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Acura SLX 1st Generation

1996–1999 · suv

The SLX was Acura's first SUV and a stopgap, a lightly upgraded and rebadged second-generation Isuzu Trooper sold from 1996 to 1999 while Honda developed its own SUVs. It was a traditional body-on-frame, four-wheel-drive truck, a sharp contrast to the car-based crossovers Acura would later build. Early 1996 to 1997 cars used a 3.2L V6, and 1998 to 1999 cars switched to a larger 3.5L V6. Built by Isuzu in Japan, the SLX omitted some Trooper options such as the manual transmission and was effectively replaced by the car-based Acura MDX for 2001.

Watch out: Because it is a rebadged Isuzu Trooper, its reputation is tied to the Trooper's, including a widely publicized 1990s rollover-stability controversy that you should understand before recommending one. As a 25-plus-year-old body-on-frame truck, rust, tired four-wheel-drive components, and the scarcity of SLX-specific and Trooper parts are the practical ownership realities.

What your SLX takes

The parts and fluids that fit this generation. Specs we publish are confirmed against two independent sources; the rest fill in as we verify them.

  • Tire pressure30 / 35 psi (front / rear)✓ VerifiedView
  • BatteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Tire sizeNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Wiper bladesNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Engine oilNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Oil filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Engine air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Cabin air filterNot catalogued yetFind yours
  • Spark plugsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Headlight bulbsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • CoolantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Transmission fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Key fob batteryNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Power steering fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Differential fluidNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Serpentine beltNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake padsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Wheel fitmentNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Brake rotorsNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • ThermostatNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • A/C refrigerantNot catalogued yetFind yours soon
  • Fuel filterNot catalogued yetFind yours soon

Full clubhouse — owner Garage Lineage, common problems, year-by-year notes, and product picks — is on the build list.

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