1995 Acura Integra LS Special Edition 1.8 Liter from North America

Summary:

Solid Economic Performance

Faults:

Radiator leak (replaced) at 70,000 miles.

Miscelleaneous rattles at 80,000 miles and on.

General Comments:

1.8L 5-Speed Manual, LS Special Edition 4-Door.

This is a great car. The dependability and performance are what really do it for me. I run this car pretty hard, hitting 5,000+ RPM regularly, and have had almost no problems. Gas mileage is good, I average 22-26 MPG with VERY inefficient driving.

The Integra's got some kick to it. She sits lower (I have to take steep driveways at an angle to not scrape--Not lowered, all factory) and starts to go at about 3,500 RPM. Unfortunately there is not a whole lot of power before 3,500 RPM. Suspension and Michelin tires make for great cornering.

No BMW, by any means, as far as performance and MAINTENANCE go. This car is not going to cost you an arm and leg, but is going to provide an additional amount of performance over a basic compact.

I like performance, but I am not ready to spend a lot of money to get it. This car is a great fit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th July, 2006

1995 Acura Integra LS 1.8, 145hp from North America

Faults:

The stock muffler casing is rusted and the piping came apart in 2005 but that is the original exhaust system too. It was 10 yrs old at the time and 10 yrs is good for an OEM Honda exhaust!

The Automatic transmission shifts at too low of RPM in 1st to 2nd gear.

Had to replace all gas+brake lines, but I live in a climate where road salt is used and it attacked the lines really bad. The copper and galvanized line I used to replace the stock stuff should fare better for corrosion.

General Comments:

This just has to be the best overall used car you can get for being over 10 years old. I see lots of people with even older Integras and over 400,000 KM's (250,000 miles) that don't even tick or smoke in the least bit.

The car handles well, drives well, has superb mileage and makes good use of it's 145hp when you need it. Wind on highways does not phase it in the slightest. It handles great in snow, sprinting in city traffic and winding country roads. This car does a lot right and very little wrong.

In the unlikely event that something does go wrong, it is a very very accessible car to work on. Parts and panels go off and on like butter. If I had any advice to Honda/Acura owners it is DON'T BUY OEM parts... BUY the aftermarket stuff because it's usually 1/3 cheaper and better.

I love this car. Sometimes I wish I had a manual tranny, but this deal was priced right. My next car will be an Acura!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th June, 2006

1995 Acura Integra GS-R 1.8 DOHC VTEC from North America

Summary:

I want two

Faults:

-One of the rear calipers froze. I replaced both with loaded calipers from Autozone for $150.

-There was a buzz from the exhaust under the car. It was a loose heat shield over the catalytic converter. I took it off and it was fine.

-There was also a buzz at 3,000rpm from the exhaust manifold. I replaced it with a high flow performance unit and it went away.

-There is a leak with the AC. I had it recharged and its fine.

General Comments:

-For having 160,000 miles, this car is running strong. I don't feel like there is any major problems I will have to contend with anytime soon. It is so light that you can toss it around without even squeeling the tires. The engine has adequate power and responds well to bolt on performance mods. Gas mileage is good, but premium is required for top performance. You can run it fine on regular, but if you want that 10 extra horsepower, use premium. Its worth it anyways. This car will outperform almost any car besides a dedicated sports car. The little motor pulls like crazy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2006

28th Sep 2010, 12:27

I have the same car.

I changed the exhaust for the same reason with the stock motor you can run a 12lb turbo and it won't hurt it. :)

I run it on premium because it pulls harder. I love this car. The steering is very tight and the car has always been snappy.

The gas mileage on mine is about 31, but it is also chipped. The only thing a person really has to watch with this car is the CV axle outer boot. The plastic on the inside of the wheel well can fall and split it.

I would buy another one in a heart beat.

28th Sep 2010, 14:50

"This car will outperform almost any car besides a dedicated sports car. The little motor pulls like crazy."

Even in 2006 this wasn't really true. There are tons of cars that would kill this one without even trying... some of them in sedan and SUV fashion even!