1996 Acura 1.6 EL Sport review from North America
"Reliable!!!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Timing belt had to be replaced at 150 000 km.
Driver's side headlight had condensation build up since I owned it.
Started burning way more oil just recently.
Replaced wheel bearings at 170 000 km (had to do it twice because I ordered the wrong ones!)
Catalytic converter rubber gasket needed to be replaced at 165 000 km.
General comments?
This car has proven to be quite a deal.
I bought it for under $6500 and it has done more than just getting me around. It is a way better car than the Volkswagen Golf I used to own. (It lit on fire. No joke. That's how I was able to get this car.)
I'm a kid with a heavy foot and I realized right away that it has little power, but I love the response of the V-TEC once it hits 5000 RPM.
I have double clutched with this car very often amd the transmission feels as firm as the day I bought the car. This thing outruns most civics easy and has good jump off the line.
I learned how to drive manual way better with this car because the transmission and clutch are more sensitive than most other cars so I got a good feedback.
I drive this car hard most of the time and the only setback was the front wheel bearings.
The stock handling in this thing is great. Rev-matching around corners, especially off ramps, is tons of fun.
This car is a great car to learn to drive with. I think I'm ready to move on to something with a little more kick and more aftermarket base like an Integra.
A lot of people complained about uncomfortable interior, but I liked it.
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | An underpowered city driver |
![]() ![]() | 1996 - 1.6 EL Sport 1.6L gasoline I love this car - every day, just like I have since I bought it. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6L VTEC Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 143000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 175000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Golf |
| Date of Entry | 2nd November, 2005 |

