The , marketed in North America as the Acura Integra, is an automobile produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, reaching a product ...
from 1985 until 2006, and then since 2021. It succeeded the
Quint as a more luxurious and sport-oriented derivative of the
Civic
Civic is something related to a city or municipality. It also can refer to multiple other things:
General
*Civics, the science of comparative government
*Civic engagement, the connection one feels with their larger community
*Civic center, a comm ...
. The Integra was one of the launch models for
Acura
Acura is the luxury vehicle, luxury and performance division of Japanese automaker Honda, based primarily in North America. The brand was launched in the United States and Canada on March 27, 1986, marketing luxury and performance automobiles. It ...
in the US in 1986 alongside
Acura Legend. Throughout its production run, the Integra was highly regarded for its handling and performance. The 1995–2001 Integra Type R is widely regarded as one of the best front-wheel-drive cars of all time.
''
Car and Driver
''Car and Driver'' (''CD'' or ''C/D'') is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. In 2006 its total circulation was 1.23 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011. It was fou ...
'' magazine named the Integra to its annual
Ten Best list six times: in 1987, 1988, and 1994 through 1997. The GS-R model was called out specifically in 1994 and 1995. It made a return on the Ten Best list as the
Acura RSX RSX may refer to:
Computing
*RSX, a RISC CPU from Encore Computer
*RSX-11, an operating system family developed by Digital Equipment Corporation
* RSX 'Reality Synthesizer', a graphics chip for the PS3
* Resident System Extension, part of the CP/M ...
, in 2002 and 2003.
The Integra nameplate was revived in 2021 after a 16-year hiatus. The Honda Integra nameplate is used for a restyled Honda Civic sedan for the Chinese market, while the Acura Integra nameplate is used for a Civic-based liftback for North America, replacing the
Acura ILX
The Acura ILX is a subcompact executive car manufactured and marketed by Honda under the Acura brand, based on the ninth-generation Civic sedan. The ILX replaced the Canadian market exclusive Acura CSX. The ILX was Acura's first gasoline-electri ...
.
First generation (1985)
This vehicle debuted in Japan in February 1985 as the
Honda Quint
The Honda Quint is a subcompact car manufactured by Honda in Japan from 1980 until 1985. It was introduced in February 1980 in Japan as a five-door liftback version of the Honda Civic, being more upscale than the Civic, and was sold at the ''H ...
Integra, available only at Honda's Japanese dealership sales channel ''
Honda Verno
is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, reaching a product ...
'' before going on sale a year later in North America as part of the then-new luxury
Acura
Acura is the luxury vehicle, luxury and performance division of Japanese automaker Honda, based primarily in North America. The brand was launched in the United States and Canada on March 27, 1986, marketing luxury and performance automobiles. It ...
lineup. The three-door liftback was the only model available originally, with a five-door arriving in October 1985. The four-door saloon bodystyle became available in Japan in the autumn of 1986.
Only the liftback versions were sold in the U.S. A 1.6 L
DOHC
An overhead camshaft (OHC) engine is a piston engine where the camshaft is located in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber. This contrasts with earlier overhead valve engines (OHV), where the camshaft is located below the combustion c ...
16-valve
four-cylinder engine
An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert one or more forms of energy into mechanical energy.
Available energy sources include potential energy (e.g. energy of the Earth's gravitational field as exploited in hydroelectric power gen ...
powered most versions. The engine was the vehicle's most publicized feature, as DOHC, multi-valve engines were not commonplace in entry-level models at the time. In most European countries, only the five-door liftback was offered, as a replacement for the
Honda Quint
The Honda Quint is a subcompact car manufactured by Honda in Japan from 1980 until 1985. It was introduced in February 1980 in Japan as a five-door liftback version of the Honda Civic, being more upscale than the Civic, and was sold at the ''H ...
. Typically for European Integras, only the 1.5-liter 4 Weber carburetors engine was available. The five-door liftback model was also sold in Australia rebadged as the Rover 416i. Except for in Britain, Honda did not offer the more powerful 1.6 DOHC fuel injection engine (in the UK known as the Integra EX16) in Europe. The ZC engine was also shared with the
Honda Concerto
The Honda Concerto is a mid-sized luxury sedan produced from 1988 to 1994. The Concerto was designed for European tastes and jointly developed by Honda and the Austin Rover Group and was introduced in Japan on 15 June 1988, and in European marke ...
