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 501 through 510 of 602.00-
Pretty good car - 1999 Acura Integra
By riverrun - August 3 - 2:00 amI bought this used with 18,500 miles. It is a very reliable car - so reliable it is the third one that have I pur- chased. It is very small for carrying passengers, but with the convenience of its hatchback,it is great for hauling things around. The drivers seat could be more comfortable with more padding. Interior is not as plush as earlier models. Lots of road noise.
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Parts are expensive! - 1995 Acura Integra
By Jordon - August 2 - 2:00 amim in love with my car... it has over 110k on it though. The stock clutch lasted 110k though thats pretty impressive. THough a clutch is gonna be over 900 bucks to install and everything. Parts are expensive car is aweseom!
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High-reving fun - 1996 Acura Integra
By colinb001 - August 1 - 2:00 amA blast to drive. The overall reliability is good, but some things seem like they are about to go bad. The interior is quite noisy. The headlights from the japanese integras should have been used on the american integras, instead of the controversial 4-eyed front end. All in all, it is very fun to drive. Once VTEC engages, you forget about the cars downfalls.
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my first car - 1991 Acura Integra
By integra owner - July 30 - 2:00 amive been driving this car for about two months now and i must say that i love this car. although the hp reads 130 it actually feels around 180. the acceleration of this car is simply superb and makes the integra one really fun car to drive. two months have gone by and i havent had any problems or shortfalls, although it is a bit early to say.
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The best Acura ever made! - 1992 Acura Integra
By 92 integra - July 25 - 2:00 amI have had this car for 10 yrs and I am very satisfied with it. This car has been very reliable and I have not had any problems with it, only minor maintenance. I highly recommend this car to all.
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awesome - 1996 Acura Integra
By tROY - July 22 - 2:00 amthis car is awesome! and pretty quick too.
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Love My Acura - 1991 Acura Integra
By al dente - July 20 - 2:00 amI have had very little trouble with this car. Beside brakes, mufflers, a timing belt and tires, I have spent money on only axle replacement (under $300) and a used part for the steering mechanism ($70). The car handles very well. All cars should be made as well.
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Old Acura - 1990 Acura Integra
By bitemebut - July 20 - 2:00 amyou need to fill it up with oil & water a lot because it leaks, needs power steering fluid, horn doesent work.
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butt kickin - 1997 Acura Integra
By stpjabroni - July 18 - 2:00 amThis car is soo fun to drive and race. For a car that has only 140 horsies its fast. Even at speeds up to 110 the car doesnt shake at all. I have fun whipping other high hp cars. Ive smoke a Civic Si, the mustang gt, eclipse gst, and ive had many victims of greater hp and the handling is also wonderful everything bout this car is great.
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badgsr - 2000 Acura Integra
By badgsr - July 13 - 2:00 ami have a 2000 integra gs-r and it kicks ass!
