1994 Acura Integra LS review from North America
"A great car, but a little fragile here and there.."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
72000 miles: I had brakes replaced, front and back: $400.
80000 miles: Dented rear quarter panel with my rear while leaning on the car. I weigh 150 lbs.
85000 miles: New timing belt, tuning and water pump, and additional brake work: $750.
93000 miles: With vehicle five years old, I replaced the factory plastic radiator with aftermarket metal part. Estimate by a shop was $450+. Cost for an OEM (Nippendenso) radiator with plastic parts was $200+. The metal aftermarket cost around $120.
105000: ABS system failure. The Accumulator (a part that never fails) failed. Modulator (I think it feeds into the accumulator) also bad. Factory replacement parts cost over $950. Total repair cost $1350. I've heard from another Integra owner who had the same problem. He investigated a junkyard part, but heard that reliability was a problem and labor cost too high to justify the risk.
72000-115000 miles: Occasional soft shift from 2nd to third. Could be going soon...
115000: Brakes due for more work. I will learn how to do them myself.
General comments?
Good points:
Super handling and decent performance.
Excellent mileage: Once got 37mpg for an entire tank with a full load and the AC running.
Super cargo handling: the hatchback holds more than most full-sized car trunks.
Good reliability: I think the motor will last forever and the transmission has performed acceptably, given its age, mileage, and stop-and-go traffic.
Bad points:
Road noise, thin sheet metal, braking system.
My worst gripe is the plastic radiator. One would think Honda would realize heat, cold, and vibration are good ways to crack plastic.
Recommended reviews
| Great power for a compact car! |
|
| Cheap, reliable, sporty first car that I would recommend to any first time drivers |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1994 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 I4 Semi-Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 72000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 118000 miles |
| Previous car | Buick Regal |
| Date of Entry | 16th December, 2002 |