Our Cars--1994 Acura Integra GS-R

I was such a jerk as a teenager. I didn't really rebel in the normal teenage ways--though my parents might disagree--but I was a total know-it-all when it came to their cars. I'd do things like mock their Buick and then go through the classifieds to find Audis and Saabs that they should own instead. I'd recommend they liquidate all of their investments to buy a Porsche 928S4. And, worst of all, I'd mercilessly ridicule every car they bought.

All of this is a great point of shame for me now that I'm at least somewhat more mature, and was totally unjust anyway considering my Dad knows more about cars than I do. Mom and Dad, mea culpa.

Happily, I gave them some sweet revenge when I fell completely in love with a car that I had previously spurned.

My parents, selfless as usual, were preparing for the financial rigors of my sister and I reaching college by selling their Acura Legend. We had owned a few solid but unexciting sedans previous to the Legend (a 1976 Chevy Nova and a 1987 Buick LeSabre), and in that context the Legend was a thoroughbred. Smooth V-6, creamy leather, rock solid at triple-digit velocities (not that I'd know, of course)--the Legend was the first car we owned that car magazines had deigned to test. Selling the Legend was a bitter pill to swallow.

Worse, my parents were downgrading to a Acura Integra. This was 1994, the first year of the third-generation Integra that made the marque's performance reputation. The first two generations had been solid little runabouts, decent coupes but nothing exciting. When my parents drove up in a gray four-door Integra, I was underwhelmed and quickly made my opinion clear.

"It's just a rebodied Civic," I sniffed. The bugeyed front was garish, the organic lines uninspired. The VTEC engine was technically interesting but didn't have any torque. It was small and tinny, and the interior was bare-bones. And because it was a four-door, it didn't even have a hatchback's utility.

I was so superior, so aloof. And then I fell--hard.

The Integra was the absolute opposite of my '83 Malibu--while the Malibu put me in a slow, easy state of mind, the Integra was a live wire. Everything about it was frenetic, hyper-caffeinated; begging to be wrung out. And unlike the Malibu, which was a dynamic nightmare, the Integra was dynamically perfect--the closest thing to a go-kart that I've ever driven.

The Integra had fantastically quick reflexes. The engine, so docile when babied, didn't rev as much as it exploded to redline. The manual transmission was so quick, so silky, with such a direct, short throw that it became a mechanical extension of my will. The Integra was incredibly agile; it changed direction in an instant, without softness or wasted effort, and at the same time could stick at remarkable speeds through tight corners.

The Integra was about a 7-second car to 60 mph, which is quick but, in today's climate, not extraordinarily so. But, more importantly, it felt like a Formula 1 car. There were moments when I'd have the windows down and the sunroof open, accelerating hard up through the gears, with that fierce, heart-rending engine note rising hard into its primal yowl and reverberating gloriously in a tunnel or under an overpass, that I'd feel just like Alain Prost blasting through the Monaco tunnel.

The Integra was also a fantastic economy car. In the rare weeks when I hadn't been racing around, the Integra returned better than 30 MPG. Unlike most performance cars, the outside visibility was great, and it was drivable enough to serve perfectly happily as a grocery getter.

Other parts of the experience, specifically highway driving, weren't so sweet. For one thing, the gearing was shockingly short. I'd reach cruising speed in fifth, then the engine noise would prompt me to reach for an overdrive gear that wasn't there. At 60 mph in fifth, the engine would turn 3,000 RPM; at 70 mph, 3,500 RPM; at 80 mph, 4,000 RPM. I'm sure you can see the pattern.

Combined with the incredibly light construction, the lack of sound deadening, and the fact that the engine was transitioning into howling performance mode at 3,500-4,000 RPM, cross-country drives were pretty draining. I drove the Integra across America in a week; at the end of that week, I felt as if I'd flown around the world at low altitude in a tiny Cessna, complete with residual body vibrations and a slight sense of vertigo.

Like any kid with access to a hot car, I behaved like a complete idiot. I'd drive my friends around and offer them what I called "The Taste of 8"--a hugely visceral full-throttle blast up to the 8,000-RPM redline. There was a very short stretch of canyon road near our house that always put me into a red mist. On either side of a valley, the road in question was just a typical sleepy suburban road. But in the valley, the road wasn't so much a road as a hugely demanding suspension proving ground. A steep downhill right-hander flattened out at the bottom just in time for a decreasing-radius left-hander, followed by an uphill climb with a long right-hander. The combination of elevation change with increasing and decreasing radii in the corners made it very challenging to take at speed. It was my own personal Eau Rouge, and I never failed to take the challenge. The road was supposed to be taken at 25 mph; I frequently took it at 70. My passengers often felt that I was way past the limit; I felt that I was right at the limit; I'm sure the Integra was completely bored. Its handling was so fantastic, so direct, so instinctive, that it shrugged off anything I threw at it.

