1990 Acura Integra GS | Retro Review

The 2nd gen Integra was surely more than a glorified version of the Civic, but would you have paid the higher price?
Show 915 | Originally Recorded 01-04-1990
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[@johnjuarez8005]

I bought an Integra new in 1991. Still have it. A White LS Special with 450K mile on it.

[@blackericdenice]

Too bad you don't have a video

[@MrStrutus]

Luck man

[@bilalahmed2123]

Wow, lucky you ! They were great cars but many were abused and and “modified” by idiots, and emission requirements, that’s why we don’t see many of them on the road today.

[@ytsux9259]

I had a '92 GS hatch back in the day. LOL! 🤣 That was a long time ago. 😂

[@cuneytcomuk4387]

You are so lucky. In 1991 I was 11. I bought in 2011, I was second owner of the car, still it had a soul.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Gosh darn it! I can't believe they sent Motorweek an automatic Integra to test.

[@kd6836]

Yes. Sad. The 5 speed was so fun to drive.

[@BReal-10EC]

A small sport sedan with a high revving engine? Make it an automatic! Yeah, that was a really strange choice. Though automatics were becoming more common then, you didn't get an Integra with an automatic. And why was A/C dealer installed? A way to avoid import tariff costs?

[@2WhiteAndNerdy]

Seriously! What a disservice.

[@alexander1485]

They wanted to piss off john davis

[@crispy8026]

@@alexander1485 just deprive him of an oil pressure gague and voltmeter! Haha

[@KardiFan2000]

This classic 4-door body style was my introduction to the Integra (for all the kids who say "I remember it as a 2-door"). New Integra has a lot to live up to...can't wait for the reveal on Nov 11th!

[@a.person7825]

Why test the automatic? Why?

[@a.person7825]

Looks like a mini Vigor.

[@KardiFan2000]

@@a.person7825 Which is funny, because the Vigor was based on the Accord lol. The long, frameless windows are what makes it look like a Vigor.

[@a.person7825]

Miss my Vigor. 🥲

[@andywest6751]

Wait there’s a new integra?

[@dohc1067]

I remember originally seeing it in coupe form when one of my class mates pulled up. It was in red. Very nice car. I love those classic Honda switches and instrument cluster. Clean engine bay. You can see angles from the Legend or Vigor throughout. One of Acura/Honda's better cars for its time.

[@Kushalien51_nv]

In person it doesn't look to boxy but I started to love the 4 door better for some reason

[@dougefresh8952]

I love cars from this era, I wish I could go to the dealer and buy these 90s-early 00s cars brand new. There’s a certain beautiful simplicity to them and they were true drivers cars, underpowered or not. IMO everything made today is a bland, over-engineered, unreliable, overpriced disappointment. I’ll keep driving my 400K mile Si hatch until it goes, then pay whatever I need to to buy another old Japanese car.

[@rebelusa6585]

My opinion, cars from about '87 to '97 were prettiest looking. Today cars, all of them look pretty much the same. I think just one team design the model, the rest bought it, restyle it a little bit to fool consumer. Just like today cell phone, all have the same style.

[@444mopar]

Interesting is this car had 130hp the same as the civic I bought new in 2007 and not far off from what a Civic in 2021 is rated at. Contrast that against a 8 valve 100hp tbi 4cyl with a 3 speed auto the domestics sold as their standard offering in 1990!

[@mrpoohbearlvr]

Absofreaking lutley. !!

[@jaxandmore440]

@@444mopar At that time, DOHC engine design hadn't yet caught on with the domestics for some reason. They were still using older engineering technologies, but they were also charging a lot less for their cars. Not much has changed because it's a similar story today.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Japanese cars are the best!

[@JDMHaze]

2:23 finally, theres WALDO!! 📍

[@jdubskiwright2380]

You found him!!! And in a motorweek retro review of all places...I guess this is where wald was 26 years ago..where is he now??

[@JDMHaze]

@@jdubskiwright2380 I have to wait for another integra to be released to find out

[@Techjunkiero]

Back then when Honda actually designed beautiful and sleek great looking cars.

[@pfwww12]

I had a 93 Acura Legend. My older friend had a Acura Vigor. The Vigor was my favorite. Fast as hell and handling was crazy sharp.

