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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  Ya Gotta Love It! - 2000 Acura Integra
  By TypistTilly - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Nice comfortable car for anyone, with or without family. Steering is excellent and visibility is really good.Gets you on the highway really great and drives well in traffic due to its great manuveribility.

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  Integra GS-R - 1995 Acura Integra
  By Ratman - June 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. Its 1.8L DOHC V-Tec engine is a powerhouse in a small package. When you punch the gas this little car gets up and goes!!! Its sound when you hit 4600rmp (v-tec) is just a teaser for things to come. You hit 6000rpm and its absolute furry under the hood! Its shifting response is unbeatable. 80mph, dump it in 3rd gear and mash the gas. You will be hooked! Oh yeah, the gas mileage is awesome. Its a beautiful car with great lines and sporty style. I cant wait until I can afford the RSX type S. This car turned me into an Acura fan overnight. I was a VW man for 12 years!!!

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  1998 Acura-4 years later - 1998 Acura Integra
  By professor jim - June 13 - 2:00 am

  The car is extremely reliable. The only downside is the comfort of the passenger seat it needs the lumbar support of the driver seat. Youll want to get out and stretch every hour or so on a long ride, particularly if youre 40+

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  teg lives up to name - 1991 Acura Integra
  By stupid mistake - June 12 - 2:00 am

  ive had this car for 8 years, cant say that ive had any major problems...all my friends that have driven it say it feels like youre going faster than you really are, thats a fun quality to have

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  A Jewel of a car - 1991 Acura Integra
  By IntegraLover - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the only car I have ever owned and will be for some time yet. 200k miles and still running as good as the day I bought it (NEVER garaged). The main lesson learned is that if you do buy a Honda/Acura, if you do the regular maintenance (i.e. oil changes every 3-5k, timing belts, etc.) these cars will run trouble free and last a very very long time. Not to mention the style, while not flashy, is rather conservative, and 11 years old it still looks good! Seen how ugly the 91 Celicas or Eclipse look in this day and age?

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  2 Dr GS-R Hatchback - 1999 Acura Integra
  By Jeff in TX - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car overall. Still could use a little more horsepower. Pretty fast (0-60 in about 7.2 sec, top speed over 120 mph), but not overwhelmingly so. Only fifty to seventy horsepower more would put it in the upper class of sports cars. VTEC engine lacks a bit in low-end torque, but does very well at higher rpm (over 3500). Redlines at 8000 and peaks in HP around 7200 - 7500 rpm. The engine is very happy pushed hard between 4000 and 7000 rpm. Overall the Integra GS-R is a solid, well built, and fun to drive car. The car has been very reliable. Only repair in over 65,000 miles is a power antenna that gave out. Pretty much bulletproof.

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  Fun, Practical Car - 1992 Acura Integra
  By Nitsud - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1992 LS about two months ago and absolutely love it. It needs new brakes, the exhaust rattles at idle speeds, and only one speaker works, but it is fun to drive and it is practical. Despite being the smaller of two motors offered, it has great acceleration, great passing power, and great power for mountain passes. I can easily cruise at 100-115 on the interstate and hold 90 on the mountain passes. I love it!

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  1 fast 4 - 1994 Acura Integra
  By kidM0UA - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with 70K miles on it and Ive put 15K on it since. I drag race my car all the time and its still holding up to all my abuse. I love it when I take out those V6 and a few v8s. I love the look on those drivers face when I tell them its only a 4cyl car. I love taken it past 6K rpm.

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  Cheaply priced, not made - 2000 Acura Integra
  By Sights - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive. If you love to drive, then this is one to consider. Whether iss racing down a street, or going for a nice enjoyable ride it delivers!

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  Sweet - 2000 Acura Integra
  By BrianB from CT - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Great Car. Gotta have the 5speed. Unbelievable handling. Wouldnt know its only a 1.8L 170hp engine. Gas milage is great.