, which was sold at newly established Japanese dealership sales channel called ''Honda Clio'', which sold luxury oriented products like the
Honda Legend
:''Sections of this article are translated from Japanese Wikipedia''.
The Honda Legend is a series of V6-engined executive cars/mid-size luxury sedans produced by Honda since 1985 which currently serves as its flagship vehicle. It is larger tha ...
.
In Japan, while the VX- and RX-trimmed four-door (DA2) used the 1.5 L
EW5 engine, all other model and trim combinations offered only the DOHC
ZC engine, with a carburetor on GS, ZS, and LS trim packages, and
PGM-FI
Programmed Fuel Injection, or PGMFI/PGM-FI, is the name given by Honda to a proprietary digital electronic fuel injection system for internal combustion engines with port injection. It is available since the early 1980s. This system has been impl ...
on the top level GSi three- and five-door, and the RSi three-door trim package. Vehicles installed with a carburetor earned in Japanese Government emissions tests and , and at consistent speeds above . Vehicles with PGM-FI earned in Japanese Government emissions tests with , and above . In Japan, the Integra took the entry level marketing position at ''Honda Verno'', below the sporty Prelude and larger, luxury focused Vigor.
Compared to the US, the European Integra was aimed downmarket and generally lacked equipment, with neither trim level (LX or EX) offering painted bumpers, central locking, power windows, nor air conditioning, even though a small number of fully equipped, left-hand drive fuel-injected Integras were sold in the Netherlands. The Integra EX16 did offer a sunroof, painted bumpers, a rear spoiler and Hi-Fi stereo equipment, but neither electric windows, central locking nor air conditioning were available. This was considered as a drawback to its European competitors such as the Peugeot 309 1.6 injection and the Renault 11 Turbo, that all could be equipped with comprehensive, albeit expensive, equipment. The first Integra never became as popular in Europe as it did in the US, but was praised by most motor magazines for its styling and overall road performance. The styling reflected the popularity of Honda's performance coupe, the ''Honda Verno'' sports coupe companion
Honda Prelude
The Honda Prelude is a car produced by Japanese car manufacturer Honda from 1978 until 2001. The two-door coupe was loosely derived from the Honda Accord, and spanned five generations. The Prelude was used by Honda to introduce the Japanese Honda r ...
, with the Integra offering a coupe for added cargo accommodation, and a slightly smaller appearance to the larger
Honda Vigor
The is a premium sedan that was derived from the Honda Accord. It was sold in Japan through the '' Honda Verno'' dealer network from 1981 until 1995, and sold in North America from June 1991 (model year 1992) until 1994 as the Acura Vigor. Early ...
. Largely unencumbered by emissions regulations, British market cars produce in the 1.5 and in the 1.6-liter EX16.
Being designed as the successor of the Honda Quint, the Integra is closely related to the
Civic
Civic is something related to a city or municipality. It also can refer to multiple other things:
General
*Civics, the science of comparative government
*Civic engagement, the connection one feels with their larger community
*Civic center, a comm ...
, although it featured a small list of key upgrades over its smaller stablemate to help merit a price increase over the
CRX Si, which was otherwise the sportiest
subcompact
Subcompact car is a North American classification for cars smaller than a compact car. It is broadly equivalent to the B-segment (Europe), supermini (Great Britain) or A0-class (China) classifications.
According to the U.S. Environmental Prot ...
vehicle being offered by ''Honda Verno''; enlarged 4-wheel disc brakes replaced the small front-disc/rear-drum setup used by the Civic and CRX, suspension calibration was re-worked, better tires were used and a 113-
hp DOHC
fuel-injected
Fuel injection is the introduction of fuel in an internal combustion engine, most commonly automotive engines, by the means of an injector. This article focuses on fuel injection in reciprocating piston and Wankel rotary engines.
All com ...
16-valve engine was used in place of the SOHC unit from the CRX Si. Just like the Prelude and the Vigor of that period, the Integra featured sleek, sporty pop-up headlights, like its Japanese dealership ''
Honda Verno
is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, reaching a product ...
'' stablemates, with the CRX adopting semi-concealed doors over the headlights. Nearly 228,000 units were sold during the four-year run of the first-generation model, most of them in the United States.
