1999 Acura 1.6 EL

Faults:

My passenger window is beginning to show signs of weakness. I think it might be the motor that is starting to die, but then again I haven't had it checked out.

General Comments:

Great Car. No complaints. I love the fact that routine maintenance is all I've had to do.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2005

1999 Acura 1.6 EL Premium Edition 1.6 Gas

Summary:

This is a poor man's luxury sedan

Faults:

No problems encountered yet as I have just purchased it as a lease return.

There is a Transport Canada recall on a faulty ignition switch on 1998, 1999, and 2000 EL Model years.

General Comments:

The previous owner enjoyed the features and performance of the EL Premium so much, that he leased the current upscaled version of this vehicle.

The small gas tank requires frequent fill-ups, however gas performance at 27 miles per gallon city/highway, easily makes up for it.

Strange "humming" sound emulates from passenger side of engine about two minutes after ignition start, then disappears.

Factory Michelin tires are poor performers, which hydroplane on wet, West Coast roads EVEN while driving at UNDER posted speed limits.

Engine power is more than adequate for mountain terrains and passing at highway speeds, but is traded off with engine noise at higher RPM.

The trunk guide bars will squash parcels if you do not allow for clearance when closing. OUCH!

Excellent, honest, service and respect from Acura dealership from the start.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 2003

1999 Acura 1.6 EL Premium 1.6

Summary:

It doesn't get any better than this for $20K

Faults:

Seam in driver and passenger leather came apart a little bit at about 60K. Dealer fixed it even though I was past bumper-to-bumper warranty period!

Tires wore out more quickly that I thought they should have, as I am not an aggressive driver.

General Comments:

This is truly the best car you can buy on the used market for around $20K. It looks absolutely sharp, and the build quality is second to none. I haven't a single serious complaint. It is a very comfortable car with many luxuries that you generally have to pay another $10K for in other cars (leather, heated seats and mirrors). The interior looks super sharp and it just doesn't seem to wear - It still looks brand new inside!

My *only* complaints are 1) the cup-holders suck, and 2) the tires aren't very good in winter and wear faster than I thought they should.

The car has a very high resale value.

For performance enthusiasts - you should be aware that since this is a Canadian car, you won't find after-market parts for it. No body kits or things of that sort.

For $20K you can't expect this car to be as quiet as a Lexus or have the performance of a sports car. However, it will definitely exceed your expectations of a small sedan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2003

17th Apr 2006, 20:41

No aftermarket? What are you people talking about??? 99% of Honda Civic aftermarket parts will bolt right on. The 1.6 is a Civic with options.

1999 Acura 1.6 EL 1.6L 4 cylinder

Summary:

A pretty Civic (basically)!

Faults:

Rear struts leaked.

Oil leak.

Passenger front seat would not move, had to replace the seat track.

Starting problem. Needed new cap and rotor! Old technology for something that has V-TEC!

I though the tires wore prematurely.

General Comments:

Lots of fun!

Great 5-speed manual!

Only available in Canada, so it has some exclusivity!

Handles very well.

Good fuel economy.

Very nice for long-distance driving (which I do a lot of).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2002