Overview & Reviews

In 1986, Honda launched the Acura brand to create a separate luxury brand to appeal to upmarket buyers. Its first model, the Acura Integra, was a sporty hatchback that emphasized Acura's focus on engineering excellence and build quality. The Integra's balance of reliability and performance made it an instant hit, especially for those buyers looking for a cheaper alternative to German imports.

Through the years, the Integra developed a large following of consumers. Some were interested in a basic commuter car while others were looking for a solid base for modification with performance parts. The Integra was able to satisfy all. Using its knowledge gained from Formula 1 racing to innovate new technologies for its passenger cars, Acura introduced its VTEC variable valve timing system to the Integra in the early '90s. The Integra was the first car after the exotic NSX to receive it, and the system helped the car squeeze every drop of power out of its small 4-cylinder engine while maintaining an admirable amount of fuel efficiency.

More importantly, the Integra showed that Acura (and the Japanese manufacturers as a whole, for that matter) was able to compete with the global luxury car manufacturers in terms of design, quality and creature comforts inside the cabin. As Acura solidified its place in the near-luxury market, however, the company altered its marketing strategies. It did away with model names, opting for alphanumeric designations instead. In 2001, Acura renamed its entry model the RSX, effectively killing the Integra in America.

Most Recent Acura Integra

The third and final generation of the Acura Integra spanned from 1994 through 2001. It was one of the best front-wheel-drive cars in its class as it was exciting to drive and had a sporty silhouette that seemed designed to cut through the wind.

Acura offered two body styles, a two-door hatchback and a four-door sedan, across all trim levels, including the GS-R performance trim. At first, Acura offered two lower trims, the base RS and LS. Through the years, Acura updated the lineup by adding a GS trim in 1998 and removing the RS in 2000. Except for the GS-R, no matter which Integra you got, it came with the same 142-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission was standard. A four-speed automatic was optional.

The performance-oriented GS-R featured a 170-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that was equipped with VTEC. The GS-R came exclusively with a special close-ratio five-speed manual. In road tests of the '98 Acura Integra GS-R, our editors found it to be well balanced in terms of being fun to drive and easy to use on a daily basis.

In 1997, the limited-edition Acura Integra Type R debuted. Available only as a coupe and in a single color (Championship White), the Type R focused purely on performance and featured a high-revving 195-hp version of the 1.8-liter engine. Lighter parts and body panels lowered the Type R's weight by nearly 100 pounds. It came with a tuned suspension system, better brakes, a limited-slip differential and a specially designed close-ratio five-speed manual transmission. In order to further reduce the vehicle's weight, Acura even made the air-conditioning system optional.

Acura produced the Type R in 1998 and again in 2000. The final time around, the Type R wasn't nearly as exclusive and raw. Weight reduction was limited to 33 pounds and this time, Acura provided two colors, yellow and black.

In 2001, the Acura Integra Type R won an Edmunds.com Editors' Most Wanted_SM award for Best Sports Coupe (FWD/AWD) Under $30,000. Today, these-third generation Integras are still highly regarded as used vehicles. Though certainly reliable, they have become quite popular with young enthusiasts wanting to modify their cars with aftermarket parts. As such, finding an unmolested car, particularly in GS-R trim, can be somewhat of a challenge.

Past Acura Integra Models

The original and first-generation Acura Integra debuted in 1986 and came as a two-door or four-door hatchback. Both styles were available in a base RS or more luxurious LS trim and were powered by a 113-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, and a four-speed automatic was available as an option. In 1988, Acura increased engine output to 118 hp, but most of its power was still too high in the rev band to match the lower torque curves of its sports coupe competition.

In 1990, Acura remedied the problem when it released the second-generation Integra. Again offered in two body styles (this time with a four-door sedan), this Integra was more sophisticated and was powered by a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder that made 130 hp. In addition to the RS and LS trims, Acura added a GS trim. It was a "top of the line" trim with added standard equipment, such as antilock brakes and an upgraded interior. All models came standard with a five-speed manual, with a four-speed automatic being optional.

In 1992, Acura bumped power output up to 140 hp. That same year, Acura introduced the Integra GS-R, a performance-oriented trim that was powered by an all-new 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine making 160 hp. It also was the first time Acura applied its variable valve timing system (VTEC) in a car other than the NSX. The GS-R was designated a pure driver's car and came exclusively with a close ratio five-speed manual transmission. It was also equipped with a good deal of standard equipment, such as antilock brakes, a moonroof and power locks and windows.

