Acura Integra: The Car, The Legend
Released as a 1987 model, the very first Acura Integra started what was to become a strong following of owners who were drawn in by the carÕs sports appeal and reasonable prices. Based on the Honda Civic, the Integra successfully brought customers over to the Acura brand and has been widely credited with spurring HondaÕs luxury division to its ÒlegendaryÓ success. In 2002, Acura renamed the car the ÒRSXÓ to bring the name in line with the alphabet soup designation of each of its models. Whatever you call the car, the Integra has lived up to all of the hype surrounding the model. LetÕs take a closer look a vehicle that has an interesting, if not a bit strange, legacy.
From Civic to Acura
HondaÕs decision to launch a luxury car division was based on two factors: luxury versions of Honda automobiles were already being sold in its home market, Japan, and the American automotive market was ripe for some competition. Honda felt that the US market would more readily accept an all-new Acura brand over an upscale Honda, thus the decision was made to proceed with Acura.
The brandÕs first two models, the Integra and Legend, were based on existing Honda platforms, the Civic and Accord, respectively. As odd as this may seem today, the modified platforms made sense during the 1980s allowing Acura to concentrate on marketing and dealer network development while introducing variations of two highly successful Honda models.
True Entry Level Luxury
While most luxury brands use the $25,000 figure as the price point for their base models, Acura has held down the price of the Integra/RSX several thousand dollars less than that threshold. Truly, the Integra was never a luxury car, instead it was and is a well equipped, easy-to-tune, fun-to-drive, sports coupe. This pricing strategy opened the Acura door to many motorists who might have otherwise stayed away and kept owners in the fold once they were ready to upgrade to a pricier Acura model.
Highly PopularÉWith Thieves, That Is
One claim to fame that the Integra has is its appearance on every single Òmost stolenÓ vehicle list. Indeed, as many as seven different model year Integras have appeared on the list as a swiped Integra is most prized for its parts. As with many imports, all of the individual parts combined can retail for more than three times the vehicleÕs price. In addition, the carÕs powerful engine often finds its way underneath the hood of less powerful Honda models. Check your local chop shop for their selection of truly ÒhotÓ Acura Integra parts!
Curtain Call
Although the Integra name is synonymous with sportiness and value, as is the current RSX appellation, Acura is discontinuing the model as Honda seeks to further separate its two divisions. No longer will a thinly disguised, yet potent Honda wear an Acura nameplate. Indeed, Honda has now separated the research and development departments for the two brands in a bid to differentiate the lines. Apparently, Honda believes that Acura can now stand on its own and Òbridge modelsÓ such as the RSX will not have a place in its model line up.
Beyond the RSX, Acura currently has no other sport coupe to entice owners. That all may change if a rumored two door version of its hot new TSX sedan is released. If it is, Acura owners will pay a premium over the Integra/RSX price, but receive a car that is even more opulent, more potent, and better engineered than the model that it will be replacing.
By Matthew Keegan.
Visit the Blog about acura albany new yorkWhat You Should Know About The Acura RSX
What should you consider about the Acura RSX before you buy one? Any time I buy any new car I always make sure I have done my homework on it first. So if you think the Acura RSX may be the car for you, you should probably do what I do and make sure you know as much about the car as you can find out before you hit the lots. Here is a little bit about what I found regarding the Acura RSX, but do your own research as well so that you know everything about the car the it important to you before you go out and make that purchase. Your best bet, though, is to check out the S type of the Acura RSX.
The Acura RSX is a high performance coupe in the S type. It features a 210 hp 2-liter engine, 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, modified suspension and brakes, quick-ratio variable rack & pinion steering, upgraded tires, leather interior. Air conditioning and 7-speaker Bose sound system come standard when you buy it new.
Visual inspection of the car reveals that it is best-suited to smaller people. Up front, however, is what counts and there you will probably find the most comfort. The seats of the Acura RSX S Type are fantastic, not racer-tight but with more than suitable grip. The steering wheel is well placed, small, and wrapped with leather. The gear lever falls right to hand and has obviously been placed with care. Also, everything looks great, with typical Acura ergonomics. One drawback would be that the numbers on many of the instruments in the Acura RSX are too small and the indicators on the air controls are not very easy to read. The round air and heat vents are controlled with little clamshell-shaped doors that allow them to almost vanish when closed. Seats and mirrors are heated, while the Òset-and-forgetÓ climate control maintains a very nice temperature.
The Acura RSX is casual elegant, but with just a little faux titanium and chrome to dress things up. The sunroof is standard and c In addition, as you look over more information on the Acura RSX, you will find that there is even more to it. It is a safe car with many standard air bag and brake features that add to the practical appeal. As you look into cars, and if you believe that such a sedan at a these prices may be for you, then you owe it to yourself to give the Acura RSX a chance. Do your research and visit an Acura dealer to take a test drive and see that everything you have read about this sports sedan is true and may just be why the Acura RSX is the right car for you to consider for your next new car purchase.
By Christopher Luck.
