Acura Owners Club - Meet the Members

stickguy

gonna be watching this one tonight!

stickguy

nice review. I love this design and interior. Addresses the items on the Si that I didn't like. Mostly the seats! Actually, put those seats in the Si, and I would be fine with that.

benjaminh

If the industry can ever start making vehicles again in the numbers we had back in 2019, then I think Acura should do well with the new Integra.

Pre-covid my local Acura dealer usually had well over 70 new vehicles in stock, but right now they only have 7.

In terms of styling, I think the new Integra looks good. The functionality of having a hatchback is also a big plus. The rear visibility doesn't look very good to me, although standard blind-spot monitoring obviously helps.

If they bring in the base Integra for c. 30k + destination it'll be a good value. The Civic Hatchback EXL lists for 27k + destination, and so for just 3k or so more it seems like you get a lot—better styling, nicer interior, more powerful engine, etc.

But overall I still like my TLX Tech better than the Integra from what I can tell. Most of the extra features in my TLX are minor, but I think I'd still miss them, like rear seat ac vents, pocket behind the driver's seat, 8-speed DCT instead of a CVT, and 4-wheel steering. Finally, although I like the 1.5 turbo in my wife's CR-V, I prefer the sound of the 2.4 non-turbo in my TLX.

stickguy

Keep the TLX and run it up to 200k. Last of a breed. If I had kept my lease I probably would have bought it out last December and made it a permanent part of the family.

I do like the new integra more than the current TLX though. Certainly with the 6 speed.

Interesting that Acura told him 70% of the early reservations are for the manual. Makes me happy to hear it!

benjaminh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEkByiw9XHk

Long-time multiple Acura owner Tyson Hugie just sold his almost brand-new Acura TLX Type S, because apparently he got an offer he couldn't refuse.

He plans to get a new Acura Integra.

In the meantime, he's back to driving his 2012 ILX that currently has 237,000 miles. His ILX has just had regular maintenance and so far is running like a top, even though on a few car trips he's even taken it on dirt roads for long stretches.

Whenever I see a new update on his ILX it gives me confidence about keeping my 2018 TLX for a long time.

stickguy

the engine is one of the best every made. I'm curious how the DCT in your car will last. I loved how it drove in mine but I didn't have many miles on it!

his car has the 6 speed stick. Though I think still the 2.4l engine (early on the base car was the 2.0 slug and slushbox, but the sporty model had the 2.4l stick). Mid cycle they upgraded to the 2.4l/DCT powertrain you have. Pretty quick too, in a lighter car.

stickguy

I would love a new integra. but only with the manual. which only comes on a loaded model (but nice to have all those goodies) and hard to swallow an almost $40k pricetag on it.

benjaminh

My guess is that the fully loaded Integra will be more like $36k. Because the new Integra will be pretty much identical mechanically to the Civic Si, my guess is that the manufacturing costs for Acura might even be slightly lower for the Integra than the outgoing ILX. For one, the ILX has the fancy Acura-exclusive 8-speed dual clutch transmission with its unique torque converter, while the new Integra uses the off-the-shelf CVT from the Civic and the Accord. From what I've read and heard, a dual-clutch transmission is quite a bit more expensive to build than a CVT, and so Acura is probably saving about $1k per car right there.

Speaking of the Integra being close to identical to the Civic turbo mechanically, it's interesting to me to listen to this mechanic talk about all of the engineering features in this Civic turbo's engine bay that are different from, and almost always superior to, engines by other makes that he's looked at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kLzemTyVqo&t=1788s

Anyway, although in most ways the Integra will be mechanically identical to the Civic Si, it's possible there will be a few things that will be upgraded. When I got my TLX, for instance, I noticed that compared to an Accord that the Acura had bigger brakes, a bigger and better battery, etc.

stickguy

I love the new integra. There is also a 0% chance I would buy one with the CVT. odd that they won’t offer that trans in the Si. I assumed it wasn’t robust enough.

