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 541 through 550 of 602.00-
quality honda product - 1993 Acura Integra
By dearnold - May 26 - 2:00 amAs 1993 was the last year of this integras body style, I have always had a place in my heart for my RS model. 9 years removed, it continues to be a reliable, fun-to-drive, good looking machine. I often campare to much younger vehicles, that cost more, look worse and are far less reliable.
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Approaching perfection... - 1992 Acura Integra
By nurbles - May 25 - 2:00 amThe most solidly reliable car Ive ever owned, my GS-R has always made me happy. Even though Im 64" and my head tends to rub the roof, Ive not seen anything that makes me want to give her up! After ten years (mostly in Florida), the OEM speakers had rotted away, the power antenna died and the moonroof rattles a bit, but shes otherwise a perfect speciman. A new stereo (I wanted anyway), a wash and wax -- like new! The biggest drawback is that the large amount of glass makes the car a greehouse, that can mean temps in the 150F range at the end of the workday here (Ive measured). But the AC is powerful enough to cool it down quickly.
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This car is awesome! - 1995 Acura Integra
By StealthGSR - May 24 - 2:00 amI got my 1995 Integra GS-R used with 106K on it, I have now put over 11K miles on it and have not had a single problem. Its fast, handles like a go cart, and never breaks down. Gotta love the gas milage too!!! -Andrew
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Truly amazing quality - 1993 Acura Integra
By Kruzo - May 23 - 2:00 amCan not say enough about it. Bought new in 93, 182000 miles on it. No major breakdowns ever. Normal maintanance stuff -- brakes, muffler, etc. On my second battery, second clutch, ORIGINAL front brake rotors. Second (!) muffler (by Honda). If maintained properly (i.e. not by Midas), will live forever. Problems I did encounter in all 9 years are: AC (need repair at the moment), Oil pan gasket (hard to get to), a distributor cup at 50K miles. Other then that --- nada. Not bad for a HEAVILY used commuter car that does 80 miles a day.
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Awesome Value - 1997 Acura Integra
By Integra lover - May 22 - 2:00 amExtremely reliable for the money. I had it for 4 years already and all Ive had to do was change the tires. Easy to drive and fuel efficient. Excellent for new drivers!
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A Timeless Masterpiece - 2000 Acura Integra
By Bert Cullen - May 21 - 2:00 amThe Integra has been around for awhile, but there are some classics that cant be seriously improved upon without completely going back to the drawing board. That in itself is fraught with dangers and the 2000 Integra is a wonderful example of a well executed, well designed automotibile.
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the best ever - 1991 Acura Integra
By blue - May 20 - 2:00 ami love this car. i never want to get rid of it. i have a 2000 accord and i like driving the acura better...it is so much fun to drive and ive never had any problems with it. the only thing ive ever done ofr it is regular maintenance.
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Forelorne - 1997 Acura Integra
By forlorne - May 16 - 2:00 amMy 97 integra RS was in the prime of its life when I totalled it. Apparently I got accustomed to its smooth ride and quick handling but lacked the driver skills to hold her wide race like tires to the road. I am saddened to say that I said my farewells to my car last week...hopefully I can find a replacement but not optomistic at all...:o( All-in-all a terrific car with a lot of gusto for the price. Just a cool car all the way around.
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My best car purchase - 1997 Acura Integra
By foogazy - May 14 - 2:00 amThe Acura Integra is just a great small sports car. It has good pickup for a small engine and handles great. It is very comfortable and has a nice interior layout. I have driven this car from 0-53,000 miles without even blinking and I havent always been easy on it. I highly recommend this car to others.
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love it - 1995 Acura Integra
By archangel - May 13 - 2:00 amreceived the car after graduating from highschool and have been driving it for three years now. Have do a few modifications to the suspension and the engine which improved handeling and performance but still loved the car in its stock form.
