Acura EL was a small family sedan developed by American Honda and sold only in Canada as an entry-level model. The car had two different generations, and was sold from 1996 to 2005.
| Acura EL | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Production | 1997–2005 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Acura CSX |
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1997–2000 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1590 cc (127 hp) |
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2001–2005 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.7 L 4-cylinder SOHC (129 hp) |
The first generation of the EL was a rebadged version of the Japanese market Honda Domani. It was sold in Canada as Acura 1.6 EL and was introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model. The EL had a sedan body and featured luxury trimmings not available on the similarly sized Honda Civic. The designation was based on engine displacement, indicate of its 1590 cc, with power reaching 127 hp (94 kW), thanks to the use of Honda's VTEC valve timing control.
The EL was completely redesigned in 2000 (as a 2001 model year) and was now based on the Civic Mk. VII. In addition to the slightly more powerful and torquier 1.7 L 4-cylinder SOHC engine (still using VTEC), with 129 hp (95 kW), it also featured a complete leather interior and distinctive headlights and taillights design.
The Acura EL was replaced for the 2006 model year by the Acura CSX, based on the redesigned 2006 Honda Civic. Like the EL, the CSX is available only in Canada.