A 6 speed integra or nothing. Interest tidbit from the Raitis rides preview. He said something like 70% of preorders were for the manual..

benjaminh

Image comparisons under the hood (from Raiti's Rides). Not surprisingly they pretty much identical under the hood.

benjaminh

Yesterday I made the 420 mile round-trip drive in my TLX between Louisville and Columbus to pick up our daughter. MPG for the return trip was 41, which is the highest I've ever gotten on a long highway trip. Didn't need to use ac until the last ten miles, which was no-doubt a big reason why. Speed ranged from around 55 in some traffic to near 80 when passing a few times, but for most of the way cruise was set at 72. Thank goodness for audiobooks, siriusXM, and AndroidAuto. Great car for trips. Quiet, comfortable, luxurious, and fun to drive. 55,300 miles on it so far.

benjaminh

"April 28, 2022 — TORRANCE, Calif.
Integra pricing to start at $30,800 (MSRP3)
All 2023 Acura models come with complimentary new Acura Maintenance Program1 offering select factory-scheduled service
The all-new 2023 Integra will mark the return of an iconic nameplate to the Acura lineup when it begins arriving at dealerships in early June at a starting price of $30,800. A premium, turbocharged 5-door liftback designed for a new generation of enthusiast drivers, the Integra A-Spec® with Technology Package, and the segment’s only 6-speed manual transmission, will have an MSRP of $35,800.

Adding peace of mind and lower cost of ownership for all 2023 model Acura customers is the new Acura Maintenance Program1 which covers select factory-scheduled maintenance, as indicated by the vehicle’s Maintenance Minder system, performed at a participating Acura dealership for the first two years or 24,000 miles2, whichever comes first. The complimentary program includes standard oil and filter changes, tire rotations and multi-point inspections and is also fully transferrable to subsequent owners while active.

Adding still more peace of mind, the 2023 Acura Integra comes standard with three years of AcuraLink™ services at no extra cost. More information about AcuraLink™ is available here.

Key Integra Features:

Premium 5-door liftback with exclusive design touches, including a frameless Diamond Pentagon grille with a new diamond pattern, and Integra logo embossed in the front and rear fascias
First-ever factory turbocharged Integra features 1.5-liter VTEC® turbo engine producing 200 hp (SAE net at 6,000 rpm) and 192 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net at 1,800-5,000 rpm)
Segment-exclusive 6-speed manual transmission delivers crisp gear changes for a thrilling driving experience (offered with A-Spec® with Technology Package)
Sport-tuned suspension makes Integra fun-to-drive, available Adaptive Damper System gives driver precise control of damper settings (A-Spec® with Technology Package)
Integrated Dynamics System includes Sport, Comfort, Normal driving modes, with available customizable Individual mode (A-Spec® with Technology Package)
Sporty and personal cabin features a driver-focused cockpit design, premium materials and precise detailing and a large greenhouse for exceptional outward visibility
The only liftback in its segment, Integra has class-leading rear seat legroom and cargo volume
Standard 10.2-inch all-digital Acura Precision Cockpit™ instrument cluster and available head-up display with user-selectable content (A-Spec® with Technology Package)
Available 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, Qi-compatible wireless charging, and 16-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D® audio (A-Spec® with Technology Package)
Standard advanced safety features include driver and passenger airbags designed to control head rotation in a crash, rear seat airbags and a new single-camera AcuraWatch® system with enhanced Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)..."

https://acuranews.com/en-US/releases/release-724b93915d250d191d87ac8fba04fa8c-2023-acura-integra-set-for-early-june-arrival-pricing-announced

stickguy

I would like to see one in person. Not cheap though with the manual trans.

Service plan is nice but I paid so little it’s just 2 or 3 max oil changes so maybe $250 total based on the MMI. I’m not picking a car just to save $10/month for 2 years!

Michaell

@breld - did you see this pricing?

stickguy

$37k. It is a lot of features for the money. I assume comparable to a higher line GTI model now?

Michaell

stickguy said:

$37k. It is a lot of features for the money. I assume comparable to a higher line GTI model now?

Other than the engine being down on power compared to a GTI.

I imagine there will be markups on MSRP, initially.

benjaminh

It seems like the GTI is maybe a better value than the Integra. For long-term ownership I trust Acura more than VW, but for power and price I think the GTI looks good. Plus with the GTI you can get a manual in the base model, which still seems well-equipped.

