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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  Awesome city to hwy - 1998 Acura Integra
  By Tiana tt - November 18 - 11:35 am

  Freatest Gas Mileage Ever!!!!! A/C is not gas guzzler. Sunroof is perfect on road trips or fresh air and stargazing $20 tank is full! 25city 33hwy Steering and handling very nice and easy Sm size gives agility to freeways and traffic merging, u turns, parking lots and parallel parking. Safe and sturdy in storms and rain. Maintenance and parts easy to order on line at most part stores and Honda compatible . Light v tech engine does not bog down and smooth shifting . Power and torque is solid , more so than 6cl sedans or manual 5 sod. Easier acceleration shifts and on grades, able to pass up American muscle cars and sports cars as trans shift smooth and solid in 3 and 4th gear without losing power on grades, traffic, lanes changes and stop n go traffic. Always a compliment at gas stations or out in public and at mechanic shops and offer ups from all . Very well maintained and experts have same diagnoses, drive train and engine good for at least to 350,000 miles. Plastic and rubber parts did not like desert arid and harsh sun along w extreme element changes . Most newly replaced in last 30,000miles/ 2 yrs 200,900 mile complete overhaul and tune up . Smooth quiet engine and tire noise. The year 1998 is Aluminum V tech w Norwegian and Japanese top technology and ingenuity !!!! Automatic w manual technology and power is a collector s classic treasure as in 1998 most cars were 2DSD or 4 DSD and basic R series . GSR manual and LS automatic hatchback coupes are the unique rounded and light body styles that outlast outwit outplay all the best and easily show up top in race! My favorite commute game to work? Live GTA 5 . When that bumped up V8 revs and downshifts to show off and yet as the easy shifts w Acura 1998 LS 3dr automatic there is no downshift as you cruise into acceleration while that V8 you quietly pass and gain in 3rd to 4th to 5th and best of all , you have a full tank of gas not lost to down and upshifting and car weight of large fuel tank and large trunk to length or square angled shape or heavy ride interior heavy engine . Interior fans and A/C keep aluminum v tech engine cool as that is key to this car. Heat on interior fans does overwork engine coolant system . This car is perfect for modern seasonal weather that is above freezing temps and below triple digit heat summer heat waves. to hold acceleration in hwy traffic, lane changes, curves, and hills or grades . This car is my friend and family member. Letting go of Esmerelda is difficult to make a better choice for a expert that has skills and talents and able to troubleshoot and think out of the box and gets the Japanese and Norwegian blend and transition from trusted Honda innovation to all Acura innovation. The best of all Acura years and series and models !!!!!! If you have the passion for a lifetime of a great car and ability and knowledge and mechanical skills to restore and reinvent a perfect combo of daily commute, weekend road trips, and Friday and Saturday nights at track winning the prize money that Acura would pay for itself and bring profit and noteriaty and put underground import racing above American fuel guzzling show offs in their place and maybe start a wave of new Norwegian and Japanese ingenuity to save gas oil pollution without having to power w emectruty as well ( electricity more use and demand is not saving the global warming or the economic drain to society from private owned profit monopolies electric co. INTEGRITY is the best key word of Acura LS 1998 3dr automatic ! No tricks, no gimmicks , no strings No fossil footprint left behind No ego European Anerixan Asian crossover of the best of the best and the best 1998 Classic edition of R series hatchback coupe rounded body style 2 dr and auto has ability to match GSR and step up with the winners club!

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  Like me, this little car does not show its age - 1997 Acura Integra
  By Cathy H - October 31 - 11:12 am

  I am the second owner of my 1997 Acura Integra LS. People are shocked to learn it is nearly 20 years old. The mileage is creeping up there (just like me)and I have kept up with all the regular maintenance like timing belt and exhaust replacements when needed just like I would check and maintain my own health issues as I get older and I am in pretty good shape for my age. So is my Integra. I have had noooooooo major problems and none that you wouldnt expect from an older car. Another amazing phenomenon is that it has been just the last year it has just started to rust a little around the wheel wells but I live in the northeast and I expected a whole lot more than what it is. Kind of like my wrinkles. It rides and travels beautifully and the gas mileage on this little girl is unbelievable!! I get about 36 or 37 MPG on the highway. The other thing I like about the Integra is that there are very few blind spots around the car, unlike a lot of newer model cars. The Integra handles really well on snowy roads but not so good on ice (what vehicle does?) It sits low to the ground so if there is a major snowfall you have to tuck yourself in after the first few inches are on the roads until the road crews get out to plow. That hasnt been an inconvenience for me at all. The one "negative" I would have to include is the headlights. High beam on this car is less quality than low beam on most newer cars and the radius of the lighting area is not the best. If you are travelling in an area where there is a risk of large animals wandering onto the road, this could be a concern because you cant see them along side the road very well. This is such an awesome car I would recommend it to anyone who wants a classy vehicle that is economical and lasts a long time, just like some of us classy older models from the 60s. : )

