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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  Best car you could buy for 3Gs - 1993 Acura Integra
  By 2gentegowner - June 6 - 7:44 pm

  This is my second Integra, I had a LS sedan that was so easy to maintain and very reliable. It took me forever to find a GSR that was not modd out with good mileage but finally found and Im glad I got it. This car is so fun to drive and even with this car being more than a decade old it still turns some heads. Looks like Ill keep this one longer than my first. Highly recommended if you can find a cherry one

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  Fun Economy for the Young at Heart - 1994 Acura Integra
  By The Dean - May 31 - 3:00 pm

  This is a truly fun little coupe. I currently just turned 170k and it runs like a clock- getting 30+ mpg on regular gas. I am very pleased- I just dont like the size,it is very small, but until I need something bigger- I am going to truly enjoy the fun this offers. All electroncs work and work very well- the heat is hot, ac cold- radio fully functional. No groans or creeks- no second starts or leaks! Dont be afraid to pick on up with 100k plus- make sure it has been cared for, timing belt, cv boots, etc. normal wear care. Also be aware- this is a favorite of street racers, who although creative in their approach, beat the living daylights out of them- check records and be wise!

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  integra - 1991 Acura Integra
  By jclark - May 16 - 1:24 pm

  I love the car, mine has about 158,000 miles on it now. I had a few problems such as the radiator, alternator, exhaust, tires, and the most expensive the transmisson. Even though ive spent all this money I figure it is a honda engine and itll last forever. I am actually thinking about selling it not sure yet though.

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  2nd Integra - 1995 Acura Integra
  By 2nd Integra - May 10 - 2:49 pm

  This is my second Acura Integra & I love it! Its fun to drive, looks great and has tons of cargo space! Like my other Integra, this one is extremely reliable. Although it has 128,000 miles, Im sure it will last for another 128K. Too bad Acura decided to discontinue the model.

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  The Fabulous GSR - 1999 Acura Integra
  By erp - April 30 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had this car for a year now and have had no problems until now. The engine is burning oil at the rate of about a quart a month. Fortunately I had been planning to do an engine rebuild before I realized the motor actually needed it. I bought the car with 72,000 miles on it so there could have been significant abuse to the engine prior to me owning it. Even still, I love my car and I plan to keep it forever. Overall its a great car.

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  Fun and Reliable - 1996 Acura Integra
  By starlabrite - April 20 - 1:06 pm

  I have had the 1996 LS for a little over two years, and Im still impressed with it. I have packed on the miles (I purchased it with 97,000, now it has 148,000!), and it still runs great. The only major problems Ive encountered thus far: replacing the timing belt (a must) and the radiator. It looks great, but the paint is a little lacking. My hood is showing its age, as little dots of paint are stripping off, but its really not that noticeable. The paint is fading, however, and I think a new paint job would make it look (and feel) brand new. Not only is the car powerful and fast, its fuel-efficient, and the hatchback has proven itself extremely worthy when moving!

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  A Reliable, Peppy, Attractive Sedan - 1998 Acura Integra
  By Fish Girl - April 19 - 1:24 am

  This is a great car! I am writing this review now because if youre looking to buy a used car, I feel the Intergra would be a smart choice. Ive had the car for seven years and absolutely nothing has gone wrong! I get the oil changed every 7k and follow the recommended maintainence, and thats it. The car still runs beautifully and still gets about 26 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. I take this car camping, across country and just to work - it never disappoints and still looks stylish on the road after 7 years.

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  Best in Overall Quality - 1994 Acura Integra
  By Drew - March 12 - 1:47 pm

  One word Performance. Vtech is awesome, great performance with even better mpg I average 32MPG a tank. I am the second owner and I bought it with 123,000 on it. I have had no mechanical problems even at 128,000. I highly recommend it for anyone except for families of 4 or more its maybe a little tight in the back seat. The car is awesome on the highway although the road noise is sometimes a little more than to be desired. I believe this is the best car I have owned. I look foward to buying a newer 2001 version of this car or a 2005 RSX Type -S, but I wont have to do this this for awhile while these cars last for ever and so do their resale values. Dont miss out on this Acura!

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  None better than the Integra - 1994 Acura Integra
  By SPEEDY - March 11 - 4:42 pm

  The best car Ive ever owned. 30 mpg average on the highway 24 avg on the road.(and thats 2000 ft above sea level. It would be 2 mpg better at sea level.) Great utility with the hatchback. I can haul almost anything. 0-60 in high 6s quarter mile low 15s. Add intake, header, and exhaust it drops to 14.9 quarter with good driving skill -at SEA LEVEL. 15.4 at 2000 ft. No car has better value and performance for the money. Reliability.... this car will do over 300,000 miles. radiator leak at 60 k, timing belt water pump at 110,000 plus. Timing belt usually fine, but keep eye on water pump. I own a 2004 acura TL now and a truck. Have to part with her, but will alway have great mem.

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  Fun to drive and own - 1999 Acura Integra
  By Gary - February 25 - 8:11 pm

  Exceptional car performance/value. Great handling. Great acceleration at high speeds. Awesome looks and features.