[@jdubskiwright2380]

Easy and relatively cheap to modify properly too..and already lightweight so just add power tire size for more grip and better suspension and you have a rather quick little car

[@240zwannabe]

7:17 "this is a car for the senses.. it has an air of quality that's impossible to quantify" describes what I value from Honda and Acura products really well imo. It's not the same kind quality you would associate with high end German manufacturers, like nice leather and high tech features. It's more like knowing this car you bought won't end up on a used lot in the next 5 years because it still drives like new

[@2Kriss2Kross]

When people gripe about the new Integra not being a real Integra because it’s a 4 door are obviously not old enough to remember these.

[@OGDACMAN86]

Theyre probably upset there isnt a coupe option. My guess

[@ericbritton9346]

That was the predecessor of the Acura ILX in the 1990's and my favorite body style and now hard to find four door sedan. Honda Civic EF sedans are some what unicorns now. Honda Acura have always been my ultimate favorite cars next to Toyota Lexus

[@robertfoster3384]

I wanted one of these in ‘89. Always admired the Integra.

[@yrasphong]

I loved this era of Honda ..they were so beautiful..I was one of the few that thought the Civic looked better tho..the Civic was more boxy,small yet big enough for 4 adults

[@McBeamer94]

@3:12 Yeah, the gearbox is a boring 4-speed Torque Converter Auto but I think it's a small sign that Honda should stop putting CVTs and return to normal automatics. After all, Honda has the excellent 9-speed and 10-speed automatics.

[@goodsoccerkid9999]

The 9-speed was actually ZF's, but I do agree that the 10-speed is an excellent transmission

[@McBeamer94]

@@goodsoccerkid9999 Mea culpa!

[@allentoyokawa9068]

@@goodsoccerkid9999 ZF was made in Germany and were terrible

[@goodsoccerkid9999]

@@allentoyokawa9068 I completely agree and their 9-speed transmission is nowhere as good as their 8-speed transmission

[@ciello___8307]

The CVT is faster and more efficient than this 4 speed auto. I'm not the biggest fan of CVT's either, but you'd be lying if you said an old 4 speed is better. Its not.

[@myownruin187]

I wished they kept making the Acura 2 door legend that was favorite car from them.. just beautiful.

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

One of my favorite cars from the 1990s and the heyday, or golden era for Honda/Acura. Hard to believe it's over 30 years old. Still looks reasonably current, but with that 90s Honda styling. Great performance and reliability. If I could have a collection of cool cars, this would be part of the fleet. And I'm a Toyota fanboy!

[@YourMom-vl2sp]

I still have one of these sitting in my garage..

[@aceboogie8986]

Lucky you where I live these cars are pretty much extinct

[@BReal-10EC]

The choice to send an automatic must be based on trying to sell the car as something more upmarket. Note this Acura GS msrp was higher than the Accord EX. The marketing people were probably confused.

[@444mopar]

Probably a wise choice to send the automatic. In 1990 the big 3 were still putting 3 speeds behind their 4 cyl offerings. The difference in tech between this and a Chevy or Dodge is what they should have pushed.

[@BReal-10EC]

@@444mopar At this price point you would be getting a V6 or a strong turbo four with a domestic (or even a V8). Note this 1.8 has the same peak HP as the 2.2 in the 90 Accord EX. Why? Because Honda designed the Accord engine for more lower end and midrange power to work well with an automatic.

[@tyeohno]

My first car was a two-door '92. Looking forward to buying a four-door '23.

[@ponyland9999]

My first car was an 89 Integra coupe. Flip up lights.

[@quentinwooten30]

If the new one ever comes out, I know it will never live up to this model

[@TKmotivation-]

So simple - what has happened.

[@jdubskiwright2380]

Dipshit engineers who think its neccessary to bury and hide the most simple parts and the need for specialty tools. And a 4 year degree in engineering to fix anything under the hood

[@asdfghjqwertyu1858]

I find it strange how the rear windows when rolled down in these Integra sedans look like they're dropping down.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Subaru's too

[@andrewsmactips]

The one piece windows are too big when down to clear the wheel arches. Hence the wonky angle. The price we pay for great looks when they’re up.

[@judethaddaeus9742]

@@andrewsmactips Yeah, it’d look even wonkier (see the 1979-81 Chrysler R-bodies for reference) if they used fixed quarter glass on otherwise frameless windows in order to allow the windows to drop all the way down.

