ok so I've been out shopping for 06' and 07' accords for my wife. Looking for an EX. I have noticed on some cars the engine says "i-VTEC 2.4 DOHC SULEV" and on others it has only "i-VTEC 2.4 DOHC" withOUT the SULEV.

I know that sulev stands for something like ultra low emission...

But these hondas aren't hybrids and I have done a few searchs. I can not tell what the difference is?

 

SUPER-Ultra-low emmission vehicle. WOW, that sounds impressive, doesn't it?

It actually should be related to the actual emmission standards that it meets. For example 2006 US-EPA tier-2 bin-5 or whatever set of rules it really satisfies. Look for the fine print on the emmissions-compliance sticker under the hood.

In practical physical terms, there's probably little or no physical differences, some (maybe a lot) programming differences (fuel & spark maps in the ECU), and maybe small HP & MPG differences. Probably Honda is required to sell at least xx% of total sales in California must be SULEV or some such requirement.

 

so it's likely a fleet lease vehicle from a state like CA where emission standards are higher that went to auction and found it's way to wisconsin dealer/buyer.

 

Nah, that was just an example. There are plenty of Hondas sold in the other 49 states that are ULEV, PZEV, SULEV, etc. They just happen to meet California emissions requirements.

It shouldn't cause any concern in buying the car, they have exactly the same engine. Minor programming tweaks, like Jim said, may have allowed it to jump through more emissions hoops than the other