Yahoo Autos Acura Integra is reborn, so here's a look at its past
The Acura Integra is officially making its return in 2022. No joke! We’re stoked, too. It’s a return to the nameplate for Acura — we haven’t seen it grace any cars in the U.S. since 2001. Although the Acura RSX (that was sold here) built 2002-2006 was named the Integra everywhere else but America.
Now that we know “Integra” is coming back after 20 years off, though, it’s time to take a stroll through Acura Integra history. That history begins with the launch of Acura as a brand, because the Integra was one of the first two models that Acura came to America with — the Legend was the other.
1986-1989 — First generation
The first Integra didn’t see a long model run, as it lasted for just four model years. It was too early to incorporate Honda’s soon-to-come VTEC engine technology, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t come packed with awesome features and tech.
Acura actually offered two hatchback options — a three-door and a five-door — and a traditional four-door sedan. The only engine option was a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a DOHC design that revved out to an impressive 7,000 rpm. It made 113 horsepower and just 99 pound-feet of torque for the first two model years, but a mid-cycle refresh saw output increase to 118 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque for the 1988-89 model years. Both a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic were available. It was a sportier car than the Civic at the time, and since Acura is the luxury arm of Honda, it featured a slightly nicer interior.
It’s a rare sight to see first-generation Integras on the roads these days, as rust and time have slowly removed them from America’s highways. No matter, as this Integra kickstarted the sporting and fun-to-drive spirit that would be found in those to come. It was a lightweight, high-revving compact car that helped Acura get off the ground.
1990-1993 — Second Generation
Just like the first generation, the second-gen Integra saw just four model years of production. Acura dropped the five-door hatchback offering, instead opting to limit the car to a three-door hatchback and four-door sedan. The styling saw some fairly big changes, as the pop-up headlights were dropped, and the hatchback looked more like a two-door coupe in its silhouette.
Performance got a big boost, as Acura upgraded to a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that made 130 horsepower and 121 pound-feet of torque. Just like the first-generation Integra, this one received a refresh (for 1992) that saw power increase to 140 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. And once again, that power was sent through either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto. Handling and braking saw improvements over the first-gen, too, as Acura fitted 1990-1993 Integras with a fully-independent double wishbone suspension for all four corners. Plus, GS models could be optioned with anti-lock brakes.
The really important news for this generation of Integra was the introduction of the GS-R trim in 1992. It was the first Integra to feature Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology that was used in many Hondas and Acuras after it. This Integra GS-R used a 1.7-liter four-cylinder that produced an exciting 160 horsepower and 117 pound-feet of torque. It revved to 8,000 rpm and made all of that power up toward the top of the rev range. This GS-R is the rarest one out there, as it was only made for two years.