[@ElectoneGuy]

I remember buying a Canadian LS sedan with my father in April of 1990. Torino Red. Beautiful car. Yes, it was a glorified Civic, but it reeked of quality and that 130hp 1.8L sounded like a Honda F1 engine when pushed.

[@paulaiello9105]

Oh the memories. So many family road trips in this car. I would love to find a mint condition one today and buy it but I know that would be like searching for a unicorn.

[@nitroforce87]

The new Integra will be unveiled next week

[@KardiFan2000]

Yes, the prototype. It may not be the final version.

[@2Kriss2Kross]

@@KardiFan2000 Honda’s concepts are usually close to the production models

[@KardiFan2000]

@@2Kriss2Kross That's my point. Even slight changes to a car's styling elements (rear diffusers, front lip, rims, spoilers, rockers/skirts, fenders, etc) can change how it looks completely.

[@jmin8400]

@@KardiFan2000 ??? It is a stylized representation of the production sheetmetal, but the differences you mentioned are somewhat correct. In dealers in May/June.

[@delacruztaylor]

This was my 1st, not POS car, man I loved my 4 door LS. I don't ever remember using the trunk pass through though. Best feature BUILD QUALITY.

[@Dessert_x_Tat]

THAT Grip! I miss it. She griped on any road, curve and in any condition. Like a snake. Beauty and da Beast. They say never say never, well this is never. I will never forget her: Honda Integra Sport Coupe Automatic 1992 in metallic burgundy, made in Japan. My first automatic after driving the stick for 15 years. I really loved that car as I got it as an experienced driver. ❣

[@stanbernadino]

Damn…that sound when the door closed at 2:43. Gotta love 90’s build quality.

[@bilalahmed2123]

All Integra Sedans were very beautiful cars

[@boris2997]

The 2 door Acura Legend was my favorite car in the 90s,

[@hippopominy9]

I love these retro reviews 😍 keep em coming

[@DavidAndre657]

FOR COMPARISON: HONDA CIVIC EX - costs much less - more trunk room - lacks ABS

[@kevinbarry71]

Air conditioning is a dealer installed option? What kind of craziness is that? And no mention of a manual transmission at all

[@mtfan]

Sounds like something that was import tax-related or EPA-related?

[@kevinbarry71]

@@mtfan nonsense. Honda didn't do it with other cars and neither did anybody else that I knew of

[@KardiFan2000]

@@mtfan No it wasn't. Back then A/C didn't come standard on the entry-level trims of compact Japanese cars.

[@kevinbarry71]

@Jay & Laong's World!🤪²⁰²¹ yes, but they were available as factory options

[@christopherconard2831]

@@KardiFan2000 Entry level this isn't. It's an Acura.

[@louiscarmelotan]

i inherited this car from my mom as my first car at 17 years old...i miss her so much...

[@xxxpensive1415]

10.4 seconds to 0-60 seems too slow for a car that small.

[@ting2006jd]

I had a 4 door 91 Integra (based model with manual window) with an automatic transmission. I timed the car 0-60 with my stop watch and managed 9.2 secs. Of cos, that is not how the prof does it. My fd had a 91 Dodge Spirit ES with a Mitsubishi V6. My Integra actually beat his Spirit at the light. I drove his Spirit and that thing had low end torque but it dies at around 4.5k rpm.

[@Pressed_For_Time]

Shoutout to my DB1 club members!

[@chuckr5929]

I had one of these in four door and 2 door hatchback. 1 was auto and the other was manual. Loved both of them and wish I still had them.

[@jasonz7788]

Where is Walda? Driving an Integra.

[@carltonbanks2865]

From 88 until the mid 90's the automatic seat belt was all that and some lol...Loved these Accords and Acuras

[@MouseyBusiness]

I will never get over how this was standard tech at 1 point. That would never fly today.

[@thatonecrazydudeyaknow285]

I have a 93 db1 rally sport sedan with a 5spd manual transmission and it most definitely hurt some oem vehicle from the 90s. Now the current setup will straight demolish your feel goods then laugh and still gets 23+ mpg. Higher in highway driving. I wouldn't sell or trade my "grocery getta" for ANYTHING. Also the Second generation integra 3 door hatchback is rare to see. I read for every 10-12 hatchbacks you may catch a 4 door sedan but not likely. If you do then enjoy the sight. My 93 db1 rs is missing a middle chrome trim between the front and back window and still haven't found one after 3 years searching. Yes there have been 3 pop up But on the other side of the state's or not parting just selling as whole.

