In the United States, the Acura Integra was a sporty small
car produced from 1986-2001. In 2002, the Integra was replaced by the RSX. In Japan, where the Acura nameplate does not exist, the
car always has been known as the Honda Integra.
A popular
car among the import modification scene. For a relatively small investment, one can buy an Integra and build it up to be a very fast drag
car or autocrossing/road racing
car.
Consumer Reports has consistently rated the RSX & Integra as "Best Buys" for their solid reliability and excellent resale value.
The Integra is mechnically similar to the Honda
Civic, which is another reason why it is popular in the import scene -- many parts are swappable.
In recent years, the Integra (particularly the faster GS-R and Type R models) have become targets for theft. This has driven insurance rates on those cars
sky-high. Many "
chop shops" steal these cars, strip them of all parts, and then re-sell these parts to
friends, on eBay, etc. Of the most value are the engines, which routinely sell for $2500 or more.