The first-generation Acura Integra came with 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder (
D16A1) engine which received an update mid-cycle. The 86–87 engine is commonly called the "Browntop" while the 88–89 engines are referred to as the "Blacktop" due to the color of their valve covers. The improvements in the "blacktop" engine included lighter rods, domed pistons for slightly higher compression, and an
electric advance distributor (the "browntop" came with a
vacuum advance distributor). The overall gain in performance was about for .
The Integra received a minor facelift for the 1988 model year which featured slightly reshaped indicator lights, an improved climate control system and an update of the instrument clocks. In Europe, the Integra five-door Liftback was discontinued in October 1989 following the launch of the Rover-based
Honda Concerto
The Honda Concerto is a mid-sized luxury sedan produced from 1988 to 1994. The Concerto was designed for European tastes and jointly developed by Honda and the Austin Rover Group and was introduced in Japan on 15 June 1988, and in European marke ...
.
This was the only generation to offer 3-, 4-, and 5-door models. Production of the 5-door liftback ceased in 1988.
Second generation (1989)
The second generation Integra was introduced in April 1989, featuring the first
VTEC
VTEC (Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control) is a system developed by Honda to improve the volumetric efficiency of a four-stroke internal combustion engine, resulting in higher performance at high RPM, and lower fuel consumption at low ...
engine ever manufactured by Honda (the B16A). For North America's GS-R only, the B17A1 engine is a 1.7-liter DOHC VTEC naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with a specific power output of . VTEC engagement is at 5,500 rpm on the B16A engine, redline for the XSi is 8,200 rpm. All Japanese models remained exclusive to Honda Japanese dealership network called ''
Honda Verno
is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, reaching a product ...
''.
There were two variants of the top DOHC VTEC model, the RSi, and the XSi. The RSi was the base model with a lighter weight thanks to wind-up windows, no rear spoiler and few options. Early RSi models also featured the S1 gearbox with slightly closer gear ratios than the Y1 fitted to the XSi. The XSi was the fully optioned variant with climate control and optional sunroof and
anti-lock brakes
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a automobile safety, safety anti-Skid (automobile), skid Brake, braking system used on aircraft and on land motor vehicle, vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing t ...
. The XSi had a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of 7.2 seconds and can complete a standing quarter mile in 15.1 seconds. This top spec DOHC VTEC model was complemented by more docile models that used dual-carburetor or PGM-Fi versions of the versatile ZC engine but in the more compact SOHC configuration. Similarly there were base and full options variants of these SOHC engine Integras coded RX/RXi and ZX/ZXi respectively. All vehicles sold in Japan had their width dimensions slightly reduced so as to be in compliance with Japanese
government regulations concerning exterior dimensions so that the car would be officially recognized as a "compact" and not incur yearly taxes for being wider. In October 1991, the range received a mild facelift. At the same time, a 1.8-liter version of the 4-door hardtop was made available in Japan. Called the ESi, it offered at 6,300 rpm and was only available in conjunction with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
At the same time, the VTEC was upgraded and now had .
This generation saw the discontinuation of the 5-door liftback, and the first availability of a 4-door sedan outside Japan. The new hardtop bodystyle reflected a popular trend in Japan of offering an entry level sedan, such as the Civic-based platform the Integra used, in a reduced height 4-door hardtop. The Integra sedan saw competition from the similarly sized
Toyota Corolla Ceres
The Toyota Sprinter Marino is a four-door hardtop version of the Toyota Sprinter sedan produced between 1992 and 1998 (series E100 Corolla) for sale in Japan. The Toyota Corolla Ceres ( ja, トヨタ・カローラセレス) is a slightly restyled ...
, the
Toyota Sprinter Marino
The Toyota Sprinter Marino is a four-door hardtop version of the Toyota Sprinter sedan produced between 1992 and 1998 (series E100 Corolla) for sale in Japan. The Toyota Corolla Ceres ( ja, トヨタ・カローラセレス) is a slightly restyled ...
, the
Nissan Presea
The is a compact car, produced for the Asian market from 1990 to 2000. It competed with the entry level luxury 4-door hardtop sedans that were popular in Japan during the 1990s, notably the Toyota Corolla Ceres, the Toyota Sprinter Marino, the ...
, and the
Mazda Lantis
The Mazda Lantis is a series of two cars sold in Japan from 1993 to 1998. In the rest of the world it was also known as 323F, Astina, Allegro Hatchback or Artis Hatchback.
