Ok, first off, I'm sorta new to these forums. Honestly, I'm a big fan of American Muscle Cars, Mustangs, Camaro's, Oldsmobile's, Pontiac's, etc.

I'm not here to flame, that's second

Here's the problem peeps, I'm a 32ish student who dropped out of the corporate world to get a college education and enjoy some much earned time off (with my wife's help. hehe) and I'm going to be in the market for a car eventually.

Now, I'm here, quite simply, because American Cars just aren't as reliable as they should be, and while Toyota and Nissan (USED) to be fairly reliable, they're about on par with most american vehicles these days. They're also a hell of a lot more expensive to fix.

(i'll get to my questions, please bare with me.)

Anyway, I started looking at Hondas because I know a few people who have them, and they're (run forever) cars from what i'm told.... Problem is, they're a bit too plain-jane for me.

So now we come to the Acura.... The Integra to be exact. While they changed the Integra and now it looks suspiciously like a Honda Civic, I like the 1999-2001 Integra's, they're small, sporty, and the Leather looks a lot better than the microthin cheap-leather stuff they put in the mustang gt's.

Here's my problem, I'm kind of confused with all the different badging for the Integra. (GS, LS, GS-R, Type R?, Type S?) etc. etc. etc.

What I'm looking for is a midrange Integra, Possibly the GS-R? with the 170 HP vtec engine? (do I have that right?)

But what I'd like to know is what kind of Pep do the other models have?

I know my friends Civic EX (2 door) seems fairly decent for it's 127 Horsepower, and the high revving (i gotta admit) is pretty cool, but it's not quite up to my standards.

So I'm wondering, if a 140HP engine is going to be much different. I understand these are Non-vtec engines?? The thing is, when buying used, You have to keep at least some options open.

What i'm looking for is an Integra that's loaded, (minus sunroof)
Leather, Power Everything, Yadda Yadda, 2 Door, can be automatic or stick, with some pep to it. It has to handle well, this was a big problem when I was thinking of the Mustang because I would have to drop a few grand into it to get it to handle like it SHOULD in the corners.

And most of all, it needs to be reliable, because i'd like to keep it for several years before getting rid of it. The most I might do with it is add some minor modifications (rims, air intake, etc.)

Basically, I gotta have a car that'll move, looks decent, handles well, is comfortable, and FUN to drive.

So, can anyone spend a few moments and fill me in on some of this stuff? Offer some recommendations as far as years to look at. that kind of thing? Most common problems? And, most of all, is it fun to drive? Does it put a smile on you're face?

And before anyone thinks to flame me, hehe, let me point out that I am a fan of automobiles in general. You'll even catch me looking at bmw's and the like from time to time, but if you HAVE to flame me, you can flame me over my opinion of imports and those fart pipes. hehe, i've only heard a few aftermarket exhaust systems actually sound good on the imports in our area. The rest of em get the label of Fart Pipe in my book.

Forgive any punctuation/grammar mistakes, I just finished writing a 10 page essay, and my brain hurts.

 

You seem quite wary of getting flamed, relax man.

The GSR is the only model that came with the 170 hp VTEC motor, it's called the B18C1. They have power everything, came only in 5-speed, and a sunroof was standard. Leather became standard in '98 or '99, I forget. ABS is standard across the years.

The RS/LS/GS/SE all have the same 140 hp non-VTEC motor which is called the B18B. It has a little more grunt available at lower revs and a lower redline. The RS is the base stripper model with no ABS, no power anything. The LS adds a few power options and ABS. The GS and SE are the same thing (just different years) and have the same equipment as the GSR except for the motor.

The Type-S is a model of the RSX, which is the replacement for the Integra.

The Type-R is a special "racing" version of the Integra, it has 195 hp, a bunch of creature comforts removed to save weight, etc.

I would suggest test driving a GSR, you'll probably like it. Just be sure to junk the stock tires ASAP, they're really horrible.

 

Yea, I don't think there is too much I could add to that.

I've owned a 2001 Integra LS and switched to a 2000 Integra Type R. Do yourself a favor and at least drive a GSR if you want to have some fun

 

I've got a 98 GSR. Leather became standard in the GSR in 99.

The GSR has a dual stage intake manifold. So vtec operates at around 4400rpms and the secondaries open up around 5200rpms(where the engine takes a different note).

What I like is the lightness (came from a 4dr accord, which was reliable, but heavy IMO) and responsiveness in the corners. But I would still drop it and put lower profile tires to get better response.

It has pep, but I think still needs more power (I'm planning on superchargering in the summer).

 

try to get a type-r

 

Seriously man, if you want a car for performance, not luxury, get the R.

 

Ahh, but I like a little bit of luxury! Anyways, thanks for the information, I really appreciate it. I think it's the GS-R, minimum.

 

Just for the heck of it, search your area for a Type R, see if you can check it out. Drive one if you can get a chance, they're a very limited production vehicle.

 

Oh I will, I plan to drive as many different models as I can get my hand on before I make the final decision, and thanks again for the help.

 

i think everyone covered everything already... gsr and type-r both require premium fuel and have vtec motors which is a hell of a lot more fun =) 8100 redlines are sweet too. by the way, i think your the most mature and understanding american car fan i have ever seen. its nice to hear someone who isnt blinded by big v8 power ONLY and is open to all things. :thumbup: to you.