Used 1996 Acura Integra Hatchback Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
22 Years and Counting!
I purchased my Red Integra LS on April 12, 1996. It was my Birthday present to myself after my Prelude had been stolen. Im writing this in August of 2018. My Integra and I have been through so much together and she's always stuck by me through thick and thin. I live in So Cal. I remember shortly after I bought it, my friend and I went to Lake Havasu for Spring Break. If you've ever driven through Desert Center, you know the 2-lane highway of "up-downs" like a roller coaster. I didnt intend to but I looked at my speedometer and I was topped out around 130 MPH! Never driven that fast in my life and I should have been scared but it was so quiet and so smooth and so fun up, down, up, down. I was on cloud 9. Everywhere I went, everyone complimented me on my Integra. Taco Bell Drive-Thru, the girl goes, "OMG I LOVE your car!" In 2016, my Integra was stolen off my driveway in broad daylight. All of us were home at the time. The thief left the flathead screwdriver on the floorboard along with his t-shirt. Police found it 12 days later. My baby was virtually destroyed and they had opened all the windows and the moonroof during a rainstorm when they abandoned it. I wasnt going to let her go. I knew there was lots of work ahead both mechanically and to the soaked interior but I brought her home and she still sits on my driveway. Im fixing it up little by little as I am able. I could never part with it under these circumstances. I want her to be as beautiful as the day they stole it from me and I still dont know if Ill ever be able to let go. I love my Integra that much. Its the best car Ive ever owned. Ive had 3 in all ... all 3 have been Hondas, my Integra included. I cant imagine taking it to the junkyard. Such a huge part of me during great times in my life. I truly love that damn car. Ill never look at another car the same way. I wish it was 1996 again and we were both still young and turning heads! "I love you baby."
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A great car
Loved this car, recently sold it to upgrade to an RSX type S. Handled great, shifted great, and you can't get that 8000 RPM scream anywhere else. Also had lots of cargo space. I know lots of people dislike the 4-headlike look, but I'm not one of them.
- RS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $13,9952,376 mi away
Still Going Strong
Just another satisfied owner. With plenty of acceleration for fun or slipping through traffic, the GS-R is a car for drivers. I bought mine new eight years ago and I'm still satisfied. Following the standard maintenance recommendation (more or less), I haven't had a single problem in my 100K+ miles.
I am in love with my car!!
I bought my car, used, about six months ago. Coming from an '86 Toyota Celica, I feel absolutely spoiled in my Integra. The ride is smooth, the fuel economy fantastic, and even at 8 years old, the car is slick. I love the 32 mpg with all the driving I do, and the reliability keeps maintenance down to a minimum. Now, if I drive another car, I can really feel the difference-- I miss the get- up- and- go and quick turns I've become acustomed to in my car. I'll definitely stay with the Acuras!
96 coupe, 1.8l automatic
resurrected my '96 two years ago. it had been sitting for 2 years, the prior owner parked it when the engine light went on around smog test time. picked it up for $300. started it up, was not running too well, like on 2 cylinders. Got it home then pulled down the codes. misfire cyl 2 &3 and bad secondary O2 sensor. Replaced cap, rotaor, plugs and wires. Replaced O2 sensor. The car fired right up. 1st test drive was an awesome experience, great acceleration!!!. Passed smog with flying colors!!! only mechanical issue was the coil recently failed. Replace witha new one, and no problems since. This is a very fun car to drive!! I live in the mountains and this car corners like a dream.
1996 gsr
great car fast and very reliable
WORST CAR EVER DO NOT BUY !!!!!
It was the worst car I ever owned nothing worked in it it was so incredibly slow I would not recommend this car to my worst enemy and not to even mention the maintenance costs 500 dollars for a single oil change nothing was good about it stupid l!bruI car gobless
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
It's my baby! 96 Integra LS
I got this car as an intended project car and it's coming along great! Like stated, after 100k miles the car starts to show its wear. Ive bought an intake system, a full header back system and thats just the beginning. With some performance mods this car can haul! It is a tuner car and should be treated as such :) Outstanding car but should only be owned by tuners in my opinion.
