1997 Acura Integra GS 1.8L from North America

Summary:

I think it can, I think it can!

Faults:

Radio suddenly stopped at 168k. Probably due to leaving a CD in the player over a really hot weekend.

Tail bulbs replaced (expected).

Body panels are weak and dent easily (not a problem for DIY-ers).

General Comments:

Some negatives first:

Has been driven pretty hard by me, and the engine is showing some telltale signs of giving out.

The body is not rigid, and the extra flex creates squeaks at strange times.

The brakes can feel loose sometimes, but that can be adjusted at the dealer.

Not the greatest amount of power, starting to fall behind the new "compact economic" cars too.

Lastly, the automatic transmission has a mind of it's own and likes to play its own little song as you get going from a stand still.

That said, this car is absolutely amazing.

I just will not die. It takes a bit longer to start in the winter, but it hasn't given out on me yet. It's been through everything. I got stranded out on a highway once in the middle of a blizzard and turned off my engine to save gas. It iced up but still managed to turn over and start (with all that ice!) after the tow truck got it to the nearest gas station. It's great on gas too.

The hatch back aspect is great as well. I fit things into my car that you'd normally expect to put into a pickup like Christmas trees, ladders... etc. It's starting to build a lot of character and I appreciate it even with some of its faults.

Unfortunately, given the chance, I would still upgrade from this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2009

1997 Acura Integra GS-R 1.8 DOHC VTEC from North America

Summary:

Superb, but I'm getting a little bored

Faults:

Creaking/cracking noise from rear hatchback.

Ball bearings fell out of front passenger seat track.

Spark plugs foul if cold-started and run only very briefly (like less than one minute) -- misfire triggers OBD and Check Engine Light, needs trip to dealer to reset.

Radiator sprang a leak at 9.5 years old.

General Comments:

At this stage of ownership I am increasingly amazed how little repair has been required since new. At 143,000 miles and almost 11 years, I still have original shocks, muffler, CV joints, starter, alternator, A/C system, ABS, clutch, power windows/mirrors/locks, CD player all still functioning. Only one new set of brake pads, a few air filters and wiper blades, 2 fuel filters, a timing belt, a water pump, a battery, 4 sets of tires and about 40 oil changes, and that's it.

Lifetime average fuel mileage is almost exactly 30.0 miles per US gallon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2008

4th Mar 2008, 20:38

I just wanted to comment about Honda/Acura, I think they make excellent cars. I was always a hardcore Chevy man, all my previous cars have been Chevy, but ever since I bought a little red Civic EX Coupe with 230K miles on it, I have been sold on Honda/Acura.

I bought the car with a lot of miles just thinking it would only last 3-6 months... Wrong, it kept going. It was always regularly maintained since new, and after I purchased it, I finally laid it to rest with 298236 on the clock, and the only reason I scrapped it was because of rust issues and a short in the wiring harness, which fried the ECU and dizzy...

Now I can't say much for the new OBD2 (96+) cars, but I probably drive a pre OBD2 (96 and under) Civic/Acura until they're classics... Peace.

1997 Acura Integra LS 1.8 from Czech Republic

Summary:

The worst thing about this car was that I had to sell it (needed a 5 door), something I regret

Faults:

Radiator needed to be replaced at 95000 miles.

General Comments:

This was by far the best car I have ever owned.

Extremely reliable.

Extremely fun to drive.

Fast.

Very economical considering the performance.

Unfortunately not an R-type, but a great car anyway.

Comparable to the Toyota Supra I had with 280hp. The Acura/Honda has half the Hp, but also uses half the fuel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2007