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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  Acura Integra 2000 - 2000 Acura Integra
  By Ani K - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The best car that I have driven to date. Smooth ride, solid handling. No complaints whatsoever. I could keep this car forever!!

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  Outstanding - 1991 Acura Integra
  By MoMoney - September 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car we have, or ever owned. Our Other cars are 98 Volvo S70 GLT (Junk), and 00 ML 320 (Ok). At 140M miles, this car is on the original clutch, suspension and just about everything else. Only major replacement was, timimng belt & H2O pump (@80M) and timing mechanism. Inexpensive to maintain. Drives and handles great. Styling still respectable, inspite of age.

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  Fun 2 Drive - 1999 Acura Integra
  By AcuraInteg - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car. Youll want to drive it everyday. Get an integra while you can.

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  ITR TEH LEGEND - 2001 Acura Integra
  By integratyper - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my Integra TYpe R. This is the longest Ive ever kept a vehicle, almost 4 years.

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  Cant be beat - 1990 Acura Integra
  By mem200 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  NEVER had a problem with this car except for headlights needing replacing. Still on original engine...sad to let it go but my 91 yr mom has trouble getting in and out of it and my one daughter cant drive stick. What a dream of a car!

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  GS1998_deALz - 1998 Acura Integra
  By integra_deaL - August 10 - 2:00 am

  well i would have to say it is a good car i got the car at 100k still feels like its new. But if u really really look for speed i would suggest geting a GSR becuz the GS is fast but the not fast enuff it comes with 140 stock i added intake give me 10+hp(AEM)and a i changed the chip which gave me another 10-15hp, im pushing around 160 hp but i still dont feel like its enuff i would rater have the car in a stick shift !!!! becuz almost all gears change maxx at 4 rmp. Get the STICK SHIFT u will be happy GS is good but i kinda would say its a gurly car or older men would like the auto matic so far i havent had any real problems changed the battery and just did

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  Excellent Sport Car - 1998 Acura Integra
  By SiL - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is excellent for those who live in warm-weather climates and dont need to deal with snow or rain for half a year. Its fast when you want it to be, excellent on gas mileage and always turns heads wherever you go. This is a great car for a high school or college kid that needs something reliable yet relaitvley inexpensive. I would certainly purchase another Integra GS-R if I lived in a state such as Florida or California.

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  GSR get one!! - 1999 Acura Integra
  By Neptuneda - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought this this preowned and been a reliable and great economy on the Gas. The insurance is another story. This a popular car for tuners as well. Basic bolt-ons yield big results. This is my 4th integra. Will buy another Acura!!

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  The Perfect Car - 1991 Acura Integra
  By teguru - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This is just an all-around great car. For my second car i couldnt be much happier. The only problems you will have with the Generation 2 Integras are the camseals.

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  2001 Integra LS - 2001 Acura Integra
  By allaprima99 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Excellent driving car with excellent maintenance record.