I really like this format of review from Zack. It's a different change of pace from Matt's format & the differences make for a better show in ensuring that Zack's content "looks & feels" different from Matt's content. Keep it up Zack!
What bothers me about this car is that it looks the same as a tlx. The new z is literally shares so much with the 370z but still feels like a brand new car. This just feels like any other acura ive seen on the road for the past 10 years
It’s wild how the manual transmission has become a rarely available luxury. I don’t care how much faster automatics are - I prefer a more engaging driving experience 100% of the time, over being able to get to 60mph 0.2 seconds faster about 0.1% of the time I’m in the car.
Agreed, I may be in the minority but I'm still young and I feel like the manual actually makes sitting in traffic and shit fun for me. It gives my adhd ass something to do and it keeps genuinely me off my phone more when I drive.
People may hate, but I'd really consider this car since I do a ton of commuting. I've heard of many people getting excellent mpg, the car has excellent stereo and seats, seems nice enough to spend three hours a day in. I'd love to see either what these things behave like with a tune or if they ever make a faster version.
First thing I would do is remove out the rev-hang programming and get rid of any semblance of auto rev-matching. Buying a stick with limitations like that is just weirdly frustrating.
@@RAZGR1Z integra is nicer and should be quieter, I like the look of a civic SI interior but it's a downgrade from a GTI. I won't be buying another car for a year or two minimum regardless
Your closing comments are probably the most legit view I’ve heard on this car. In the same way that I think of Boss 302 and GT350 when I think of Mustangs; the same applies to old Integras with great memories of GS-R and type R variants. However, far more automatic, v6 mustangs are sold than even regular GT models and WAY more 1st through 3rd Gen Integras were LS models versus the hyper active 4 cylinders we all came to love. Hopefully they sell enough of this version to warrant the development of a type S we all want to buy. Cheers!
@@bizooty lol, it’s a great car man. I wish you luck in obtaining yours. If it doesn’t work out, hit me up. I have an allocation for a GR Corolla and I’ll have to sell my M3 to make it happen.
Your conclusion is spot on Zack. Understanding this isn't the enthusiast version, but lets hope Acura is listening and provides the 'fan boys/girls' with something special down the road. It's really up to us as consumers to advocate to the brand and be willing to pay up when time comes; not just complain in the comments of videos with no real desire to purchase.
@@antilagboostaddiction8322 yeah it's a giant bloated vehicle that was absolutely the opposite of what people wanted out of the integra. This is just a normal car for normal people that don't give a shit.
This car would have been nice, if unexceptional, if they had called it the ILX. The problem is they resurrected the Integra name specifically to appeal to enthusiasts, hyped it up as a performance car, and even implied it would be their new halo car to replace the NSX - then they revealed an overpriced, warmed over Civic Si. And to add insult to injury, the deleted a lot of features from the Si to make the Integra look better!
It's what Acura did with the Type S name as well. That car itself, isn't bad, but Acura and the Honda fanboy legion hyped it to be some performance weapon and... It's arguably the worst performer in its segment.
@@ClubZlut What they did with the transmission tuning on the TLX Type S is arguably worse than the power deficiency. I can deal with not being the quickest thing off the line, but no manual mode and automatic up-shifts anywhere before the red-line are absolute deal-breakers for a car like that.
I actually think acura is not only targeting enthusiasts with this. I think this will appeal a lot to regular shoppers as well. Its significantly less expensive than the audi and merc FWD offerings
THey didn't just hype it in the normal sense, they has a VERY different body shape shown to the public up to the day of the launch. It was far more like the RSX, then they changed it to a Civic shape simply for an extra 1" rear headroom over the 94-01 chassis. Nobody is going to buy this simply as a cattle car for adults when the bulbous Civic already does for less.
As a long time Integra fan, this is just a car. Even the 1986-1989 Integra had a sporty nature. Yeah there was a 5-door. There was also a 3-door. And they were so Japanese in their styling, precision, details, fit & finish.
Its an ILX that Acura decided to market as an Integra to boost sales they could have just said that, I don’t think they have any interest in making a special car
What Acura should’ve done: Integra GS: 200 hp 1.5L, 6-speed standard, optional 8 spd AT (no CVT), $30,995 base MSRP Integra GS-R: 252 hp 2.0T, 6-spd manual/8AT, limited slip diff, adaptive suspension, $34,995 base MSRP Integra Type R: 306 hp 2.0T, 6-spd, 7-spd Dual clutch opt, Civic Type R with stealthy understated aero, slightly dialed back compression/rebound compared to Civic Type R; the more “mature” Type R, $41,995 base MSRP
How does this Integra make more power then all the other integras besides the Type R? What about the JDM DC5 Type R? What about the USDM Acura RSX that made 210hp in 05-06? This is proof the DC5 RSX is just the forgotten integra.
The CVT on this is probably the biggest let down, the rest seems about right. The type R coupe was one thing, but most Integras were not that. My buddy had a Integra in high school; it had five doors, hubcaps, cloth seats and was slower than my moms Chrysler LeBaron.
But Acura was using the Type R coupe to advertise this. Even they know the Integra name is worthwhile only because of that car, so why does this car have zero chance in hell of ever being anything like it?
I actually think the CVT is fine for the regular buyers. honda's cvt performs fine in regular driving and its a hell of a lot better than the old 4 speeds in the old integras
My 1996 GSR has an engine that only came on an Acura in America and the 170hp only moves 2,643lbs. The VTEC is a joy to drive as it comes into its own between 4500 and 8000 rpm. The 2023 is the best ILX ever
GSR is gutless below 4500 This car would gap a GSR is 99% of daily driving and its not even a Type S With an e30 tune and downpipe it makes 280whp/340wtq and demolishes a GSR This Integra wofflestomps the old RS/LS/GS models easily - this makes more like 230hp and moves 3100lbs - 13lbs per hp vs 15.5lbs for the old GSR ....this integra also makes 200wtq at 3k rpm where a GSR might make 100wtq at the same rpm lol ....this car also has 6 speeds vs 5spd in the old cars Better torque around town, better mpg, stiff chassis with much higher stock limits. People just refuse to be objective when comparing this integra vs the old base models
Or wait for the integra Type-S or R whatever they decide to name it. I think this will end up being the touring version without the race car wing in the back
You can make the case that the Integra was always just a more refined Civic, but I think that doesn't diminish the disappointment, it just pushes it onto the Civic and how much less interesting it is now with it's lower redline, higher curbweight, and lack of 3-door. The Civic sort of has the 911 GT3 effect where everybody's talking about how great the Type-R is, and not how uninteresting the base, Si, and subsequently the Integra have become.