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  title - 2012 Acura Integra
  By bob - April 13 - 12:22 pm

  review

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  1999 Acura Integra GS Hatch Manual - 1999 Acura Integra
  By thekenneth - August 15 - 1:07 pm

  This is an outstanding used car. I bought it at 154,000 in 2014 and am so impressed with the solid transmission and engine. Cosmetically it is quite weathered. Clearcoat peel. This one had some water infiltration into the hatch thru the tail light gaskets but this was easily fixed. Very low seat for this old guy to climb in and out of but decent front leg room for tall people. Dont expect to transport full-sized people in the back seats! Super solid used car. Zippy and nimble. Fun to drive. I recommend it.

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  More classic than Gone With The Wind - 2000 Acura Integra
  By sammacktruck - January 21 - 11:25 am

  Some people say the looks are dated. It was way ahead of its time, and even in 2014 still is. Nothing compares to the styling. The best design of the 90s, which is the best decade for exterior design of all time. I have the auto GS. Its rated as 27 highway MPG. I have gotten 39 w/o modifcations. Thats right. 39. No joke. Better than most of even the best mileage kings today. And my car has 180K on it. I have fit 3 fullsize mtn bikes in this hatchback. The Euros wish they can make something like this. Overall the GTI aint got nothing on the Integra. Keep dreaming, VW.

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  Excellent car! Excellent deal! Best $1000 I ever spent! - 1991 Acura Integra
  By domcuch94 - November 24 - 3:25 pm

  Bought this car for $1000 off of a girl who lived down the road from me. Had 126K when I bought it, has 145K now and has been ultra reliable! Outside of normal maintenance like brakes, rotors, calipers, tires, exhaust, hatch supports, and oil changes. This thing has been fantastic! Only let me down once when the alternator went and I was stuck on the side of the highway. I had to get that replaced. But since then, has not left me stranded and it takes me everywhere so thats why I gave it a 5 for reliability. Very awesome car. Doesnt burn any oil, runs great, and hardly any rust on it! Will drive this car until the doors fall off!!

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  1994 tegg rs sedan - 1994 Acura Integra
  By calum - August 11 - 10:38 pm

  This is the first car Ive owned had it for just about a year brought it for 2800$ from original owner with 200000 km on the clock. Ive not a single problem with it, all parts are cheep and easy to find, if you want to do engine work Honda B series are incredibly easy to upgrade. Got enough power to push you back in your seat and still I get over 30 mpgs on low grade fuel. Paint matching is a little hard to do when rust comes in on the wheel wells all tegs have a metallic paint. Ive got just over 270k on it now so easy and comfy to drive. Ill drive it till I have enough money to buy another.

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  unbeatable - 2001 Acura Integra
  By cglaw - August 3 - 4:02 am

  I have over 214,000 on my gsr and it still manages to just keep on going! I drive it hard and I admit it takes a few years to get used to having to push it to the limit, (at least for me, Im 42 years old) but the car never fails to drive hard and be as reliable as heck! Small things are starting to go on some of the switches, everything works, but I have put some miles on it and it always starts in the morning and keeps on going. GREAT car for your teen to start driving on. I only wish the had made them longer.

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  1997 Integra GSR - 1997 Acura Integra
  By gsr_pilot - July 19 - 4:05 pm

  There are not many cars built even today that can match the driving fun / parts available for upgrade / utility / reliability that the GSR hatchback offers. Add good fuel economy even by 2013 standards for a sports car category. For 16 years its been a serious winner & I can see why thieves are the biggest detriment to owning one ! Shifter / clutch are light feeling even when traffic gets heavy this car does not let you feel like its a liability. The best places are roads with numerous curves to exploit the " handling on rails " feeling ! My tachometer redlines at 8000 rpm so I get the feeling of F1 performance from a car costing $20K when it was new. Basic interior.

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  Greatest car i ever owned. - 1998 Acura Integra
  By jwoods4290 - May 6 - 2:06 pm

  Ive owned about 5 cars now, and this car is beyond amazement. i bought my integra with 128K miles on it, and i drive it 150 miles a day (not by choice) and it holds firm and nothing ever wrong with it. simple oil changes and maintenance and she will last you. Also, car is cheap to hook up and do things with so thats a +. but at the end of the day, this is the greatest car i ever owned and i refuse to leave acura just due to this integra. If you want stylish yet reliability AND GAS mileage, this is for you. Would recommend to everyone.