The 1997-2001 Acura Integra Type R is the best Integra, with the 2024 Integra Type S at #2 and the 2023+ A-Spec 6MT at #3. Each generation and trim is ranked on engine output, drivetrain hardware, price when new and its record, using Acura press releases.
113 hp, 99 lb-ft 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder (D16A1); 118 hp and 103 lb-ft from 1988
Collectors and anyone who wants the original first-generation Integra
Pick by what you want
Best overall
1997-2001 Acura Integra Type R (DC2)
Most powerful
2024 Acura Integra Type S (DE5)
Best new manual
2023+ Acura Integra A-Spec 6MT (DE4)
First VTEC Integra
1992-1993 Acura Integra GS-R (DB2)
First generation
1986-1989 Acura Integra (DA1/DA3)
The ranking
1
1997-2001 Acura Integra Type R (DC2)
Answrs VerdictThe Integra legend.
Engine: 195 hp, 130 lb-ft hand-built 1.8-liter DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder (B18C) with a 5-speed manual and a helical limited-slip differentialUS model years: Introduced for 1997; Acura suspended the Type-R for 1999 and it returned for 2000 and 2001Price when new: $23,100 original MSRP (1997 Integra Type R)Collector value: A Phoenix Yellow 2000 Integra Type R sold for $112,112 at auction, more than 4.6 times its original MSRP of $24,350Reputation: Evo magazine named the Integra Type R the greatest front-wheel-drive performance car ever
The Type R got a hand-built 195 hp 1.8-liter VTEC engine, a 5-speed manual and a helical limited-slip differential. It cost $23,100 new in 1997; Acura suspended it for 1999 and brought it back for 2000 and 2001. Evo named it the greatest front-wheel-drive performance car ever.
Go ifThe most celebrated Integra: a hand-built VTEC engine, helical limited-slip differential and a lighter body
Skip ifYou want factory air conditioning on a 1997-1998 car (it became standard for 2000)
Why #1 over #2: Evo named the Type R the greatest front-wheel-drive performance car ever, and a 2000 Type R sold for $112,112 at auction, more than 4.6 times its $24,350 MSRP.
2
2024 Acura Integra Type S (DE5)
Answrs VerdictThe fastest Integra.
Engine: 320 hp, 310 lb-ft turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC 4-cylinder with a 6-speed manual and a limited-slip differentialPrice when new: $50,800 MSRP ($51,995 with destination)Hardware: Brembo front brakes, Adaptive Damper System and 19-inch wheels with 265/30 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tiresFuel economy: 21 / 28 / 24 mpg city/highway/combined (EPA)Awards: Car and Driver 10Best for 2024 and Road & Track Performance Car of the Year under $100,000 for 2024
The Type S is the most powerful Integra: a 320 hp, 310 lb-ft turbocharged 2.0-liter with a 6-speed manual, limited-slip differential, Brembo front brakes and adaptive dampers. It started at $50,800 and was a Car and Driver 10Best for 2024.
Go ifThe most powerful Integra ever, with a warranty-era drivetrain and modern safety
Skip ifYou want the lowest price of the new generation (the A-Spec)
Why #2 over #3: Its 320 hp engine beats the 200 hp in the A-Spec, and it adds Brembo front brakes and 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
3
2023+ Acura Integra A-Spec 6MT (DE4)
Answrs VerdictThe new manual Integra.
Engine: 200 hp, 192 lb-ft turbocharged 1.5-liter VTEC 4-cylinder with a 6-speed manualPrice when new: $35,800 MSRP (2023 A-Spec with Technology Package, 6MT)Manual-only hardware: The 6-speed manual is offered only on the A-Spec with Technology Package and comes with a limited-slip differentialTechnology Package: Adaptive Damper System, head-up display, 9-inch touchscreen and 16-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D audioAward: The 2023 Integra won North American Car of the Year
The A-Spec with Technology Package is the only new non-Type S Integra with the 6-speed manual, and it comes with a limited-slip differential and the Adaptive Damper System. It makes 200 hp and started at $35,800.
