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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fun little car - 1997 Acura Integra
By .......... - November 6 - 2:00 amThis is a very fun to drive car. Power is decent but could use some more torque especially at lower rpms. You allways have to downshift two gears just to pass somebody. Handling is awesome, once the road starts to turn there arent many cars that can keep up with an integra.
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but why........ - 1995 Acura Integra
By freazer - October 31 - 2:00 amthe car is very good, the Honda Technology is the best technology in engines, but wwhy ddon´t they putt a V- tech engine in all the models, dam it.....
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Remarkable. - 1990 Acura Integra
By danblackracing - October 30 - 2:00 amThis is one of the best cars I have tested and driven daily. I have over 167,000 miles on it. I put 15,000 on myself with no other problems than a few front suspenstion bushings and a timing belt. Beautiful car!!! www.danblackracing.netfirms.com
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important - 1997 Acura Integra
By matt789 - October 29 - 2:00 amThis car is the second car ive had scince my 240sx broke down. It dosent handle as well but this car is very fun to drive and a very cool project car. Ive had to replace the pully system twice but thats about it. Im standing at 62 and this car is just way too small for me.
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Outstanding vehicle - 1998 Acura Integra
By arizonalobo - October 28 - 2:00 amGreat value, no problems with the car whatsoever. Fun to drive and capable of outstanding mileage. I routinely get 33 to 35 MPG on the highway.
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Great car - 1996 Acura Integra
By Terry48 - October 20 - 2:00 amVery economical vehicle. Very reliable
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Acura Integra, sports car or sedan? - 1994 Acura Integra
By James687 - October 19 - 2:00 amIve had this car for a few days now, and I have to say that I absoloutley love it. Theres a great feel to it, even though its almost ten years old. It almost feels like an old porsche, kind of throaty. One thing I wish I could have is the keyless entry, but I think it is actually installed on my car its just been disabled (???) So anyway, I have to say I truley love this car.
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Need more HP - 1998 Acura Integra
By FLorlDUDE - October 17 - 2:00 amALthough I love the car, I wish it had more horsepower. The car is extremely reliable! It is not as fun to drive as the R type! Get the R!!!!! or get a Maxima with 260 horses. This car is an excellent choice for a small economy car...And I love it for that reason. But if you have a need for speed and relaibility, my first choice would be the Maxima!!! or the R type!!! It is the most reliable car for the price! Never had a problem with it. (90,000 miles).
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95integra - 1995 Acura Integra
By honda-is-king - October 16 - 2:00 ambought my integra 2 years ago,and ive got to say its the best car ive ever owned. the hype about honda quality is true. wish my first car was a honda, would have saved me alot of grief that i got from other cars. replaced the timming belt and tires, and change oil. has 96k so i expect to own this car for many years.
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Great Integra - 1991 Acura Integra
By Bob S. - October 15 - 2:00 amMy 91 Integra LS 5 speed manual transmission with A/C has been a great car. Nothing really bad about it. Maintained well at dealership. Rear breaks changed at 53,000 & front breaks changed at 102,000 miles. Clutch & motor mounts being changed at 120,000. I like this model better than the new models. It seems to be more solid.