I would expect more for 8k difference from the Si Either on performance or interior quality Given that the Si already did a pretty great job at its price point. I find it hard to justify paying 8k for Acura badges, integra stamp, adaptive suspension and just slightly more premium interior. Not to mention other competitors, like the GTI, GLI, Hyundai's N cars, Subaru Wrx which are also in this price range. If I am in the market, I would only consider the integra if interior comfort and premium feel are my main concerns.
You don't buy a WRX for the interior. I recently got out of an Impreza that I had as a loaner for a few weeks while my VA WRX was getting some work done. That little Impreza was more comfortable, quieter, and had an overall fit and finish that was higher than my WRX ever could be, all while being ~$5,000 cheaper. Cars like that and the SI are not designed for long commutes. People looking for that while also wanting a little bit of fun are going to be looking at this car.
As a doordash driver I can tell you relying on cell is only is dangerous. You have a good point! I’ve been lost in neighborhoods before when cell service let me down.
You do know they had the ILX prior to this correct??? So it isn’t different from what the ILX offered. Considering they sold a crap ton of ILX models…. Yeah you really don’t know how well Acura knows their market
My biggest problem with the Integra is what Honda did with the Civic Si. Took away the amenities that the 10th gen Si already had, including adaptive dampers and then raised the cost of the 11th gen Si $2K. Then, added them all back into the top trim Integra A-Spec with Tech Pkg for $8K more. $8K more and you don't even get rear vents. It's a nice car, but definitely not worth $8K more than an Si with the same powertrain.
@@liamkelly2555 There is no making this body style look good you can take the LS or GS and make them sexy. The type R version of this is just a lip and spoiler still gana be ugly as fuck just like the civic flat out hideous. Can't put lipstick on a pig and expect it to not look like a pig
Honda has no excuse. Plenty of people have been screaming for years to bring back the Integra, make a GS-R or Type -R. It’s the classic case of Honda doing what THEY want to do. Usually when something flops they look to the enthusiasts and say, “well you didn’t buy the mediocre car so we can’t do a hotter one” 🤦♂️
@Scott Carter Agreed. With a racing history like Honda's, there is no excuse to play it safer than safe. We have more than enough evidence they can bring it in the styling and performance dept. when they want to. It's just very disappointing.
You're right -- it's a proper Acura, in the original sense, and I think it does have the appropriate high-value overall character. I haven't paid any attention to Acura for a very long time, but I think this Integra is well worth the price difference over a Civic, especially in a manual because of the mechanical LSD. Even without that, it all adds up to Civic-like value in its price segment. The NVH refinement, added touches, large liftback, adjustable suspension, and outstanding stereo justify the difference.
This reminds me when Pontiac brought back the GTO. They only brought the name back. The things that made the original car popular and desirable were lost to time. Shame they couldn't make it look like the late 90's Integra we all have pop in our heads.
What did you want to see besides different looks? GTO had monster performance for what it was, still had a big ol v8 up front, manual.. unless you were hoping for a live rear axle too 🤣
@@papa_pt What did I want to see? I don't know, maybe an Integra. Ford, Chrysler, GM all brought back or in Fords case, Redesigned, "muscle" cars and the sales proved the retro styling worked. Pontiac screwed it up and sales proved it. People buy on looks most the time. No one cares for a "Live axle or monster V8. Most the muscle cars sold have the V6 motor option. That "Integra" looks like every single Acura they sell. There was and still is no reason for that car to have that name.
@@URBANAMERICANTAC I was referring to the GTO not the Integra 😂 totally in understand why the Integra is a bit of a dud, never understood why the GTO got so much hate other than its looks
@@papa_pt Like he said, it just didn’t look like old GTOs, it came out during a time where people wanted retro styled muscle. Right after the stopped producing it, the Camaro and Challenger came with more retro styling like the Mustang.
I remember vividly when the Mk1 Integras came out. I said the exact same thing: "Why buy this over a Civic?" Nothing has changed in +30 years. It's still an entry-level niche car for the Acura brand. Badge engineering to appeal to people who think driving a Honda is too pedestrian for their tastes.
Until the 99 Civic Si, Integras had far better brakes, engine and suspension than anything that came in a North American Civic, as well as power accessories, leather, and completely different bodywork. Unfortunately now those differences are no longer the case.
Great job on the review man. It might not be the exciting Integra we want but this was a better comeback than what Chevy did with the Blazer nameplate. For that we must be thankful. I also enjoy the styling for what it is not as a successor to the Integra tho.
Sarah-n-tuned said if you want a base integra then just get the civic and I have to say, I kind of agree with her. Why would you want a base luxury car?
I’m glad to see Acura bring back the Integra name plate. The introductory models remind me more of the LS and GS trim lines. Hopefully we see a GS-R or Type R variant, most likely as a type S. I’ll probably carve out some time in the next month or two and try to test drive one as I have fond memories of my RSX when I was in my 20’s but this isn’t a market I look at anymore. It feels like Acura/Honda are trending back in the correct direction after making such a hard reversal at the end of the 2000’s with their product line up.
Your point about the tires is spot on. I bought this exact car. I immediately switched out my OEM Contis for Michelin PS4S. Night and day difference, quieter, and look much better.
Lmao and the car would be 43k to 45k while getting less then 30 mpg based on what you want. Talk about a car you want that's not a entry level luxury car. The people who want to buy a Integra are looking for comfort, sportiness, hatchback and especially something with excellent mpg. They are not looking for a TYPE R that is fast but lacks great mpg, ride and interior comforts. Wait for the Type S Integra and you can pay your 45k that's 95% of buyer dont need. I have mine coming on the 2nd of June I ordered it the way a wanted I'm getting exactly what I want for the money!
