Over the years, Acura has become one of the best automakers for the ultimate combination of performance, design, and approachable luxury. The company made its debut under the Honda brand in 1985 with the Legend. However, the car debuted in North America and other parts of the world soon after as a top-of-the-line performance ride under the Acura nameplate.
People loved the company’s first car. However, the Integra came to the market not long after that and truly stole the show. The car has had a long and storied time on the market, and it's often called one of Acura’s best cars, but that’s subjective. The Acura Integra, which falls under the Honda nameplate in many parts of the world, is a compact car that packs a real punch and that has been featured in various forms of media, with the “The Fast and the Furious” film franchise being one of the most prominent examples.
The Integra returned to the auto market in 2021 after a 16-year absence. Many fans of the ride thought they’d seen its final days, and some modern gear heads may not even know why this car is so celebrated and deserved to exist in the 2020s. Beyond that, some question why the company discontinued the car in the first place.
Brief History Of The Acura Integra
The Acura Integra debuted in the late 1980s and has since become a JDM legend, much like the Acura NSX and the Toyota Supra. As a compact coupe, it was known for its small but accommodating size as well as its reasonably diverse offerings of engines. Of course, due to its association with Honda, the iconic VTEC was often used and truly made these cars stand out from the rest of their class. Like most of the company’s cars, the Integra was well received throughout its time on the market, but every long-running ride has its standouts.
For the Acura Integra, most agree that the best model is the 1997 Type R. Most people believe this model was so unique because it represented Acura’s shift from a focus on luxury to pure sport. This car lacked many features most customers expected, but it was a beast on the roads. According to Honda News, the car sports a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams. The horsepower on this car is a max of 195, which was 25 more than the previous model Integra. Of course, this car features the aforementioned Honda Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control(VTEC) system. The power is delivered to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. It also has limited slip differential.
It should be noted that the Acura Integra Type R lasted until 2001.
Why Was The Integra Temporary Discontinued?
Acura discontinued the Integra in 2001. The main reason wasn't the car itself but rather the car market. At the time, the Coupe market was shrinking, and the automaker saw fit to give one of its most prized rides the AX, rather than allow it to be deemed a flop due to possible low sales. This cancelation shows that Acura and Honda cared about the legacy of the Integra.
Although it happened earlier, this is the exact reason for the end of the Buick Riviera. The automaker replaced the Integra with the RSX, which is also a coupe. Still, the company seemed to need something new for its lineup without having too many coupes. However, many people disliked the RSX, which Acura discontinued only a few years later.
The Integra Makes Its Grand Return
After years of both speculation and hope that the world would one day get a new Integra, Acura announced the new generation of the iconic coupe in 2021. There were many hopes as to what the car would be, but now there is a great deal of factual information regarding the 2023 Acura Integra. We know that the vehicle comes standard with a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbocharged engine and a horsepower of 200. Not only that, but it does have a manual transmission option, unlike many modern cars.
The Acura Integra has always been a solid car. Not only is it known for its performance and overall style, but it’s a car that people simply love to drive. As a brand, Acura has found ways to remain relevant and not fall into the shadow of Honda, and the decision to bring back the Integra after all these years is proof of both the vehicle’s celebrated legacy and perhaps one of the reasons the company ended it in 2001. The hiatus from production gave the automaker time to evaluate the market and make the Integra the perfect car for the modern world. From what we’ve seen from the 2023 Integra, it’s a worthy successor to the earlier models.