1998 Honda Integra GSi 1.8

Summary:

Stylish sports coupe with a hint of luxury

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I was lucky enough to purchase this beautiful car with very low miles, so nothing has had a chance to go wrong yet. It feels and runs like a new car.

While the GSi model doesn't have as much grunt as the revered VTi-R, it still packs a punch.

At low revs it's a smooth luxurious ride, but if you put your foot down it turns into a different animal. At around the 5000rpm mark it becomes a sports car.

Steering is good, if a little light at times.

If you want that booming engine sound, you'll want to fit an aftermarket sports exhaust on, as the factory muffler is very quiet.

The cabin feels quite roomy for a sports coupe. The controls are all intuitive, and easy to reach.

I had to put some black seat covers on to cover up the bland grey look of the interior. Why paint a car 'voltage blue' (very eye-catching!) and fit out the inside like an 80's family wagon? Anyway, with black interior it looks very sharp.

In the back seats, taller passengers may feel cramped, and even have their heads touch the roof. Average sized girls have no complaints, even say that it's fairly comfortable. Bottom line is though; it's a two-door sports coupe, and it's not made for ferrying passengers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2005

16th Feb 2005, 18:37

One thing I forgot to add was about fuel consumption and air-conditioning...

City driving with the air-con on tends to suck up the petrol in a big way. Add faster driving, and you have a very empty fuel tank. The performance is also drastically affected. About 20 seconds after you turn the air-conditioning on you have yourself a very quiet, tame little pussycat.

I find that I'd rather sweat a little, and enjoy a better driving experience (and a fatter wallet).

29th May 2006, 21:39

Hey how much is fuel consumption per week if you drove it say twice a week enthusiastically? Is servicing expensive?

23rd Jun 2007, 19:46

Since writing the review, I've had a kid, and have had to upsize to a family car (Honda Accord). Forget trying to get your child in and out of the backseat in the Integra!

As for fuel consumption, I didn't drive it every day (and when I did it was always with some enthusiasm!) and I filled the tank every two weeks or so ($40 - $50). In summer, with aircon, it would be more frequently.

I was sad to trade it in. If I could have afforded it, I would have held onto it. Great little car. Nothing went wrong with it at all.