I'll always be a Honda/Acura fan, but the whole team gets an L with this one. Literally it's a Civic Si sedan, with an Acura grille slapped on the front, and some Hyundai Genesis in the back. (The back end looks really good, to be fair.) The design is plain lazy to me. I'm sure sure driving experience is great, just like any other Civic Si based product, but unless Acura's team offers some major redesigns and performance updates for this platform, as it goes forward, then I'll have no interest in buying this car. That's my $0.02.
I really liked this fun intro and would love to see more! Love how casual these videos are, more enjoyable that way and no one trying to be what they aren't. Loving it!
Love the intro brotha, sometimes less is more a quick 10sec skit can go a long way without being dragged out. Hope the advice helps! I’d speak to Throttle house about this, I grabbed this advice from a podcast of theirs!!
But how does it compare to a Mazda 3 or Jetta GLi? I dont feel like its supposed to compete with things like the WRX or N brand stuff. Id also bet that there will be a type R and hopefully a GSR (or similiar option) down the road.
I’m don’t know much about the Intergra but if I Google Honda or Acura Intergra it comes up with images of an actual coupe (2 doors) so why does this vid state the first one had 5 doors?
Zack! Excellent review! Finally an indepth driving review. Couple things you mentioned that will turn me away from this car is the slow reaction in steering, some turbo lag( my a4 had that, hated that) man they got to get rid of that 1.5 Turbo. On the plus side like you said the interior is very nice looking and the outside is also not too shabby. A nice-looking Civic SI without the summer tires and bargain price. It's too bad ,I had high hopes for this car as a replacement to my 13 Honda Accord Sport manual.
@7:59 “Curvy roads are rare in Texas”. Incorrect. Try Hill Country. North and West of San Antonio and Austin. You can find plenty of tight curves and long, high speed sweepers. You will get lost finding them, but they’re there.
The reason why the civic coupes stopped selling well was because Honda started making HUGE bubbly coupes and they turned off those people that know what a proper Honda civic/integra should be like. They'd sell again if they went to their 90s and early 2ks formula (20k-30k dollar cars , 3k or less weight, lower center of gravity, reliable 4banger na or turbo and yeah maybe even make them 4 doors its really the overall size of the car that matters.) Compare a db8 integra to this school bus, the difference is insane and the db8 will feel a hell of a lot sportier . .. Acura is crap now. They think everyone wants a luxury packed suv, TSX, wannabe tsx("integra") , or a $100k super car. They couldn't be more WRONG. They expect to make a school bus and slap "integra" on it and people will just buy it 😂. I'd rather just go buy a beat dc2 with some rust and rebuild it than buy this brand new POS.
Then don't buy it. Though I highly doubt you can even buy a new car anyway. But for me I rather not build a old integra that only will get 20 mpg vs high 30's mpg in the new one while gas is over $5 per gallon. I can buy this I get full bumper to bumper warranty. Then i get a car that is very comfortable, every feature I need with a hatchback that still has a excellent manual transmission and engine combination. Attacking the car because they didn't build a race car is ridiculous because this car has the best bang for you buck with a hatch. If they built what you want it would get less then 30 mpg and cost 45k thats not a entry car into Acura.
Multiple cars that I have had in my driveway came with the ContiProContact. Those things sucked on every single car. Just abysmal all-seasons. Huge miss by Acura (Honda).
@@thisisbenji90 for engaging driving the answer is always Michelin, but if you don't want to spend that kind of money, I recently put ExtremeContact DWS06 on my GTI. Great tire. Had them on my FIAT as well in the past.
Regarding cell-only navigation - absolutely a concern. I don't think I've done a roadtrip longer than three hours where I haven't lost data at some point. Having access to the car's onboard sensors and movement also makes dead-reckoning navigation much more reliable and precise than using the sensors on a mobile device - which is especially nasty when underground, in a tunnel, or in city-center building canyons. The partial solution I've found is using the HERE map app. I'm not sure if it's available on iOS, on Android it allows you to download full mapsets of any size as long as you have the capacity on your device. You can download by state, country, territory, or even continent. I have all of NA downloaded and it's definitely saved me several times as all the map data is local and you only need a GPS fix for full offline navigation.
You're right, we're lucky it's not an SUV and we should be thankful for any half decent new sedan or hatchback at this point. I appreciate you explaning the history of the Integra, how it was always Civic based, how most were normal trims, not crazy high performance models, so hopefully that can educate some of the keyboard warriors on the interwebs. It's also good to note how the car industry has changed and there isn't the same market for coupes, so we aren't going to see many cars like that. We need to remember that in the third gen, most performance Integras were the GS-R, and the Type R was low production so rare, and expensive.
If it wasn't for the 3rd gen GSR & Type-R trims, no one would care if it has an integra badge or not. 99% of Integras are exactly what this is, a nicer civic.
What kind of argument is that 😂😂that’s like saying “if it wasn’t for the MK4 Supra no one would care if that BMW has a Supra badge or not” up until last year I had a GSR, I test drive up and down modern Honda’s and wasn’t impressed they just don’t make cars with character anymore which is why I went with my 2010 Si after test driving the brand new Civic Si
@@non-fictionaltoughguy1208 Wut lol. People fell in love with the Integra due to the GSR & Type-R Trims. Remove those 2 trims from the car, and the Integra is just a nicer civic, as the new one is. No one cares about the non GSR or Type-R trims.
@@steveneng1439 you’re actually mental lol no one cares about the GSR and Type R? You’re definitely not a car enthusiast because when you say integra that’s IMMEDIATELY what comes to mind, the 6th Gen civic was great too I drove and tried to buy a buddy of mines and sure they were both Honda’s but my integra didn’t feel just like a “nicer civic” it had a character of its own, something this new ILX lacks
I honestly like it quite a bit. It's good looking, priced reasonably, has a straightforward interior without the gimmicky electronic shifter and jumbo-central-dash-knob of almost every other Acura, and even offers a manual (a good one!) and a hatch when almost no one else will. There's nothing wrong with this new Integra that a Hondata tune, and some better tires can't fix. Do I wish they offered the next Civic Type-R powertrain along with SH-AWD in a performance spec? Absolutely. Does it need this to be a good sport sedan? No.
