/72 miles/months. This is normal for this price range.

Fuel Efficiency

The 1998 SC400 gets 27 miles/gallon on the highway and only 19 in the city. This is subpar for a coupe car.

What We Think of the Lexus SC400

The 1998 model year was very successful for the Lexus SC400. The introduction of several trim levels (along with the Base version) meant that buyers could find the version that best suited their needs.

The restyled RL SE is equipped with a Honda 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine that utilizes a total of 24 valves. The VTEC engine is paired with a Honda 4-speed transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Acura.

Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The RL has power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. The car uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.

RL SE Statistics

The RL is 195.10 inches long, 71.30 inches wide, and 54.50 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 114.60 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

The standard warranty period for the RL is 60* months, or 50,000* miles, whichever comes first. The warranty also includes a warranty on the drivetrain for 36* months or 50,000* miles respectively. This is standard in the sedan market. Extended warranties are also available through the dealer.

The listed retail price in 1998 (MSRP) was $41,200, with an invoice cost of $35,980. This price is slightly higher than the industry average price for a four-door Sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel system for the 1998 RL is a traditional PGM-FI, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The capacity of the fuel tank is 18.00 gallons.

The 1998 RL gets 25 miles/gallon on the highway and only 19 in the city. This is average for a sedan car.

In Summary

There are several reasons why the Acura RL SE sold well in 1998. Mainly the increase in availability and a marked improvement in quality meant the buying public was more apt to choose a Acura, specifically a RL.

In 1998 Infiniti released the QX4 Base to the truck-buying market. The QX4 came in one configurations: Base. The Base configuration is powered by the 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine, which makes 19 highway miles and 15 city. The QX4 competes in the Sport Utility market segment, in direct competition with Lexus.

Performance

The QX4 Base is equipped with a Nissan 3.3 liter six-cylinder engine that utilizes 12 valves. The engine is mated to a Jatco 4-speed Transmission. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Infiniti.

Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The QX4 has power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are drum. The truck uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.

The fuel system for the 1998 QX4 is a SFI design, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel flow is regulated by a electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The storage capacity of the fuel tank is 21.10 gallons.

QX4 Base Statistics

The dimensions of the QX4 Base are 72.40 inches wide by 183.90 inches long. It sits a comfortable 70.70 inches off the ground. It seats a standard five passengers, with 4 doors. The wheelbase of 106.30 allows for limited leg room for the backseat passengers.

The standard warranty period for the QX4 is 48 months, or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. The warranty also includes a warranty on the drivetrain for 72 months or 70,000 miles respectively. This is standard in the sport utility market. Extended warranties are also available through the dealer.

The listed retail price in 1998 (MSRP) was $35,550, with an invoice cost of $31,976. This price is slightly higher than the industry average price for a four-door Sport Utility.

Fuel Efficiency

The QX4 Base received a miles-per-gallon rating of fifteen in-city driving and nineteen when it came to long-distance. Being a gas-powered non-hybrid truck, this was subpar.

In 1997 and 1998 the QX4 Base was availble in the exterior colors of Ancient Bronze Pearl, Black Obsidian, Bordeaux Pearl, Dover White/Silver Sage Pearl, Harbor Blue Pearl Metallic, Silver Sage Pearl, and Tuscan Beige Metallic. Additional options were made available by the factory.

In Summary

The 1998 model year was unsuccessful for the Infiniti QX4. The introduction of several trim levels (along with the Base version) meant that buyers had several options to choose from..

In 1998 Acura released the RL Base to the car-buying market. The RL came in three configurations: Base, Premium, and SE. The Base configuration is powered by the 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine, which makes 25 highway miles and 19 city. The RL competes in the Sedan market segment, in direct competition with Kia.

Performance

The RL Base is equipped with a Honda 3.5 liter six-cylinder engine that utilizes 24 valves. The VTEC engine is mated to a Honda 4-speed Transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Acura.

The fuel system for the 1998 RL is a PGM-FI design, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel flow is regulated by a electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The storage capacity of the fuel tank is 18.00 gallons.

Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The RL has power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. The car uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.

RL Base Statistics

The RL is 195.10 inches long, 71.30 inches wide, and 54.50 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 114.60 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

The listed retail price in 1998 (MSRP) was $41,200, with an invoice cost of $35,980. This price is slightly higher than the industry average price for a four-door Sedan.

There is a 50,000* mile, 60* month warranty with this vehicle, including a powertrain warranty of 50,000*/36* miles/months. This is normal for this price range.

Fuel Efficiency

The RL Base received a miles-per-gallon rating of nineteen in-city driving and twenty five when it came to long-distance. Being a gas-powered non-green car, this was subpar.

In Summary

The 1997 model began the promise of the Acura RL. The 1998 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Acura hopes that the RL Base will continue to be a profitable vehicle.

There have been several award-winning cars from Acura over the years, including the Acura RL of 1998. There are three trim levels to the RL, including Base, Premium, and SE. The Premium version is one of the more popular options, outselling other configurations. Like in 1997 the popular 3.5 liter VTEC has made this a popular choice for sedan buyers nationwide.

1998 Acura RL Premium Specs

The restyled RL Premium is equipped with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine that utilizes 24 valves. The VTEC engine is mated to a Honda four-speed transaxle. This has resulted in an increase in horsepower and torque over the 1997 version.

The fuel system for the 1998 RL is a PGM-FI system, running on gasoline . The fuel is regulated by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design.

Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The RL comes equipped with power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. The car uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.

Statistics

The RL is 195.10 inches long, 71.30 inches wide, and 54.50 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 114.60 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

The listed retail price in 1998 (MSRP) was $41,200, with a dealer invoice cost of $35,980. This price is in line with the industry average price for a four-door Sedan.

There is a 50,000* mile, 60* month warranty with this vehicle, including a powertrain warranty of 50,000*/36* miles/months. This is normal for this price range.

Fuel Efficiency

The 1998 RL gets 25 miles/gallon on the highway and only 19 in the city. This is below average for a sedan car.

Parting Shots

There are several reasons why the Acura RL Premium sold well in 1998. Mainly the increase in availability and a marked improvement in quality meant the buying public was more apt to choose a Acura, specifically a RL.

The 1998 Acura NSX Base was introduced to compete in the coupe market. The Base is a member of a series of two trim levels for the NSX which include T and Base. The two-door car with its rear-wheel drive is positioned to aggressively fill this niche for Acura. There is strong competition from vehicles from Infiniti.

Acura NSX Engine Specs

The restyled NSX Base is equipped with a Honda 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that utilizes a total of 24 valves. The VTEC engine is paired with a Honda 6-speed transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Acura.

The NSX uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.

Vehicle Statistics

The NSX is 174.20 inches long, 71.30 inches wide, and 46.10 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 99.60 inches. It is able to seat 2 comfortably.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $84,000 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $73,357. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 2-door Coupe.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel system for the 1998 NSX is a traditional PGM-FI, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The capacity of the fuel tank is 18.50 gallons.

The NSX Base received a miles-per-gallon rating of 17 - 18 in-city driving and twenty four when it came to long-distance. Being a gas-powered non-green car, this was exceptional.

Conclusion

The 1998 model year was telling year for the Acura NSX. The introduction of several trim levels (along with the Base version) meant that buyers had several options to choose from..