Best Car Reviews - 1988 Acura Integra

Introduction

The 1988 Acura Integra is a classic representation of innovation and reliability in the automobile world. Released as part of Acura's lineup in the late 1980s, this subcompact car was designed to appeal to young professionals and small families seeking a blend of performance, style, and economy. What makes the 1988 Integra particularly noteworthy is its ability to balance fun-to-drive dynamics with practical daily usability. As one of Acura's pioneering models, this car helped cement the brand's reputation for producing sporty yet economical vehicles.

Design and Exterior Features

The 1988 Acura Integra boasts a distinctive hatchback design that was quite modern for its time. Its compact shape makes it ideal for urban environments while exuding an air of agility and sportiness. Acura maintained a sharp and clean bodywork, adding to its visual appeal.

Sleek, aerodynamic profile
Pop-up headlights, a popular trend in the late '80s
Well-defined character lines enhancing its sporty appearance
Alloy wheels for a more refined touch
Improved ergonomics compared to previous models

Interior and Comfort

Inside the 1988 Integra, you'll find a cabin that prioritizes driver-focused design and comfort. The use of durable yet attractive materials gives the interior a premium feel, rare for subcompact cars of that era.

Driver-oriented dashboard layout, ensuring ease of access to controls
Supportive cloth seats with decent cushioning
Practical cabin space, with ample headroom and legroom for front passengers
Folding rear seats for increased cargo capacity
Intuitive climate control system for passenger comfort

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 1988 Integra features a 4-cylinder, fuel-injected engine that provides a satisfying blend of power and efficiency. With its front-wheel-drive configuration and a 4-speed automatic transmission, this car offers a pleasant driving experience.

0 to 100 km/h in approximately 9.5 seconds
Fuel consumption averages around 12.4 l/100 km
Agile handling, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic
Comfortable and stable on highway drives
Precise steering with a responsive feel during turns

Technology and Connectivity

While technology was not as advanced in 1988 as it is today, the Integra was equipped with several noteworthy features for its time. These features aimed to enhance both the driving experience and convenience.

Basic tape player with AM/FM radio
Manual controls but ergonomically placed
Customizable seat adjustments
Lacks modern connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB ports
Emphasis on traditional, yet reliable, equipment

Safety Features

In terms of safety, the 1988 Acura Integra provided some standard features meant to protect its occupants, although modern systems were not commonly included back then.

Basic seatbelt system for front and rear passengers
Well-structured body for crash impact absorption
Durable construction providing a basic level of security
No airbags as standard in this era
Lacks advanced driver assistance systems such as ABS

Pricing and Variants

At the time of its release, the 1988 Integra was competitively priced, offering great value for money considering its performance and features.

Base price: approximately $10,000 USD
Available in different trims with incremental feature improvements
Positioned slightly higher than common competitors, yet justified by brand reputation

Pros and Cons

Pros

Reliable engine delivering consistent performance
Sporty design with an elegant touch
Affordable maintenance compared to contemporary rivals
Spacious interior for its class
Resilient build quality

Cons

Lacks advanced safety features
Dated technology by today’s standards
Fuel efficiency below class leaders
No modern connectivity options
Basic infotainment system

Maintenance and Common Issues

The 1988 Acura Integra is generally affordable to maintain, although some common issues may arise with age.

Yearly maintenance cost is moderate
Common problems include:
- Oil leaks from the engine
- Worn-out suspension components
- Electrical issues with the light system
- Exhaust system corrosion
- Transmission may struggle in older models

Rating

Overall, the 1988 Acura Integra earns a respectable rating of 7 out of 10. Here's the breakdown:

Design: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Technology: 5/10
Safety: 6/10

User Reviews and Feedback

Michael M.: “I've owned my Integra for over 10 years. It’s a pleasure to drive, even if it feels dated now.”
Samantha T.: “Great build quality! My Integra still runs reliably with minimal issues.”
Oliver P.: “I love the classic look. It stands out in today's sea of indistinguishable cars.”
Rachel L.: “Wish it had more modern features, but it's still a head-turner and runs smoothly.”
Henry K.: “Maintenance is cheap, but finding certain parts can be difficult.”

Best Cars in this Category

1988 Honda Civic
1988 Toyota Corolla AE86
1988 Mazda 323
1988 Ford Escort
1988 Nissan Sentra

Summary

The 1988 Acura Integra is best suited for vintage car enthusiasts who appreciate classic designs and reliable performance. While it may lack modern conveniences, it offers a nostalgic driving experience with a sporty flair. Overall, this model remains a testament to Acura's engineering prowess during the late 1980s, providing enduring value and appeal.