The biggest miss, is that for most "normal" buyers I think they will be getting the auto which is a CVT. How will this affect the cars "sporty" image and actual performance?
@@papa_pt that's my point lol if the biggest selling point on this is the manual why would normies care? The Elantra N is way faster, there's the GTI, Mazda 3 Turbo, and all of the other entry level German lease mobiles. I just don't get this car at all lol
@@thabrownieviking agreed I think this car is for the normies. People who bought Acura sedans 10 years ago. I guess they threw in the $35k manual to catch the few diehard Integra fans 🙁
I feel like Acura positions themselves in the same league of Lexus and Genesis but I don’t agree there. When people think of those brands, they think of luxury. When people think of Acura, they think of the sportier cars like the Integra coupe. They’re in the middle of an identity crisis. Charging nearly $8,000 more for this than the Civic SI when the differences are so minor is a real shame, on top of it being a shame that they called this the Integra knowing that it would stir up hype all to let it fall flat on it’s face. It’s like the Mustang Mach E. I get why you made it what you made it, but you shouldn’t have called it what you did, because calling it that evokes a certain expectation and neither of those cars match what people think of when they think of the model name
Zack out here doing his best throttle house impression and I’m not mad at it
At all. Very much his own spin tho
Can’t agree more.
I love it!
Throttle house created improv huh
@@DouEditz that’s a lot confidence for not knowing what improv means. Do you really think they don’t write this stuff first?
It was a pretty bad attempt, but he tried.
I really like this format of review from Zack. It's a different change of pace from Matt's format & the differences make for a better show in ensuring that Zack's content "looks & feels" different from Matt's content. Keep it up Zack!
I thought God in the intro was going to tell Zach to always fight his tickets.
What bothers me about this car is that it looks the same as a tlx. The new z is literally shares so much with the 370z but still feels like a brand new car. This just feels like any other acura ive seen on the road for the past 10 years
You literally read my mind
That’s how luxury brands usually do things styling wise.
I built this car I'm not happy with it...just a civic kown matter how they make sound good. Just disappointing
This car was going for Acura's corporate styling.
Because that’s all it is, it’s literally a rebadged ILX lol
Well done Zack, your reviews have really improved, keep up the great work.
Now he's everything he ever wanted to be.
He’s been great for a while now, and the perfect foil to Matt.
I look forward to his career with great interest.
I remember when he made his appearance on this channel and everyone hated him lol
I really like this format and style, well done.
It’s wild how the manual transmission has become a rarely available luxury. I don’t care how much faster automatics are - I prefer a more engaging driving experience 100% of the time, over being able to get to 60mph 0.2 seconds faster about 0.1% of the time I’m in the car.
Me too. My last 4 cars have been manual, I hope to never go back to automatic.
You realize your preaching to the choir, right?
@@MoparTechWill I got a reply on a Nissan Z video, on the youtube channel "Save the Manuals", preaching that the automatic was faster
Agreed, I may be in the minority but I'm still young and I feel like the manual actually makes sitting in traffic and shit fun for me. It gives my adhd ass something to do and it keeps genuinely me off my phone more when I drive.
@@damienlee1165 Damn I had the same exact thoughts.
People may hate, but I'd really consider this car since I do a ton of commuting. I've heard of many people getting excellent mpg, the car has excellent stereo and seats, seems nice enough to spend three hours a day in. I'd love to see either what these things behave like with a tune or if they ever make a faster version.
It's a pretty nice place to spend that time.
First thing I would do is remove out the rev-hang programming and get rid of any semblance of auto rev-matching. Buying a stick with limitations like that is just weirdly frustrating.
Try the Civic Si first.
@@joeleonard9965 you can turn auto rev matching off, idk why people get hung up on something that has an on off switch. Best of both worlds
@@RAZGR1Z integra is nicer and should be quieter, I like the look of a civic SI interior but it's a downgrade from a GTI. I won't be buying another car for a year or two minimum regardless
This review had a Throttle House touch to it with the intro and the voice overlay. Good to see a change in awhile
Your closing comments are probably the most legit view I’ve heard on this car. In the same way that I think of Boss 302 and GT350 when I think of Mustangs; the same applies to old Integras with great memories of GS-R and type R variants. However, far more automatic, v6 mustangs are sold than even regular GT models and WAY more 1st through 3rd Gen Integras were LS models versus the hyper active 4 cylinders we all came to love. Hopefully they sell enough of this version to warrant the development of a type S we all want to buy. Cheers!
Im currently grinding towards an Isle of Man G80 M3 and your pfp activated my neurons.
@@bizooty lol, it’s a great car man. I wish you luck in obtaining yours. If it doesn’t work out, hit me up. I have an allocation for a GR Corolla and I’ll have to sell my M3 to make it happen.
Your conclusion is spot on Zack. Understanding this isn't the enthusiast version, but lets hope Acura is listening and provides the 'fan boys/girls' with something special down the road. It's really up to us as consumers to advocate to the brand and be willing to pay up when time comes; not just complain in the comments of videos with no real desire to purchase.
Making a type R version or something adding a lip kit and spoiler isn't going to make this ugly ass car look any better its designe is hidious
@@antilagboostaddiction8322 yeah it's a giant bloated vehicle that was absolutely the opposite of what people wanted out of the integra. This is just a normal car for normal people that don't give a shit.
Thank you for acknowledging this isn’t an enthusiast car, most of us are perfectly okay with that just call it what it is an ILX
@@Globbs well said
@@antilagboostaddiction8322 thanks :)
This car would have been nice, if unexceptional, if they had called it the ILX. The problem is they resurrected the Integra name specifically to appeal to enthusiasts, hyped it up as a performance car, and even implied it would be their new halo car to replace the NSX - then they revealed an overpriced, warmed over Civic Si. And to add insult to injury, the deleted a lot of features from the Si to make the Integra look better!
It's what Acura did with the Type S name as well. That car itself, isn't bad, but Acura and the Honda fanboy legion hyped it to be some performance weapon and... It's arguably the worst performer in its segment.
