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 WantedSM 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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Get it with a stick shift for fun times - 1994 Acura Integra
By Hotrod - October 22 - 5:13 amI bought this car a year ago mainly cause I wanted to learn how to drive a stick shift car. Im the 3rd owner, it has over 120k miles on it and it is by far the most fun to drive car Ive ever had. This is a great car to learn how to handle a stick and clutch. One thing Id like to share with everyone is that when I first got it the gas mileage was lousy. So just for kicks I added some fuel injector cleaner to the gas tank and changed the air filter. That turned out to be just what the doctor ordered cause I noticed a huge increase in power and mileage went up nearly 50%. So if you sense a loss of performance in your vehicle now you know what to do first. Pass it on.
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Like the day I bought it! - 1998 Acura Integra
By PghSkier - October 6 - 9:04 amI bought this car because a different car I ordered still wasnt here after 3 months. I was thinking Id sell it after a couple years. Now, 8 years later, I hope to keep it past 150,000 miles. Everything else these days seems so far off the ground and bloated, this car has everything you need to get where you want in a hurry with maximum stealth. I take it to the ski resort all season (with winter tires) blowing past all those idiots who think they need SUVs in the snow. The supple ride and sharp handling are amazing (the RSX is such as step backward!). Not a quiet car, but no rattles after 120k miles, average of 30 mpg, no slip in the original clutch, still thrives on high revs.
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Used Gem - 1997 Acura Integra
By Ziggy261 - September 15 - 7:53 pmI bought this car from a friend that had put 224,000 miles on it. Mostly hwy with total dealer maintenance. It still purrs like a kitten. My son just loves it and most people think that it is only a few years old.
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Great Car - 1993 Acura Integra
By J ROD - September 14 - 6:48 pmRunning a LS/Vtec in it currently with many modifications and it has to be one of my favorite cars to drive. Car gets a straight 10 from me!
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2001 Integra - 2001 Acura Integra
By Rick H - August 16 - 4:11 pmExceptional handling. This car will "turn on a dime, and give you a nickle in change". High RPM powerband will quickly remind you if you are in the wrong gear. The five-speed manual trans is a must. If pure acceleration is your thing, then go for a Type-R model.
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After 6 years, I still cant quit her! - 2000 Acura Integra
By C1977 - August 12 - 12:32 amThis trusty car is such a treat, after 6 years, I still give myself fake excuses to drive in it. Until I hit 105K, I just changed oil and tires - thats about it. I think the balance between assisted steering and feedback on this car is perfect.
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Best Car for the Money!! - 1992 Acura Integra
By Goldie - August 5 - 4:05 pmI love my Integra. I bought it 4 yrs ago at 180K miles for $2000. Ive added over 65k since & it runs perfect! Ive only had minor problems (>$300). I get 30/40 mpg. Love the hatchback style-will never go back to sedans. Machanics (for oil changes) are always amazed at its condition, milage, and smoothness.
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Excellent Car - 1991 Acura Integra
By Ken - July 29 - 2:52 amGot this car new when I turned 16. I still have it in 2006(My first and only car) Mostly a commuter car now with over 190K. No problems. Its overly reliable. Only problem is that teenage kids are attracted to trying to steal it, take emblems, or break in. It is the only car I owned and has been the most pleasant experience. Average 30mpg, accelerates wonderfully at all speeds, handles extremely well, and brakes phenomenally. Only took it in to replace rear struts and timing belt. Thats it. I replaced the front brakes pads twice and the rear once on my own. They last forever. Will retire it in 6 months as I am getting too old for it. It sits low and I need cushier seats. :)
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Cheap BMW - 1999 Acura Integra
By 99-DC4 - July 24 - 10:16 pmLove my Integra to death. Incredibly reliable car, never given me a single problem, extremly well built. Performance is astonishing, this car is quick for the price. Dont Pay attention to the 140HP, this car is so lightweight that it feels like it has an extra 20HP. Great handeling, corners perfectly and very minimal body roll (then again my car is on coilovers so...) Great car practically lasts forever if maintained properly you will not regret it!
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Great Reliable Car - 1995 Acura Integra
By nrthcrln709 - July 18 - 7:05 pmGreat car, thats very reliable. You can rev it up to 7.5 all day everyday with no problem. Comfortable seats. Great handling, and plenty of power.