The Mazda Lantis used Mazda's CB platform, which means close relations t ...
. The sedan was only ''styled'' to look like a
hardtop
A hardtop is a rigid form of automobile roof, which for modern cars is typically constructed from metal. A hardtop roof can be either fixed (i.e. not removable), Convertible#Detachable hardtop, detachable for separate storing or retractable ha ...
. The vehicle retained the B-pillar, while the doors were constructed without window frames. This styling carried over to the third generation sedan, and shared visual similarities to the ''Honda Verno'' larger companion, the
Honda Vigor
The is a premium sedan that was derived from the Honda Accord. It was sold in Japan through the '' Honda Verno'' dealer network from 1981 until 1995, and sold in North America from June 1991 (model year 1992) until 1994 as the Acura Vigor. Early ...
.
The then-
Emperor
An emperor (from la, imperator, via fro, empereor) is a monarch, and usually the sovereignty, sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. Empress, the female equivalent, may indicate an emperor's wife (empress consort), ...
of Japan,
Akihito
is a member of the Imperial House of Japan who reigned as the 125th emperor of Japan from 7 January 1989 until his abdication on 30 April 2019. He presided over the Heisei era, ''Heisei'' being an expression of achieving peace worldwide.
Bo ...
, until he discontinued driving shortly after his 85th birthday, maintained a gray 1991 Integra sedan with the 1.6 L engine, and regularly drove within the boundaries of the
Imperial Palace.
North American market
![Acura Integra LS DA5-DA9 rear](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Acura_Integra_LS_DA5-DA9_rear.jpg)
In North America, the Integra was sold under the Acura nameplate. Acura offered three trim levels (RS, LS and GS) for 1990 and 1991 model years and added a fourth trim level (GS-R) beginning in May 1992. Model choices consisted of a 3-door liftback and a new 4-door sedan. All trim levels were available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission except for the GS-R which was only offered in a 5-speed manual with shorter gearing than other trim levels.
The second generation Integra coupe is longer overall and wider than the previous generation. A new 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 130 HP was standard. ABS was standard on the GS model and
motorized front shoulder belts were standard on all US-market models, while the Canadian market models had the manual front shoulder belts.
GS-R
For the 1992 and 1993 model years, Acura offered a GS-R model. The GS-R liftback came only with a 5-speed manual transmission and 1.7-liter
B17A1 DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine with . The GS-R model came with a rear spoiler and 195/60/VR14 tires and alloy wheels.
The GS-R model is rare with less than 5,000 of the 1992–1993 model years Acura Integra GS-R were produced for North America, this is confirmed by the
vehicle identification number
A vehicle identification number (VIN) (also called a chassis number or frame number) is a unique code, including a serial number, used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles, towed vehicles, motorcycles, scooters ...
sequence of these cars. Using this information, the production numbers of the GS-R via vehicle history reports are determined.
The North American production breakdown was reported as follows:
[
]
Third generation (1993)
Honda debuted the third generation model in 1993 in Japan at ''Honda Verno
is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, reaching a product ...
'' locations. It had a new four headlight front end design which was dubbed "spider eyes" by some enthusiasts. Standard horsepower (in Japan) from the B18B engine increased to . In the U.S., the B18B1 produced slightly higher power due to higher compression pistons being used. The top model was known in Japan as "Si", and it was powered by a B18C engine with a power of VTEC. The four headlight front end design, or "spider eye" headlights, proved controversial in Japan, so all JDM Integras were given a minor facelift in 1995 with more conventional elongated flat headlights and a revised front bumper. The top model was rebadged as the Integra SiR.
This generation Integra was generally not available in Europe, although some markets such as Greece did receive this model. Those cars were fitted with a version of the 1590 cc ''ZC'' engine. From 1998 onward, non-JDM Integras (including Type R models) received a facelift to the front bumper which moved the embossed "INTEGRA" label to below the left headlights, eliminated the horizontal strut across the radiator grille and reshaped the headlight housing, turn signal housing and lower bumper.
Dealer-installed options for the third generation Integra included: security system, 15-inch alloy wheels, trunk mat, splash guards, fog lights, rear-wing spoiler, moonroof (liftback only), CD changer, leather seats, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel.
