Automotive
In 1997, Honda made a strategic decision to optimize costs for its premium brand, Acura. The company introduced a rebadged version of the popular Civic, christened as the Acura EL, specifically for the North American market.
The success of the 1995 Civic prompted Honda to maximize the potential of its proven platform. With an existing manufacturing facility in Canada, the automaker found it more efficient to modify the proven Civic model and market it under the prestigious Acura marque.
Despite sharing the same fundamental silhouette as its more affordable Civic counterpart, the EL boasted distinctive front and rear styling. Up front, it featured broader headlamps with integrated corner turn signals, flanking a unique inverted trapezoidal grille. The lower fascia showcased an Acura-exclusive bumper with a wide grille, horizontal slat, and prominent orange turn signals. At the rear, a revised trunk lid accommodated a redesigned taillight assembly, maintaining similar outer shapes to the Civic but with unique lens treatments.
The EL was available in multiple trim levels, each offering features not found on the standard Civic. Premium touches included leather upholstery and a silver-finished instrument panel. Top-tier models boasted additional luxuries such as a power sunroof, CD audio system, air conditioning, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob.
Curiously, Honda opted against offering the Acura EL with an automatic transmission. Furthermore, the vehicle came with a single engine choice, which was not even the most powerful option available in the Civic lineup. Regardless of these limitations, the EL emerged as Acura’s top-selling model in the Canadian market.
