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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  Gsr Integra - 1996 Acura Integra
  By Tim_N - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car. I love that its 4 door. Pretty fast for a car that you can get 35 mpg. A great alternative to getting a civic or accord at the same price. Unless you can afford a bmw 7 series or something similiar this is a great car.

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  Road Goddess - 1997 Acura Integra
  By Monicita - July 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is just unbelievable. Their are no words. I love driving it. The best is when you race one going over 90 and beating that sorry civic on the side. I recommend this car to everyone. I wish I could spend more time driving my car, but I want to keep the miles down.

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  Mechanically - perfect - 1996 Acura Integra
  By Dick Burton - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Mechanically, my Acura Integra is perfect. It runs great. The A/C is still cold 6 years later.. Everything still works well.. Reliability is unsurpassed.. The paint leaves a bit to be desired. Its not peeling, but its a little rough in places. (Starting to show its age.) Plastic parts are flexing with age and sometimes rattle. The hatchback: I wasnt sure about it when I bought it, but its turned into a Godsend.. It allows me to take bulky items I wouldnt be able to transport otherwise.. The wheelbase is a little too short and the ride is a little jittery, but otherwise a great car.

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  Great Cars! - 1993 Acura Integra
  By driveguy - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I still have my 93 LS special with 155,000 miles. My wife had my original 1990 LS and put on 200,000 miles and it was still going strong. My 93 doesnt seem as sturdy and quiet. Had an igniter go out on me which made everything go dead while I was driving. The heater core leak radiator fluid all over the floor mats and was pretty expensive to replace. spent more money fixing than the 1990 LS. It also squeaks whenever I go over any dips or bumps and my mechanic has not been able to eliminate it after several attempts. Despite the problems, it still drives pretty nice and looks good too..

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  Great Little Car - 1994 Acura Integra
  By tiger1966 - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this from a friend - the second owner of the car. He replaced the timing belt and has had no other repairs with it. It has over 93,000 miles and is running great. Even the A/C works great. Even though I owned the care for a short time, I did some reviews and found the Acura Integra a really reliable car. So far I have found this to be true.

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  Overview by Gus - 1990 Acura Integra
  By Kezia - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 1990 Integra GS Coupe with 95,000 miles on it nine months ago.I have now put 10,000 miles on it. Only trouble Ive noticed is that I had the brake rotors turned about 1500 miles after purchase and the brakes are shuddering bad again. Other than that the car has been terrific. I have many fine features, all of which are working fine. I love the way the car rides, handles and accelerates with the 5 speed. Its a smooth and efficient vehicle. I average 32 mpg. running around. I endores it.

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  Phatty Car - 1991 Acura Integra
  By Slik - July 5 - 2:00 am

  ok first car ive ever had, got it when i got my liscense, was really hard on it, redlined it every chance i got, and have had no problems. its a fun car to drive and is really reliable.

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  Classic car of the future - 2001 Acura Integra
  By turtle - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Increadible feel. Although it can be used as a daily driver, the car responds well to weekend auto-cross and track events. For those intrested in a car that is responsive, fun and easy to drive, and wont kill your pocketbook, this is the car for you! The car is in limited production as well, making it a true classic car for the future!

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  Acura Integra 4dr LS - 1997 Acura Integra
  By TrishasToy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I actually went from a Ford Probe GT (i know, gag) to this beautiful Acura Integra LS 4dr. So far I have fallen in love with it. The look is sleek, sporty yet sophisticated. I needed something with a little more dependability, and wanted to look good driving it! Its pretty quick for its 4 cyl engine, my probe had a turbo charged engine and this VTEC engine in my Acura offers right about the same, or more "get up and go" All in all Im truely satisfied with my purchase and hope to get a few good years in with my new toy =)

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  Nice Whip - 1999 Acura Integra
  By simpleman - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a 99, and I have been impressed with its handling, from suspension to transmission. Michelin tires do definitely leave something to be desired. Car drives like new and looks great.