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 nashvilleTips To Find An Acura Car
What steps should you take to find the right Acura car for you to buy? I personally donÕt enjoy shopping for cars, but it is a necessity if you want to avoid riding the bus for the rest of your life. There are steps you can take to find the car you want at the right price and get it done efficiently. If you decide that you think an Acura car of some sort will be best for you then follow these tips and you can be driving off in your Acura car before you know it.
The first thing you probably should figure out is which model of Acura car you want to buy. Acura cars are offered in a wide variety of models from luxury sedans to sports cars, to SUV models. Do some research and look up the various Acura car models and price ranges so that you will know exactly what you are looking for when you start your search.
Second, get online and do some research on the Acura car you have selected. First, check out the consumer sites and reviews that are available all over the internet. Find out what the positives and negatives are. More importantly, perhaps, than that is to find out about what the right price to pay for one is. If you are considering a used Acura car find out what mileages and years fit your budget the best. If you think you are going to want to buy a new Acura car, then find out what the suggested price is versus the prices most people end up getting after they talk the dealer down a little bit. If you have a trade in you are going to use toward your Acura car, you may want to go ahead and check the value of that as well so you can make sure you get fair compensation.
Once you have checked out and researched online, you need to start heading out to the dealerships. You may want to find out, first, what Acura cars they have by checking the individual dealer websites. Often they have their inventory on there and some starting prices so you will know what you are looking for when you arrive. Many people are intimidated by sales people, but this education and arming of yourself with knowledge should alleviate some of your concerns since you will know what you should pay and what you should get for a trade it.
Buying a car can be stressful, but it has to be done. If you want to buy an Acura car at the best price you can afford, then do your homework. Log on and do some research, check dealer websites, and check out consumer reviews of the car and its pricing. By arming yourself with knowledge you can work with confidence and efficiency in getting into your Acura car sooner than you might think.
By Christopher Luck.
