Acura EL (Canadian Market)
Written: Jun 07 '01
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Pros: Great Car, Good Value
Cons: Interior room can be better
The Bottom Line: Great car, ample power and generous luxury standard equipment. Overall excellent value.
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| vicman's Full Review: 2000 Honda Civic 4 door |
This is more of a "long term test" of the 1.6 EL. Last year I was in the market for a compact 4 door with a little bit of power, with decent equipment. The North American Chevy Cavalier, Olds Alero were out of the question due to their depreciation, safety ratings and reliability. Despite what I read on magazines and see on TV, nothing beats getting the opinions from actual people who bought these cars.
The bottom line was good value, decent depreciation and reliability without spending a ton.
The consideration were the Nissan Sentra, the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic, regardless of the trim level, these cars fulfil all criteria, and the bells and whistles to be added were just up to me. The Toyota and the Honda holding their value really well.
I heard about the Acura 1.6 EL. This model of Acura replaces the Integra 4-door that was taken off the Canadian market in 1997. The platform was based on the Honda Civic 4-door. The difference is the 1.6 comes with a better engine (1.6 liter VTEC 127 hp) compared to the Civic EX (1.6 non-VTEC 106hp). It also presents a leather option (not available on the Civic), better brakes, and a generous amount of sound insulation. It also has the distinctive Acura grille and front-end. The rear looks almost like an Accord.
With almost all options added (A/C, power everything, 15" aluminum wheels, 120W CD player, moonroof, security system heated leather seats,anti-lock brakes, anti theft glass engraving, etc..) the car looks sharp. With no other options added (floormats, wheel locks and exhaust tip was all included), it was actually cheaper and a better value than getting the higher end Civic EX with all options added. The Corolla and the Sentra simply couldn't match this, even with their 2.0 liter versions. Apparently designed for the Canadian climate, the heated seats warm up quick, the "wide dispersion washer" helps on slushy days and the absence of the whip antenna helps when you brush snow off the car. There is also no keyhole for the trunk (opened only by remote or the trunk release). The MSRP was $24,500 Cdn. for the top Premium trim.
Almost a year with this car, I can't think of anything bad to say. Despite it's generous amount of standard equipment, there are still a lot you can do with the car. Performance and cosmetic improvements seems to be geared towards these types of cars.
The 1.6 Liter VTEC has average torque but the highway performance is impressive. With 2 small kids, the rear seating is adequate but can be better. The suspension is tight (double wishbone) , a little stiffer than the Civic and it corners well.
I can't really say that I babied the car but it seems to be as tight and nimble as when I first drove it off the lot. Honda added a bit more to their usual above-average quality control to this one. And after a year, I can say I am not disappointed, nor am I anywhere close to being one. My only gripe is that I should have opted for the five speed instead of the 4 speed auto (wife's choice). It would have been more fun with the stick shift.
I am still wondering why Honda never marketed this car for the U.S. 'coz it would have done really well.
I shared my impressions of the car with my family and as a result, my mom decided to get a 2001 EL with a 1.7 liter.
I'll wait another year and give you a review of that one.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 16000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2000
Model and Options: EL Premium Auto
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Epinions.com ID:
vicman
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Member: Vic Manalo
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 1 member
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