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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  1990 acura legend - 1990 Acura Integra
  By cartjen2 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  pleased with the vehicle overall

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  Love mine! - 1991 Acura Integra
  By Grace23 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  My Integra came to me last summer after being owned by my mother, then my grandfather, from the time it was six months old... We just cant seem to bear the idea of getting rid of this car, and for that, Im glad--I love it! Almost everything under the hoods been replaced within the last two years, so it should be good to go for a few more years. I spent a lot of time driving it on rural country roads this past summer, and it was a lot of fun to get it moving--it has some kick to it. Overall, Id recommend this brand to anyone interested in a reliable, fun car.

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  Gotta Love the GSR... - 1998 Acura Integra
  By Kinnlash - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Precise in so many ways, and that vtec 8100 redline make this one of the most fun cars I have driven. Four doors and dull green paint give this car the sleeper look. I defy anyone who likes to drive to take this up to the redline without grinning from ear to ear. Sure there are the old style muscle cars, but the pure joy of feeling the power come on between 5 and 8k rpm is something to behold, Especially with the roof open on a sunny day. Small size and loud exhaust whine when revving only add to the intensity of the experience.

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  Awesome GSR - 2000 Acura Integra
  By X-GSR - January 22 - 2:00 am

  By now I have moved on to an S2000. The Acura was everything I need it, didnt realize then but . . . This car was the ultimate driving machine. Never had a problem, gas mileage was great.

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  Poor Mans Sports Car - 1999 Acura Integra
  By 6000 - January 20 - 2:00 am

  Almost 4 years old, and not one fault from day go. Best car I have ever owned. It beats my previous car, Volvo, with the exception of interior room.

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  I Love this car! - 1994 Acura Integra
  By Sasha - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned! I bought it brand new and now have 190k miles on it and still runs like a charm. At 100k miles I replaced the radiator (it was leaking). So I replaced the timing belt & water pump at that time even though they werent broken. The clutch is still original! I have had no problems with this car. Everytime I get into it I still love it like the day I bought it. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Its a GS-R Man - 1992 Acura Integra
  By Kavan - January 17 - 2:00 am

  So far, Ive enjoyed driving and having my GS-R. Its got minor problems from the previous owner but Im working on getting it cleaned up and in perfect running order. I like the way the car feels when I down shift and the RPM jumps up to 5gs or 6gs. And I can feel the torque of the engine when its being pushed a bit. I pretty much use it like a daily drive but I take it to the track every so often to race. The handling could use a bit of improvement but Im working on doing that myself.

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  It just keeps going, and going....... - 1993 Acura Integra
  By bmarcolini - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 93 RS Coupe new in 1993 and still own it today. I have never had a major problem with this car. I drive it everyday to commute to work. At 197000 miles I had to finally replace the original clutch, and rear brakes. Only routine maint. over the years (oil change, tires, timing belt..etc) Great car, and very reliable.

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  Great Power and Style!! - 1996 Acura Integra
  By TurboGSRMark - January 13 - 2:00 am

  The GSR is a great bang for the buck! 1.8L and the hp Honda motors make! This motor is VERY reliable and come alive in the upper Rs. Pulls hard to 8k rpms. Great brakes, power, and style. Enjoy it all!

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  1992 Integra GS-R - 1992 Acura Integra
  By kompressedsilver - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Definitely one of the most fun cars to drive!!! Performance is fantastic due to the light weight and 8000 rpm redline! Reliability is fantastic. Ive brought in my 2000 Mercedes more often for warranty work than this car. I even try to use this car as much as possible for my daily driver - only if I could take clients out in it (non- existent back seat). Great car!