At the time I felt that I was taking every safety precaution; in retrospect, that was incredibly, incredibly stupid. And incredibly fun.

Unfortunately, as you might guess, the Integra's fantastic reflexes gave me an unfortunate feeling of invincibility. One of my friends (the Nissan Maxima driver) once asked me why I was following other cars so closely. My reply? "I have good brakes."

Of course, pride goeth before the fall.

Within the space of several months, I discovered that good brakes weren't in fact a good substitute for paying proper attention. I twice rear-ended other cars with such force that I was amazed the airbags didn't go off. Both times, the fault was clearly mine, and after the second crash, our insurance carrier tired of my shenanigans and declined to cover me for the next two years.

I didn't drive at all during that two-year period--perhaps the most agonizing period of my life. The Integra had been beautifully rebuilt. It was right there, begging to be driven, and I couldn't drive it. Yet that period was the wake-up call that I needed to be a touch more responsible. The next time I was in an accident, when my Celica was totaled, I wasn't even mad. I was so happy that the accident wasn't my fault that I did a little jig once it was obvious everybody was okay.

About eight years after my bitter parting from the Integra, it came back into my life. My parents were buying a new car, were looking to sell the Integra, and sold it to me for an incredible discount. Once again, the Integra was mine (and, to close the loop from last Thursday, eventually resulted in my selling the Malibu).

The reunion was sweet, and in the short time I kept the Integra, my relationship with it was more mature than it previously had been. For one thing, the car was mine, and had 80,000 miles on it. For another, I had recently had the last remaining vestiges of automotive innocence ripped out of me by our Saturn. I treated the Integra much more gently this time around.

Unfortunately, I had only owned the Integra for just over a year when it was stolen from an airport parking lot. I'm sure anybody who has had a car stolen can relate to the disbelief I felt when I returned to my empty parking spot. On the one hand I knew that's where I parked my car, but on the other hand my brain tried to rationalize the seeming impossibility. I looked around that lot for an hour before I admitted to myself that it was gone. Five days later, the police found my Integra completely stripped of everything but sheetmetal and glass. Engine, transmission, seats, interior pieces, the 200 CDs I kept under the seat--all gone.

The police said that, based on where the car was recovered, they guessed the car was stolen by a gang that sells parts to Russia. That seems odd to me, but I can at least console myself that maybe that VTEC sweetheart of an engine is now sprinting to redline under the hood of a Wartburg or Zil. I realize that's unlikely, but for some reason it makes me smile.

I still see Integras around, even once in awhile a rare GS-R four-door, but it's been a long time since I've seen a nice, pristine, stock one like mine. The third-gen Integra helped trigger the import street racing craze, and so virtually every one out there has some sort of body kit, has been lowered, has lots of stickers on it, etc. When done nicely, it's not a bad look, but it's not my taste. Besides, very few of those projects seem to actually be finished.

In retrospect, it worked out for the best--my daughter's car seat wouldn't have fit well into the Integra, and insurance was very generous in reimbursing my loss. But I still miss that Integra. It deserved far, far better than the wrecks and eventual theft that I gave it.

I'm horrified to find I can't find my own photos of my car, so I've had to find similar photos online. The pictures above are of identical 1994 Acura Integra GS-R sedans in Stealth Gray Pearl. The top photo is from RalphB.net; besides owning a similarly specced car, his Integra was also sadly totaled. The next three photos are from JeffsSite.com; the last is a press photo.

--Chris H.

Comments

[Nathan of Brainfertilizer Fame on April 08, 2008 at 12:49 PM]

Anthony Cagle: "...take over the Civic and tune the crap out of it. Yup, that's me, a 40-something TunerBoy driving a ricer."

Ah, my dream. But I've got too many other dreams; I'll probably never get around to chasing this one down.