Wouldn't sell this car.
Performance - 3 This is the weakest aspect to me, of course this is just the RS, but it's slow. It handles great, I love taking corners with it. It's FWD, so if that's your thing then you will love it. Comfort - 4 The chair's are nice but not great, driving for more than an hour gets uncomfortable.. The cup holders are pretty small. Value - 5 This car has so much going for it, and the price is excellent. Fun- 4 Awesome car, but just slightly too slow, and spongy. Interior - 5 Mine is black and blue.. it's immaculate. Exterior - 5 The design is still excellent and eye catching. Build - 4 140k miles and still holding together very well. Reliability- 5 140k miles and nothing is wrong.
Sad to see it go
This truly was a wonderful car to own and I will miss it. There's something special about popping it into 3rd to blast the revs and merge onto the freeway. After this vehicle I will always need a good amount of performance, I've been spoiled.
Good handling
25 mpg for a car that gets to 60 in 8.5 seconds isnt great. It is very reasonably priced though. For an msrp of $18,000 it is very sporty.
12 Years of fun
Recently sold my GSR. I put about 150K on it before selling. Never had any major issues, except regular maintenance items that need to be addressed in an older car; brakes, clutch, suspension etc. Very fun car to drive and I got about 28 mpg on average.
It's so hard to say goodbye...
I bought my 1996 Acura Integra GSR (5 sp manual) used in the fall of 1998 right after I graduated from college. I was 22 years old and had just landed my first job in the real world. At the time, the purchase price of $18k nearly broke the bank, but I loved the car and wanted to make a long term investment. Well, it is now the fall of 2009, I am 33 years old, and I still have my GSR and I still look forward to driving it every time I get in! Unfortunately, the time has come for me to get a new car because it is now impractical to own a 2-door due to all of the trips I have to make with my young children. I have loved owning my GSR and I will miss it very, very much. This car will one day be a collectible.
96 GSR
Love the car. Just what I wanted... Deceptively fast... I should have gotten the leather interior. Only real problem is the paint on the rear spoiler is dying a terrible death. The rest of the cars cosmetic features are fine, but the dark green paint is bad now on the spoiler
Mechanically - perfect
Mechanically, my Acura Integra is perfect. It runs great. The A/C is still cold 6 years later.. Everything still works well.. Reliability is unsurpassed.. The paint leaves a bit to be desired. It's not peeling, but it's a little rough in places. (Starting to show it's age.) Plastic parts are flexing with age and sometimes rattle. The hatchback: I wasn't sure about it when I bought it, but it's turned into a Godsend.. It allows me to take bulky items I wouldn't be able to transport otherwise.. The wheelbase is a little too short and the ride is a little jittery, but otherwise a great car.
awesome
this car is awesome! and pretty quick too.
High-reving fun
A blast to drive. The overall reliability is good, but some things seem like they are about to go bad. The interior is quite noisy. The headlights from the japanese integras should have been used on the american integras, instead of the controversial 4-eyed front end. All in all, it is very fun to drive. Once VTEC engages, you forget about the car's downfalls.
96 Acura Integra GS-R
I don't think one thing has gone wrong with this car in 88000 miles. All we've done is change oil every 3000-4000 mi plus factory recommended maintenance. Nothing breaks! Very quick, fun to drive, cheap to maintain,excellent gas mileage...all in all a great little car.
Great Schizophrenic!
What an amazing car! A high mileage daily driver and a weekend autocrosser capable of doing well. Good mileage, exceptional reliability, strong dealer and manufacturer support. My car has not been babied, but driven 108,000 miles and autocrossed 25 or more times a year over 4 years. The only reason I have found to part with it is locating a nearly new GS-R, the same car with more motor, a CD player and some other performance goodies.
Probably the best car I've ever owned
Well, after 6 years, the car has cost me basically nothing other than normal maintanence and one new battery. (Ok, 5 years is pretty standard for a battery.) The car handles responsively, accelerates smoothly, the cockpit noise level is a little high, and theft rate is off the chart.. Secure yours well!
