The OG Returns: 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec Manual Review

Enthusiasts have been waiting a very long time for this icon from Acura to return. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s go for a drive!

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#2023acuraintegra #newacuraintegra #2021acuraintegraaspec #acuraintegraaspec #savethemanuals

[clintonrodriguez]

I put a pair of ultra-high performance all seasons on my integra (DWS06+) and it made a huge difference in the handling character of the car. The stock conti’s that come on the integra are not intended for any sort of spirited driving.

[TheKingkingg]

12th day in and my wife and I love it and everything is enough. Enough more than Civic SI, enough power at 234hp as per Hondata dyno, enough technology, enough luxury features for our 2023 Elite a spec Canada 🇨🇦 version, enough space as we bought at maple Acura in Toronto and drove over 700 kms to northern Ontario same day with wife and son 16 years old and 6ft 5in and all comfortable on trip over 8 hrs. Extremely fun and exciting to drive. Only negative was trunk frozen shut(dealer washed and water trapped) but could use other ways to open, another is expensive, another is Rev hang but livable, another is we see interior lights flicker sometimes at night....other than these few issues, we love this car and it's class leading fuel economy even at brand new. Do dealer filled and fuel up from half in New liskeard and didn't fuel up till yesterday with 100km range left.

[ArmandoPerez-iuzd]

I got this car I’m waiting on it can’t wait

[Aurablade]

Hey Brian did you feel the Intergra felt “long”? Like wheelbase wise with the long hood, etc

[RbNetEngr]

Nice review, Brian. And I must say that you’ve done a more critical review here, which I liked. Many of your reviews are full of praise but not much critique. I suggest balancing out you future reviews to add more critiques, because we all know that there are no perfect cars…except maybe that new Porsche 992 GT3!

[junlee]

Where does Honda manufacture Integra? in US or Japan??

[soulmaster]

I just went to the Honda USA website. There’s nothing to suggest that the Civic Si has been discontinued. I’m still able to configure a 2022 Si.

[bigbuckoramma]

You may recall back to our discussion about the interior differences between the CA and US Civic Si, that at the end I posited that this move seemed strange, and might be an indicator that perhaps CA was going to get a limited number of Integras, or the US was going to drop thr Si altogether, and push the Acura, and its $7, 500 higher price tag, as the "budget" sport compact.
Now no longer seeing the So for 2023, it seems we have the answers to that question.
I will even take it a step further and say that Honda isn't going to reintroduce the Si for a while, and won't do a Type-S version of the Integra, because they want another big rush of overpriced Civic Type-R sales like the had previously, and don't want anything else in the line up to potentially make buyers steer away from the CT-R, and settle on a cheaper car.

[scottanthony]

Thanks Brian. That's the first review (and I've watched many!) that mentions the gearing/torque situation. Lots to like about this car, but lots of irritation too. In the US, I believe to get the MT, you have to get the very top tier - A Spec with Tech Package and that runs about 37k MSRP. That said, they really whiffed putting poor seats in the car at that price point. Probably going to make you pony up for the future Type S for that. That's a huge issue for the 40+ crowd, and covering it with fancy alcantera doesn't fix that. I also find it interesting that we're about 2 months out since journaiists have been given these to drive, and I have yet to see a single test drive with the automatic. Toyota and Subaru had MT and Auto at same time for journalists at their driving events (BRZ and 86) Makes me wonder if they are hiding a lousy drivetrain. I get it that they want to throw the "flagship" of the Integra line out there, but due to price and availability, the majority of Integras sold are not likely to be this version. The Civic Sport looks like it will fight for market with the lesser Integra's, unless they continue to kneecap within their own brand to avoid competition. At 37k for this, I'd at least be cross shopping the Accord 2.0T, even if you can't get a MT. It will certainly blow the doors off this in a straight line, and Accords come nicely appointed. Feels like (and I hate to say this because I'm a "Save the Manuals" guy) Honda needs to work on a better automatic for enthusiasts. Keep up the good work, and enjoy the rest of your summer up in the great white north!

[romererunamerika]

okay so you like more sporty than plush? nice looking car but I also would go with the civic SI

[gukelordan]

This guy is the best “reviewer” on YouTube. It’d be interesting car if it had a V6 Natural not a whimpy 1.5 turbo . Same exact car as the Si no? +10k $

[amerasia]

Disappointed with ambient lighting. It should be like the MDX. As a luxury brand, it should have a panoramic sunroof and a larger infotainment screen. The dashboard should be inspired by the MDX in order to create a distinctive image from the Civic.

[scalefreakgaming]

Too bad about the seats. I really liked the seats in the 2022 Si.

[stms]

Selfishly, the discontinuation of the Si helps my 2022 hold it’s value so I can own it for a couple of years and buy a brz/gr86 when my younger daughter can drive herself (and her field hockey goalie bag), so my daily space needs diminish.

[psewgobind]

No Si for 2023? No problem since I view my 2700lb 6MT 10th Gen as a better track car…especially since it has the naturally aspires K20 motor.

[VitoC.]

Quickest "How To Spec Your Car" lol

[paulm]

That is a good looking car, but I still take the Civic Si. Why did they top Si? Honda infotainments are not the best in business for sure. My girlfriend in late 80s had a first generation Integra with 1.6 liter. Finely made car but still had no power 🤣. Honda has best manuals.

[soulmaster]

I believe that the Civic Si has been discontinued in favor of the Integra, due to supply chain issues. Honda simply cannot manufacture enough components to build both models simultaneously. Conversely, Acura will not introduce a Type S variant alongside the Honda Civic Type R. Additionally, I don’t believe the Integra A Spec manual will have a long production run either. These models represent the “last hurrah” as the ever present conversion to electrification looms on the horizon.

[MatteoTorgy]

If you’re younger than 30, buy the Civic Si. Otherwise buy the Integra. By the way, Hondata rates the Integra as the more powerful car at 234 horsepower (at the wheel, not crank, and stock).

[bobshoemak]

Acura and dissapointing are becoming synonymous. Objectively the Civic SI is the better car for quite a but less money. You get better, summer tires on the SI and it weighs less. The seats are better in the SI as well. Subjectively I also think the Civic SI looks better and has much nicer wheels.
As a former 2003 RSX Type S owner it blows my mind that 20 years later, Acura releases this Integra A Spec and its objectively worse performing. In 20 years Acura regressed Can't say that aboit any other car maker let alone a "premium" brand. Acura is a lost cause at this point sadly. They spend more on marketing than R&D. If you are a fwd enthusiast, get the Elantra N. If you are a premium car buyer get an Audi A3 or Genesis G70