Introduction:
Acura Integra is a name that evokes nostalgia and admiration among car enthusiasts. It is a sports car that was produced by Acura, the luxury division of Honda, from 1986 to 2006. The Acura Integra was known for its sleek design, agile handling, powerful engine, and high-quality features. It was also one of the most popular and affordable cars in its class, making it a favourite among young drivers and racers.
But what makes the Acura Integra so special? How did it evolve over the years? And what are the best models and versions to look for? This article will answer these questions and more. We will explore the history, features, performance, and legacy of the Integra, a classic sports car with a modern twist.
The History of the Acura Integra
The Acura Integra was first introduced in 1986 as a two-door or four-door hatchback. It was based on the Honda Civic platform, but with a more powerful 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 113 horsepower. The Integra was also equipped with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear disc brakes, and a sunroof. The Integra was marketed as a premium compact car that offered both fun and practicality.
The Acura Integra underwent several changes and improvements over the years, spanning four generations and various models and trim levels. Some of the most notable ones are:
Second Generation
– The second generation (1990-1993), featured a more aerodynamic and sporty design, a new 1.8-litre engine that increased the horsepower to 130 or 140, depending on the model, and a new double wishbone suspension that improved the handling and stability.
Third Generation
– The third generation (1994-2001), which introduced the Acura Integra Type R, a high-performance version that had a 1.8-litre engine with 195 horsepower, a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, a stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and a rear spoiler. The Integra Type R earned widespread regard as one of the best front-wheel-drive cars ever made and achieved cult classic status among car enthusiasts.
Fourth Generation
– The fourth generation (2002-2006), which was renamed the Acura RSX in North America, and the Honda Integra in other markets. It had a more refined and elegant design, a new 2.0-liter engine that delivered 160 or 200 horsepower, depending on the model, and a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. It also had more advanced features, such as a navigation system, leather seats, and a Bose sound system.
The Features of the Acura Integra
The Acura Integra was not only a fast and fun car to drive, but also a comfortable and reliable one. It had many features that made it stand out from its competitors, such as:
Interior
– A spacious and ergonomic interior, with ample headroom, legroom, and cargo space. The Acura Integra also had a well-designed dashboard, with easy-to-read gauges and controls, and a tilt steering wheel. The seats were supportive and adjustable, and the rear seats could be folded down to create more room for luggage or equipment.
Exterior
– A stylish and durable exterior, with a distinctive and attractive look. The Acura had a smooth and sleek body, with a low and wide stance, a long hood, and a short rear. It also had a distinctive front grille, with the Acura logo and pop-up headlights. The Integra was available in various colors, such as red, black, white, silver, and blue, and had different options for wheels, tyres, and spoilers.
Security
– A safe and secure car, with many features that enhance the safety and security of the driver and passengers. The Acura Integra had a strong and rigid chassis, with crumple zones and side-impact beams, that absorbed the impact of collisions. It also had airbags, seat belts, and anti-lock brakes, that prevented injuries and accidents. The Acura Integra also had an alarm system, a keyless entry system, and an immobilizer, that deterred theft and vandalism.
The Performance of the Acura Integra
The Acura Integra was a car that delivered exceptional performance, both on the road and on the track. It had a powerful and responsive engine, a smooth and precise transmission, a nimble and stable suspension, and balanced and agile steering. It also had a great fuel economy, a low maintenance cost, and a long lifespan. Some of the performance statistics of the Integra are:
Speed
– The 0-60 mph time, which measured how fast the car could accelerate from a standstill to 60 miles per hour. The Integra had a 0-60 mph time of around 7 to 8 seconds, depending on the model and year. This was faster than many of its rivals, such as the Toyota Celica, the Nissan 240SX, and the Mazda MX-6.
Top Speed
– The top speed, which measured how fast the car could go at its maximum. The Acura Integra had a top speed of around 130 to 140 mph, depending on the model and year. This was comparable to many of its rivals, such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse, the Subaru Impreza, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Horsepower
– The horsepower, which measured how much power the engine could produce. The Acura had a horsepower of around 113 to 200, depending on the model and year. This was higher than many of its rivals, such as the Honda Prelude, the Hyundai Tiburon, and the Ford Probe.
The Legacy of the Acura Integra
The Integra was a car that left a lasting impression on the automotive industry and culture. It was a car that inspired and influenced many other cars, such as the Honda Civic Si, the Acura TSX, and the Acura ILX. It was also a car that was loved and admired by many people, such as drivers, racers, tuners, and collectors. Some of the reasons why the Acura Integra has such a legacy are:
Versatile and Adaptable
– The car was versatile and adaptable, suitable for various purposes and occasions like commuting, cruising, racing, and showing. It also allowed customization and modification due to its wide range of aftermarket parts and accessories. Including engines, transmissions, suspensions, brakes, exhausts, wheels, tires, body kits, and decals.
Innovative and Influential
– It was a car that was innovative and influential, as it introduced and popularized many features and trends. Such as the VTEC engine, the double wishbone suspension, the Type R badge, and the pop-up headlights. It was also a car that was featured and celebrated in many media and events, such as movies, TV shows, video games, magazines, and car shows.
Timeless and Iconic
– It was a car that was timeless and iconic, as it had a design and performance that transcended the ages and generations. It was also a car that had a value and appeal that increased over time, as it became more rare and desirable.
FAQs:
Q: When did Acura stop making the Integra?
A: Acura stopped making the Integra in 2006 when it was replaced by the RSX in North America, and the Honda Integra in other markets.
Q: What is the difference between the Acura Integra and the Honda Integra?
A: The Acura Integra and the Honda Integra are essentially the same car, but with different names and markets. The Acura Integra was sold in North America, while the Honda Integra was sold in Japan, Europe, Australia, and other regions.
Q: How much is an Acura Integra worth?
A: The value of an Acura Integra depends on many factors, such as the model, year, condition, mileage, and location. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price of a used Acura Integra ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, as of 2024.
Q: How reliable is an Acura Integra?
A: The Acura Integra is a very reliable car, as it is built with high-quality materials and engineering. It also has a low maintenance cost and a long lifespan, as it can last for over 200,000 miles with proper care and service.
Q: How fast is an Acura Integra?
A: The Acura Integra is a fast car, as it has a powerful and responsive engine, a smooth and precise transmission, a nimble and stable suspension, and balanced and agile steering. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 7 to 8 seconds, and reach a top speed of around 130 to 140 mph, depending on the model and year.