USDM trim levels were as follows:
RS: Rally Sport was available in both liftback and sedan. There was no sedan available in 1998. Model dropped in 1999. In 1994, equipped with the 1.8-liter DOHC ( B18B1) 4-cylinder engine producing and of torque. RS models were the predecessor to the Type R model that was released in 1997. In 1995, power ratings dropped to and of torque due to U.S. emissions regulations. Standard features were a cassette player, rear-window defroster, and tilt steering wheel. The cassette player was replaced with a CD player in 1997. The RS models as well as Type Rs did not come with moonroofs as an option, while the LS, SE, GS, and GS-R sub-models did.
LS: Luxury Sport, was available in both liftback and sedan a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
SE: Special Edition, was available in both liftback and sedan starting from 1995. This trim package was only available in 1995 and 1996 model years until they were changed to be named the GS in 1997. From the LS, it added leather seats, alloy wheels on all years, and a rear-wing spoiler (optional).
GS: Grand Sport, was available in both liftback and sedan starting from 1997. Same standard features as the SE. Including a rear spoiler.
GS-R: Grand Sport Racing, was available in both liftback and sedan. Equipped with the 1.8-liter DOHC VTEC ( B18C1) 4-cylinder engine producing and of torque. It came equipped with a rear spoiler, 6-speaker stereo, power moonroof, 195/55/VR15 tires and alloy wheels. An automatic transmission is an option in certain markets for this model.
Integra Type R
In 1995, Honda introduced the Integra Type R to the Japanese domestic market. The Type R came standard with a (figure may vary in different countries, USDM, UKDM) factory-tuned variant of the B18C engine. Equipped with a close ratio 5-speed manual transmission and a helical-type limited-slip differential, the Integra Type R had significantly improved performance and handling relative to the GS-R/Si/SiR-G Integra.
These were the result of extensive changes, including a strengthened chassis with extra spot welds and thicker metal around the rear shock towers and lower subframe, weight reduction (reduced sound insulation, 10% thinner windscreen, lighter wheels), more power, rev limiter set at 8,600 rpm JDM (8,500 rpm USDM, 8,700 rpm UKDM), hand built engine featuring hand-polished and ported intake ports, high compression pistons, undercut valves and revised intake and exhaust systems, and suspension upgrades. The result was a capable sports liftback which was acclaimed by motoring journalists worldwide. The JDM version was significantly lighter than the SiR Integra (The 96–97 spec model could delete the air bags, A/C, rear wiper, radio, center console, clock, P/S and ABS), However, there is only a 33 lb (15 kg) net weight difference between the USDM Integra Type R and the Integra GS-R because the extra metal and cross bracing in the Type R negate much of the 98 lb of weight reductions. The Type R was the only Type R ever sold in North America with the Acura badge. For the European, Australian and New Zealand market the Integra was sold as a Honda with the four headlight front end design.
The JDM Type R received significant upgrades in 1998 and is known as the '98 Spec R. Some of the main changes were a redesigned rear bumper, 16-inch wheel with 215/45R16 tires, 5-lug nut wheel hubs and bigger brakes. Gear ratios for the final drive were higher, making 1st to 3rd gears closer, while 4th and 5th were longer to maintain the '96 Spec cruising comfort. The engine power remained the same, but use of a new 4–1 long tube header brought torque lower down to 6,200 rpm.
A final revision of the JDM Type R known as the '00 Spec R included a revised intake camshaft, and more finely balanced drive shafts. A final trim version offered in mid-2000 onwards for the JDM market (known as the "Type Rx") came factory fitted with motorized folding mirrors, dashboard clock, blue-hue carbon trim interiors, and an audio system as part of the standard package. it also included a hash pocket in the center console.
* Edmund's Insideline tested a 12-year-old stock Type R: 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.8 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.9 seconds @ 95.2 mph.
*''Motor Trend
''MotorTrend'' is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, and designated the first Car of the Year, also in 1949.
Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles published ''MotorTrend'' until 19 ...
'' clocked the Type R at: 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.2 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.8 @ 96.3 mph.
*''Sport Compact Car'' clocked the Type R at: 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.1 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.5 @ 96 mph.
In Japan, the Integra is revered as one of the best sports cars of the '90s. On Japanese car review show “Best Motoring” the Integra Type R punched well above its weight competing with fastest 4WD Turbo cars of the time, the Nissan Skyline GTR and the Subaru WRX STI.
