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:
Showing 341 through 350 of 602.00-
COLLECTION SPEACIALIST - 1994 Acura Integra
By JENNIFER HAGENKOTTER - August 18 - 2:00 amMY CAR HAS BEEN A VERY RELIABLE,OUSTSTANDING PERFORANCE CAR FOR ANYONE WHO WISHES FOR FUN IN AN AFFORDABLE SPORTS CAR.THE ENGINE IN THE ACURA HAS BEEN PROBLEM FREE FROM THE START.I ALWAYS HAVE THE OIL CHANGE AT EVERY 3k MILES,SO THE ENGINE STAYS CLEAN OF DIRT.THE HANDLING OF THIS CAR IN THE SNOW IS VERY GOOD&I LIKE TACTION CNTRL IN SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS.THE AUTO DEALERSHIP THAT I GO TO HAS AN EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS AS WELL WITH THE FACTORY&THE CUSTOMER FOLLOW UP AFTER ANY SERVICING THAT WAS DONE.THE REASON I MUST SELL MY CAR IS TO BUY A 4DR SDN TO ALLOW FOR EXTRA ROOM FOR KIDS.I WILL CONTINUE TO BUY ANOTHER ACURA.
-
gsr - 1997 Acura Integra
By corey - August 7 - 2:00 amthis is a great fun and fast car, but cramped and a little uncomfortable due to the tight handling
-
As good as new. - 1994 Acura Integra
By Noahsdad - August 7 - 2:00 amI,ve had my teg for over six years now and couldnt have asked for a better car.Other than routine maitenence only the radiator has given any trouble.$137 fixed that.
-
Great Car - 1992 Acura Integra
By micba - August 7 - 2:00 amMy first car and still going strong after 11 years. From the drivers position the interior layout is good, with a better driving view than the 3rd generation Integra. Handling is great and fun to drive around. Just cant say enough on how reliable this car is, no major repairs, just the normal wear and tear (brakes, timing belt). This car will last me another 10 years or more till my next Acura.
-
I looooove my gs-r - 1997 Acura Integra
By pinaygurly187 - August 5 - 2:00 ami love this car! i thought about getting an eclipse but now im so happy i decided to get an integra instead. you cant beat the looks and the quality you get from an acura. i drove a tacoma before my integra and its amazing how agile it is compared to the truck. it corners like a dream. the car is a good car just for driving around town but when u give it gas and get it up into the higher RPMs and the Vtec kicks in, you know its more than just an upgraded civic like every1 thinks it is. be sure you get a manuel though...automatic integras are nooo fun, esp. if youve got a GS-R.
-
Reliable car - 1995 Acura Integra
By jay_friendly - July 31 - 2:00 amOne of the best cars that I owned so far. Except a few aging problems and regular maintenance such as brakes, belts/water pump, radiator, I havent had any major issues (except ABS controller unit light showing up - although it always worked) The paint is still in decent condition with hardly any rust. It still gives me the same gas milage at a little over 100K miles. Even though I also own a new Infiniti G35, I still love driving my lil Integra :) I have really driven this car everywhere and abused it even.
-
Integra is too much fun! - 1995 Acura Integra
By Cav - July 29 - 2:00 amModern styling for an older car with exceptional features that do not have mechanical problems. Extremely nice car for the money. Extremely reliable. Extremely comfortable. Easy to work on if you are a gear head. A bit expensive the farm out work to a shop, but not to bad because usually there isnt much of that. Plenty of modifications in the aftermarket market for the Integra. You can trick-out your Integra for a unique style and performance levels. Put a HKS filter and HKS Intake System and gain HP and about 5 extra miles to the gallon of gasoline. Best, funnest car I have ever owned. Highly recomended.
-
Type R awesome if willing to rev! - 2001 Acura Integra
By mpro - July 29 - 2:00 amThis is a great car. There is very little Horsepower/Torque below the 5700 vtec changeover, so be ready to rev the engine like a motorcycle. Handling is the best I have ever seen in a front wheel drive, or any car for that matter (under $50k). Balance is near perfect, the limited slip is excellent.
-
I like the car, not the insurance - 1999 Acura Integra
By DoubleDtox - July 25 - 2:00 amNothing but pure bliss. I hate paying insurance.
-
show me a better compact sedan - 1997 Acura Integra
By pbs - July 25 - 2:00 amIve owned an integra GSR for 3 years now and have had no mechanical problems at all. With the reliability issue established, i can say this is an exciting performance car. If youre looking for a practical, yet exciting sedan with a 5speed, look no further.