@@ClubZlut What they did with the transmission tuning on the TLX Type S is arguably worse than the power deficiency. I can deal with not being the quickest thing off the line, but no manual mode and automatic up-shifts anywhere before the red-line are absolute deal-breakers for a car like that.
I actually think acura is not only targeting enthusiasts with this. I think this will appeal a lot to regular shoppers as well. Its significantly less expensive than the audi and merc FWD offerings
@@ciello___8307 The A Class and A3 are also just better cars.
THey didn't just hype it in the normal sense, they has a VERY different body shape shown to the public up to the day of the launch. It was far more like the RSX, then they changed it to a Civic shape simply for an extra 1" rear headroom over the 94-01 chassis. Nobody is going to buy this simply as a cattle car for adults when the bulbous Civic already does for less.
As always, great job on the video Zack…not sure how I feel about the Integra, but I enjoyed the intro bit!
As a long time Integra fan, this is just a car. Even the 1986-1989 Integra had a sporty nature. Yeah there was a 5-door. There was also a 3-door. And they were so Japanese in their styling, precision, details, fit & finish.
Its an ILX that Acura decided to market as an Integra to boost sales they could have just said that, I don’t think they have any interest in making a special car
What Acura should’ve done:
Integra GS: 200 hp 1.5L, 6-speed standard, optional 8 spd AT (no CVT), $30,995 base MSRP
Integra GS-R: 252 hp 2.0T, 6-spd manual/8AT, limited slip diff, adaptive suspension, $34,995 base MSRP
Integra Type R: 306 hp 2.0T, 6-spd, 7-spd Dual clutch opt, Civic Type R with stealthy understated aero, slightly dialed back compression/rebound compared to Civic Type R; the more “mature” Type R, $41,995 base MSRP
Look how tall that rear quarter panel is, ten years ago this would be considered a crossover.
It’s not a crossover?
How does this Integra make more power then all the other integras besides the Type R? What about the JDM DC5 Type R? What about the USDM Acura RSX that made 210hp in 05-06?
This is proof the DC5 RSX is just the forgotten integra.
Technically, the RSX isn’t an Integra. It just is in all the ways that matter.
JDM is jdm
And with a high revving na k series 😂
@@rileyschultz5608 It was made in the same assembly line as the DC2
@@rileyschultz5608 Actually the DC5 was branded the Honda Integra everywhere in the world except the North America market (U.S. and Canada)
damn this car could’ve been so much cooler
The CVT on this is probably the biggest let down, the rest seems about right. The type R coupe was one thing, but most Integras were not that. My buddy had a Integra in high school; it had five doors, hubcaps, cloth seats and was slower than my moms Chrysler LeBaron.
But Acura was using the Type R coupe to advertise this. Even they know the Integra name is worthwhile only because of that car, so why does this car have zero chance in hell of ever being anything like it?
@@vomErsten in the press tour they brought along the first gen integra hatch. So no, they didn't only use the type r
I actually think the CVT is fine for the regular buyers. honda's cvt performs fine in regular driving and its a hell of a lot better than the old 4 speeds in the old integras
My 1996 GSR has an engine that only came on an Acura in America and the 170hp only moves 2,643lbs. The VTEC is a joy to drive as it comes into its own between 4500 and 8000 rpm. The 2023 is the best ILX ever
GSR is gutless below 4500
This car would gap a GSR is 99% of daily driving and its not even a Type S
With an e30 tune and downpipe it makes 280whp/340wtq and demolishes a GSR
This Integra wofflestomps the old RS/LS/GS models easily - this makes more like 230hp and moves 3100lbs - 13lbs per hp vs 15.5lbs for the old GSR ....this integra also makes 200wtq at 3k rpm where a GSR might make 100wtq at the same rpm lol ....this car also has 6 speeds vs 5spd in the old cars
Better torque around town, better mpg, stiff chassis with much higher stock limits.
People just refuse to be objective when comparing this integra vs the old base models
@@TheFK8Life thank you!
Oh how I want to love this car, but I think waiting for the next gen Civic Type-R is likely the better option.
Or wait for the integra Type-S or R whatever they decide to name it. I think this will end up being the touring version without the race car wing in the back
Really two different types of cars.
You can make the case that the Integra was always just a more refined Civic, but I think that doesn't diminish the disappointment, it just pushes it onto the Civic and how much less interesting it is now with it's lower redline, higher curbweight, and lack of 3-door. The Civic sort of has the 911 GT3 effect where everybody's talking about how great the Type-R is, and not how uninteresting the base, Si, and subsequently the Integra have become.
I would expect more for 8k difference from the Si
Either on performance or interior quality
Given that the Si already did a pretty great job at its price point.
I find it hard to justify paying 8k for Acura badges, integra stamp, adaptive suspension and just slightly more premium interior.
Not to mention other competitors, like the GTI, GLI, Hyundai's N cars, Subaru Wrx which are also in this price range.
If I am in the market, I would only consider the integra if interior comfort and premium feel are my main concerns.
at least in America, where we get shafted on the new Si in terms of features, the 8k is worth it I'd say.
None of those cars are in the same class as this. Those are compact non-luxury.
You don't buy a WRX for the interior. I recently got out of an Impreza that I had as a loaner for a few weeks while my VA WRX was getting some work done. That little Impreza was more comfortable, quieter, and had an overall fit and finish that was higher than my WRX ever could be, all while being ~$5,000 cheaper. Cars like that and the SI are not designed for long commutes. People looking for that while also wanting a little bit of fun are going to be looking at this car.
As a doordash driver I can tell you relying on cell is only is dangerous. You have a good point! I’ve been lost in neighborhoods before when cell service let me down.
I’m not a door dash driver but I’ve gotten lost quite few times because my service stopped working
I really wish Acura would throw the manual in with the base or A Spec. I want the manual but can’t justify it for almost $37k
201 ponies for 35k and calling it a A-Spec is rude
😂
A spec has always been the apperance package. Type S is the performance upgrades, which this is not.
You do know they had the ILX prior to this correct???
So it isn’t different from what the ILX offered.
