Acura Integra Generations – The Integra History & the 2023 Return
When it comes to automotive icons, one of the most popular and storied compact cars produced in the past half-century is the Acura Integra. Credited with helping to cement the Acura brand as a leader in the luxury performance segment, the Integra has earned a cult following across multiple generations. With the highly anticipated return of the Integra to the Acura lineup, our team at Motorcars Acura is excited to take you on a walk down memory lane as we revisit the rich history of this enthusiast-favorite. You’ll learn all about the storied history of the Integra and how it rose above the competition to become one of the most iconic Acura vehicles of all time. Let’s get started!
Acura Integra Generations
First Generation – 1986-1989
History was made on March 27, 1986 when the Acura brand made its global debut. Simultaneously, the first-generation Integra also burst onto the scene with two variants – a 3-door and 5-door hatchback. These Integra models were powered by a standard 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine (D16A1) and 5-speed manual transmission that instantly made them a hit with driving enthusiasts. Both consumers and industry critics began to recognize the Integra as one of the best front-wheel drive sport compacts available on the market. Its athletic styling cues highlighted by its signature pop-up headlight design helped the Acura Integra stand out from the competition. The Integra also earned podium finishes on the race track, including a 2nd consecutive IMSA International Sedan Manufacturers’ Championship and 2nd consecutive IMSA International Sedan Drivers’ Championship in 1988.
| Engine | Integra RS and LS 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 113 horsepower 99 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic |
| Engine | Integra RS and LS 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 118 horsepower 103 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic |
Second Generation – 1990-1993
The next chapter of the Acura Integra brought a number of key updates and improvements for its second generation. Notably, second-generation models were engineered with a fully-independent double wishbone suspension to bolster agility and refinement. Under the hood, a more powerful 1.8-liter engine (B18) producing 130 horsepower turned up the exhilaration for the Integra. In 1991, GS models were offered with premium features like a leather interior, power door locks, and a power moonroof. 1992 marked another milestone with the introduction of the Integra GS-R – a race-inspired high-performance variant that made it the second Acura model to feature VTEC (after the NSX).
| Engine | Integra LS and GS 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 130 horsepower 121 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic |
| Engine | Integra LS and GS 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 140 horsepower 126 lb-ft of torque Integra GS-R 1.7-liter DOHC VTEC® 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 160 horsepower 117 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (LS and GS) 5-speed manual (GS-R) |
Third Generation – 1994-2001
Reimagined from the ground up, the third generation Acura Integra ushered in an entirely new era of performance and style in 1994. For the very first time, the Integra GS-R with VTEC® was offered as a sedan along with an all-new chassis and interior. 1997 marked the debut of the cult-classic Integra Type R for the United States market. Each of these variants featured a hand-built 195-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC VTEC® engine (B18C), helical limited-slip differential, upgraded suspension and brakes, 93-pound weight reduction (-33 lbs compared to GS-R), and exclusive Championship White paint. The Type R went on to dominate the SCCA World Challenge Touring Car Championship, winning six consecutive championships from 1997 to 2002.
| Engine | Integra RS and LS 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 142 horsepower 127 lb-ft of torque Integra GS-R 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VTEC® inline 4-cylinder 170 horsepower 128 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (RS, LS) 5-speed manual GS-R |
| Engine | Integra LS and GS 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 140 horsepower 127 lb-ft of torque Integra GS-R 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VTEC® inline 4-cylinder 170 horsepower 128 lb-ft of torque Integra Type R 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VTEC® inline 4-cylinder 195 horsepower 130 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (LS and GS) 5-speed manual (GS-R, Type R) |
Fourth Generation – 2002-2006
For the fourth generation, the Integra nameplate was replaced by RSX for the United States market. Available exclusively as a 3-door hatchback, the RSX debuted with an all-new body, chassis, styling, and engine. Featuring enhanced performance, the RSX was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (K20) that features i-VTEC® with Variable Timing Control™ (VTC™) cam-phasing technology. RSX Type S variants were also launched in 2002 with a 200-horsepower engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The on-track success of this legendary model continued in 2006 with Acura taking home the Manufacturers’ Championship of the SCCA World Challenge Touring Car class.
| Engine | RSX 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder 160 horsepower 141 lb-ft RSX Type S 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder 200 horsepower 142 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (RSX) 6-speed manual (RSX Type S) |
| Engine | RSX 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder 160 horsepower 141 lb-ft of torque RSX Type S 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder 210 horsepower 143 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (RSX) 6-speed manual (RSX Type S) |
Fifth Generation – 2023-Present
After a 21-year hiatus, the legend has returned. Redesigned for the modern driving enthusiast, the fifth-generation Acura Integra is a technological showcase that combines the same passionate performance of its predecessors with seamless connectivity and dynamic styling. The latest Integra is powered by a standard VTEC®-enhanced DOHC 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (200 horsepower / 192 lb-ft of torque) and your choice of a CVT automatic transmission or available segment-exclusive 6-speed manual transmission. Other revolutionary features like its standard AcuraWatch™ suite of active safety and driver-assistive technologies designed to keep you one step ahead of danger. Ready to write your own chapter in the storied history of the Acura Integra? Our team at Motorcars Acura is standing by to help you choose the right Integra model from our extensive selection of new inventory. Stop by in person or contact us today!
