Acura EL: Uniting Car and Driver

Designed to fuse and to connect the car and the driver, the Acura EL boasts a truly unique driving and riding experience. This car is known as a spirited automobile for it holds power and precision that connects the driver with the road. Even if this is so, the Acura EL also has a unique styling that exudes elegance and sophistication. Most people who have been able to handle and take a closer look at the Acura EL exclaim that it is very much like a Honda Civic although only the brand has been changed. The vehicle is then economical, provides an excellent and smooth performance, as well gives easy comfort.

The Acura EL has a redesigned grille and headlights. It also contains clean lines from the rear deck that provides the Acura EL a distinct European look. Made available in two trim levels which comprise of the elegant touring level and the lavish Premium, this car will surprise riders and drivers with its beauty, refinement, and dynamic performance. The car also boats an impressive linear steering as well as a precise four-wheel drive that has independent suspension. Drivers and passengers of the Acura EL will be given a superior road feel as well as a unique and different control.

Powering this vehicle is a very responsive 1.7 liter VTEC engine that is very much capable of producing 127 horsepower. Along with it is a five speed manual transmission, or the optional four speed automatic transmission. The car idles silently, has the ability to accelerate smoothly, can run with efficiency, and it also responds to inputs immediately. It remains quiet and serene during driving yet it boasts a boundless type of energy that is ready to shoot the car off the streets. For convenience, the Acura EL also has the Logic Control System installed.

The cabin exudes sophistication. Other safety features made standard include dual stage front airbags, side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and child safety locks. As per standard features, the Acura EL boasts an automatic climate control, a steering wheel wrapped in leather, a cruise control, power windows, power door locks, body colored mirrors, body colored handles, a remote keyless entry, tinted glass, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The control panel for this car is easy to understand. It sports big buttons that would allow the driver and passengers to quickly set the temperature, radio, or turn on or off the air conditioning and the rear defroster.

The Acura EL has been compared to other vehicles in its range. The list of competitors include the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, the 2005 Dodge SX, the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic, the Hyundai Elantra, the Kia Spectra, the Mazda Mazda 3, and the Nissan Altima.

By Stacey Wilson.

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The History of Honda's Classic Acura

The classic Acura was one of Honda's biggest gambles. Japanese vehicles had a reputation for being economical above all else, putting functionality over form. Thus, when Honda unleashed the Acura on the Western market, the sense of shock at seeing a Japanese luxury vehicle took a while to die down. Some might argue that the classic Acura design generated a shock that never really died down. After all, the arrival of the Acura heralded the release of more Japanese luxury vehicles into Western markets, something that had been previously unheard of.

Debuting in 1986 after nearly ten years of development and design, Honda released the Acura, which became a success. In 1990, Honda announced plans to expand their manufacturing and research operations in the US, the company's primary market for the classic Acura. At the same time, plans are set into motion dealing with how to release the Acura into other markets, such as Canada and Europe. In 1991, Honda successfully released the Acura into the Hong Kong market, as well as integrated new technology into the design to improve performance. Unfortunately, design problems led to slower sales in the mid-1990s, which prompted Honda to both reduce production and attempt to do a major re-tooling of the overall design of the vehicle. However, at the same time, the niche market of import tuners were drawn to the Acura because it was easy to modify.

The classic Acura designs were eventually revamped in 2000, which did away with what many described as bland design elements. The new designs, combined with technologies to upgrade the performance and fuel efficiency, and decreased costs, allowed Honda to once again make the Acura one of the main import luxury vehicles in the market. Combined with the retained ease of modification that attracted car tuners to them in the previous decade, the effect was a startling resurgence to the initial strong showing that the Acura made when it was first introduced to the market. Later models followed the concept of a luxury vehicle at an affordable price, with good features and some customization options. So far, the strategy has been successful.

In 2004, the classic Acura designs were revamped into the Acura TSX for the European market. Apart from the upgraded design and internal systems, it was also given four-wheel drive and a 4-cylinder engine. Minor modifications were made to make the Acura TSX more suitable for the European market. The new design was received well by the market and quickly became one of the premier import luxury cars in the European market at the time.

However, certain features like rear wheel drive and V8 engines, have become prominent among the competitors of the classic Acura. Honda currently is sticking to its guns in maintaining the simple but elegant design, combined with functional technologies and systems. While opinions vary, there is some worry over the fact that the latest models have not been as tuner-friendly as previous ones. Some speculate that Honda will have to once again rethink the design of the classic Acura in order to keep up.

By Christopher Luck.