1990 Acura Integra RS 1.8L
Faults:
Front CV joints went at about 80,000, about like you'd expect on a front drive car. Cost about $650. Should have listened to the dealer and replaced the boots when he told me to. Could have done the boots for 350.
Air conditioning support broke around 75,000. Cost less than $100.
Speedometer has made a racket since it hit 60,000. It only does it when the temperature is below about 70 degrees. It reads accurately so I just live with it since it stays hot here in Alabama. Dealer wanted to replace the speedometer, but I think I'll try greasing the cable, if I ever get around to it.
Has a little rust around the trunk lock.
Plastic that holds down the visors are broken from getting the visor caught in the automatic seat belt, so the visors don't adjust well.
Rear view mirror broke at 95,000.
Wore out the first key so much it wouldn't turn in the ignition when the temperature was cold.
Drivers seat is worn, but hey, it is 13 years old.
Rear washer has always worked poorly, hard to get it primed.
Replaced all the belts and hoses at 90,000 just for insurance.
Interior vent directional vanes froze up at about 45,000. Took them apart, drilled out the plastic holes, and they worked real good until about 90,000, when they got stiff again. Accidentally broke one since then.
Drivers side door lock failed around 30,000. Fixed under warranty.
General Comments:
Acura started selling cars in the US in 1986. The first Integra was really a slightly modified Honda Accord hatchback. The 1990 model was the first true Acura Integra. In an effort to build a reputation, they overbuilt the second generation and I'm glad I got one. I'll never have a more reliable, cheap to drive car. In the old Consumer Reports reviews in the early to mid-90's this car's reliability was always off the scale.
Cockpit of this car is highly comfortable to drive. You feel very much in control of the car.
Road and engine noise is loud at high speeds, but I knew that when I bought it.
Gas mileage is better now than when it was new. Regularly get 30-32 mpg, although it drops to 28-29 in cold weather or when the air conditioning runs.
Car has never failed to crank and never left me stranded.
Eats tires like crazy. I'm half way through my fifth set at 117,500. Get the Dunlop D65s, they are cheap and sticky and quieten the road noise.
Brakes last forever. Only on my second set.
Paint is still great after 13 years without a garage.
Zero to sixty as fast as when it was new.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th June, 2003
13th Feb 2009, 15:24
I have a 90 Acura Integra RS and I love this car. I have been a huge Honda fan since I owned my first car (85 Honda CRX). I've also owned a 88 Honda Accord 3 door and it was another great car produced by Honda. I've always wanted an Integra and knew a guy that was reluctant, but willing to sell his 1990 Acura Integra RS just sitting there collecting dust. Since I got the car I have been extremely impressed with its engine power and control. Yes, at high speeds it is a bit noisy and I usually turn up the stereo, but I have come up with a solution for this problem. I have been thinking about replacing the carpet so I figured I would put some dynomat down under the new carpet. This should fix that problem. Otherwise this is a great car! Also there isn't much you can't do with this car so I have decided that I'm going to completely restore and customize this car. I think it would be worth every penny and all the time.
1st Apr 2008, 18:24
Your right about this car. I have an RS and I can positivly say that this one reliable car. This car is great, it's got great power for it's class, the five speed is great, and the mileage is great. Some bad things about the RS or any other model for that matter is the highway noise is not so good, and the interior is cheap looking compared to cars of the same year (Toyota Celica). Otherwise this car is really good.