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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  Awesome Car - 1991 Acura Integra
  By Larry C. - February 25 - 6:45 pm

  I have a 1991 Acura Integra with 190,000 miles. I teach Drivers Education in it. I have put on 40k a year and have not had to do anything but replace three window motors. (same window) Other than that, I could not recommend this car enough. I am in the market for another one.

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  90 ls hatch - 1990 Acura Integra
  By russ - February 22 - 11:06 pm

  Ive got 176000 miles on my Integra LS. It has been a great car. Of course Ive "made it my own" by adding all of the bolt on tuner parts. I beat on this car everyday and never have a problem with it. It starts everytime and runs great. Plus, its fun to beat a new Civic with my "old" Integra.

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  Honda of Japan did it again! - 1995 Acura Integra
  By revaniki - February 18 - 12:56 pm

  This is an excellent quality made Japanese vehicle. Three set ownership car 1) Feed with 93 grade gas 1) 2) Lubricate with oil ever 3,000 3)Check/Replace timinig belt ever 80,000. Bulletproof engine, stunning handling, luxurious build quality, super reliable. Bought mine with 165,000, have driven it to 190,000 with no problems. Even took it to the track once and ran a 15.5 1/4 mile with only the addition of OEM intake and Magnaflow exhaust. Keep in mind that a new one back in 95 ran a 15.3, 190,000 havent done much to hurt performance! Always starts on first crank, never ever ever gives any problems. Was designed for hard driving.

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  Reliable car - 1996 Acura Integra
  By adrianna - February 17 - 2:20 am

  I had my Acura Integra for 9 years now and have 98,000 miles on it. The car is still excellent, could still drive 80 miles/ hr. I love the acceleration and it is a very efficient car.

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  Simply the Best - 1991 Acura Integra
  By DM Dowd - February 3 - 5:53 pm

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned. Because of its age (and lack of multiple air bags), I keep thinking I should replace it, but I keep looking, and test driving others, and nothing else is even in the ballpark. This car is sooo much fun to drive, handles extremely well, lots of acceleration. Nothing has ever gone wrong with it, so reliable, solid quality. The hatchback is great. Interior is perfect despite the age. Everyone marvels at what a great car it is. A truly great car. I love it.

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  Blast to drive - 1995 Acura Integra
  By Gregg - January 20 - 11:56 am

  I put a turbo on mine so it was slightly modified. However, in stock form it was still a very fun car to drive! Reliability is top notch. Styling is fantastic inside and out. 122,000 miles and still tight as new! If you want an import to modify this is THE ONLY choice. GSR makes more power but the LS is great!

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  A true work of art - 1998 Acura Integra
  By Slammed Teg 98 - January 6 - 4:20 pm

  I couldnt have asked for a better first car. My 98 LS coupe is PERFECT. The manual transmission really gets the most out of the power. With a stock engine, Im side-by-side with a V6 car. It handles like a Porsche, and has the reliability that Honda is known for. Comes loaded with standard features such as: ABS, CD player, sunroof, and all power features. Great on gas, Ive never paid more then $15.50 to fill from "E", and I usually only fill up once a week. Simply put, its quick, handles great, inexpensive, reliable, loaded, fuel efficient, and fun to drive. Why buy anything else?

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  I love my "teg" - 1994 Acura Integra
  By AutoX - December 16 - 1:51 pm

  I got this car with 99k miles on it. Had it for 2.5 yrs now and it still drives like new with 123k miles! Ive taken this car to a few autocross events, have done suspension mods and upgraded brakes. I love the exterior appearance and trunk space, the seats have above avg lateral support during hard cornering. I have yet to see a car in that price range (new/used) with seats like these. Only the radiator gave out at 100k miles (typical problem for the plastic/aluminum radiators), bought replacement for $100. I think it still has the original clutch and never slipped on me! Nice handling and fun to drive great car for beginner car tuners/racers. I bought an EVO 8, have to part with Integra :(

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  Great Car! - 1993 Acura Integra
  By ubnpast - November 30 - 11:28 pm

  Excellent car, Very reliable and takes alot of beatings. Never breaks down, and If it ever got stolen, I would look for another 2g teg (90-93)

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  00 gsr - 2000 Acura Integra
  By Aj - November 11 - 4:51 pm

  Overall the GS-R is a very practical car to live with. There is enough room for two adults in the back but I would advise against it. The performance is adequate. Compared to the cars available in 2004 it is lacking. However if you know anything about GS-Rs you know that the B18C has more than enough aftermarket support. The year 2000 is when honda/acura switched to OBD-II version 2. Some of the parts that work for the older GS-Rs do not work for this one. If I could do it over again I would buy a 96-99 GS-R for that reason.