The Integra is a compact executive car produced by Honda since 1985. The 1989 model was the second generation of the Integra, and it was available as a three-door hatchback or a four-door sedan. It was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 118 horsepower. The Integra was praised for its handling and performance, and it was a popular choice for enthusiasts.
The 1989 Integra was important because it helped to establish Honda as a leader in the compact executive car market. It was also a significant car for enthusiasts, as it offered a high level of performance and handling at a relatively affordable price. The Integra has continued to be a popular choice for enthusiasts over the years, and it is still considered to be one of the best handling cars in its class.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the 1989 Integra. We will discuss its history, design, and performance. We will also take a look at the impact that the Integra has had on the automotive industry.
Integra 1989
The Integra 1989 holds a significant place in the automotive industry, renowned for its performance and design. Let’s explore various key aspects that define this remarkable vehicle:
- Compact Design
- Sporty Handling
- 1.6-liter Engine
- 118 Horsepower
- Three-door Hatchback
- Four-door Sedan
- Front-wheel Drive
- Double Wishbone Suspension
- Anti-lock Braking System
- Power Steering
These aspects collectively showcase the Integra 1989’s commitment to performance and driving dynamics. Its compact size and sporty handling made it a joy to drive, while the 1.6-liter engine provided ample power. The availability of both hatchback and sedan body styles catered to diverse preferences, and features like anti-lock brakes and power steering enhanced safety and convenience. The Integra 1989 became a symbol of Honda’s engineering prowess, setting the benchmark for compact executive cars.
Compact Design
The compact design of the Integra 1989 was a key factor in its success. The car’s small size made it easy to maneuver and park, and it also contributed to its sporty handling. The Integra 1989 was also one of the first cars in its class to offer a hatchback body style, which provided increased cargo space and versatility.
The compact design of the Integra 1989 also had a number of practical benefits. The car’s small size made it more fuel-efficient than larger cars, and it also reduced emissions. The Integra 1989 was also relatively affordable, making it a good choice for budget-minded consumers.
The compact design of the Integra 1989 is a good example of how form can follow function. The car’s small size and sporty handling made it a popular choice for enthusiasts, while its practicality and affordability made it a good choice for everyday drivers.
Sporty Handling
The Integra 1989 is renowned for its sporty handling, a characteristic that stems from its well-engineered suspension and chassis. The car’s double wishbone suspension provides excellent stability and cornering ability, while the front-wheel drive layout ensures that power is delivered to the wheels most effectively. The Integra 1989 also benefits from a lightweight body and a low center of gravity, which further contribute to its agile handling.
The sporty handling of the Integra 1989 is a major reason for its popularity among driving enthusiasts. The car is a joy to drive on winding roads, and it can also be used for track days or autocross events. The Integra 1989 is also a relatively affordable car, making it a good choice for enthusiasts on a budget.
The sporty handling of the Integra 1989 is a key part of its appeal. The car is a fun and engaging drive, and it is sure to put a smile on the face of any driving enthusiast.
1.6-liter Engine
The 1.6-liter engine in the Integra 1989 is a compact and efficient powerplant that provides a good balance of power and fuel economy. It is a four-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft and two valves per cylinder. The engine produces 118 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.
- Performance: The 1.6-liter engine provides adequate power for the Integra 1989. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds, and it has a top speed of about 115 mph. The engine is also relatively fuel-efficient, getting up to 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
- Reliability: The 1.6-liter engine in the Integra 1989 is known for its reliability. It is a well-built engine that can last for many years with proper maintenance.
- Affordability: The 1.6-liter engine is a relatively affordable option. It is less expensive than the larger engines that are available in the Integra 1989, and it is also more fuel-efficient.
- Versatility: The 1.6-liter engine is a versatile powerplant that can be used in a variety of applications. It is a good choice for both everyday driving and performance driving.
Overall, the 1.6-liter engine in the Integra 1989 is a good choice for those who want a reliable, affordable, and versatile powerplant. It provides a good balance of power and fuel economy, and it is well-suited for both everyday driving and performance driving.
118 Horsepower
The 1989 Integra was equipped with a 1.6-liter, 16-valve inline-four engine that produced 118 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. This engine was paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The Integra’s horsepower was relatively high for a car of its size and weight, which gave it impressive acceleration and performance.
The 118 horsepower of the Integra 1989 was a significant factor in its success. The car was praised by reviewers for its quick acceleration and responsive handling. The Integra was also a popular choice for racing enthusiasts, as its power and handling made it a competitive car on the track.
Today, the Integra 1989 is still remembered as one of the best-handling cars of its era. The car’s 118 horsepower engine was a key factor in its success, and it helped to make the Integra a legend among driving enthusiasts.
