Acura EL

Acura EL

Manufacturer	Acura
Production	1996–2005
Assembly	Alliston, Ontario, Canada
Predecessor	Acura Integra sedan
Successor	Acura CSX
Class	Entry-level luxury car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual

In 1996, the Acura EL was born as a compact entry-level luxury car developed by Honda as an entry-level vehicle (the EL in the car name) for its upscale Acura division, and sold only in Canada. It replaced the Integra sedan in the lineup, while the Integra sedan continued to be sold in the United States until 2001. The car had two different generations, and was sold from 1997 to 2005. The first generation was a subcompact car, while the second generation became a compact car. The Acura EL was the first B-segment luxury car in North America. All ELs were built at Honda's Alliston, Ontario, Canada plant (home of the Civic), and also the first Acura built in Canada. Representing 51% of Acura Canada's annual new-vehicle sales in its first full year, the EL remained Acura's top seller in Canada from 1997 to 2003. The Acura EL was replaced for the 2006 model year by the Acura CSX. Like the EL, the CSX is available only in Canada.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Acura EL Review.

Recent Changes

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Styles and Major Options

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Pricing

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Gas Mileage

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Engine and Transmission

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Performance

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Safety

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Main Competitors

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Hybrid Models

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Unique Attributes

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Interior

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Generations

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Previous Generations

Second generation (2001-2005)

1.7EL

Production	2001–2005
Class	Compact luxury car
Engine	D17A2 1.7 L SOHC I4 (127 hp)
Wheelbase	103.1 in (2620 mm)
Length	2001–03: 176.7 in (4488 mm) 2004-05: 177.4 in (4505 mm)
Width	67.5 in (1714 mm)
Height	56.7 in (1440 mm)
Related	Honda Element Honda CR-V Honda/Acura Integra Acura RSX Honda Civic

The EL was completely redesigned for the 2001 model year and was then based on the seventh generation Civic. In addition to the slightly more powerful and torquier VTEC-equipped 1.7 L 4-cylinder SOHC engine with 127 hp (95 kW), distinctive headlight and taillight designs and available leather interior trimmings noticeably set it apart from the Civic. Other differences include 15” multi-spoke alloys, heated power mirrors, cruise control, and rear disc brakes. The badging was changed to Acura 1.7EL and was dropped altogether for 2004.

The second generation EL was available in two trims levels: touring and premium. The latter added leather seats, heated front seats and a power sunroof. Automatic climate control was added for the premium trim in 2003, and for the touring trim as well in 2004. All second generation EL models came with ABS anti-lock braking, but in 2003 an electronic brakeforce distribution system was made standard. For 2003 and 2004 a special dealer-installed 'aero package' was made available for both trims levels which added unique front and rear lips, side stills and a rear spoiler. In 2004, the EL underwent a slight exterior makeover with restyled headlamps, front bumper and grille, taillights, trunklid, and rear bumper. The new sportier look came with standard fog lights, a restyled steering wheel, new woodgrain trim patterns, and two additional tweeters powered by two amplifiers to complete the 6-speaker audio system.

The second generation EL was available in two trims levels - touring and premium. The latter added leather seats, heated front seats and a power sunroof. Automatic climate control was added for the premium trim in 2003, and for the touring trim as well in 2004. All second generation EL models came with ABS anti-lock braking, but in 2003 an electronic brakeforce distribution system was made standard. For 2003 and 2004 a special dealer-installed 'aero package' was made available for both trims levels which added unique front and rear lips, side stills and a rear spoiler. In 2004, the EL underwent a slight exterior makeover with restyled headlamps, front bumper and grille, taillights, trunklid, and rear bumper. The new sportier look came with standard fog lights, a restyled steering wheel, new woodgrain trim patterns, and two additional tweeters to complete the 6-speaker audio system.

First Generation/Origins (1996-2000)

1.6EL

Production	1997–2000 Chassis Code MB4
Class	Subcompact luxury car
Engine	D16Y8 1.6 L I4 (127 hp, 108 Tq)
Wheelbase	103.1 in
Length	176.3 in
Width	67.1 in
Height	54.9 in
Curb weight	2379 lb
Related	Honda Domani Honda CR-V Honda/Acura Integra Honda Civic Isuzu Gemini Honda Orthia Rover 400

The first generation of the EL was a rebadged version of the Japanese market Honda Domani, which was essentially a 1996-2000 Honda Civic, with altered front end, trunk, lights and various interior pieces. Sold in Canada as the Acura 1.6EL, it was introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model. Seeing as sales within Canada for the 4 door Acura Integra were extremely low, Honda decided to discontinue sales of the 4 door Integra and introduce the Acura EL which only came as a four door. The name was chosen due to its 1.6 L Engine I4 engine (D16Y8), with power reaching 127 hp (95 kW) at 6600 rpm 107 ft·lbf (145 N·m) at 5500 rpm, thanks to the use of Honda's VTEC valve timing control. Only available as a four-door sedan, it featured luxury trimmings not available on the similar Honda Civic.

Each Acura EL included things Honda Civics never received such as: Amber lit LED interior dash display, Tachometer was standard, All levels of trim received 15" wheels standard (195/55/15), Power trunk and alarm (Cars never had a keyhole on the trunk), Antenna built into the rear window glass, Chrome door handles on the interior, Extra pocket underneath centre console, Paint-matched mirrors, side moldings, and door handles, slightly stiffer suspension, 12mm rear sway bar and 26mm front sway bar, heated mirrors, and an amplifier.

1997-1998 Years All models on the Acura 1.6 EL had the above listed options, however base models between 97-98 did not include Air conditioning, CD players or Air Conditioning. They however come with standard 5-spoke 15" alloy wheels.

Sport Models All Sport Models came standard with Air Conditioning and CD changer.

Premium Models Between the years of 1997 and 1998, Premium models featured a Sunroof, Leather Seats, spoiler, as well as the alloy wheels. The Stereo also had a noise cancellation system (Acoustic feedback system) in the stereo: a microphone in the rear speakers detected any sunroof or road noises and would increase or decrease the stereo's volume.

1999-2000 Years Base and Sport Models The base model in these years featured all the standard EL features, however now all EL's had Air Conditioning and CD changers. The only variance between the Sport and Base model was that the Base model received a set of unique 15" hubcaps with 15" steelies, where as the Sport model came standard with 15" 5-spoke "turtle" wheels. All 1999-2000 models had folding heated mirrors now, and an upgraded grille on the front end. 5 Speed models also received a leather wrapped shift knob on all models, similar to the one found in the Acura Integra GSR.

Premium Models Just like in previous years, Premium Models featured Leather seats, however now the seats had heaters built into them. The acoustic feedback system was also in these models, and the premiums of these years received an extremely stylish polished 15" alloy wheel.

Worldwide

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Design quirks and oddities

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Awards

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