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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  TYPE R Rules Ok - 1998 Acura Integra
  By sothira - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned mine for about 3 year and have kept it stock w/ the exception of a Mugen steering wheel for better feel. .Its funny how it brings on anxiety and maybe even envy from all the musclehead cars owner whenever I go for a spin,giggle. Of course,In the world of high performance you have to respect the big boys /big$$(PORSCHE911.M3,VIPER ect.)Im not stupid. However,they know or have heard of the Type R. theyre not stupid either,laugh. I had no mechanical problems 52K to date(except w/ the dealership=scumbag)Finally, how awesome this car is just look to the Speedvision Touring car series..If this car had a bike for an equal it would be the 250 NSR.Enjoy.

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  My Rs - 1991 Acura Integra
  By Stubbs - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is great, Ive had very little problems with this car, most due to neglect(navy pilot owned it before and left it out on deployment) and age. Only minor issues, replaced the engine mounts 100,000(more a personal preference than a real issue), need to replace the clutch(starting to slip, but could last for quite a while longer. But after 11 years it still pulls strong, nice for a charge up the on-ramp

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  Car Gone to Junk - 1991 Acura Integra
  By Mrs.Baltimore - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in the summer August as soon as the winter rolled around the car was junk. It took so much to get the car to start and I had to replace so many parts after a while I had to junk it. I wish I could get the dealership on the lemon law.

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  1999 GS-R Coupe - 1999 Acura Integra
  By doc - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Wow, what a car. I took the gs-r out on a 3 hour road trip the other day and it was like riding in a hungry jungle cat. The integra seemed to devour the road and the cars in front of me. Mine is pretty much stock, and its a blast to drive. I cant wait to add a few "goodies" to it.

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  1999 GS-R Coupe - 1999 Acura Integra
  By Doc - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Wow, what a car. I took the gs-r out on a 3 hour road trip the other day and it was like riding in a hungry jungle cat. The integra seemed to devour the road and the cars in front of me. Mine is pretty much stock, and its a blast to drive. I cant wait to add a few "goodies" to it.

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  97 GS replaces 90 LS - 1997 Acura Integra
  By PWsFinest - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I used to drive a 1990 Integra LS. I replaced it with this 97 GS after 212,000 miles on my 90. The 90 still had the original clutch and ran great. The 97 is not too much different. Same 4 cyl engine... could use a little more power, but not bad overall. It looks a little faster than it really is. If you really want the power, there are several aftermarket parts to add. Mine is stock however.

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  awsome car - 1995 Acura Integra
  By bigpoppa - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most funnest car to drive. It has great speed and performance. The design is wonderfull. this car is really the best sports car in the market. It has great pick up say ure racing someone on the highway and u drop it down a gear you are gone u can tell that sucker bye bye. again this car is the best.

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  My second car - 1990 Acura Integra
  By GreenMan - May 2 - 2:00 am

  A 1977 ford maverick with a 302 (my first car) is a hard car to follow, but the integra somehow did it (hehe). this is car thatll hit 200k easy with proper maitenence. MAKE SURE YOU CHECK AND REPLACE TIMING BELT! if it breaks on you yer SOL. CV joints and exhaust should also be checked regularly

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  ACURA INTEGRA LS COUPE - 1997 Acura Integra
  By Fid - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall, its a fantastic and beautiful car. It performs well. Acceleration is great. It does make you a little hungry for the Integra GS-R model. It gets great gas mileage. Its very high- quality and reliable. It handles very well on windy roads.

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  Good Car - 1998 Acura Integra
  By AcuraDriver - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I like the GS Integra, but if I had another choice, I would probably choose a better performance car. 140HP is fine for driving, but going fast (eg. racing), its not what you should be looking for. Look at the 320HP Ford Mustang or the 325HP Chevrolet Camaro. Acura is a good car company and they make great cars, but GS is not fast enough for me personally.