Best Car Reviews - 1988 Acura Integra

Introduction

The 1988 Acura Integra is a testament to Acura’s commitment to blending performance with practicality. Released at a time when the automotive market was becoming increasingly competitive, this subcompact car was aimed at young professionals and driving enthusiasts seeking a reliable yet sprightly vehicle. Standing out with its sleek design and engaging driving dynamics, the 1988 Acura Integra quickly established itself as a distinguished choice in the subcompact segment.

Design and Exterior Features

Visually, the 1988 Acura Integra is a harmonious blend of sportiness and sophistication. Its streamlined shape and compact dimensions render it a standout model.

Distinctive sloping hood and integrated headlights.
Aerodynamic silhouette enhancing fuel efficiency and performance.
Stylish 15-inch alloy wheels add to its sporty demeanor.
Two-door coupe and four-door sedan variants available.
Signature Acura chrome accents embellishing the front grille.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Integra is well-appointed, focusing on driver-centric ergonomics and passenger comfort. The thoughtful selection of materials and design elements creates a welcoming cabin atmosphere.

Cloth upholstery with optional leather upgrades.
Manual tilt steering column for personalized driving position.
Adjustable front seats ensuring driver and passenger comfort.
Ample legroom for a subcompact car, accommodating passengers comfortably.
Simple but functional dashboard layout with easy-to-access controls.

Performance and Handling

Engine Specs: 4-cylinder with a manual 5-speed transmission.
Acceleration: Can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 8.7 seconds.
Fuel Efficiency: Impressive 11.9L/100km, making it ideal for both city commutes and highway drives.

The Integra's front-wheel-drive setup provides excellent handling, with precise steering and agile cornering ability, effortlessly taking on urban environments and open roads.

Front-wheel drive offers stable handling and good traction.
Lightweight chassis contributes to nimble and responsive steering.
Moderate suspension stiffness provides a balance between comfort and sportiness.

Technology and Connectivity

Although modest by today’s standards, the technology suite in the 1988 Acura Integra was forward-thinking for its time.

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player.
Manual climate controls for interior comfort.
Standard sound system with decent audio quality.

Despite its age, the Integra offered a straightforward and reliable suite of features conducive to a pleasurable driving experience.

Safety Features

While modern safety standards have vastly evolved, the 1988 Acura Integra includes several essential safety features typical for its era.

Basic seat belts for all seated passengers.
Front disc brakes for reliable stopping power.
Reinforced safety cage for added passenger protection.

Unfortunately, crash test ratings of this era were not as comprehensive as they are today, leaving detailed ratings scarce.

Pricing and Variants

The 1988 Acura Integra was competitively priced against its contemporaries, reflecting its blend of performance, design, and practicality.

Base Price: Approximately $11,000 in 1988 USD.
Available in multiple trims catering to a diverse range of preferences.
Competitively priced against rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Responsive and engaging handling perfect for spirited driving.
Stylish design with a timeless appeal.
Comfortable interior with a user-friendly layout.
Economical fuel consumption for budget-friendly operation.
Reliable engine performance backed by Honda's engineering prowess.

Cons

Limited modern technology compared to newer vehicles.
Safety features lack modern advancements.
Smaller cargo space limiting utility.
Less powerful compared to modern subcompacts.
Outdated interior materials and amenities.

Maintenance and Common Issues

Ownership of the 1988 Acura Integra encompasses routine maintenance typical for vehicles from this era, with some issues reported by long-term owners.

Annual Maintenance Cost: Approximately $500–$700.
Common Issues:
- Suspension component wear
- Electrical switches malfunction
- Oil leaks
- Exhaust system rust
- Manual transmission synchro issues

Rating

Overall Rating: 7.5/10
Design: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Technology: 6/10
Safety: 6/10

User Reviews and Feedback

"My Integra has been my daily driver for years. It's reliable and fun, though I wish it had more modern safety features."
"Great handling on this car. It's a joy to drive, especially on winding roads."
"The design is timeless, but the interior could use some sprucing up in terms of tech."
"Excellent fuel efficiency keeps my costs low, but the cargo space is quite limited."
"Some electrical issues have popped up, but overall it's a solid and dependable vehicle."

Best Cars in This Category

1988 Honda Civic
1988 Toyota Corolla
1988 Nissan Sentra
1988 Ford Escort
1988 Volkswagen Jetta

Summary

The 1988 Acura Integra is best suited for driving enthusiasts seeking a classic blend of performance and style. Its subtle elegance and dynamic handling make it a worthwhile consideration despite its lack of modern amenities. Overall, it offers solid value with its reliability and enduring design, ensuring it remains a beloved classic in the eyes of its fans.