[@schembfs]

Reminds me of a old buddy of mine. We bought our first cars at around the same time in the early 90s. He got an Integra GS-R (vtech yo). I got an Eclipse GSX based Talon TSi AWD. He had nothing but contempt for my "mitsubishi" car and all AWD/turbo cars in general. He said Honda would never stoop down that low. Ironically, he now drives Honda products with SH-AWD and you guessed it, a Honda turbo engine with the turbo sourced out from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. My Talon served me quite reliably for 12 years until I had to trade up for a bigger ride for my growing family/kids.

[@eldavo4119]

My mate had a 1990 honda integra xsi ? 1600 vtec years ago 5 speed manual no mods at all, 160hp motor he went in the quartermile and did a really fast 15.1 seconds and was actually beating a number of turbo cars and giving some a very good push lol ,

[@dimaslopez-dejesus2371]

Acura Integra it’s a Japanese entry-level luxury car division of Honda since 1986.

[@ElectoneGuy]

@Jay & Laong's World!🤪²⁰²¹ That's because North Americans want to feel "special".

[@ElectoneGuy]

@Jay & Laong's World!🤪²⁰²¹ Or Cadillac - a chromed-up Chevy

[@dimaslopez-dejesus2371]

Japanese luxury car divisions in the US are Acura from Honda, Lexus from Toyota, and Infiniti from Nissan.

[@BIGGIEDEVIL]

Bridged the gap between the civic and accord

[@DaveLL500]

If bought a new1990 Integra the same color as the one at the beginning of this video but it was a 5 speed in LS trim. Drove it for 18 years.

[@dronepilot260rc]

I used to always want one of these! 😎🤙

[@constructionbootgazer]

I would love to own a clean 4door gsr today. Simple, clean and lots of fun!

[@Kaiser187]

90s classic right there.

[@mackcummy4976]

I had a daily 1991 coupe. It had rattle can black on the hood and part of the doors and was a a beater but for some reason I got many compliments on it and attention from the ladies. I have a turbo RSX-S as my project car.

[@alexander1485]

Acura had a dark styling era with the beak grille

[@GISJIng]

Great looking car, always wanted one, except in hatchback form. Good the new one looks as great or better and it's more "retro" like more analog and buttons on interior and manual with manual handbrake.

[@GeeEm1313]

The best looking Integra, IMO.

[@Ayaki6166]

My dad drove the Honda Integra.JDM is no Acura.inside is no room,but engine is very nice.

[@johnjuarez8005]

Damn, did not know Ronald McDonald had a daughter.

[@Ricardo_C]

😹

[@funnycomments6081]

Good luck finding this today

[@katzicael]

My 2nd car was a (JDM) Honda Integra XSi (the VTEC one) - it was such a awesome car!

[@DavidAndre657]

INTERIOR NOISE: 68 dB

[@kgthegreatone943]

My 1st car was an 88 acura integra

[@SantanKGhey1234]

Dealer installed AC as options was a stupid idea by American & Canadian Honda....

[@mackcummy4976]

Glad us in Canada never had those automatic seatbelts.

[@DavidAndre657]

MW SAFETY CHECK: F - DRIVER AIR BAG F - PASSENGER AIR BAG P - REAR SHOULDER BELTS P - ANTI-LOCK BRAKES

[@DavidAndre657]

Food For The Soul

[@AquariGuns]

Oooh the 90's, Love the Ronald McDonald ensemble she is wearing! Classic video!

[@DavidAndre657]

1990 Acura Integra GS | Retro Review

[@bilalahmed2123]

How was Air conditioning a dealer installed option ? Doesn’t the car need many mechanical modification and additions like condensers, hoses, the compressor it self ?, including interior modifications like A/C button. It’s seems more of a factory option rather than dealer option.

[@f181234]

You can add that to a car in the early 90s factory AC was not very common unless it was a high end car

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Honda provided all that to the dealers and the cars came pre-prepped to have that equipment bolted on. The dealers made a ton of money off this particular option package since they rarely negotiated over the add-on price; take it or leave it.

[@MagicCarpetRide8669]

Gorgeous vehicle! I have always loved hondas. It would be better with a manual transmission.. I would probably get the coupe version. What is strange though is that Acura is the luxury brand and they don't offer factory AC and also no airbag.