These prices below are before destination, and so you need to add $1k for each model for the actual msrp.

https://www.vw.com/en/models/golf-gti.html

stickguy

Integra has plenty of power for a FWD car. And based on Si reviews should be very fun to drive.

Markups, entirely possible. But maybe I can trade my Maverick even up for one!

benjaminh

In this market the trade-in value to Carvana, etc. of your Maverick might be as much as $5000 more than you paid for it.

It seems like there's a chance that for pre-orders on the Integra you might be able to get it at msrp. They require a $500 deposit iirc.

https://www.acura.com/tools/reserve-online?modelYear=2023&vehiclemodelSeries=integra

I agree that the 1.5T is going to have plenty of power for the Integra, with a likely 0-60 time of about 6.5 seconds.

Multiple reviews have said that the touch screen controls on the new GTI are so-so at best, while the controls of the Integra look really good.

stickguy

So integra Tech is priced like a GTI SE.

benjaminh

Here's some of the reserve fine print from Acura....

"c. Pay a refundable reservation fee of $500 ("Reserve Fee") to your selected Dealer via one of the available methods presented by the Dealer.

Under the Reserve Program, after you have successfully completed and submitted the reserve form, you will have priority to either purchase, finance, or lease an Integra from the Dealer.

The Reserve Program does NOT require you to complete a vehicle purchase, finance, or lease. If you change your mind, you may cancel your Reservation by following the process outlined below under the "RESERVATION CANCELLATIONS" section and the Reserve Fee will be refunded to you."

benjaminh

The new GTI overall gets really good reviews, but the controls inside the car get mixed to negative comments....

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a36406955/2022-volkswagen-golf-gti-by-the-numbers/

"We also strongly prefer a volume knob, which the GTI lacks. Adjusting the audio system's volume is done via capacitive buttons on the steering wheel or below the 10.0-inch center touchscreen, which controls a number of functions and settings buried in a dizzying menu structure. We never did find a trip odometer. ...Traditionally, GTI customers have enjoyed interior appointments from the next class up, but the finishes in the latest generation aren't good enough for an Audi. While the dashboard is more modern than the upright minivan-like design of the old car, the materials lack richness and disappoint when you touch them."

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2022-volkswagen-gti-manual-transmission-first-test-review/

"The need to fiddle with active safety tech is one of the software's most cumbersome aspects. To change settings like lane keep assist or blind-spot monitoring, the driver must tap on pictures of the lane or an image representing a car driving in a blind spot in order to make an adjustment. A traditional menu would have sufficed. Additionally, the capacitive controls made adjusting the HVAC controls a nuisance, particularly the fan speed. It's also difficult to hit the buttons accurately because there's no place to rest a thumb or finger to steady yourself while selecting a setting. It's a physically difficult and confounding operating system, and it majorly hampers and impacts an otherwise great driving experience."

benjaminh

My guess is that the Integra is actually going to have more interior and cargo room that the TLX. I love the looks of the new TLX in person. It's one of the best looking sedans for sale right now. But the long hood look sacrifices interior room for style. But since the Integra is a slightly wider and longer version of the Civic platform it should be quite roomy. The TLX has great space for the front seat passengers, but the rear seats are on the cozy side. The rear seat of the new Integra, in contrast, should be fairly roomy. Cargo space on the new TLX is okay at around 13 cubic feet, but the Integra hatchback looks like it will have about 25 cubic feet with the rear seat up, and more than double that with the rear seat down.

Within the Acura line-up the Integra seems like a good deal. The base TLX now has an msrp of $39,600, and so almost 3k more than the top-of-the-line Integra.

Mpg will also obviously be a lot higher with the Integra.

graphicguy

I like the new Integra. Showed this to my son. He's looking to trade out of his 6 year old GTI. This might be the replacement.

And, as was mentioned, the maintenance and upkeep on an Acura/Honda is miniscule compared to his GTI.

stickguy

Integra should be perfect size. I’ve missed having a 5 door since I sold my Mazda 626 liftback. If I hadn’t already bought something useful it would be tempting. I’m not worried about committing to a clutch until I’m in my 70s either!

