I've never written in Autos for the three years I've written for Epinions. I wanted to write about the Ferrari Enzo, but alas, noone would let me test drive one. I've owned the Acura longer than I've been on Epinions, and I purchased it preowned, with about 25,000 miles on it.

Why Acura?

One, I had a Honda Del Sol for ten years, and I absolutely loved that car. It gave me ten years and almost 200,000 miles of trouble free transportation, and except for the last year, I only put routine maintenance into it. What does my Honda have to do with Acura? Well, first, Acura is the Honda high end. In fact, from the front, and inside the dashboard layout is very similar if not identical in the Honda Del Sol and the Acura Integra.

Two, I couldn't afford a Porsche. I wanted one, I really did, but when I broke down maintenance, insurance, speeding tickets that I would surely get, I decided against a flashy but fun sports car. (I did take it for one fun test drive one afternoon with my Dad. He claimed I was speeding).

Three, it's a practical affordable car with a certain degree of cache. I realize that we shouldn't judge people by the cars they drive, but lets face it, we do! As a lawyer I don't feel bad telling people I drive an Acura. It says I'm not a showoff (like if I got that Porsche), but I'm doing well enough thank you. Actually, the Integra model is (or was, since they don't make it anymore) one of the more affordable cars in the Acura lineup and cost me less than a brand new Hyundai. Its looks are nice, but to be honest, the Integra looks like dozens of other cars out there. (although this is a complaint of mine about the car industry as a whole for the past several years. I got mine in silver, and often in the parking lot, it takes me a while to figure out which silver car is mine.

So, how is it to drive?

Comfort Alright, I miss my 2 seat convertible Del Sol very much, but I have to admit that having a rear seat and 4 doors makes it easier to drive with other people or go grocery shopping. The Acura has comfortable front seats, and although they are not heated, the head rests are high enough so that they actually support your head, and they are adjustable in enough ways to make you comfortable. The rear seat offers enough leg room for medium sized people, although taller people may have difficulty in the back.
Unlike the Del Sol, there isn't a sharp drop to get down inside the car.

The heat works just fine in the winter time, although it does take a few minutes to kick in. The AC on the other hand is up and running almost instantaneously and keeps the car cool in the summer.

Power windows, power mirrors and a power sunroof are nice and operate easily. However if I accidently drive into a lake, I won't be able to roll the windows down to swim out. (Hopefully the anti lock brakes will prevent such a situation)

Handling What I like the best about the Acura Integra is the way it handles. It actually handles like a sports car, the suspension is great, and it seems to hug the roads, and even if you are going 90, there is no shake at all, it has a firm ride. It also brakes very well, and although the turning radius doesn't match my little Honda, it is pretty good. New England has more than its share of snow, and I can tell you that this front wheel drive car with anti lock brakes has no problems in New England weather. I've never lost control in snow and ice in this car. The anti lock brakes took getting used to, because I never had them before, but they have stopped my car on occasions where if I had jammed on the brakes, I would have skidded. I resist my impulse to tap or pump the brake, because the ABS does that for you.

This is the first automatic car I've owned, but I've gotten used to not having to constantly shift in typical New England traffic. I do miss the manual for shifting to drive at top speeds through windy roads though (you know at the posted speed limit of course).

Speed / acceleration Sigh, I got the practical 4 cylinder model, and it doesn't punch like my Honda did. I don't know if it is because it is an automatic or that the 160 hp engine really isn't enough to really MOVE a sedan quickly. In my Honda, it would get up and go in seconds, I have reluctantly grown used to gradual increases in speed with the Acura. Perhaps I should have got the R version. It also doesn't have the same high end speed. Theoretically, I understand that I could drive my Honda Del Sol at a buck twenty on the Mass Pike, not that I've ever done that just to see if it would, that would be illegal and foolish and quite a rush. However, the Acura just doesn't seem to beg to go at speeds well above those posted. Am I getting older or more mature? I've had the car going 90, but I've just never wanted to push it. It does fine at regular high way speeds of 70 to 80. (This IS New England everyone goes over the posted 65 mph, except during rush hour when we go 10 to 20 mph all the way to Boston). If you are looking for a car to make quick start ups at the stop lights or speed down the highway with feelings of delirium, the Acura Integra isn't the model to do it with, at least with the 4 cylinder engine. On the other hand, I haven't had to fight my way out of a speeding ticket more than a few times with this car. It happened more often in my subtle red Del Sol with the top down and music blaring.

Maintenance

Thus far, I've had no trouble with this car, just routine maintenance. I've changed the tires and the brakes, and brought it in for routine checkups. The car runs well. Unlike Porsche or BMW, this runs on regular fuel and has reasonable priced check ups and oil changes. One major factor in deciding against a Porsche was that oil changes at the dealership were $200.00! Higher performance cars demand higher maintenance costs.

Sound System

This car had a stock CD player AM FM and a cassette deck. I miss the out and out concert levels of my Boston Acoustic speakers, Alpine Deck and Nakamichi power amplifiers in my Del Sol, but for stock this actually sounds pretty good unless you want to crank it up to a nice concert level. The cassette deck is handy for books on tape, and the unit is easy to operate. It also won't work if it is removed. (I found this out once when my battery died, I had to go to the dealership to make it play again, a code needs to be entered). There are front and rear speakers and the system fills the car with music whether the windows are down or up. My priorities have changed since I was younger, so I don't think I will be spending the money to recreate the Worcester Centrum in my car's interior. However at moderately loud volumes jazz, rock, blues, classical and heavy metal sound just fine, so do narrated books on tape.

Value

Considering what I paid for this preowned (used even), and how reliable it has been, I would say that the Acura is a very good value. It is a well built car. There are no little noises, shakes or rattles, and it is a comfortable car to drive or sit in.

Safety

I was going to drive this car into a tree so I could tell you whether or not the airbags worked (driver and passenger), but I decided against it. It has good handling, airbags and anti lock brakes, so it seems safe. Remember though, the windows are electric so if you drive into a lake, quickly roll the windows down BEFORE the car is submerged.

Other Stuff

Borat would be disappointed in the Acura, there are no magnets installed in it, the looks are sensible and a bit boring really. However, it handles very well, including in the harsh New England winters, and it has been very reliable thus far. You can operate the windows from the drivers seat, and prevent other passengers, like children, from operating them. The cup holders are inconveniently located in front of the controls for the stereo system, but they are large enough to hold a Dunkin Donuts coffee, but not a 16 oz. soda bottle. Speaking of Donuts, the spare tire is one of those stupid donuts instead of a real tire. The trunk is large enough for groceries or boxes.

Summary

If you are looking for a good reliable used car (because this one isn't available new anymore), the Acura Integra is a good solid reliable car. If you are looking for a sports car though, the Integra is definitely more of a sedan!
Amount Paid (US$): 14,000.00
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2000
Model and Options: 4 cylinder automatic