It has been acclaimed by motoring journalists worldwide, including Evo magazine
''Evo'' is a British automobile magazine dedicated to performance cars, from hot hatches to supercars.
History
In 1995, then Harpenden-based farmer and property developer Harry Metcalfe had become involved in car tests for magazine publisher ...
, which named the Type R 'the greatest front-wheel-drive performance car ever', and TheAutoChannel.com, which similarly called it 'the best handling front-wheel drive car ever'.
Four-wheel Drive Integra (DB9)
The third generation also saw the production of a four-wheel drive option. Available only in the four-door sedan, the ZXi4WD (93–95) and Xi4WD (95-00) had 1.6L SOHC ZC engines coupled to a version of Honda's Real Time 4WD.
Integra SJ (EK3)
The ''Integra SJ'' (standing for " Sedan Joyful") was a rebadged Civic Ferio, (a ''Honda Primo'' product) with modified headlamps and grille similar to the Orthia's and slightly larger rear lights that were also utilized on the Japanese market Civic LEV sedan. The Integra SJ was sold in Japan at ''Honda Verno
is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, reaching a product ...
'' dealerships. It originated from the Honda Domani
The () is a car made by Honda and marketed in east Asia, including Japan. The car was mutually developed during Rover's collaboration with Honda. It was introduced in November 1992, replacing the Concerto in Honda's lineup, although that mod ...
, another derivative of this vehicle sold at ''Honda Clio'' locations. It was made from 1996 to 2001, and used the 1493 cc D15B engine. Honda's press material of the time indicated that the SJ was intended to provide a "formal sedan" for the Integra range; another reason may have been to sell Ferios using a more sporting model name at ''Honda Verno'' dealerships in Japan, as was the case with the Nissan Laurel Spirit.
In Thailand, the Integra SJ was sold as the Isuzu Vertex
The , marketed in North America as the Acura Integra, is an automobile produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda from 1985 until 2006, and then since 2021. It succeeded the Quint as a more luxurious and sport-oriented derivative o ...
, the last Isuzu passenger car ever for that market. It followed Isuzu's practice of selling Honda models as Isuzus which started with the Gemini
Gemini may refer to:
Space
* Gemini (constellation), one of the constellations of the zodiac
** Gemini in Chinese astronomy
* Project Gemini, the second U.S. crewed spaceflight program
* Gemini Observatory, consisting of telescopes in the Northern ...
; with Honda also selling Isuzu's sport utility vehicles in Japan and North America (some as Acuras in the latter market), and pickup trucks in Thailand.
Theft in the United States
In 2004, CCC Information Services named the 1999 Integra as the most stolen car in the United States, with the 1998 model year of the car listed as the third-most stolen model for that year. In 2014, LoJack
LoJack is a stolen vehicle recovery and IoT connected car system that utilizes GPS and cellular technology to locate users' vehicles, view trip history, see battery levels, track speeding, and maintain vehicle health via a native app. Prior to se ...
named the Integra as the sixth most stolen car among vehicles equipped with their car tracking service.
Fourth generation (2001)
The fourth-generation Integra was introduced in Japan on April 13, 2001 and produced from July 2001 until August 2006. For North America (United States and Canada), it was introduced as the Acura RSX RSX may refer to:
Computing
*RSX, a RISC CPU from Encore Computer
*RSX-11, an operating system family developed by Digital Equipment Corporation
* RSX 'Reality Synthesizer', a graphics chip for the PS3
* Resident System Extension, part of the CP/M ...
in accordance with Acura's new alphabetical naming scheme. It also had an entirely new engine, the K-series. The Integra came in two models in the United States, the RSX and the RSX Type-S boasting the K20A2 engine from 2002 to 2004, while the 2005 and 2006 RSX-S came with a K20Z1. The RSX was sold as a Honda Integra in Japan and Australia, markets where Acura
Acura is the luxury vehicle, luxury and performance division of Japanese automaker Honda, based primarily in North America. The brand was launched in the United States and Canada on March 27, 1986, marketing luxury and performance automobiles. It ...
did not exist.