Great Car
Great Car, Fun To Drive, Quick, Agile, all a sports car should be!!
The Best Car for cheep
I just got my Integra GS-R and I love it. It is one of the best cars for a good price. It is so easy to fix-up for cheep.
I had the firday night special
This 96 GSR was fast. For some reason it was faster then all other GSR's, faster then the type-r's, and faster then most other cars. It ran mid 14 seconds stock. The car was bone stock and just moved like I've never seen a GSR move. At any rate, this car was fast but had some fluke problem that no one could fix. It would blow radiators every 1k-3k mi, and ten mechanics including acura could never fix it. Had to sell car because of this. It will be my last Honda, the interior quality and maintenece on Honda's are disappointing. Nissan and Toyota is more reliable and less money for regular maint.
Wonderful Car
I got my GSR with 12k miles on it. I've just sold it for $12,000 with 70k miles! The car eats tires (because I drive it hard) but still had the original brakes! I replaced NOTHING in the car, including the battery! The only problems I had were the buzzing heat sheild on the exhaust and the rattling hatchback which the dealer fixed...
A Practical Sports Car
I purchased my 1996 LS when my wife changed careers and needed our 1999 Civic coupe as a daily driver. Plus, we needed a car to haul around our 65- pound Siberian Husky. I never thought I'd own a car that was more fun to drive than my old '88 Prelude, but the Integra beats the Prelude hands-down. The Integra hugs the twisties like a Porsche, possesses a zippy high-revving engine (I routinely redline the tach), is virtually maintenance-free, and has tons of cargo room.
Fun and Reliable
I have had the 1996 LS for a little over two years, and I'm still impressed with it. I have packed on the miles (I purchased it with 97,000, now it has 148,000!), and it still runs great. The only major problems I've encountered thus far: replacing the timing belt (a must) and the radiator. It looks great, but the paint is a little lacking. My hood is showing its age, as little dots of paint are stripping off, but it's really not that noticeable. The paint is fading, however, and I think a new paint job would make it look (and feel) brand new. Not only is the car powerful and fast, it's fuel-efficient, and the hatchback has proven itself extremely worthy when moving!
I LOVE THIS CAR!
this is an awesome car..it gets great gas mileage..has a peppy little engine..good car overall..very reliable (ive had no problems i have a 96 with 95 k miles..not one problem!) i would tell anyone to buy one if you have the chance.
It's Got It All
This car had everything I was looking for: low maintenance, reliable, sporty, nice handling, fast yet good on gas, nice-looking. Lots of upgrades available through aftermarket channels. My car has over 155,000 miles on it and it still rides almost like new. The only repair I've had was the clutch pressure plate cracked and chipped at 120k, so I needed a new clutch (replaced original). The rear wing could be repainted, too. The sun, rain and wind have worn down the paint on the corners. Other than that, I love the car. Only drawback is its high theft appeal.
i'll miss it
I just purchased a new jag and have to let this car go. i bought it new and have never owned a better car. i have owned over 20. fit and finnish is still perfect, and the car is still fun to drive. a starter, battery, tires and oil changes are all i have had to do with this car.
Great Car
This car has great handling, good acceleration at higher RPM's, low maintenance, and looks great. I highly recommend owning an Integra. A standard transmission is a must.
Reliable Car and fun to drive
Mine has 107k and only non scheduled work I've had to do was new brakes (front & rear) and minor repair to exhaust system. Great gas mileage and very fun to drive. clear coat isnt that great but hey after 9 years everything cant be great.
Amazingly reliable, equally fun to drive
I purchased this car with approximately 60,000 miles. The car now has nearly 100,000 miles and I have never encountered any problems. I drive the car with spirit and it never lets me down. Combining decent fuel economy, fantastic reliability, and true enjoyent while driving, this car will always be one of my favorites. (Go with the 5-speed to achieve the most power.)