[David on May 24, 2008 at 05:50 PM]

I am a 17 year old boy.. who is about to go buy a 1995 acura integra rs 2dr coupe. and I cannot wait. all of my friends drive them around and they are amazing cars, ive driven it once or twice coming home from a party. and with the right driver, they have the capability to beat many of the cars today. such as civics

[integralover on May 30, 2008 at 09:08 PM]

I current have a 2 door 1994 integra gsr, 73,000 orig miles. Very subtle mods just cold air intake and full coil-overs set at their lowest. ive driven a lot of cars and I have to say this is the most fun ive ever had in one. It may not be the fastest ( pretty darn quick for an all motor 4 banger ) but its extremely fun hitting 8000 RPMs in the twistys by the beach with the windows down and the sun roof open. The car the way I have it is basically a big front wheel drive go cart. These cars are amazing and you really get good performance for how little they cost. I try not to street race but lets just say ive hurt a few egos in my area.

You simply cannot compare this to an average LS, its a whole different car with the B18c1 Vtec engine in it. Im also getting about 30mpg which is great for times like these

[Marcus on June 08, 2008 at 08:40 PM]

I miss mine too. I had a 1994 ls 3-door that I drove all 189,877 of its wonderful life. No mods, all stock, never redlined once, treated her like a queen. I'm not a pistonhead, so I couldn't keep up when the bills started coming in at $300-$800 every time the slightest thing went wrong.

I traded her in for an '07 TSX--I love the new car, but I still see Integras everywhere and wonder if I should have kept her and learned how to work on her... I think in 12 years, when my oldest kid can drive, he'll ask me why I didn't keep it, just like I asked my dad why he didn't keep his old '67 Mustang.

Am I the only person who things the teggy will become a classic?
MM

[Charles on June 12, 2008 at 11:19 AM]

I came to this page doing a search on "acura integra gs-r mileage" since people aren't buying SUVs anymore and looking for more gas efficient cars. I have a stock 1995 Acura Integra GS-R, and as mentioned in other comments, it's a fun and light car to throw around. The only beef I have is the noise from the heat shield at certain RPMs. My sun roof also whistles now. I only have 87k miles on the car and put on about 4k a year since I bike to work and have another (a 2005 Toyota Sienna). It looks like I might be driving the Acura a bit more now because of gas prices...

[Clark on July 06, 2008 at 05:20 PM]

I just got a 1994 Integra GSR exactly like the car above in the photograph, same color and everything. I've had a lot of VW's in the past so I was accustomed to bad mouthing hondas, and labeling them as slow riced out cars that sound like my bowl movement after eating to much taco bell while sitting on wax paper. I was plesantley surprised after driving the little beast at its handling, and it's burst of power in the higher rpm's. The exhaust tone is pretty awesome too, contrary to what my previous opinion of what a typical honda sounds like. The GSR is no typical honda, its a high revving steroid pumping asphalt gripping spider monkey of a car. The only downside is the rattling from the heatshield, the 90's interior fabric. I also need to figure out the best way to remove play in the steering thats typical of an older car

[on August 14, 2008 at 11:15 AM]

ll

[on August 14, 2008 at 11:46 AM]

I still have my 1994 GSR, in taffeta white complete with the optional wing with LED and it is all stock except a header someone put on it before I got it, and lowering springs that I had installed back in my twenties.

I LOVE MY CAR and will never sell it, if I have anything to do with it (although since recently finding out I am pregnant, the husband may try to pursuade me). I've owned her since 1999 when I purchased her used with 80,000 miles on her. She now has 197,000 hard driven miles and is still purring like a kitten.

She has kept the road hot throughout my twenties, parked at clubs or bars all weekend, got me to work on time in the mornings, and been to Myrtle Beach many different times. I loved nothing better than to head out on my lunch break, with all the windows down and the sunroof open.

After being spoiled by such a reliable car, I would never even consider purchasing anything other than a Honda, Acura or Toyota. They've got me for life!

Here is a pic for you, taken last fall....enjoy!

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u70/muddysuzi/Copyof110.jpg

[CindyS on September 16, 2008 at 09:49 AM]

I currently have a black 2-door '94 Integra GSR that's in EXCELLENT condition, and I'm thinking of selling it. I'd like to find a possible collector; someone that would take good care of it and not interested in chopping it up. Any ideas?

[Joe M on October 21, 2008 at 12:20 PM]

Cindy, where are you located? I'm in the New York Area, I'd be interested in your car.

