REVscene Automotive Forum - Thoughts and suggestions for a good daily driver

Quote:

Originally Posted by AVS_Racing (Post 8210727)

DO NOT GET 01-05 AUTO Civic/ Acura EL 1.7. bad transmissions. mine started to die at around 70,000 kms. another friends same gen el had transmission problems too.

I've heard a lot about (and experienced) problems with the automatic transmissions mated to Honda V6s, but never the smaller D16 and D17.
140,000kms on our 2004 EL with no problems.

OP, my family has both a 2004 EL and a 2006 Mazda 3 GT, both fully loaded trims.
Both serve well as daily drivers. The suspension on the EL isn't all that bad, I have no complaints.
The EL does far better on fuel economy with its 1.7 liter than the 3 with its 2.3 liter, so if that's a deal maker/breaker, go with the smaller engine. The difference in power is noticeable, but the EL does just fine anywhere you take it.