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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  Absolutely great car - 1999 Acura Integra
  By JWitmer - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned a better car and in 2 years ive owned a total of 9. This car has not given my a single problem, the exterior design is one of the best that Acura has ever conceived. The interior ergos are near perfect, seats are very comfortable and the fuel economy is simply awesome! I can get close to 40 mpg on the highway. I will always own Acuras, I had volkswagens that were NIGHTMARES, this car is perfect. Highly recommended. The only minor complaint i have is with the stock sound system, The clarity is very good but the overall bass isnt the greatest. However im changing the stereo out anyway.. Other then that, I swear by Acuras

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  I am in love with my car!! - 1996 Acura Integra
  By LittleTibbs - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car, used, about six months ago. Coming from an 86 Toyota Celica, I feel absolutely spoiled in my Integra. The ride is smooth, the fuel economy fantastic, and even at 8 years old, the car is slick. I love the 32 mpg with all the driving I do, and the reliability keeps maintenance down to a minimum. Now, if I drive another car, I can really feel the difference-- I miss the get- up- and- go and quick turns Ive become acustomed to in my car. Ill definitely stay with the Acuras!

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  ill miss it - 1996 Acura Integra
  By Nick A - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a new jag and have to let this car go. i bought it new and have never owned a better car. i have owned over 20. fit and finnish is still perfect, and the car is still fun to drive. a starter, battery, tires and oil changes are all i have had to do with this car.

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  Love the new teg - 1991 Acura Integra
  By jenlen - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had it a short while, but it is AWESOME. Handles beautifully, drives beautifully, and gets on down the road!!!

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  i love this car - 1995 Acura Integra
  By chris leiper - June 18 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car ive ever owned

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  Good pickup 140Hp Mini Power Pack - 1992 Acura Integra
  By kiran - June 15 - 2:00 am

  I have purchased this car from private party when it was 62000 and no it has 89000 still runs good and in excellent condition, Good for students, daily commuters. reliability and handling is awsome. the only problem is mileage, ofcourse we cannot expect 40Mpg from a 1.8L 140Hp engine, but when compared with other cars with same year and size. This car is fun to drive and excellent Pickup, even Automatic car can like a 5-Speed Manual car. I am verymuch excited to drive and this is an excellent machine.

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  Awesome car but a few problems - 1999 Acura Integra
  By Kawaii - June 7 - 2:00 am

  I got the car with ~72k miles on it and It ran fine. Shortly after, I needed to get my B-pipe replaced. I got the 65k maintenence check and it cost $800 mainly because they had to replace a "frozen" brake caliper. After about a year, the hatch and the door started started sticking and I needed a drivers side and hatch door actuator. After that, the passenger window motor started dying so it stops a fraction of an inch before its actually shut. Yes the car is a blast to drive, and maybe I just got a problem child, but I cant say that Ive had a very good GSR experience.

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  1995 integra rs - 1995 Acura Integra
  By Rick Mikal - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Best car i ever had

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  1995 integra RS customized - 1995 Acura Integra
  By andrew K - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I got this car about a year ago.I put about 40,000 miles on it. All I can say its great. It has 137,000 milles but i am not woried about it. I changed the interior with white lether and i also put body kits on it and it looks great and much more..........

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  none - 1998 Acura Integra
  By Hootch - May 26 - 2:00 am

  For a 1.8 liter, these babies are very quick and nimble. Acura truely designed a legend with the Integra. Looks great and performs like a champ!