[Jae on November 17, 2008 at 02:37 PM]

I just picked up a 1994 GS-R sedan to serve as a daily driver. I had a 1994 LS coupe that I traded straight up for the GS-R. I love these cars and will always own one. My baby is a 1996 GS-R coupe, with the Japanese front end conversion and a turbo charger. If you think hitting VTEC is a rush, try 11 lbs. of boost in an Integra. Pure joy. These cars are amazing either way.

[Jae on November 17, 2008 at 02:38 PM]

I just picked up a 1994 GS-R sedan to serve as a daily driver. I had a 1994 LS coupe that I traded straight up for the GS-R. I love these cars and will always own one. My baby is a 1996 GS-R coupe, with the Japanese front end conversion and a turbo charger. If you think hitting VTEC is a rush, try 11 lbs. of boost in an Integra. Pure joy. These cars are amazing either way.

[Jae on November 17, 2008 at 02:38 PM]

I just picked up a 1994 GS-R sedan to serve as a daily driver. I had a 1994 LS coupe that I traded straight up for the GS-R. I love these cars and will always own one. My baby is a 1996 GS-R coupe, with the Japanese front end conversion and a turbo charger. If you think hitting VTEC is a rush, try 11 lbs. of boost in an Integra. Pure joy. These cars are amazing either way.

[mike on December 14, 2008 at 07:36 PM]

Ive just bought a 94 gsr coupe with 188k. Still is in fantastic shape. Asides from paint... Few mods, cold air and an aftermarket exhaust that sings at full throttle. Selling my 91 civic hatch with a 1.5 motor with just 95hp! I love these cars. Looked at buying domestic, but as soon as I drove a teg i couldnt see myself in another car. Nothing has this good a combination of performance, reliability and mpg. Hands down, probably the best car for the money and the times.

[Tyler Belcher on January 07, 2009 at 06:09 AM]

Hey Mochi Mochi, Integras all had B18s not B16s...EVERY ONE OF THEM!! Even the base model had A b18A1 or b18b1 depending on year...and the GSR and the Type R had the B18C1 or B18C5, again depending on the year. Not a single Integra shipped to this country with the Civic b16A1 or b16c1. I know this cuz i have a 94 LS four door, have had a 92 LS and a 99 JDM ITR from the Japanese market. All stealth grey all four doors...

[Acura Integra Brake Pad on August 04, 2009 at 07:00 AM]

Nice post. Good sound.
What type of battery goes into a 2000 Acura Integra GS-R?

[jb on August 28, 2009 at 02:15 PM]

just bought a 94 dgr 4door and I love it more than my old crxb16 gsr is totally stock 165k

[Jeff on November 01, 2009 at 10:26 PM]

I am a proud owner of a 91 integra gs coupe. I've swapped the engine with a JDM B16aII Singine that came out of an SiR II civic in Japan. It is really a fun car to drive. I will never sell it. It is a classic in my book.

[kayley w on June 19, 2010 at 07:08 PM]

i recently bought a acura integra , i had paid top dollar to a mechanic shop to install a new engine in my acura,
the day i picked it up from the shop on my way home i noticed a strong gas smell inside my car, so once i got home i parked it . i didnt know what was wrong, so with in the next day or two,i walk out side and see a puddle of oil under my car, like every drop in the motor was on my drive way.
im thinking these so called mechanics tryed to pull a fast one..not sure if they just used old motor and old parts to charge me full price for a new motor...because in a girl... how can i find out what motor came stock in my integra?
and where can i locate the block number under my hood? i shouldnt be haveing these complications after installing this motor can any one help me please?

[Nicole on November 01, 2010 at 11:43 PM]

My husband got one of these for my birthday back in April. Mine is a '95 GSR DB8 in Stealth Gray Pearl. It's kind of funny - he's always loved the Super Sonic Blue Pearl, and so I found him one for his birthday in September! These cars are awesome and will nearly last forever if you treat/maintenance them right. :):) <3 my 'teg!

[Herbert on January 20, 2011 at 01:16 PM]

I picked up a 94' GSR Coupe back in 2004 for college and I never regretted it at all. It was pretty difficult to find an unmodded one but I found it with 90k on the engine (135k currently now) at the time. The only thing I had to replace is the master cylinder pump for the clutch because it was leaking clutch fluid. The interior has seen better days, but mechanically works awesome still. Exterior needs a new paint job though :/

[Cassidy on April 10, 2011 at 05:29 PM]

It is really cool how Acura is everywhere you can go to any country around the world and find a Acura It is great