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

The instrument cluster design looks very similar to the BMW E30/E36 3 Series

[@thewiseguy3529]

The door closing sounded like the doors in the Firebirds and Camaros lol Loose ass window tracks.

[@ChuddleBuggy]

I had an '86 and it was great. But i always wanted the 2nd gen but never had the chance to get one. Now these are pretty much gone or heavily messed with.

[@DavidAndre657]

MORE MOTORWEEK RETRO REVIEWS... ...JUST AROUND THE BEND

[@jamesstaggs4160]

Now that is an outfit straight out of 1990.

[@kremolaconia]

I have got to learn to turn the volume down before the end credits roll...my dog is not pleased.

[@scdevon]

Like a fine Japanese Swiss watch.

[@KStone2583]

Wasn’t nothin but an Accord with an Acura badge in them days lol

[@DDM7406]

When Acura made cool cars.

[@ramoncarter6585]

They were the bomb back in 80s, 90s and early 2000s. My mother wanted one of these back in college.

[@DDM7406]

@@ramoncarter6585 ahh. The pop up headlights model. That’s was a cool little hatchback.

[@austinfrazier7325]

That chick looked so 1990! With modern hair and clothes she would be cute!

[@bilbytrilby4675]

I think I found Waldo!

[@jmin8400]

This is 1989 lol.

[@mediocreman2]

Such a beautiful and well made car.

[@90sgarage6]

One of the best cars of the 90s

[@DavidAndre657]

MW '90 ROADTEST: 1990 ACURA INTEGRA GS

[@john5389]

Oh man, when Honda was at the top! Although, the BEST gen would be the '94-1. Then it was pretty much downhil from then. I would take a pristine one of those over a new Acura! I'm still looking...

[@thatoneguy985]

My first car was a 91 LS coupe. Good times

[@DavidAndre657]

EPA MILEAGE: 23 CITY 🏙 27 HIGHWAY 🛣

[@brendancarlson1678]

The 5 speed manual helped, but not a lot.

[@jimbolaiya]

I miss this car!

[@dugwthree]

We had a 1988 model with automatic. Would have preferred the manual. Drove the car for 14 years. Fun to drive but very noisy at highway speeds.

[@MrHerberttarlek]

When my best friend got a blue one in high school it was very hard pretending I was not impressed LOL.

[@sannissansanjuan5074]

Back in 1990 Micheal J fox Drove an Integra in Japan

[@ranggaajibaskara1809]

I think she is Kaori Makimura.. after watching City Hunter a lot

[@Acc0rd79]

This is a real integra, not that Civic crosstour thing they slapped an Integra sticker on. Sad to see Acura fall so far from grace in the last 20 years, I'm shocked they are still around!

[@f181234]

This one looks like a mid 90s accord

[@henryovalles1163]

The baby vigor very nice i still want a 89 4dr

[@punemax]

Right out of high school I had a turbo charged integra sedan, that thing was really fast until it caught fire.

[@johnl3230]

😑

[@johnjuarez8005]

Brah, none were turbocharged from the factory. Maybe you bought one with an Ebay turbo kit. A lot to make it work in an Integra.

[@punemax]

@@johnjuarez8005 i turbo charged it myself.

[@ramoncarter6585]

I hadn't seen these in years last time saw one it was White that's been ever since early 2000s.

[@opencarry3860]

I would prefer to be able to buy that integra today over the new vehicles being offered now. Today's cars are to complicated and to costly to repair.

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! PERFECT FOR DRIFTING!!! I LOVE IT!!!!

[@TheHoth1]

The new Integra is coming soon!

[@GalenlevyPhoto]

He said modified version of civic engine. Civic never had a dohc option or even 1.8 liter back then, only overseas in SI-R or the CRX SI in 1.5 and 1.6 liters DOHC but never in the USA.

[@KardiFan2000]

North America got the DOHC B16 for the (Civic-based) Del Sol in 1994.

[@GalenlevyPhoto]

@@KardiFan2000 yes I’m aware of that but not in 1990 for the US market.

[@antisocialist907]

Acura has been making great cars sine 1986.

[@JPZ89]

Did you guys ever review the RSX Type S?

[@tomasnokechtesledger1786]

So the Integra started as an Accord?

[@blakelip3]

Trac seatbelts & Roll up windows so 90s