Best Car Reviews - 1987 Acura Integra

Introduction

The 1987 Acura Integra was a breakthrough debut for Honda's luxury automobile division. Released in the mid-’80s, it targeted young professionals and enthusiasts seeking a blend of sportiness and practicality. With its sharp design and agile handling, the Integra set a benchmark in the subcompact category. What makes this model stand out is its remarkable balance between performance and everyday usability, wrapped in a stylish package.

Design and Exterior Features

The 1987 Acura Integra boasts a sleek and sporty design, characterized by its aerodynamic shape and smooth lines. Despite its compact size, it offers a strong presence on the road with distinctive styling elements.

Pop-up headlights that add a quirky charm
Distinctive rear spoiler enhancing its sporty profile
Streamlined body, reflecting Acura's commitment to performance-focused aesthetics

Acura made sure that the Integra, with its attractive silhouette, not only looked appealing but also contributed to a reduced drag coefficient, improving efficiency and performance.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside the 1987 Acura Integra, and you'll find a well-thought-out cabin that merges functionality with a touch of class. The layout is driver-centric, with all controls within easy reach, and materials exude quality.

Supportive bucket seats provide comfort during long drives
Quality fabric upholstery, offering durability and visual appeal
Generous legroom for both front and rear passengers

The interior space feels more accommodating than one might expect from a subcompact car, making it suitable for both city commutes and weekend road trips.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 1987 Acura Integra is powered by a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine, delivering crisp and responsive power. The engine, combined with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), ensures a lively driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in approximately 9.5 seconds, a competitive figure for its class.

Driving the Integra in urban settings reveals its nimbleness, while on the highway, it remains composed and stable. Taking corners is a delight thanks to its well-tuned suspension that offers just the right amount of firmness.

Fuel efficiency: Around 5.4 l/100 km, allowing extended journeys without frequent fuel stops
Sharp steering response and feedback
Reliable braking system, ensuring safety and confidence

This blend of performance and fuel efficiency makes the Integra a versatile choice for a wide range of driving scenarios.

Technology and Connectivity

Although the 1987 Acura Integra predates modern connectivity options, it offers a solid array of technological features for its time to enhance the driver's experience.

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, offering entertainment on the go
Manual climate control, keeping the cabin environment pleasant
Basic driver information display, keeping essential data in view

While the technology is not advanced by today’s standards, it provides the necessary conveniences for a comfortable ride.

Safety Features

Safety has always been a priority for Acura, and the 1987 Integra was no exception, offering essential safety features for its era.

Standard seatbelts for all passengers
Reinforced body construction for added crash protection
Front disc brakes, enhancing stopping power

Although not loaded with modern-day assistance technologies, it was designed to offer a safe driving environment within its class.

Pricing and Variants

The 1987 Acura Integra offered competitive pricing within the subcompact segment, with a base price in the range of $10,000 USD. Available in multiple trims, the Integra provided options for different budget levels and preferences. Compared to key competitors like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, it offered a sportier alternative without a significant price increase.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Affordable price tag for a sporty subcompact
Impressive fuel economy for a gasoline engine
Engaging driving dynamics, especially for city commuting
Stylish design, enhancing its visual appeal
Reliability, a hallmark of the Honda brand

Cons

Limited modern technology features
Basic safety equipment compared to newer models
Spare parts availability might be challenging today
Road noise at high speeds
Aging interior design, can seem outdated by current standards

Maintenance and Common Issues

The annual maintenance cost for the Integra is relatively affordable, a testament to Acura's reliability. However, there are common issues that owners may encounter:

Rust around wheel arches and doors
Oil leaks, typical as the engine ages
Exhaust systems prone to rust and wear
Manual window crank failures
Electrical issues with the dashboard lights

Rating

Overall, the 1987 Acura Integra receives a rating of 7.5 out of 10.

Design: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Technology: 6/10
Safety: 7/10

User Reviews and Feedback

"I've owned my 1987 Integra for years. It's still a joy to drive, but finding parts can be a headache."
"Fuel economy is top-notch, and the engine still feels young and energetic!"
"Interior might feel dated, but the seats are incredibly comfortable for long trips."
"Wish it had more modern tech, but its performance makes up for it."
"Maintaining this car is cost-effective, though rust is a persistent issue."

Common praises highlight the car's performance and economy, while criticisms revolve around its dated features and parts availability.

Best Cars in This Category

1987 Toyota Corolla
1987 Honda Civic
1987 Nissan Sentra
1987 Volkswagen Golf
1987 Mazda 323

Summary

The 1987 Acura Integra is best suited for enthusiasts who appreciate classic automotive design and performance. It offers superb value, especially for those who enjoy driving a car with a legacy. Its sporty demeanor, combined with practical fuel economy, makes it an attractive option for collectors and drivers craving a touch of nostalgia mixed with everyday reliability.