History of Acura
When the Acura Automobile Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. began operation in March 1986, it marked the first entry by a Japanese auto manufacturer into the competitive, upscale luxury/performance segment of the U.S. market. A unique aspect of the division was the decision to form an entirely new --and separate --sales and dealer organization.
Though benefiting from Honda's excellent reputation for quality, reliability and value, the new Acura nameplate would have to establish its own individual identity and image against a number of well-established European and domestic competitors.
In Acura's favor was a committed dealer body, selected from the top established dealers in each market -- many of them current Honda dealers already familiar with the Honda philosophy emphasizing customer satisfaction. Starting with just 60 dealers at introduction, the dealer network has grown to more than 285 modern sales and service facilities nationwide.
Another critical element of the Acura Division's quick acceptance in the marketplace was a technically advanced product line, consisting initially of the 4-door Acura Legend Sedan, powered by a 2.5-liter 24-valve V-6, and the 3door and 5-door Acura Integra sports sedans.
One year later, in March 1987, a new 2-door Acura Legend Coupe, with a larger 2.7-liter engine and 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension and available Anti-Lock Brakes (ALB), was added to the model line. For 1988, the Legend Sedan received the same 2.7-liter engine, followed by the addition of 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension for the 1989 model year.
From the beginning, both the Acura dealer body and Acura products have been well accepted. In the nine-month sales period of1986, Acura sold 52,869 vehicles. In calendar year 1987, Acura sales more than doubled, reaching 109,470. And in 1988, sales increased again to 128,238, making Acura the top selling luxury import nameplate two years in a row.
Sales are projected to reach 150,000 in 1989, with the dealer body growing to 325-plus outlets.
Major press recognition and product quality/dealer service recognition have contributed greatly to Acura's fast acceptance in the market. The division's commitment to customer service has been acknowledged two years in a row by J.D. Power and Associates. In both 1987 and 1988, Acura has ranked first in the annual Power Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) survey for product quality and dealer service -- an unprecedented finish for a new automobile nameplate.
The Acura Legend and Integra have also been highly praised by the nation's leading automotive writers. The Legend Coupe was named 1987 MOTOR TREND "Import Car of the Year," with the Integra finishing in the runner-up position. Both the Legend Coupe and Integra have twice been named to CAR & DRIVER magazine's "10 Best Cars" list, while ROAD & TRACK singled out both the Legend Coupe and Sedan for its 1988 "10 Best Cars" list.
Acura has created a lot of history in a short time. In just three years the division has demonstrated the ability to successfully compete in both sales and service against the top domestic and import nameplates in the lUxury/ performance market.
The next important chapter lies ahead with the introduction of the new, second generation Acura Integra in Spring of1989, followed by continued development and evolution of exciting, performance-oriented Acura automobiles.
History of Integra
From the beginning, Acura automobiles were designed around the philosophy of a total integration of man and machine. This approach, of building a car "around the driver," emphasizes balanced performance and handling, advanced ergonomics and the creation of a reduced-stress driving environment.
The first generation Acura Integras were sophisticated front-wheel drive sports sedans designed for spirited driving. From 1986 through 1989, the Integra was available in 3-door and 5-door body styles. Both featured retractable headlights, a low, sloping hood, near-flush glass and flush door handles and integrated bumpers and front air dam. The coefficient of drag for the distinctive, wedge-shaped 3-door and 5-door models was 0.34.
The l.6-liter 16-valve DOHC aluminum alloy four-cylinder engine featured tuned intake and exhaust manifolds and computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection. Horsepower, initially rated 113 hp, was increased to 118 hp beginning with the 1988 model year. Torque. was rated at 103Ibs.-ft.
Noted for their responsive handling, the first generation Integras utilized an independent strut/torsion bar front suspension and a semi-independent design in the rear. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes were standard.
The ergonomically-designed Integra cockpit featured large analog gauges, body-contoured front bucket seats and an extensive list of standard and available comfort and convenience features.
Both 3-door and 5-door models were offered in choice of RS or LS trim levels. Limited production Integra 3-door LS Special Edition versions, with unique exterior and interior equipment, were available in 1987 and 1988.
Performance has always been a strong point for Integra, both on the street and the race track. In racing, a pair of Comptech Racing-prepared Acura Integras have dominated recent IMSA International Sedans series competition, accounting for two Manufacturers' Championships and three Drivers' Championships in the past three seasons.
The combination of sporty styling, excellent performance and a high level of luxury and features, along with Acura quality, reliability and value, made the first generation Acura Integra an unqualified success in the performance sports sedan market. It is a philosophy and tradition that continues with the introduction of the new, second generation 1990 Acura Integra.
1990 Integra Overview
The starting point for the Honda R & D designers who created the new Integra automobiles was to improve on what had come before. Their objective was to build on the strengths of the previous generation and correct any weaknesses, concentrating on every area from styling to performance. In the process, they developed ap entirely new automobile: there is not a single major component carried over from the first generation Integra.
The new Integra 3-door and 4-door sports sedans are sophisticated, technologically advanced, aerodynamically styled and designed around the driver. They have the first class accommodations and high quality that have become synonymous with Acura, yet continue to project the sporty and youthful image established by the first generation Integra.
They are longer, lower, wider and have more cargo space than their predecessors. They have a new, more powerful DOHC engine, 4-wheel independent double-wishbone independent suspension, more driver and passenger room, and advanced technology like available Anti-Lock Brakes (ALB). Yet their essential personality remains unchanged -- they are true performance cars for serious drivers.
1990 Integra Models and Trim Levels
The 1990 Integras come in two body styles, 3-door and 4-door sedan. The 3door is a sporty hatchback designed to appeal to people who enjoy spirited driving. The 4-door is in the .European sports sedan tradition in that it offers performance, clean stylish looks and family-style versatility.
Both Integras are fully equipped with a broad range of standard features which include speed-sensitive variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, tinted glass and numerous comfort and convenience items. A complete list is provided in the Features section.
To give buyers a greater choice a new trim level, GS, has been added to the previously available RS and LS levels. The GS includes such standard features as an Anti-Lock Braking (ALB) system, alloy wheels, audiophile sound system and, in the 3-door sedan, a power sunroof and rear spoiler.
Principle Features:
130-Horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC l6-Valve Fuel-Injected Engine
Double-Wishbone Front and Rear Suspension
Low-Profile Michelin XGT-V P195/60 R14 85H Tires
5.5 JJx14 Alloy Wheels
Anti-Lock Braking (ALB) System
Speed-Sensitive Power Assisted Rack-And-Pinion Steering
Power Sunroof