In March 2006, Honda announced that the Integra would be discontinued in June after its final 300 cars were sold, due to the shrinkage of the coupe market. The reaction of the consumers towards the discontinuation, however, forced Honda to extend production until July 2006 and produce 150 more Integras. The Acura RSX was discontinued as well, as the RSX did not fit within the confines of Acura's re-structured market strategy. This left the Acura TSX
The Acura TSX is a compact executive car manufactured by Honda and sold through its Acura division from 2003 to 2014. The TSX spanned two generations, both derived from the corresponding Japanese/European versions of the Honda Accord, which we ...
as Acura's entry-level vehicle. Also, the introduction of the similarly powerful and less expensive 2006 model-year Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic Si is a sport compact trim of Honda's Civic. The Si (Sport Injected) trim was introduced for the third generation of Honda Civics in both Japan and North America. In Canada and elsewhere, the trim became known as the SiR for the s ...
was there to fill in the gap left by the RSX.
The Type R (Japanese market only) came standard with a K20A 2.0 L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine. The "i" in i-VTEC stands for intelligent VTEC, which employs VTC (Variable Timing Control) to advance or retard the intake cam timing within a 50 degree range. The Integra Type R came equipped with Recaro
Recaro Holding, as the parent company of the Recaro Group, owns the Recaro brand and the independently operating companies Recaro Aircraft Seating (aircraft seats) based in Schwäbisch Hall and Recaro eGaming (gaming seats) based in Stuttgart, Germ ...
seats, four-piston Brembo
Brembo S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. Its head office is in Curno, Bergamo, Italy.
History
Brembo was established in Paladina, Italy on January 11, 1961 ...
front brakes, a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, variable back-pressure exhaust system, and a stiffer suspension.
Fifth generation (2022)
China
The China-exclusive fifth-generation sedan () was introduced in September 2021 as the twin model of the eleventh-generation Civic sedan, produced by Guangqi Honda
Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., also called GAC-Honda, is a Chinese automobile manufacturing joint venture company based in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.
Co-owned by Honda and GAC Group (''Guangqi''), Guangqi Honda operates two plants that, ...
. Changes compared to the Civic include a redesigned front and rear fascia.
North America
The was reintroduced in North America on June 2, 2022 for the 2023 model year as a 5-door liftback that replaced the ILX
The Acura ILX is a Luxury vehicle#Premium compact, subcompact executive car manufactured and marketed by Honda under the Acura brand, based on the Honda Civic (ninth generation), ninth-generation Civic sedan. The ILX replaced the Canadian market e ...
sedan. It is also built on the same platform as the eleventh-generation Civic. The standard powertrain is a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine from the Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic Si is a sport compact trim of Honda's Civic. The Si (Sport Injected) trim was introduced for the third generation of Honda Civics in both Japan and North America. In Canada and elsewhere, the trim became known as the SiR for the s ...
producing and of torque mated to a standard CVT, or an available 6-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential
A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a type of differential that allows its two output shafts to rotate at different speeds but limits the maximum difference between the two shafts. Limited-slip differentials are often known by the generic tr ...
. Unlike the previous Japanese built models, it is produced in the United States at the Marysville Auto Plant
Honda Marysville Auto Plant (MAP) is a Honda manufacturing facility located approximately six miles northwest of Marysville, Ohio, and 42 miles northwest of Columbus, Ohio, near the intersection of US 33 and State Route 739. It is one of the m ...
in Marysville, Ohio
Marysville is a city in and the county seat of Union County, Ohio, United States, approximately 27 miles (44 km) northwest of Columbus. The population was 22,094 at the 2010 census, a 38.59% increase from 2000.
Marysville's longtime slog ...
instead.
On March 10, 2022, Acura unveiled the production version of the 2023 Integra. The design of the production Integra is nearly identical to the pre-production version, however, the yellow exterior color and exterior decals shown on the pre-production model would not be available on the production model. The interior of the production Integra shares several parts from the eleventh-generation Civic.
The Integra is available in three trim levels: an unnamed base model, the mid-level A-Spec, and the top-tier A-Spec Technology Package. While all models offer a CVT, only the A-Spec Technology Package model offers a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential.
Pre-orders for the 2023 Integra opened on March 10, 2022, with the first 500 pre-orders also receiving a complimentary exclusive NFT
A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unique digital identifier that cannot be copied, substituted, or subdivided, that is recorded in a blockchain, and that is used to certify authenticity and ownership. The ownership of an NFT is recorded in the ...
of the vehicle.
