1997 Acura 1.6 EL Reviews

Not much has gone wrong. Nothing major.

Plastic interior hood release snapped off.

Hazard button sticks sometimes in cold weather.

Most everything from 1997 is original. Never replaced the engine, tranny, alternator, shocks, suspension, radiator/water pump, or timing belt.

Seats are in excellent shape.

Replaced a working battery at 11 years as a precaution.

Minor rust starting above the right rear wheel.

Runs better than new since replacing the poor Michelin XGTV4 original tires.

Good gas mileage if driven normally.

Ride is comfortable. Noise level got better with new tires, but is still a little high.

Good visibility.

Trunk is on the small side, but 60/40 folding rear seat backs are a great help.

Performance is fine; VTEC cam profile is there at 5500 RPM. To get VTEC you have to floor it in D4; less so in D3. VTEC is only useful for passing on the highway.

Heated side mirrors don't work.

Air conditioning doesn't work. The mechanic said it needs repairs, not just a re-charge.

Drivers seat has tears in the leather.

Body rust around wheel wells.

Temperature control is stuck on 'hot.'

Ride is rough over bumps and pot-holes.

Car had some sort of wheel rub, but went away when the parking brake was adjusted.

The things that have gone wrong with the car can be expected, considering the age and mileage.

I also have not spent much money on the car as far as maintenance. I have not had to replace or repair anything, other than doing oil changes.

The engine is not very powerful, but it is fine for everyday driving.

Car starts in -30C winters no problem, and the transmission is still solid.

Power windows, mirrors, locks, sunroof and cruise control all working fine.

Leather interior is comfortable and interior is roomy.

When I bought it a year ago for $2500 CDN, it had a few problems:

- Driver's door lock actuator didn't work.

- Driver's side speaker had an electrical short somewhere.

- Gasket around sunroof was falling apart, and as a result, the dome light dangled from its wires.

After a winter in Ontario, a few more electrical problems showed up:

- Left headlight works intermittently.

- Left blinker works intermittently.

- Back right window doesn't roll down.

- Passenger door lock actuator broken.

- Shortly after purchasing, a small exhaust leak developed.

- The previous owner replaced the water pump and timing belt at around 200,000 km.

Good on gas, but the five speed has enough power for me, no problem cruising at 120 and passing at 140.

This car has the worst turning radius I've ever seen. A Suburban can make tighter turns, no joke. Also, the cup holders are useless for anything but a small disposable coffee cup.

In almost a year of ownership, I haven't done anything but feed it gas and oil.

The driver's door lock actuator wore out.

I've replaced the front brake pads and calipers, 2 timing belts (regular maintenance). I had the water pump done with the second timing belt, although the dealer said that they (water pumps) never wear out and it didn't need to be done. I wanted to be protected against sudden failure in the country. The original battery was replaced two years ago - and I still use it in another car.

This car has been bulletproof for me.

I spend 2 - 5 hours a day in it (highway) and I find it comfortable at all times. It handles highway / mountain roads without fault. It is still solid and rattle - free.

The gas mileage is amazing - 5.6 L / 100 km (similar to my motorcycle).

No rust.

No wear in fabric, or interior surfaces. (I do clean and amour-all regularly).

I do find the cost of replacing the summer tires expensive - they are rated as performance units... If I was to do it again I would by aftermarket rims in a 14" diameter (as the steelies I put my winters on).