1989 Honda Integra XSi review from Australia and New Zealand

Passenger footwell had a leak caused by a split rubber grommet. This was easy to fix by using silicon sealer. This was the only fault due to the factory components.

Gear shift rattled in fifth when the car was purchased. This was an aftermarket short shift item and stopped rattling after taking shifter out and reinstalling.

Hole was put in resonator when going over railway tracks, because the car was lowered substantially.

I was extremely lucky to find an Integra with genuine kms under 100000. The lack of problems I had is probably due to this.

The best aspect of the Integra is its b16a Dohc VTEC. It loves to rev and the sound is one of the best from a relatively modern car. The car was fitted with a pod filter and stainless pipe, creating a deep, loud induction noise. It also had the catalytic converter replaced with a resonator, a new rear offset muffler and a tip. This made a crisp deep note, more like 2.2 vtec in deepness. I loved to go slow up to 4400rpm, and then just as the cam hit vtec, plant the throttle. Awesome!

The car was lowered 7cm with KYB struts and Kings Springs. This was lower than I wanted, but did make the car handle fairly well on smooth roads. It made traveling with passengers and going over speed bumps a hassle though. The car only had 85mm ground clearance, which is too low to be practical.

I sold the car earlier this year, as I'm at uni now and miss its character. I would consider buying a later model Integra or Civic one day in the future. I would recommend anyone to buy an unmolested one, despite the lack of RWD. It's a great car for its price.