Considering they sold a crap ton of ILX models…. Yeah you really don’t know how well Acura knows their market
This is probably one of the most “real” reviews I’ve seen before! Nice work!
My biggest problem with the Integra is what Honda did with the Civic Si. Took away the amenities that the 10th gen Si already had, including adaptive dampers and then raised the cost of the 11th gen Si $2K. Then, added them all back into the top trim Integra A-Spec with Tech Pkg for $8K more. $8K more and you don't even get rear vents. It's a nice car, but definitely not worth $8K more than an Si with the same powertrain.
Go to Canada and buy an Si and drive it back. That's what I'd do if I didn't keep my 2020 Si.
@@RCXDerp
I don't blame you there, the 20 Civic Si is definitely worth holding on to.
Integra, is not just a name. it's a type of car. This is no Integra.
Car looks like a turtle
Sure it is. It is just the LS or GS trim and not the GS-R or Type R you remember.
@@liamkelly2555 There is no making this body style look good you can take the LS or GS and make them sexy. The type R version of this is just a lip and spoiler still gana be ugly as fuck just like the civic flat out hideous. Can't put lipstick on a pig and expect it to not look like a pig
@@liamkelly2555 not really lmao the LS and GS ARE integras and they are just lower trim. The new “integra” doesn’t look like an integra and it isn’t.
How did Honda not know what buyers wanted in a new Integra? It's insane to me.
Honda has no excuse. Plenty of people have been screaming for years to bring back the Integra, make a GS-R or Type -R. It’s the classic case of Honda doing what THEY want to do. Usually when something flops they look to the enthusiasts and say, “well you didn’t buy the mediocre car so we can’t do a hotter one” 🤦♂️
@Scott Carter Agreed. With a racing history like Honda's, there is no excuse to play it safer than safe. We have more than enough evidence they can bring it in the styling and performance dept. when they want to. It's just very disappointing.
@@330arr facts
You're right -- it's a proper Acura, in the original sense, and I think it does have the appropriate high-value overall character. I haven't paid any attention to Acura for a very long time, but I think this Integra is well worth the price difference over a Civic, especially in a manual because of the mechanical LSD. Even without that, it all adds up to Civic-like value in its price segment. The NVH refinement, added touches, large liftback, adjustable suspension, and outstanding stereo justify the difference.
It seems like a different tire choice would help the handling and steering a lot.
The hatch adds a bunch of value IMO.
This reminds me when Pontiac brought back the GTO. They only brought the name back. The things that made the original car popular and desirable were lost to time. Shame they couldn't make it look like the late 90's Integra we all have pop in our heads.
YES
What did you want to see besides different looks? GTO had monster performance for what it was, still had a big ol v8 up front, manual.. unless you were hoping for a live rear axle too 🤣
@@papa_pt What did I want to see? I don't know, maybe an Integra. Ford, Chrysler, GM all brought back or in Fords case, Redesigned, "muscle" cars and the sales proved the retro styling worked. Pontiac screwed it up and sales proved it. People buy on looks most the time. No one cares for a "Live axle or monster V8. Most the muscle cars sold have the V6 motor option. That "Integra" looks like every single Acura they sell. There was and still is no reason for that car to have that name.
@@URBANAMERICANTAC I was referring to the GTO not the Integra 😂 totally in understand why the Integra is a bit of a dud, never understood why the GTO got so much hate other than its looks
@@papa_pt Like he said, it just didn’t look like old GTOs, it came out during a time where people wanted retro styled muscle. Right after the stopped producing it, the Camaro and Challenger came with more retro styling like the Mustang.
I remember vividly when the Mk1 Integras came out. I said the exact same thing: "Why buy this over a Civic?"
Nothing has changed in +30 years. It's still an entry-level niche car for the Acura brand. Badge engineering to appeal to people who think driving a Honda is too pedestrian for their tastes.
A lot has changed this thing is fat clunky and it sporty at all
@@non-fictionaltoughguy1208 it’s actually really light for how cars are today
@@elisalsa24 yea it is but it doesn’t look it, the design team at Acura needs to be fired lol
@@elisalsa24 it might not be the heaviest but it certainly isn't light weight and they didn't give it much power to play with.
Until the 99 Civic Si, Integras had far better brakes, engine and suspension than anything that came in a North American Civic, as well as power accessories, leather, and completely different bodywork. Unfortunately now those differences are no longer the case.
Best and most honest review of this product to date! Thank you for not sugar coating what this is: a nicer, less sporty version of the Civic Si.
What are you smoking only the Canadian model Si looks sporty....LMAO
My 06 Type-S is 300 pounds lighter with more power and actually revs as a Honda sport car should. Sad that this is what the Integra has become.
Then there’s me with my slow 5 speed manual RSX
Great job on the review man. It might not be the exciting Integra we want but this was a better comeback than what Chevy did with the Blazer nameplate. For that we must be thankful. I also enjoy the styling for what it is not as a successor to the Integra tho.
This is a great point. I think the bronco and challenger were two of the best comeback models in fairly recent history. The Supra is cool too though.
Omg, Zack has a personality.. great to see you shine through.. lovin the TH-esque vignette at the beginning. All love.
It doesn't make any sense that Honda/ Acura can't sell coupes but every other car manufacturer can.
Sarah-n-tuned said if you want a base integra then just get the civic and I have to say, I kind of agree with her. Why would you want a base luxury car?
Why do you think people buy base luxury cars? It’s the badge
I’m glad to see Acura bring back the Integra name plate. The introductory models remind me more of the LS and GS trim lines. Hopefully we see a GS-R or Type R variant, most likely as a type S. I’ll probably carve out some time in the next month or two and try to test drive one as I have fond memories of my RSX when I was in my 20’s but this isn’t a market I look at anymore. It feels like Acura/Honda are trending back in the correct direction after making such a hard reversal at the end of the 2000’s with their product line up.
Your point about the tires is spot on. I bought this exact car. I immediately switched out my OEM Contis for Michelin PS4S. Night and day difference, quieter, and look much better.
