My first post-college car. I was SO proud of it. Perfect for that time in my life - quick, nimble, affordable, reliable, attractive, good level of trim. Only did the routine maintenance and it just kept going and going. I owned it for 7 years, and never regretted the purchase. I sort of regret the sale of it...

This original Acura Integra was based on the '84-'87 Civic, and as a result it wasn't quite the most advanced chassis even when it was new. The torsion bar front suspension won't win a lot of friends. The car is a great commuter with ample cargo space and fold-down rear seats and plenty of torque for the cut-and-thrust of the Rush Hour 500. I have driven both models and prefer the 5-door over the 3-door for its extra cargo space and minimal performance detriment. The car does show weaknesses when pressed hard into a turn or driven fast down the interstate. The engine turns about 4000 rpms in fifth gear at about 70-75 mph, so quiet and efficient highway cruising is not this Integra's forte. There is a lot of body roll into corners and torque steer can be expected especially in the first two gears. Steady and pervasive understeer in sweepers can switch to oversteer when you lift off the gas or tap the brakes. Gas mileage from the 1.5 liter D15A1 engine isn't superb. Expect about 26 mpg in mixed driving.

Based on a Civic chassis, the '87 Integra had a sportier suspension and thus better handling. Was fun to drive, handled well (including in winter), could fit a jaw-dropping amount of things into the trunk (especially with the seats flipped down-- I used it to help several friends move apartments: we took everything but the furniture in just five carloads. The couch was longer than the car...). It could park easily, because it was small.

first car I had with some pep. fun to drive, economic, and comfortable.