When we thought Acura was done with the Integra, the automaker revived the nameplate as a 2023 hatchback. The new Integra is undoubtedly an opinion splitter, considering the badge carries provenance and a legendary status from the icon that put the Integra nameplate on the map, the DC2 Type-R. The Type-R debuted in 1997, setting an impressive benchmark and gaining its stripes among media houses and gearhead circles as one of the best-driving front-wheel-drive sport compacts.

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Like most of its '90s JDM kin, prices are skyrocketing at a mind-boggling rate, with a well-maintained Acura Integra Type-R demanding more than $80,000. This upward trend begs the question; is the Acura Integra Type-R worth every penny, or is it overpriced? Read on and find out as we try to make a case for both sides of the argument.

10 Worth Every Penny: The Lightweight Construction

Acura Integra Type R
Via: Honda/Acura

Acura intended to incorporate the dynamic sense of true race cars for the Type R, and part of the process included a lightweight construction to optimize performance. Acura engineers eliminated several convenience and comfort features to minimize the overall weight. These features include vanity mirrors, rear window wiper, sunroof, and cruise control, but the air conditioning got retained as optional equipment.

The transmission mount, dashboard insulator, melt sheet for the floor stamping, drive shaft, and dynamic shifter damper were eliminated for weight considerations. Furthermore, Acura engineers made the windshield 10% thinner, fitted lighter 15-inch wheels, and removed sound deadening from inside the cabin.

9 Overpriced: Controversial Front End Design

Acura Integra Type R at RADwood
Acura

When the standard-spec third-generation Integra debuted in Japan in 1993, Honda introduced the bug eyes as part of the model's new front-end design. The now-signature quad headlights proved unpopular with drivers, prompting Honda to make a hasty facelift when the Honda Acura Type R variant first went on sale in the JDM in 1995.

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Acura gave American enthusiasts the four-eyed version, which some would argue looks much more interesting. On the other hand, the bug eyes spark controversy and split opinions when the Acura Integra Type R's design arises in discussions, so much so that it becomes a deal-breaker.

8 Worth Every Penny: The Race-Oriented Engineering

The front of a white ITR
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A heavy emphasis was placed on the Type R's racetrack performance during development, so, unsurprisingly, racing veterans from the Formula One ranks were included in the engineering teams. The critical technological achievements include high-compression, low-friction pistons, larger throttle body, single-port intake manifold, high-performance camshafts and valve gear, high-volume induction and exhaust system, and hand-polished intake and exhaust ports.

The Type R incorporates a torque-sensitive helical type limited-slip differential to improve front-wheel grip, improve traction, and reduce understeer in high-cornering load situations. The engineering team reduced the ride height by 15 mm to lower the center of gravity, fitted larger disc brakes with a refined ABS modulator, and increased the body rigidity.

7 Overpriced: Basic Interior Features

The interior of the Integra Type R, from the middle
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The Integra Type R's 2,150lbs curb weight is the stuff of dreams compared to most compact sports cars today. However, the interior feels cheap since it got stripped of several creature comforts and convenience features, ergo the desirable light weight.

Notable features in the Type R include comfortable Recaro front seats dressed in micro suede and a leather-wrapped hydraulic-powered steering wheel. The Integra Type R offered a standard Pioneer radio unit for entertainment, while the air conditioning and power steering were optional.

6 Worth Every Penny: The Superior Driving Experience

Acura Integra Type R In Yellow Front View
via Reddit

Acura had three primary targets to achieve during the Acura Integra Type R development process: performance, handling and control, and a thrilling driving sensation. Through rigorous racetrack testing, the engineering team developed a suspension with spring and shock combinations that offer a firm ride and delivers highly responsive handling characteristics.

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The Integra Type R offers high-quality driver feedback, high cornering limits, excellent traction, reduced body roll, and minimal understeer to counter the challenges of an FWD configuration. In addition, the close-ratio five-speed manual transmission takes full advantage of the high rpm to provide smooth and seamless shifting.

5 Overpriced: The Cramped Rear Seats

Acura Integra Type R Rear Seat
via Honda-Tech

The Integra Type R became the most successful car model in the SCCA World Challenge Touring Car Championship, recording five Drivers' championships, four Manufacturers' titles, and 23 race wins for RealTime Racing between 1997 and 2002. With this impressive demonstration of track domination, it makes sense to buy an Integra Type R and toss out the back seats to shed unnecessary weight for racing.

However, if the goal is to use an Integra Type R as a daily driver, rest assured the cramped rear seats become an annoying liability. Acura designed the rear seats to keep passengers comfortable concerning the rake and angle of the seat's bottom cushion. Still, the limited head and legroom offer an uncomfortable ride for an adult.

4 Worth Every Penny: The Sweet-Sounding VTEC

Classic 1997 Acura Integra Type R Sells For Big Money At Auction
via Barrett-Jackson

The Acura Integra Type R boasts an advanced 195hp 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine equipped with the VTEC system pioneered by the NSX. The superb hand-assembled B18C5 powertrain provided more horsepower per liter than any normally aspirated mass-produced engine in the U.S. at the time. The sweet-sounding VTEC system solved the trade-off between tuning the Type R's engine for low-end toque or high-end horsepower, ensuring drivers enjoy the best of both.

Acura engineers also fitted a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) to increase performance and smooth operation while maintaining reliability and durability. The PGM-FI features technologies such as a highly rigid crankshaft with eight full balance weights, an oil cooling system, a crankshaft reinforcing bridge, twin spring intake and exhaust valves, and a highly rigid integrated aluminum die-cast engine stiffener.

3 Overpriced: The Extremely Limited Color Palette

Acura Integra Type R
via Bring a Trailer

In 1997 and 1998, Acura sold slightly over 5,000 examples of the Integra Type R in only one color option: Championship White. After skipping MY1999, the Type R returned in 2000 with a relatively improved color palette, introducing Flamenco Black Pearl and Phoenix Yellow.

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For 2001, Phoenix Yellow stayed, but the Nighthawk Black Pearl got favored instead of the Flamenco Black Pearl. Considering the Acura Integra Type R enjoyed a four-year production run, four stock color options is certainly limited.

2 Worth Every Penny: The Limited Production Numbers

Yellow Acura Integra Type R
Via Super Street

Although gearheads rapturously received the Acura Integra Type R's in the U.S., production only lasted from 1997 to 2001, without a 1999 model. Acura produced less than 10,500 Integra Type R's within that timeline, and several people who bought them used them as intended; at the track or driven hard on the road. However, the most desirable is the '97 model, of which Acura only produced 2,560 units.

While some tuned the engine's razor-sharp brilliance with ludicrous intakes and exhaust systems, others K-swapped them or butchered the shifter and cut the springs with different body kit iterations. As a result, it's increasingly rare to find an Acura Integra Type R with all stock parts intact. On the other hand, you could import the Honda-badged Integra Type R.

1 Overpriced: Low Probability Of Unmolested Examples

via: Flickr

The Integra Type R's factory-upgraded engine and Type R-specific parts were valuable to Honda tuners at the height of tuning culture in the '90s. Unfortunately, this tempted car thieves to steal Type R's, strip them and resell the parts on the used market. Due to this accurate reputation for getting stolen often, the high attrition rate means there's a very small percentage of Integra Type R's that remain in good, original condition today.

In addition to stealing, some owners may have crashed their cars at some point and ended up patching them back together with replacement parts with replica VIN stickers. Buying a Type R requires attentive scrutiny of the tamper-proof U.S. mandated VIN decals that Acura placed on all the panels, doors, hood, hatch, and fenders to determine whether the parts are stock or replacements.