Go ifA new Integra with a manual gearbox, limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers
Skip ifYou want the 320 hp Type S or need an automatic
Why #3 over #4: It adds the 6-speed manual, a limited-slip differential and the Adaptive Damper System, which the A-Spec CVT lacks.
4
2023+ Acura Integra A-Spec CVT (DE4)
Answrs VerdictThe easy-driving new one.
Engine: 200 hp, 192 lb-ft turbocharged 1.5-liter VTEC 4-cylinder with a CVTPrice when new: $32,800 MSRP (2023 A-Spec CVT)Standard equipment: 10.2-inch all-digital Acura Precision Cockpit instrument cluster and the AcuraWatch safety systemSafety rating: The 2023 Integra was awarded Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS
The A-Spec CVT uses the same 200 hp, 192 lb-ft turbocharged 1.5-liter, started at $32,800 and has the 10.2-inch digital cluster standard. The 2023 Integra earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Go ifA modern daily driver with the Integra name and an automatic-style CVT
Skip ifYou want to shift for yourself (6MT)
Why #4 over #5: Its 200 hp turbocharged engine beats the 170 hp GS-R, and it carries an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
5
1994-2001 Acura Integra GS-R (DC2/DB8)
Answrs VerdictThe everyday VTEC Integra.
Engine: 170 hp, 128 lb-ft 1.8-liter DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder with a 5-speed manualPrice when new: $21,100 MSRP (1996 GS-R Sports Coupe, manual)Body styles: Sports Coupe (3-door) and, for the first time, a GS-R sedanUpdates: 1998 revised front and rear bumpers and lights; leather upholstery standard on the GS-R from 1999
The third-generation GS-R has a 170 hp 1.8-liter VTEC engine and a 5-speed manual, and for the first time came as a sedan as well as a Sports Coupe. The 1996 GS-R Sports Coupe listed at $21,100.
Go ifVTEC performance in a Sports Coupe or, for the first time, a sedan
Skip ifYou want the Type R hardware and its 195 hp
Why #5 over #6: Its 170 hp VTEC engine beats the 160 hp 1.7-liter in the 1992-1993 GS-R.
6
1992-1993 Acura Integra GS-R (DB2)
Answrs VerdictThe first VTEC Integra.
Engine: 160 hp, 117 lb-ft 1.7-liter DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder (B17) with a close-ratio 5-speed manualPrice when new: $17,910 MSRP (1992 GS-R)Firsts: The second Acura model to feature VTEC, after the NSXEquipment: Anti-lock brakes, 4-wheel disc brakes and 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension standard
The 1992 GS-R introduced VTEC to the Integra: a 160 hp, 117 lb-ft 1.7-liter that made it the second Acura with VTEC after the NSX. Anti-lock brakes were standard and it listed at $17,910.
Go ifThe first VTEC Integra, sold for just two model years
Skip ifYou want the newer, 170 hp third-generation GS-R
Why #6 over #7: Its 160 hp VTEC engine beats the 142 hp in the 1994-1996 LS.
7
1994-2001 Acura Integra LS (DC4/DB7)
Answrs VerdictThe sensible third-gen.
Engine: 142 hp, 127 lb-ft 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder (1994-1996); 140 hp from 1997; 5-speed manual or 4-speed automaticPrice when new: $18,850 MSRP (1996 LS Sports Coupe, manual)Updates: 1998 tilt and height adjustable driver seat; 1999 15-inch alloy wheels and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
The third-generation LS has a 142 hp 1.8-liter (140 hp from 1997) with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The 1996 LS Sports Coupe manual listed at $18,850.
Go ifA third-generation Integra with the manual gearbox at a lower price than the GS-R
Skip ifYou want VTEC power (GS-R or Type R)
Why #7 over #8: The manual LS Sports Coupe listed at $18,850 in 1996 versus $19,650 for the automatic.
8
1994-2001 Acura Integra Automatic (DC4/DB7)
Answrs VerdictThe two-pedal third-gen.
