Acura Integra Best and Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

Acura was among the most significant Japanese automobiles Americans could purchase in the past. Their standing has slipped a little today, but not to irrelevance.

Still, Acura deserves credit for producing some excellent vehicles recently (as they should, given that they are a Honda subsidiary). They have, however, been exemplary.

An Acura might be a mobile box of bolts or a masterclass in luxury and speed, depending on the model, year, or trim.

However, we wanted to simplify things again because it can be challenging for people who need to be in the loop to figure out which one is which.

To help with that, we have created a ranking of the top and bottom Acura vehicles.

VIDEO: Acura Integra Best and Worst Years

Acura Integra Best and Worst Years

1990, 1989, 1992 Integra Hatchback, 1994 Integra GS-R, 1995 Integra LS/GS/RS, 1996 Integra Type R, 2000 Integra Type R, 1998-2001 GSR, and 1997 are the most significant model years for the Acura Integra. The worst model year is 2015 because of its high cost and unavailability of model-appropriate wheels. Nonetheless, 1997 is Integra’s most incredible year all around.

Best Years For Acura Integra

Honda NSX (NA1)

The original Acura NSX/Honda NSX, often known as the “NA1,” is, without a doubt, the best Acura model ever produced. The NSX was the first authentic Japanese supercar, created with assistance from Ayrton Senna (yes, THAT Senna). The original NSX is undoubtedly attractive as well. Thus, if any vehicle could pass for a Ferrari, it would be the original NSX.

Fair enough, the NSX is sometimes slower than its rivals (GT-R, Supra, etc.), but it makes up for that with its looks and heritage.

Acura Integra Type-R from 1997

The Acura Integra Type-R from the late 1990s is our second-to-last Acura on the “greatest” list. However, it is arguably the best example of a classic sports coupe. The Integra Type-R is a high-performance variation of the standard Integra, just like every other Honda Type-R.

The Honda Type-R can produce 108.5 horsepower per liter with a Dual-Overhead Camshaft and Honda’s VTEC technology. In contrast, a Ferrari F355 has 105 horsepower per liter.

The lightweight design, F.W.D. setup, and Honda tuning combination were one-of-a-kind and have never been matched since. So the answer is evident for Acura if they want to reenter the sports car market (other than only with the NSX): bring back the Integra!

Honda NSX (NC1)

It had been over eleven years until we got Acura’s updated take on the NSX. As a result, some people first believed it would never occur. Luckily, it did in 2016, however!

Since its debut, the most recent NSX, known as the “NC1,” has undergone significant improvement. The 2019 version includes a facelift, more power, and customization options.

It is more cost-effective than you might anticipate because of the hybrid configuration. Still, less potent than cars like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. However, it can compete with Porsche, Audi, etc. So avoid using it for supermarket runs.

TLX 2019 Acura

The 2019 Acura TLX is the answer to past blunders if Acura has ever fallen short of the luxury benchmark. The (current) TLX resembles a hybrid of the Honda Civic and the Honda Accord but with more features and comfort options/packages.

The drawback is that it is less nimble and athletic than other vehicles in its price range.

However, if you’re thinking about a vehicle like the Acura TLX, it is evident that it will be more elegant than fast. After all, different people respond to various things.

Honda RSX

Anyone who has attended an amateur car show, autocross competition, or something similar has seen a lot of Acura RSXs.

The RSX shares similarities with other front-wheel-drive sports cars, such as the Honda Civic, Ford Focus/Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, and Acura Integra. These are excellent for racing and speedy!

Like other vehicles, the RSX is also reasonably priced for beginning drivers. Hence, if a Focus, Golf, or Civic sound too mainstream, consider a change with an Acura RSX.

Worst Years for Acura Integra

TL 2010 Acura

The Acura TL from 2010 showed much promise. It did well in a few instances, especially considering it offered a manual transmission option.

However, unfortunately, a five-speed transmission will only make up for something else, such as unreliable airbags, slick transmission, bad handling, and sparse interior comfort.

The idea behind Acura is to make a more excellent, more streamlined version of Honda. Sadly, the 2010 TL occasionally makes us question that designation.

TL 2002 Acura

Recall how we described the 2010 Acura TL as a slow, trouble-prone, and barely opulent vehicle. All those characteristics were carried over from the Acura TL, which it replaced.

The fact that the older ones have much more mechanical problems is the worst aspect. Nevertheless, a few issues were at least corrected by Acura, though more was needed to make the next TL worthwhile.

Acura RLX 2016

A car’s durability, both during construction and use, is a crucial indicator of its caliber. The build quality and appeal of the car must be subpar if it is quickly discontinued (or breaks down easily). That is, after all, what occurred to the Acura RLX.

The RLX needed to be better to pass muster in the US, despite its robust 3.5-liter V6. As a result, the RLX will join the metaphorical Acura graveyard after this year (2020). The good news is that they will be less expensive from now on.

Honda EL (Gen. 1)

The lack of innovation or change, rather than the automobile itself, make the first-generation Acura EL terrible. Instead, the EL is the identical Honda Civic EX from the same era with a different branding.

In contrast to the Acura NSX, a Honda substitute is not offered (at retail) in the US, necessitating an Acura alternative. The same argument cannot be made for the EL/EX. Purchase a Civic to save some cash.

Honda ZDX (Gen. 1)

Do we need to explain this one so much? Just have a peek at it! It is disgusting! However, save for that, the car’s inside was similar to its outside.

The shaved back end limited rear-seat space, as was stated in a previous HotCars article with the ZDX. The Acura ZDX’s terrible design had rendered it incapable of being everything it intended—a sporty, family vehicle.

How Safe is an Acura Integra

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded the 2023 Acura Integra their top safety rating (NHTSA).

All crashworthiness tests achieved the highest “Excellent” rating, while its crash avoidance system was rated “Superior.” It also received a 5-star safety certification from the NHTSA.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title. The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title.

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history. Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot.

You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem. Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new.

It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls.

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out.

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon.

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

Acura Integra FAQ’s

What are the Integra’s ideal years?

The Integra was included on the annual Ten Best list of Car and Driver six times: in 1987, 1988, and from 1994 through 1997. In 1994 and 1995, the GS-R model was singled out specifically. In 2002 and 2003, it was listed again on the Ten Best list as the Acura RSX. In 2021, the Integra nameplate was brought back after a 16-year absence.

What is the Acura Integra’s reliability?

According to our analysis of 21 pieces of research and data from multiple sources, the Acura Integra currently gets a score of 9.0 out of 10.

Are used Acura Integras trustworthy?

Although “forever” may seem like a lofty goal, there are still many older Integra models with well over 200,000 to 300,000 miles on them. Although they might not look their best, they are still running and most likely will for many years to come.

Can you trust a Honda Integra?

The 2023 Integra should be more dependable than other brand-new vehicles. Based on information from the brand history of Acura and the related Honda Civic, this prediction was made.

Are Acura Integras from 1991 trustworthy?

Performance 4.7, Cost-Effectiveness 4.8, Exterior Design 4.9, and Reliability 5.0.