All it needed was the K20C4 and the auto and it would’ve been a killer car
Lmao and the car would be 43k to 45k while getting less then 30 mpg based on what you want. Talk about a car you want that's not a entry level luxury car. The people who want to buy a Integra are looking for comfort, sportiness, hatchback and especially something with excellent mpg. They are not looking for a TYPE R that is fast but lacks great mpg, ride and interior comforts. Wait for the Type S Integra and you can pay your 45k that's 95% of buyer dont need. I have mine coming on the 2nd of June I ordered it the way a wanted I'm getting exactly what I want for the money!
I'll always be a Honda/Acura fan, but the whole team gets an L with this one. Literally it's a Civic Si sedan, with an Acura grille slapped on the front, and some Hyundai Genesis in the back. (The back end looks really good, to be fair.) The design is plain lazy to me. I'm sure sure driving experience is great, just like any other Civic Si based product, but unless Acura's team offers some major redesigns and performance updates for this platform, as it goes forward, then I'll have no interest in buying this car. That's my $0.02.
rear end looks droopy. trash 🗑
I really liked this fun intro and would love to see more! Love how casual these videos are, more enjoyable that way and no one trying to be what they aren't. Loving it!
🤣 hahaha. "Just be happy, it’s not a crossover". That’s killing me. 🔥🔥
I’m getting serious RSX vibes from the rear end. That’s such a cool way to carry on the legacy of design.
Great review for the most underwhelming car in recent memory. Who's buying these?
This is good stuff Zack, keep it up! For your solo reviews, this is a good format.
Getting a Tom Brady Hertz ad during this video was quite fitting. Great review Zack!
The feeling like a boost from 1-6 gear is such a classic Honda thing tho, but this should’ve been the base model not the type S at least.
Love the intro brotha, sometimes less is more a quick 10sec skit can go a long way without being dragged out. Hope the advice helps! I’d speak to Throttle house about this, I grabbed this advice from a podcast of theirs!!
Don’t ever stop the comedy skits, Zack. One of the best parts of your videos
starting to get a little intro help from the throttle house boys! love to see the creativity
They totally missed the mark on the design... I have a feeling everyone who was excited for the new Integra will now no longer be buying one-
Best comment yet! I wonder how youtube car reviews can find this thing beautiful! Rear is ok but could have been more
How does this compare to the Mazda 3 AWD turbo? Hatch or coupe? In terms of handling and driving dynamics?
Great review! Appreciate comparison and addressing the nostalgia issues.
I would love a manual base model like the old Integra RS withouy a sunroof.
Nice review Zack! Funny with the right amount of detail.
But how does it compare to a Mazda 3 or Jetta GLi? I dont feel like its supposed to compete with things like the WRX or N brand stuff. Id also bet that there will be a type R and hopefully a GSR (or similiar option) down the road.
Great video! Makes me thankful for my past sti and my current s2000
They put a CVT in a fucking Integra?! What were they smoking??!!
I got a new Integra as a loaner car and it changed my life. I found integrity.
I’m don’t know much about the Intergra but if I Google Honda or Acura Intergra it comes up with images of an actual coupe (2 doors) so why does this vid state the first one had 5 doors?
Acura apologist excuses idk
Really well put together review, appreciate how organized the thoughts are. Good work
Intro was hilarious 😂
Review was great as always. Glad the integra is cool
Zack! Excellent review! Finally an indepth driving review. Couple things you mentioned that will turn me away from this car is the slow reaction in steering, some turbo lag( my a4 had that, hated that) man they got to get rid of that 1.5 Turbo.
On the plus side like you said the interior is very nice looking and the outside is also not too shabby. A nice-looking Civic SI without the summer tires and bargain price. It's too bad ,I had high hopes for this car as a replacement to my 13 Honda Accord Sport manual.
Loved this review Zack.
Zack! Unlock your inner humor! So good!! 👍👍👍👍
Liking both the intro and the outro. Nice work.
@7:59 “Curvy roads are rare in Texas”. Incorrect. Try Hill Country. North and West of San Antonio and Austin. You can find plenty of tight curves and long, high speed sweepers.
You will get lost finding them, but they’re there.
my daily is a stick, my track car is a stick, and I'm LS and t56 swapping my tow vehicle
The reason why the civic coupes stopped selling well was because Honda started making HUGE bubbly coupes and they turned off those people that know what a proper Honda civic/integra should be like. They'd sell again if they went to their 90s and early 2ks formula (20k-30k dollar cars , 3k or less weight, lower center of gravity, reliable 4banger na or turbo and yeah maybe even make them 4 doors its really the overall size of the car that matters.) Compare a db8 integra to this school bus, the difference is insane and the db8 will feel a hell of a lot sportier . .. Acura is crap now. They think everyone wants a luxury packed suv, TSX, wannabe tsx("integra") , or a $100k super car. They couldn't be more WRONG. They expect to make a school bus and slap "integra" on it and people will just buy it 😂. I'd rather just go buy a beat dc2 with some rust and rebuild it than buy this brand new POS.
Then don't buy it. Though I highly doubt you can even buy a new car anyway. But for me I rather not build a old integra that only will get 20 mpg vs high 30's mpg in the new one while gas is over $5 per gallon. I can buy this I get full bumper to bumper warranty. Then i get a car that is very comfortable, every feature I need with a
hatchback that still has a excellent manual transmission and engine combination. Attacking the car because they didn't build a race car is ridiculous because this car has the best bang for you buck with a hatch. If they built what you want it would get less then 30 mpg and cost 45k thats not a entry car into Acura.
They'll be solid used cars in 5-10 years. I'm callin it now.
It's a honda so that goes without saying.
The first Integra I rode in was slammed with cut springs and a $200 O'Reilly's sub woofer sound system. That's what I remember.
Best intro to date love the creativity
Digging the creativity of this review, Zack!
Your writing is getting really good Zack. Nice review.
Base car should always be available with the manual.
Also...200hp in a 3100lb car? Thats not great.
It's dog shit. Lol
Multiple cars that I have had in my driveway came with the ContiProContact. Those things sucked on every single car. Just abysmal all-seasons. Huge miss by Acura (Honda).
Good to know it’s not just me.
I made the mistake of putting a set on my Focus ST once... it was almost funny how bad the grip was.
