What did the Acura Integra replace?
The Acura Integra did not directly replace a single model; it was introduced as Acura’s new compact sport coupe and sedan, built on Honda Civic underpinnings, expanding the brand’s lineup in the mid-1980s.
Context and lineup placement
When Acura set out to broaden its range beyond the larger Legend, it launched the Integra in 1985 as a compact, performance-oriented option. The car shared engineering with Honda’s Civic/B-series platforms and offered both two-door and four-door configurations, aiming to carve out a distinct niche in the luxury-brand segment without directly replacing a named Acura model.
Before listing, it helps to clarify the nature of “replacement” in this case. The Integra did not replace a specific predecessor in Acura’s lineup; instead, it created a new entry point for sport-oriented compact cars under the Acura banner.
- It did not replace a specific Acura model at launch; it added a new compact sport coupe/seat to the lineup.
- It used Honda Civic underpinnings, delivering a refined, affordable performance option in a popular segment.
- In the United States, the Integra’s direct market successor was the RSX, introduced for model year 2002, marking a shift in naming while preserving the same performance-oriented spirit.
In summary, the Integra did not have a one-to-one replacement in Acura’s catalog at its debut; it established a new niche and later evolved into a successor naming in markets like North America.
Legacy and market variations
Across generations, the Integra’s lifecycle varied by region. Globally, the model stood as Acura/Honda’s compact sport offering for years, with the RSX serving as its North American successor in the early 2000s. This reflected how automakers rotate nameplates and adjust market strategies while maintaining a core vehicle philosophy—sporty handling, accessible performance, and premium branding.
North American market: RSX as successor
In the United States and Canada, the RSX replaced the Integra in 2002, delivering a refreshed take on the same compact, performance-focused formula under a distinct name. The transition marked a branding shift that aligned Acura’s compact sports car with contemporary design and powertrain expectations of the era.
Global variations
Other markets maintained different model lifecycles, with regional naming and timing influencing how long the Integra remained in production and how it overlapped with or transitioned to successor models.
Summary
The Acura Integra did not directly replace a single model at its inception. It introduced a new compact sport coupe/ sedan into Acura’s lineup, built on Honda Civic foundations, and ultimately gave way to the RSX in North America as the brand’s sportier compact offering. The Integra’s legacy lies in expanding Acura’s early performance image and bridging the gap between luxury branding and accessible, engaging driving dynamics.
Is the Acura Integra just a Honda Civic?
No, the Acura Integra is not a Civic, but they share a platform and many components. Think of the Integra as a more luxurious and sportier version of the Civic, similar to how the Integra was positioned historically. Key differences include the Integra's premium features, more upscale interior, and distinct styling.
This video explains the similarities and differences between the Acura Integra and Honda Civic Type S: 24sMotor1YouTube · Jul 12, 2025
- Shared platform: Both vehicles are built on the same foundation, which is why their chassis, powertrains, and many internal components are so similar.
- Different brand and positioning: The Integra is sold under Acura's premium brand, while the Civic is a Honda model. This means the Integra has a higher starting price but includes more features and a more luxurious feel as standard.
- Key differences:
- Features: The base Integra often comes with features that are only available on higher Civic trims, like a Blind Spot Information System.
- Interior: The Integra uses more premium materials and has a more upscale feel, even though the fundamental design of the dashboard and controls is shared with the Civic.
- Performance tuning: While the base engine might be the same (or similar), the high-performance models, like the Integra Type S and Civic Type R, have different calibrations, suspension tuning, and features that result in a different driving experience.
- Styling: The exterior designs are distinct, with the Integra featuring sportier and more aggressive styling cues compared to the Civic's more conventional look.
This video compares the interior of the Acura Integra Type S with the Honda Civic Type R: 59sAlanis KingYouTube · Feb 13, 2025
What car did the Acura Integra replace?
The Acura Integra is a compact car manufactured by Honda and sold under the Acura brand since 2022. Succeeding the ILX (a sedan based upon the ninth-generation Honda Civic), the Integra is a five-door liftback based on the eleventh-generation Honda Civic.
Are the ILX and integra the same?
The 2023 Acura Integra is a deliberate shift away from the Acura ILX on behalf of the brand. The conscious decision to replace the ILX with the Integra is supported with updated features and contemporary conveniences for everyday driving. Keep reading to understand why.
Did Acura discontinue TLX?
Yes, Acura has discontinued the TLX sedan. Production of the 2025 model year TLX is ending due to declining sales, as customers increasingly favor SUVs. The move aligns with Acura's broader strategy to focus on its lineup of crossover SUVs and future electric vehicles.
This video explains why the Acura TLX was discontinued: 41sMotor1YouTube · Jul 23, 2025
- Reason for discontinuation: The primary reason is the steady decline in sedan sales as more consumers purchase SUVs.
- Sales data: Sales have dropped significantly from a peak of 47,080 in 2015 to just over 7,000 in 2024.
- Future focus: Acura will now concentrate on its SUVs and the upcoming electric RSX crossover. The Integra is now the only sedan in Acura's lineup.
- Production timeline: Production of the TLX is ending in July 2025, with the 2025 model year being the last.