User Reviews:

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  Great Second Car - 1994 Acura Integra
  By Tiger - June 19 - 11:47 am

  Acura reliability, style and fun to drive. This car is 13 years old and I havent had to do any major repair work to the engine and transmission. Love the gas mileage and the sporty driving experience. Only thing to watch for is the body around the back wheel wells. If theres too much salt, it will rust. Otherwise, outside of having to replace usual wear and tear items, it has been a great car. Very reliable.

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  B-E-A-utiful car - 1998 Acura Integra
  By brantegra - June 4 - 1:55 pm

  I bought this car in early 2004 with 109000 and Ive got 129000 now and let me tell ya, it doesnt feel any older then my friends brand new EVO and Ive almost got it just as fast as well. Must haves for the ultra performance person: coilover shocks, cat-back, short ram air intake, header, rims and good tires, lightweight flywheel, stage 2 clutch, and some lightweight pulleys and youll be beating v-8 mustangs in no time.

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  Love, love, love. Bought new in 96! - 1996 Acura Integra
  By Gayle - May 31 - 10:42 pm

  This has been and continues to be a great car. I will probably keep many more years. Very reliable and so much fun to ride. The back is always reserved for my dog. The moon roof is wonderful and after almost 11 years I have finally installed a CD player. My original research paid off. Many have tried to buy from me and I tell them "no". No big major repairs, just keep well maintained. Highly recommend.

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  Love this car - 1992 Acura Integra
  By Craig - May 20 - 8:18 pm

  Ive owned this car for over 5 years and 100,000 miles. Its got over 180,000 miles on it now and still runs great. Its fun to drive, has good power, handles great, and is extremely reliable and efficient. Its nice to get 30 MPG while still having enough power to be fun. Ive never had to do any major repairs. Id recommend this car to anybody.

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  One of the Best Cars Ever - 1999 Acura Integra
  By riscci - May 11 - 4:14 am

  This car is a low maintenance, sporty, comfortable, more than adequate power, highly upgradeable, and just an all around fun car. Upgrades are: strut brace, Cold Air Induction, Plug and wirei

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  I love this car! - 1994 Acura Integra
  By Jackson - May 6 - 2:34 pm

  Absolutely wonderful car! I got mine with 112k miles on it and it feels like its just gotten broken in. Its a blast to drive with the 5 spd and the 8k rpm redline. The only complaints would be the cupholders and the radio antenna. The gears got stripped or something and it makes a grinding kind of noise. The Integra is an amazing car and if you can find one unmolested like I did, youll be in for many years of pure driving pleasure!

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  Acura is da bomb - 1996 Acura Integra
  By ann - May 4 - 9:20 am

  I love my Integra. She has not let me down yet! Highly recommended. The only downfall is it is one of the top stolen cars. Other than that, its a great and fun car to have.

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  I love this car! - 1991 Acura Integra
  By The Jamster - April 30 - 7:39 pm

  I love this car! I bought one when I was 16 and ended up trading it for a CRX, but couldnt stay away. Im 23 now and traded that same CRX for another Integra!

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  Great Ride - 1995 Acura Integra
  By Bart - April 30 - 2:52 pm

  I needed a quick car because my 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue fell apart and I didnt have a lot to spend at that moment. I picked it up for $3000 with 163000 miles on it. I changed the oil and replaced the brake pads (normal wear and tear). I LOVE this car. It drives like its brand new, it handles like a dream, doesnt lose any fluids, has terrific gas mileage, and is peppy. I bought it as a short term solution and it may turn out to be a long love affair. I would recommend one of these cars to anyone. It is my first Acura and it will not be the last.

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  Amazing - 1995 Acura Integra
  By tmcd - April 24 - 1:50 am

  This car is about as much fun as a 4 cylinder can be. Plenty of punch between 3 and 5000 rpm. I recently drove the 710 miles between LA and Medford OR and got 33 mpg going 80 w/AC on! Amazing for a car with 133k. Drives tight, 5 speed is a must have if you want the fun. Excellent aftermarket support as well. If you get a chance go for the GSR, or, if youre really lucky, the type r (97+). I drove a comparable 95 bmw and chose the integra for reliability, gas mileage, etc., and it is just as much fun to drive with the manual. Overall a fantastic car and you can get a good one for around 4k with lower mileage if your careful.