Michaell

stickguy said:

Integra should be perfect size. I’ve missed having a 5 door since I sold my Mazda 626 liftback. If I hadn’t already bought something useful it would be tempting. I’m not worried about committing to a clutch until I’m in my 70s either!

I still miss the 2003 Focus ZX5 with stick shift that we owned.

benjaminh

Any thoughts on what you might do when your new hybrid Maverick eventually arrives? Maybe trade-in the current Maverick at a profit on the new hybrid one?

stickguy

Have not decided yet. Anything is possible!

benjaminh

An 8-minute video on the production process of the new Integra at Honda's huge Marysville factory. I've purchased five new cars made at this factory in the last 20 years, and all of them have been really good vehicles. But by far the best is my Acura TLX.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDJ_Q6pjv7Y

benjaminh

My Acura on a small turn around road at the Bernheim Arboretum today. I keep my folding bike in my trunk, and I went for a long bike ride down a dirt fire road there while listening to an audio book. On the way there and back I enjoyed driving on some winding roads. As far as I can tell, I won't have much work for the next month or so, and so I'm finally on my summer break. Next up is Seattle, where among other things I'm going to see a Mozart opera with my 84-year old Mom.

benjaminh

There's an embargo on driving impressions until May 26th, but this report on the new Integra seems good so far. Introductory pricing on the Integra only came out about a month ago, and there's already been a $500 price increase. The fully-loaded A-spec with Tech was $35,800 before destination, and now it's $36,300. That's inflation for you. I really like this car with the red interior and the 6-speed manual. From watching the video, however, there's been some cost cutting on the Integra compared to my TLX, including hard plastic on the tops of the rear doors, no rear ac, fixed rear headrests, prop rod for the hood, no pocket in back of the driver's seat, and single light for the vanity mirrors. But still, if I was in the market this is probably the car I'd get.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y02UDTOp2Jo

stickguy

And not one of those items matters to me at least!

cdnpinhead

A prop rod? Oh, the humanity. I've never had a prop rod need replacement, but the gas-filled gizmos, a different story. I keep cars long enough to care about such things. My TSX has a prop rod, so I guess I'm just used to slumming it.

stickguy

Embargo broke. She liked it. Sounds perfect to me. Plenty fast enough, great interior, excellent driving dynamics. And a hatch! Basically a luxury 5 door civic Si with much better seats.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ6eIXA7Jpw

kyfdx

How much?

Michaell

kyfdx said:

How much?

I think around $36K for the top trim model - the one with the stick shift.

Acura are positioning it against the CLA, A3, and 2-series Grand Coupe, not as an alternative to the GTI.

kyfdx

As nice as it is, I'd take a GTI. Though an SE model might be a few thousand higher, by now.

graphicguy

She said it felt much different than the Civic Si, and was surprised since that’s what the Integra is based on. If possible, I might have to do a test drive.

Michaell

graphicguy said:

She said it felt much different than the Civic Si, and was surprised since that’s what the Integra is based on. If possible, I might have to do a test drive.

I'd hold out for the Type S, which will have the more powerful motor from the Civic Type R.

benjaminh

Acura has just announced that the new Integra will be their last all-new gas-powered vehicle....

benjaminh

In the last few years Acura has redesigned its entire fleet with an all-new RDX, MDX, TLX, and now the Integra. It's likely that all of these vehicles, with a few updates, will be in production until the end of the 2020s. The Acura ILX, after all, lasted a full ten model years, from 2013 to 2022. Acura gets its first EV SUV in 2024. I wonder if Acura's first EV sedan, in 2026 or so, might even bring back the Legend name?

Overall, I like the new Integra. In many ways it's better than the ILX it replaces, although the 2.4 engine and 8-speed dual clutch combo powered the ILX from 0-60 in about 6.6 seconds according to C & D, compared to 7.1 seconds for the new Integra. The 2.4 DC pair in my TLX was good for 6.8. We all know the games that C & D and others play to get these numbers, but they are still useful for comparison.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a24281156/2019-acura-ilx-a-spec-drive/

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a40051658/2023-acura-integra-drive/

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15108541/2015-acura-tlx-24l-test-review/

We can guess that Acura might already be working on an EV version of the Integra for release in five years or so that will go 0-60 in less than 6 seconds.

