Acura EL

For the full-size SUV that carries the EL name in the United States, see Ford Expedition.

Acura EL

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

In 1996, the Acura EL is a rebadged Honda Civic sold as a compact entry-level luxury car developed by Honda as an entry-level vehicle (the EL in the car name), 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.^[1] The Acura EL was replaced for the 2006 model year by the Acura CSX. Like the EL, the CSX is available only in Canada.

First generation (1996–2000)

1.6EL

Production	1996–2000 Chassis Code MB4
Class	Subcompact luxury car
Engine(s)	D16Y8 1.6 L I4 (127 hp, 108 Tq)
Wheelbase	103.1 in (2620 mm)
Length	176.3 in (4478 mm)
Width	67.1 in (1705 mm)
Height	54.9 in (1395 mm)
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. Sold as the Acura 1.6EL, it was introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model. It was a replacement for the 4 door Acura Integra sedan whose sales were discontinued in Canada after 1997. The designation was based on engine displacement, indicative of its 1.6 L 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 (VTEC switch-over at 5600 rpm, 6800 rpm redline). Only available as a four-door sedan, it featured luxury trimmings not available on the similar Honda Civic.

Second generation (2001–2005)

1.7EL

Production	2001–2005
Class	Compact luxury car
Engine(s)	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 (1715 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 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.

2004-05 Acura EL

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.

References

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