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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  1998 GS-R - 1998 Acura Integra
  By GSR man - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car since new. It is fun to drive. Not real fast, but quick. Peppy engine that puts a smile on my face everytime the tach soars above 5,500 rpms. The steering is razor sharp. Considered buying RSX type S, but after driving that car was so glad that I own a GS-R instead. Love the everyday driveability of this car. Great gas mileage and did I mention fun to drive! Great commuter car that is also good in snow. 58K miles and not a single complaint. New tires at 40K were the only money spent on this car other than oil changes, filters, and wiper blades.

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  affordably_asskicker - 2000 Acura Integra
  By niterider - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Amazingly dependent car. Like the vroom and the pickup compared to its comprable brothers on the street. Very stylish and impressive looks.

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  My LS is the best!!! - 2000 Acura Integra
  By Angel_baby2003 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have always loved Integras so when I found the one I have with the great price tag it had and its original warrenty I was thrilled. Drives like a dream, slides around corners with no prob and keeps right up with the new eclipses!! Trust me I know!!

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  Bulletproof - 1999 Acura Integra
  By archslater - November 25 - 2:00 am

  After 45,000 joyful miles, im happy to report that I havent had a single problem with this car, not one, and I drive the car in a spirited manor. These cars are bulletproof. What makes it even greater is that I leased it, and agreed on an end of lease purchase option in the initial contract. The lease is up soon, and the true market value of the car is $4000 over the agreed purchase price... VERY LITTLE DEPRICIATION!!!

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  Still crazy after all these years - 1994 Acura Integra
  By OneHappyGSROwner - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 94 4-door GSR in 96 after extensive research. I figured it would be reliable and looked pretty good. What a surprise! Even after 6 years and 60K miles, I cannot believe what a wonderful experience I have driving this car. Its quicker than you can imagine, and corners like a dream. I have had no major repairs, and look forward to driving it for a long time. Whee!

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  Good Car - 1990 Acura Integra
  By Mary Watson - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I liked it a lot and enjoy driving it all the time.

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  Highly Recommended - 1997 Acura Integra
  By Persson, Roy - November 16 - 2:00 am

  The car combines luxury, reliability, efficiency, sensibility, and cost managment into a car built for just about anyone. Young people will enjoy all the cool toys and performance mods. Older people can appreciate the car for its mechanical prowess. I have owned this used car for over 1 year... I have replaced.... NOTHING!... No lie.

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  U Gotta Problem?...Nope!!! - 2000 Acura Integra
  By mr27122 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Reliable, fun, and relaxed. Its a great car and my fondness for it has only increased as ive reacked up mileage on the odometer.

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  The Best Car for cheep - 1996 Acura Integra
  By Garet - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Integra GS-R and I love it. It is one of the best cars for a good price. It is so easy to fix-up for cheep.

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  Great if you want a racer - 2000 Acura Integra
  By Marine1983 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought the GS-R new trading in a 9 year old 3 series BMW. The GS-R has not held up as well as the BMW and does not handle/drive as well as a 9 year old BMW. Dont get me wrong, this is a great car if you want a Civic on steriods with leather. It is noisy at highway speed, uncomfortable on long trips, but a blast around town on short trips.