Once the chip shortage finally starts to ease sometime in 2023 or 2024, seems likely that there will be huge sales of Acura's last gas vehicles for a few years because of all of the pent-up demand. Acura won't be able to start producing EVs in high volume until 2026 or so, and probably won't go all EV until about 2030.

benjaminh

Although I can see the advantages of EVs, to some degree I already feel wistful about the upcoming demise of the gas-powered car. There's part of me that wants to grab one of the last of the 6-speed manual Integras before they go out of production in a few years. But for now I'm happy with my TLX. In fact, in spite of high gas prices, I'm planning to take a road trip of about 4500 miles in my TLX starting in a few weeks.

sda

I would like to see a test drive of the base model. I wonder what difference not having the adaptive suspension makes on ride and handling. Also would like to learn how the base audio sounds. I often have back seat passengers and not having rear ac vents is a real negative. As much as I like the new Integra and GTI I am finding it hard to get excited about any car with dealers charging $3-5k+ mark ups.

benjaminh

sda said:

I would like to see a test drive of the base model. I wonder what difference not having the adaptive suspension makes on ride and handling. Also would like to learn how the base audio sounds. I often have back seat passengers and not having rear ac vents is a real negative. As much as I like the new Integra and GTI I am finding it hard to get excited about any car with dealers charging $3-5k+ mark ups.

The base audio on the Integra should be good. Honda's CVT and 1.5 turbo combo is a mixed bag. We've got that set-up in our CR-V, and the combined effect of the turbo lag and the CVT means that there's a gap of about half a second between when you floor it and when you really start going. After that it moves with authority, but also with a noise from the engine and transmission that's not that pleasant. It certainly gets the job done and gets good mpg, but I prefer the acceleration and sound of my TLX 2.4 with the DCT. That 8-speed DCT was the best transmission Acura has ever made from my pov, and I think it's a pity that it's now out of production. Normally it doesn't seem like you'd engineer an all-new transmission in 2015 and then kill it just 7 years later. My guess is originally Acura might have intended it for all of their smaller vehicles during most of the 2020s, but then an accountant said that just using the CVT that's already used on millions of Hondas might save $600 or whatever per vehicle, and so they killed it. I honestly wish they'd raised the price of the Integra by a couple of thousand and included things like rear air vents and the DCT. After all, we've got rear air vents in our EX CR-V. It's one of those things that is appreciated on hot days when you have rear seat passengers. But for years we lived without such luxuries. Does your 2006 TL have rear seat air vents?

Anyway, here's a weird comparison that C & D did between a Civic and a Maverick.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a40034778/2022-ford-maverick-xlt-vs-2022-honda-civic-sport-compared/

@stickguy : I read somewhere that new and used Mavericks are going for 3k-8k over list. Just for kicks, it might be interesting to see the value you might get from a trade-in on your Maverick Lariat....

https://www.edmunds.com/appraisal/

stickguy

If I trade it in I need something to replace it. and since over the next couple of months we are moving, and having to get the usual bunch of stuff for the new place, not the time to get rid of the truck! Unless I swap it for a hybrid version.

hard to see Acura actually going full EV. seems like a fatal mistake. But, maybe Honda will use the brand as their Tesla fighter? going full hybrid by then, that makes more sense!

sda

Though it worked well, was responsive, the CVT in my 13 Accord was not my favorite, especially under hard acceleration. Once it got to higher revs it would just stay there and drone yet the car moved along briskly. I do wish Acura offered the 6sp in all trims but understand their reasoning. All three of our vehicles have back seat ac vents. Yes we’ve done without before but I would think on a car that is marketed as premium over Honda this feature would be standard.

benjaminh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ3tlKsPfLg

benjaminh

stickguy

saw one in the wild today. Was near the dealer I bought my RDX from, and saw one on the road with a temp tag on it. some they sold at least 1! It was gray. looked nice on the car, but certainly not a "fun" color.

benjaminh

If I were getting one, I think I'd get the color combo above—the platinum white with flake with red interior. But I'd get the 6-speed manual. My local dealer seems to be selling them as fast as they come in, but that's true of most vehicles these days.