Reliable, fun to drive
I bought my teg new in '96 and have driven it hard for most its 10 years. It's held up very well. It does OK in Denver snow and gets 31 mpg. As small 4 cylinders go, its pretty peppy. Repairs have included a timing belt, clutch, radiator, CV joints, distributor, and a bearing in the transmission.
Integra 59
I've owned the Integra for 8 1/2 years. It has about 108,000 miles on it. It's fun to drive, has very little maintenance cost, and responds very quickly. The seat belts respond too quickly, pinning me to the seat when I move rapidly. The only mechanical problem that I find to be a weakness is that I had to replace the radiator after 84,000 miles.
Acura is da bomb
I love my Integra. She has not let me down yet! Highly recommended. The only downfall is it is one of the top stolen cars. Other than that, it's a great and fun car to have.
Great~!!!!Integra Power
Great~!!!! Integra Power. Easy to control and very nice to modify~!! My Integra give me the opportunity to experince for driving in a powerful sporty car~!!!
Love, love, love. Bought new in '96!
This has been and continues to be a great car. I will probably keep many more years. Very reliable and so much fun to ride. The back is always reserved for my dog. The moon roof is wonderful and after almost 11 years I have finally installed a CD player. My original research paid off. Many have tried to buy from me and I tell them "no". No big major repairs, just keep well maintained. Highly recommend.
Wonderful car
I've owned my GS-R for 5 years (bought it used) and have loved driving it ever since. Who would have thought 4 cylinders could do what this car does. I have to get a larger car now due to family additions, but this car has set a standard for quality, reliability and performance that will have to be met by the next car I drive - which will be an Acura, thanks to this little marvel. Great handling, no problems, loves the road and you can count on this little machine. What else is there?
Perfection
I have owned my Integra for 7 years and I have had no, I repeat, no mechanical problems. The only things that I needed were a new power radio antenna and tires. Not bad for seven years. I've had more fun driving this car than any I have owned and I've owned Z's and RX7's.
Terrific car
I recently traded in my Integra for a 3.2 TL Type S, and while I love my TL, my memories of that wonderful Integra will always be with me. Great acceleration, amazing handling on curves and the ability to get in and out of traffic make that car a joy to drive. The styling is great and there's just something about what Acura does with engines that creates a powerful sound that makes you love what you're driving. Reliability? Acura has cornered the market on it. I have owned 2 Acuras - now on my third - and I will never purchase any other brand. Not a thing ever went wrong with my vehicle and I drove it harder than I ever should have.
Thunderchicken!!!!
My 1996 acura integra was my very first import! It was a manual! I loved it so so so much! You can do so much with those cars and modify them in so many ways. I had mine for about two years but unfortunately the engine did catch fire after 150,000... I kept the oil changed regularly, I did everything the way I was supposed to, so I’m not sure what the person who owned it before me may have did, so yeah, I’m going to give it a 4 star rating which I think is fair because it was a pretty great car!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
342000 miles, priceless.
I have a 96 integra rs. This car has a soul. I baught it in 1999. I drive it regularly between nyc. The Poconos in Pennsylvania and Philly. I don't baby it i love driving it at 80mph and above. Going into sharp curves I get a rush. I get many offers for it.but I just can't part with it. I would love to have uploaded a pic put that option isn't here.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Awesome Reliability
Excellent car. It is reliable, fun to drive. I have 150k on it and only had to perform minor maintenance - wheel bearing, AC motor, and cooling fan motor.
Great Power and Style!!
The GSR is a great bang for the buck! 1.8L and the hp Honda motors make! This motor is VERY reliable and come alive in the upper R's. Pulls hard to 8k rpms. Great brakes, power, and style. Enjoy it all!
Black Bullet
This car has been an excellent replacement for my first car, a Honda Prelude. The ride isn't quite as firm as the Prelude, but it's much more firm than my friends' cars. It has been run really hard for 6 1/2 years now, and it's still going strong. The only abnormal maintenance has been replacing the radiator. This car is the best. I wouldn't trade it for the world!!!