1989 Acura Integra LS 1.6L DOHC

Summary:

In my 45 years of driving, I've never had a more pleasant, reliable fun car to drive

Faults:

Torn CV boots.

Non closing electric sunroof.

Radio CD player.

Plugged radiator; high water temps on constant high speed highway.

Radiator replaced; resulted in normal temperatures as per new.

Cold or hot initial rough running, poor idle until normal temperature and then fine.

General Comments:

Best value car I have ever owned. I doubt I will ever have another like it. Comfortable, fun driving sport coupe. Never an issue on reliability. The car has been kept garaged, cleaned frequently even after salted roads, very little rust.

Oil changes with filter every 4000 - 6000 miles.

Very rarely needs oil added within oil change intervals.

Very rarely has seen RPM in excess of 6000.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd August, 2016

14th Aug 2016, 03:14

Very perceptive picking up on the high-speed overeating being a radiator-flow problem :)

1989 Acura Integra LS 1.6L

Summary:

Amazing

Faults:

I love this car, I bought it in June of 2012, and the first thing I did was do the alternator.

Faults:

The only thing I've ever had to do was a distributor.

The CV joints pop.

Seat belts have started to wear.

Other than those, I have no issues. This car was a one owner car, I got along with it all of the service records down to its very first ever oil change. Tire receipts since 1990, and parts receipts, so I know all 24 years it's been around - nothing major has gone wrong!

General Comments:

I love the car so much, she handles amazingly, and she's comfortable for me.

I've added blue lighting on the interior.

This car runs exactly like it did when it was brand new.

I've replaced the shifter and all of the rods that go with it, and she shifts like she's brand new, and with a brand new clutch - she's amazing!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2013

1989 Acura Integra LX 1.6L DOHC

Summary:

Fun, reliable, and frugal

Faults:

Alternator failure @ 160k ($90).

Distributor failure (drive bearing) @ 180k ($200).

^These are the only two non-wear items that I have had to replace^

I have replaced the following wear items:

Shocks/struts.

CV axles.

Sway bar links.

Timing belt / water pump job.

General Comments:

I am very satisfied with my purchase of this car. I paid $1400 US for a car that has given me 50,000 miles of relatively trouble free performance. I don't plan on getting rid of her any time soon; going to drive her until she has a major mechanical failure.

The car handles surprisingly well for its primitive suspension setup (torsion bar front/semi-solid rear axle). However, the suspension has very little travel and often bottoms out when hitting pot-holes and train tracks. I gave the comfort rating a 5/10 because the suspension is harsh on rough surfaces, and the seats hurt my back on long commutes.

The engine is typical Honda: gutless below 3k RPM, brilliant above 4k rpm, and dead reliable. The engine's specific output is very good for a late 80's engine (~74hp/L); compare this to a Ford 5.0L of that period (~45hp/L). She is no race car, but surprisingly peppy. Don't be afraid to rev the little d16a1 out, the solid lifters and DOHC design leave little to break. The close ratio transmission gearing (1-4) is perfect for zipping around town and full throttle runs. Honda should have made the 5th gear a little longer for highway cruising though. The car is very fun to drive!

I average 36-37 MPG driving back and forth to college (30 mile one way 55mph highway), and have seen as high as 40 MPG. I calculate my fuel mileage at every fill-up, and have never seen less than 30 MPG.

I love my g1teg. I take care of her, and she takes care of me. If you need any help with your g1teg or just want to share yours with other g1teg owners, visit g1teg.org

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th March, 2011