Engine: 142 hp 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder (1994-1996 RS and LS); 140 hp from 1997; 4-speed automaticPrice when new: $19,650 MSRP (1996 LS Sports Coupe, automatic); $16,900 for the 1996 RS Sports Coupe automaticAvailability: The 4-speed automatic was offered on RS and LS (1994-1996) and LS and GS (1997-2001); the GS-R and Type R were manual onlyFuel economy: 24/31 mpg city/highway (1996 LS automatic, EPA)
Acura offered the 4-speed automatic on the RS and LS from 1994 to 1996 and on the LS and GS from 1997 to 2001; the GS-R and Type R were manual only. The 1996 LS Sports Coupe automatic listed at $19,650.
Go ifA third-generation Integra for drivers who do not want a clutch
Skip ifYou want the manual LS for less money
Why #8 over #9: Its 142 hp engine beats the 130 hp in the 1990-1991 LS, and it has the newer third-generation chassis.
9
1990-1993 Acura Integra LS (DA9/DB1)
Answrs VerdictThe value second-gen.
Engine: 130 hp, 121 lb-ft 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder (1990-1991); 140 hp from 1992Price when new: $14,485 MSRP (1992 3-Door LS, manual)Chassis: 4-wheel fully independent double-wishbone suspension and 4-wheel disc brakesBody styles: 3-door hatchback and an all-new 4-door sedan
The second-generation LS brought a 130 hp 1.8-liter (140 hp from 1992), 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension and a new 4-door sedan. The 1992 3-Door LS manual listed at $14,485.
Go ifA cheaper way into the second generation and its double-wishbone chassis
Skip ifYou want the VTEC GS-R (1992-1993)
Why #9 over #10: Its 130 hp 1.8-liter beats the 113 hp 1.6-liter in the 1986-1987 Integra, and it adds 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension.
10
1986-1989 Acura Integra (DA1/DA3)
Answrs VerdictThe original.
Engine: 113 hp, 99 lb-ft 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder (D16A1); 118 hp and 103 lb-ft from 1988Price when new: $13,070 MSRP (1989 3-Door LS, manual); $11,260 for the 1989 3-Door RSHistory: The first Acura model, introduced March 27, 1986, as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback with pop-up headlightsAwards: Car and Driver 10Best in 1987, the first of the Integra's eight appearances on the list
The first-generation Integra launched Acura on March 27, 1986, with a 113 hp 1.6-liter DOHC engine (118 hp from 1988) and pop-up headlights. It made Car and Driver's 10Best in 1987, and the 1989 3-Door LS listed at $13,070.
Go ifCollectors and anyone who wants the original first-generation Integra
Skip ifYou want more power or a newer safety design
How we ranked these
We ranked each Integra generation and trim on engine output, drivetrain hardware, price when new and its record with the press and collectors, using Acura press releases and specifications. The Type R ranks first on its reputation and collector value; the rest follow power and equipment. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What years is the first-generation Acura Integra?
The 1986 through 1989 model years. It came as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback with a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve engine rated 113 hp, raised to 118 hp for 1988.
Was there a 1999 Acura Integra Type R?
No. Acura introduced the Type-R for 1997, suspended it for 1999, and brought it back for 2000 and 2001 with standard air conditioning.
When did the Integra GS-R come out?
For the 1992 model year. The first GS-R had a 160 hp 1.7-liter VTEC engine, a close-ratio 5-speed manual and a $17,910 MSRP.
What is the most powerful Acura Integra?
The 2024 Integra Type S, with a 320 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC engine and a 6-speed manual.
Horsepower at a glance
1986-1989 Acura Integra (DA1/DA3)113 hp
1990-1993 Acura Integra LS (DA9/DB1)130 hp
1994-2001 Acura Integra LS (DC4/DB7)142 hp
1994-2001 Acura Integra Automatic (DC4/DB7)142 hp
1992-1993 Acura Integra GS-R (DB2)160 hp
1994-2001 Acura Integra GS-R (DC2/DB8)170 hp
1997-2001 Acura Integra Type R (DC2)195 hp
2023+ Acura Integra A-Spec 6MT (DE4)200 hp
2023+ Acura Integra A-Spec CVT (DE4)200 hp
2024 Acura Integra Type S (DE5)320 hp
Horsepower, as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
