The Acura Integra, first introduced in 1987, quickly garnered a devoted following thanks to its sporty performance and accessible price point. Built upon the Honda Civic platform, the Integra successfully attracted buyers to the Acura brand, playing a significant role in establishing Honda’s luxury division. In 2002, the model was rebranded as the RSX, aligning with Acura’s alphanumeric naming convention. Regardless of its name, the Integra/RSX has consistently delivered on its promise of performance and value.
**The Genesis of Acura: From Civic Roots**
Honda’s decision to create a luxury car division stemmed from two key observations: the existing demand for premium Honda vehicles in Japan and the potential for a new luxury brand to thrive in the American market. Acura was conceived as a distinct entity, allowing Honda to introduce upscale vehicles without directly associating them with the Honda brand.
The Integra and Legend, Acura’s initial models, were based on the Civic and Accord platforms, respectively. This strategy allowed Acura to focus on marketing, establishing a dealer network, and refining proven Honda designs.
**Affordable Sportiness**
Unlike many luxury brands with base models starting around $25,000, the Integra/RSX remained significantly more affordable. It was never intended as a pure luxury car; instead, it offered a well-equipped, easily customizable, and enjoyable sports coupe experience. This pricing strategy made Acura accessible to a wider range of drivers, fostering brand loyalty and encouraging upgrades to more expensive Acura models.
**A Double-Edged Sword: Popularity and Theft**
The Integra’s popularity came with an unfortunate side effect: it frequently appeared on “most stolen” vehicle lists. Integras were often targeted for their valuable parts, which could be sold individually for significantly more than the car’s total worth. Additionally, the Integra’s powerful engine was often transplanted into less potent Honda models.
**The Final Chapter**
Despite the Integra and RSX’s strong associations with sportiness and value, Acura discontinued the model as part of Honda’s strategy to further differentiate its two divisions. The era of rebadged, high-performance Hondas wearing the Acura badge came to an end. Honda has since separated the research and development departments for the two brands, signaling a commitment to distinct product lines. Acura is now expected to stand on its own, with no room for “bridge models” like the RSX in its future lineup.
Beyond the RSX, Acura currently lacks a dedicated sport coupe. However, rumors suggest a two-door version of the TSX sedan may be in development. This new model would likely command a higher price than the Integra/RSX but would offer enhanced luxury, performance, and engineering.