Is the new upcoming Integra worthy of the name?
12 Nov 2021
I also owned (technically still do, though looking to sell, know anyone? …) a 2nd gen I used as a daily for a couple years and then turned into my first race car (again, it's for sale …). That car was fantastic. The suspension was nearly perfect and that manual transmission is probably the best I have ever driven from a "feel" standpoint.
I had moved on from the Integra by the 3rd gen, but it looked basically the same as the 2nd gen. I'd wager apples-to-apples pound-for-pound that the 2nd gen is just a little bit better, but judging from SCCA ARRC, Sprints, and Run-Offs results in various classes, both have their fair share of speed.
I was very glad they changed the name of the next Acura compact hatch to RSX, because that thing was a disgrace.
My biggest complaint with the new Integra (and really any new-ish Honda/Acura) is the stupid strut front suspension. This is not an enthusiast suspension. It is not a racers suspension. It is a cheap and economical suspension for a family vehicle. I am surprised more sites and commenters aren't discussing this.
Anytime manufacturers want to take advantage of names from the past it is a big risk. If they don't live up to the name, they'll take it worse than if they just made a bad vehicle with a generic name. For me, unless the new Integra forgoes the strut suspension for upper-lower arms like my old Integras, it is just a waste of a good name.