1996 Honda Integra Type-R (JDM) 1.8 DOHC VTEC

Summary:

Beautiful, quick and rare

Faults:

The Km to Mph converter (needed as it's a Japanese import) went screwy and thought the car was going top speed even when stationary! This clocked up about extra 8k miles on the odometer.

Went through the standard brake pads very quickly when driven enthusiastically - the UK Integra has better brakes, especially later models.

General Comments:

Beautiful, quick & rare - all the qualities I love in a car.

If you want a stripped out racer with an engine that will scream its way to the 9,200rpm redline with no sound-deadening then this is the car for you.

Yet at the same time this car is a practical hatchback and, if driven under the 5,500rpm VTEC kick, is pretty economical - although you'll rarely drive it this way as the acceleration is addictive.

The supportive hugging Recaro seats are very comfortable, though the harness holes will bother those a little short in stature. If you're looking to buy try to get one with black seats as the standard red ones fade and get dirty very easily.

The rectangular headlamps are infinitely better than the dim round projector headlamps of the UK model.

The JDM version is a fair bit lighter than the UK car and therefore a little quicker. The similar spec Mitsubishi FTO (which I also considered) is slow & heavy in comparison.

They're great fun, if you're considering one I assure you won't be disappointed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2005

7th Aug 2006, 21:15

I have bought a Honda Integra GSR 96 model. It looks nice, but I have shock absorber and suspension problem. I don't know why it is showing like that. Can any one give me any idea?

8th Jun 2007, 09:18

Just to add, unless this car has had a new ecu or at least chipped in some way, the standard JDM VTEC crossover point is 6000rpm, and the limiter kicks in at 8900rpm with the redline at between 8400-8500. I own one of these cars and have driven four others, and they are all the same.

9th Mar 2017, 16:09

I have a Honda Integra 1996 model (ZC engine). I was having the same shock problem, so I use coil overs and now it's OK.

9th Mar 2017, 22:59

The original review is 10 years old, but this was/is an epic car. Surely a collectors car one day, when the young Honda fans will be grown adults.