Type S
On December 5th, 2022, Acura revealed new photos of an Integra Type S prototype being tested at Honda's research and development located in Tochigi, Japan. It will share internal key components with the FL5 Civic Type R, including the 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The engine will produce over 300 horsepower
Horsepower (hp) is a unit of measurement of power, or the rate at which work is done, usually in reference to the output of engines or motors. There are many different standards and types of horsepower. Two common definitions used today are the ...
and the drivetrain will remain front-wheel drive only, the same as the FL5 Honda Civic Type R.
2023 Acura Integra, rear 7.1.22.jpg, Rear view
Marketing
The Integra appeared in the ''Chiaki's Journey'' series of Acura Type-S commercials.
Motorsport
The Integra and RSX have been popular in automobile racing.
In 1987 and 1988, the Integra won two consecutive IMSA
The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) is a North American sports car racing sanctioning body based in Daytona Beach, Florida under the jurisdiction of the ACCUS arm of the FIA. It was started by John Bishop, a former executive direc ...
International Sedan series manufacturers' championships, while Parker Johnstone
Parker Johnstone III (born March 27, 1961) is a former race car driver and motorsports announcer from Redmond, Oregon. An accomplished musician, he was the principal trumpet of the International Youth Orchestra, touring Europe, playing with Herb ...
won drivers' championship in the same years driving the Integra.
In 1992, the Integra was used in Formula One
Formula One (also known as Formula 1 or F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The World Drivers' Championship, ...
as a safety car at the Canadian Grand Prix
The Canadian Grand Prix (french: Grand Prix du Canada) is an annual motor racing event held since 1961. It has been part of the Formula One World Championship since 1967. It was first staged at Mosport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, as a sports ...
.
Realtime Racing
RealTime Racing is an American professional motorsports team founded in 1987 by Peter Cunningham and headquartered in Saukville, just north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On gravel roads, frozen lakes, permanent road courses, or temporary street circu ...
used the Integra Type R and later the RSX Type S to compete in the SCCA World Challenge
The GT World Challenge America is a North American auto racing series launched in 1990 by the Sports Car Club of America. It has been managed by the Stephane Ratel Organisation since 2018, and has been sanctioned by the United States Auto Club ...
Touring Car class, winning six consecutive titles from 1997
File:1997 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: The movie set of ''Titanic'', the highest-grossing movie in history at the time; ''Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'', is published; Comet Hale-Bopp passes by Earth and becomes one of t ...
to 2002
File:2002 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: The 2002 Winter Olympics are held in Salt Lake City; Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and her daughter Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon die; East Timor gains East Timor independence, indepe ...
. The BTC-T version of the Integra was very successful in the British Touring Car Championship
The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship is a touring car racing series held each year in the United Kingdom, currently organised and administered by TOCA
TOCA, formally trading as BARC (TOCA) Ltd, is an organiser of motorsport events in ...
, winning 27 races and becoming the champion in 2005
File:2005 Events Collage V2.png, From top left, clockwise: Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf of Mexico; the Funeral of Pope John Paul II is held in Vatican City; "Me at the zoo", the first video ever to be uploaded to YouTube; Eris was discovered in ...
and 2006
File:2006 Events Collage V1.png, From top left, clockwise: The 2006 Winter Olympics open in Turin; Twitter is founded and launched by Jack Dorsey; The Nintendo Wii is released; Montenegro 2006 Montenegrin independence referendum, votes to declare ...
, despite being only entered by privateer teams. The Integra also won the Asian Touring Car Series
The Asian Touring Car Series (ATCS) is a touring car racing series that takes place each year across several Asian nations. It includes events at circuits in Malaysia, China and Indonesia. It ran as the Asian Touring Car Championship (ATCC) betwee ...
in 2003, 2004, 2009 and 2010.
Sales
See also
*BTC-T Honda Integra Type R
In 2005, Team Dynamics took advantage of a loophole in the British Touring Car Championship regulations that allowed cars to enter, whether they were on sale in the United Kingdom or not. They converted a pair of Honda Integra Japanese imports int ...
References
External links
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{{Authority control
Integra
Cars introduced in 1985
1990s cars
2000s cars
2020s cars
Compact cars
Sedans
Hatchbacks
Coupés
Front-wheel-drive sports cars
Sport compact cars
Vehicles with CVT transmission
Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States