@@thisisbenji90 for engaging driving the answer is always Michelin, but if you don't want to spend that kind of money, I recently put ExtremeContact DWS06 on my GTI. Great tire. Had them on my FIAT as well in the past.
I had them on my Civic hatchback and they were useless after 25k miles. 0 grip after that.
@@marcusmcneal7453 wow, 25k miles and useless. How could they do that to you!
Awesome video, Zack. Keep it up!
Regarding cell-only navigation - absolutely a concern. I don't think I've done a roadtrip longer than three hours where I haven't lost data at some point. Having access to the car's onboard sensors and movement also makes dead-reckoning navigation much more reliable and precise than using the sensors on a mobile device - which is especially nasty when underground, in a tunnel, or in city-center building canyons.
The partial solution I've found is using the HERE map app. I'm not sure if it's available on iOS, on Android it allows you to download full mapsets of any size as long as you have the capacity on your device. You can download by state, country, territory, or even continent. I have all of NA downloaded and it's definitely saved me several times as all the map data is local and you only need a GPS fix for full offline navigation.
Assuming I ever get around to actually driving in some fashion, that sounds really helpful, so thanks :)
Haven't even made it to the video proper, but the intro already earned the like.
You're right, we're lucky it's not an SUV and we should be thankful for any half decent new sedan or hatchback at this point. I appreciate you explaning the history of the Integra, how it was always Civic based, how most were normal trims, not crazy high performance models, so hopefully that can educate some of the keyboard warriors on the interwebs. It's also good to note how the car industry has changed and there isn't the same market for coupes, so we aren't going to see many cars like that. We need to remember that in the third gen, most performance Integras were the GS-R, and the Type R was low production so rare, and expensive.
sure looks like an suv to me
If it wasn't for the 3rd gen GSR & Type-R trims, no one would care if it has an integra badge or not. 99% of Integras are exactly what this is, a nicer civic.
What kind of argument is that 😂😂that’s like saying “if it wasn’t for the MK4 Supra no one would care if that BMW has a Supra badge or not” up until last year I had a GSR, I test drive up and down modern Honda’s and wasn’t impressed they just don’t make cars with character anymore which is why I went with my 2010 Si after test driving the brand new Civic Si
@@non-fictionaltoughguy1208 Wut lol. People fell in love with the Integra due to the GSR & Type-R Trims. Remove those 2 trims from the car, and the Integra is just a nicer civic, as the new one is. No one cares about the non GSR or Type-R trims.
@@steveneng1439 you’re actually mental lol no one cares about the GSR and Type R? You’re definitely not a car enthusiast because when you say integra that’s IMMEDIATELY what comes to mind, the 6th Gen civic was great too I drove and tried to buy a buddy of mines and sure they were both Honda’s but my integra didn’t feel just like a “nicer civic” it had a character of its own, something this new ILX lacks
@@non-fictionaltoughguy1208 Uh reading comprehension 101? lol.
That intro was fucking ace dude, you guys just get better and better!
That intro was AMAZING!!!
Great video, and review, Zack!
I enjoyed driving my loaner car, a new Integra. It was a very satisfying experience.
I honestly like it quite a bit. It's good looking, priced reasonably, has a straightforward interior without the gimmicky electronic shifter and jumbo-central-dash-knob of almost every other Acura, and even offers a manual (a good one!) and a hatch when almost no one else will. There's nothing wrong with this new Integra that a Hondata tune, and some better tires can't fix. Do I wish they offered the next Civic Type-R powertrain along with SH-AWD in a performance spec? Absolutely. Does it need this to be a good sport sedan? No.
I think adding a rear sway bar, like whiteline or eibach, would help turn in a lot more.
Very good review! I'm just waiting for the typeS, that seems to be a pretty good base for it. "Hello vw buttons on the steering wheel"
Wow - this sure looks like a big miss by Honda, which is disappointing. For this kind of money get a new GTI
Save your cash and get a MK7.5 GTi or R, the new Golf is unuable. The infotaiment is so bad that its creator was fired by VW.
Just get a bmw
@@diogodimas8677 this is an exaggeration. It’s completely useable. Unpopular would be more fair to say.
@@phox0999 a system were the main controls arent backlit, so at night you cant use it, is unusable to me. Its slower that systems from 2005.
@@diogodimas8677 While it appears pretty bad, I bet if you owned it, you'd get used to it and it would be fine.
IMO the car is too big and clunky, the old integras were sleak and symbolic of the compact 90s japanese flare. This thing looks heavy and slow.
💯
That opening skit,just amazing 🤣
The biggest miss, is that for most "normal" buyers I think they will be getting the auto which is a CVT. How will this affect the cars "sporty" image and actual performance?
Nothing kills fun more than a cvt.
Normal buyers have no fucking idea 😂 if it's automatic they just don't think about it
@@papa_pt that's my point lol if the biggest selling point on this is the manual why would normies care? The Elantra N is way faster, there's the GTI, Mazda 3 Turbo, and all of the other entry level German lease mobiles. I just don't get this car at all lol
@@thabrownieviking agreed I think this car is for the normies. People who bought Acura sedans 10 years ago. I guess they threw in the $35k manual to catch the few diehard Integra fans 🙁
@@thabrownieviking This car will last beyond the lease unlike all the German and Korean stuff.
The Honda looks better. Also the grey doesn’t do it justice.
Weird tire choice. Should have at least went with Continental DWS06+.
I feel like Acura positions themselves in the same league of Lexus and Genesis but I don’t agree there. When people think of those brands, they think of luxury. When people think of Acura, they think of the sportier cars like the Integra coupe. They’re in the middle of an identity crisis. Charging nearly $8,000 more for this than the Civic SI when the differences are so minor is a real shame, on top of it being a shame that they called this the Integra knowing that it would stir up hype all to let it fall flat on it’s face. It’s like the Mustang Mach E. I get why you made it what you made it, but you shouldn’t have called it what you did, because calling it that evokes a certain expectation and neither of those cars match what people think of when they think of the model name
You're right. Acura to me has been this way for a long time. Offering good cars but not really where the competition is in some aspects.
22:07