This front-wheel-drive Japanese car carries upon its shoulders the weight of its significant reputation and legacy. Despite its simple design and humble engine size, it combines just the right amount of ingredients to create a legendary car, especially the range-topping Type-R.

The 3rd-generation Acura Integra is based on the Honda Integra, but for the American domestic market, it carries on a line of compact FWD cars which culminates the most refined and iconic version of the Integra up to this point.

In 1994, the 3rd-gen Acura Integra brought a new design, and although the old engine returned, there were improvements made. Of course, the Type R and the most powerful iteration of the VTEC engine made its debut, too. The third-generation car ran from 1994-2001 and was available as the desirable coupe or the 4-door sedan.

We take a brief look at the specifics of this much-loved Japanese model once more and go over the reasons for its legacy as well as its value today.

1994-2001 Acura Integra

9.00 / 10
Key Features
  • High-revving 1.8-liter VTEC engine
  • Lightweight body, clean design
Specifications
  • Model: Integra
  • Engine/Motor: 1.8-liter I4, naturally-aspirated
  • Horsepower: 140-195 hp
  • Torque: 124-131 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: Front-engine, FWD
  • Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic
Pros
  • Slick gear change
  • Well-sorted chassis and rewarding drive
  • Potent for a non-turbo, front-wheel-drive car
Cons
  • Simple and uninspiring cabin
  • Can be expensive to find used now
  • Target for thieves

The Acura Integra’s Engine Is Small Yet Adequate

Honda Integra, white, front profile view
Via: Honda

In the beginning, the second generation's 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder ‘B18’ engine gets carried over for some models making around 142 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque for the lower trims, but there was also a more focused and sportier GS-R model that made 170 hp with the aid of Honda’s VTEC system.

Essentially, this VTEC version of the B18 engine) which also has dual overhead camshafts) gains a special type of variable valve timing that also dynamically alters the camshaft profile for a greater difference in high-RPM power and low-RPM fuel consumption.

The Type-R which came in 1997 also utilized the VTEC B18 engine, but output rose to 195 hp, through the modification and replacement of various parts of the powertrain, albeit with no turbocharger.

This meant the engine made higher power with a circa-8,500 RPM limit, but torque stayed low at around 131 lb-ft; the engine in the Integra Type-R is about speed made through revving the engine rather than the low-down torque typical in today’s turbocharged hot hatches and sports cars.

RELATED: Why You Should Get Your Hands On An Integra Type R

The Acura Integra’s Natural Habitat: A Favorite Twisty Road

The lesser-powered Acura Integras would be available with a 5-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission, but the Integra is at its peak in the manual flagship form of the GS-R and Type-R models.

Acura’s Integra Type-R is widely accepted as having an excellent gearbox that’s pleasing and quick. Standard-trim versions of the Integra sedan are agile, but the GS-R model is where the coupe starts to shine – independent suspension, disc brakes and a near-2,400-lb weight makes that the pick on the twisty stuff.

Acura’s Type-R version brings things up another notch yet again, with a stiffer chassis thanks to extra welding, the more powerful, modified 190 hp engine and of course the suspension changes and lighter weight.

This makes the Type-R famously good to drive and with a higher redline and its lighter mass it will be rewarding to drive on any road you care to mention, that is apart from the highway where the sound from the road will intrude into the cabin even more.

RELATED: 5 Reasons Why The Acura Integra Type R Is Worth Every Penny (5 Reasons Why It's Overpriced)

An Iconic Design For The JDM Classic That Is The Integra

Honda Integra, white, front quarter view
Via: Honda

The peculiar fish eyes, spider eyes or blob eyes as they are sometimes called; the quad headlamps up front are unmistakable and perhaps one of the highlights of the design.

They weren’t like this in all markets, however, and some made do with traditional one-piece headlamp designs – Honda’s Integra may well be more attractive to some with its standard-looking face thanks to long oblong lamp units.

While the Integra looks compact, elegant, and simple - similar in size to a Mitsubishi FTO – it is devoid of any drama apart from the Type-R which with its rear wing, white wheels and optional white paint looks very good indeed and seems to age well.

Inside, the short-throw aluminum-ended gear lever, leather wheel and sports seats will impress in today’s overloaded, super plush cars but the interior plastics and abundance of black is far from luxurious.

With a lack of many comfort features that are present in today’s most basic cars, the Integra Type-R makes most sense as a car that gets driven to enjoy the experience.

RELATED: The 1994 Acura Integra GS-R Is Not A Glorified Economy Car

Hurry - The Price For Owning A Legend Is Going Up

Honda Integra, white, side profile view
Via: Honda

Heading over to the helpful sales history aggregator Classic.com, we can see that currently the average auction sale for the 1994-2001 third-generation Integra is around $25,000, which includes all trims from the basic LS to the Type-R flagship.

$5,800 was the sale price for a 2001 Acura Integra GS with 100,000 miles, and there are relatively-few examples of any Integras for sale, although there are cars on most classifieds websites, most with high mileages, however.

For the sought-after Type-R, Classic. com’s sales history suggests an average value of around $35,000, with a low 73 examples listed as getting sold over the last 5 years.

The lowest sales figure was around $9,000 – the highest an incredible $112,000 for a yellow example in January 2022 with just 7,000 miles on its clock.

Either way, the cost is rising consistently for the keys to an Integra – and high mileages mean that some will need maintenance like cam belt changes if not done already, the passage of time and previously-lower prices mean that some will have gotten modified and/or damaged.