Three-door Hatchback
The three-door hatchback body style was a defining feature of the Integra 1989. It gave the car a sporty and stylish look, and it also provided increased cargo space and versatility.
- Increased Cargo Space: The hatchback body style allowed the Integra 1989 to offer more cargo space than a traditional sedan. This made it a good choice for people who needed to carry large items, such as groceries or sports equipment.
- Versatility: The hatchback body style also made the Integra 1989 more versatile than a traditional sedan. The rear seats could be folded down to create a flat load floor, which made it easy to transport large items.
- Sporty Appearance: The three-door hatchback body style gave the Integra 1989 a sporty and stylish look. The car’s sleek lines and aggressive stance made it a popular choice for driving enthusiasts.
- Weight Reduction: The three-door hatchback body style was also lighter than a traditional sedan. This made the Integra 1989 more fuel-efficient and gave it better handling.
The three-door hatchback body style was a key factor in the success of the Integra 1989. It gave the car a sporty and stylish look, and it also provided increased cargo space and versatility. These factors made the Integra 1989 a popular choice for driving enthusiasts and families alike.
Four-door Sedan
The four-door sedan body style was also available on the Integra 1989. This body style was more traditional than the three-door hatchback, but it offered a number of advantages, including increased passenger space and a more formal appearance.
The four-door sedan body style was a popular choice for families and other buyers who needed a more practical car. It offered more space for passengers and cargo than the three-door hatchback, and it had a more traditional look that appealed to a wider range of buyers.
The four-door sedan body style was also available with a variety of features that were not available on the three-door hatchback. These features included air conditioning, power windows, and power locks. This made the four-door sedan a more comfortable and convenient car for everyday use.
The four-door sedan body style was an important part of the Integra 1989’s success. It offered buyers a more practical and traditional option than the three-door hatchback, and it helped to make the Integra a more appealing car to a wider range of buyers.
Front-wheel Drive
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a drivetrain layout in which the engine drives the front wheels of a vehicle. This layout is common in passenger cars, as it offers a number of advantages over rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).
The Integra 1989 was offered with FWD as standard. This layout gave the car a number of advantages, including:
- Improved traction: FWD provides better traction than RWD, particularly in slippery conditions. This is because the weight of the engine is over the front wheels, which helps to keep them planted on the ground.
- Reduced cost: FWD is less expensive to produce than RWD or AWD. This is because it requires fewer components and is easier to assemble.
- Increased fuel efficiency: FWD cars are generally more fuel-efficient than RWD or AWD cars. This is because the drivetrain is more efficient, and there is less weight to move around.
The Integra 1989’s FWD layout was a key factor in its success. It gave the car a number of advantages over its competitors, and it helped to make the Integra one of the most popular cars of its era.
Double Wishbone Suspension
The Integra 1989 is renowned for its sporty handling, a characteristic that stems from its well-engineered suspension and chassis. A key component of the Integra’s suspension is the double wishbone setup, which provides excellent stability and cornering ability.
- Independent Wheel Movement: Unlike a solid axle suspension, a double wishbone suspension allows each wheel to move independently, which helps to keep the tires in contact with the road even over rough surfaces. This results in improved handling and stability, especially when cornering.
- Optimized Geometry: Double wishbone suspensions allow for precise control of the wheel’s camber and toe angles throughout the suspension’s range of motion. This ensures that the tires are always making optimal contact with the road, which improves grip and handling.
- Reduced Unsprung Weight: Double wishbone suspensions are relatively lightweight, which reduces the unsprung weight of the car. Unsprung weight is the weight of the suspension components that are not supported by the springs, and reducing unsprung weight improves the car’s handling and ride quality.
- Compact Design: Double wishbone suspensions are relatively compact, which allows for more space in the engine bay and passenger compartment. This is a particular advantage in a small car like the Integra 1989.
The double wishbone suspension is a key factor in the Integra 1989’s sporty handling. It provides excellent stability and cornering ability, and it is also relatively lightweight and compact. This makes the double wishbone suspension an ideal choice for a performance-oriented car like the Integra 1989.
Anti-lock Braking System
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a crucial safety feature that prevents the wheels of a vehicle from locking during braking. This allows the driver to maintain control of the car and steer even under heavy braking, reducing the risk of accidents. The Integra 1989 was one of the first cars to offer ABS as a standard feature, making it a significant advancement in automotive safety.
ABS works by using sensors to monitor the speed of each wheel. If a sensor detects that a wheel is about to lock, the ABS system reduces the brake pressure to that wheel, allowing it to continue rotating. This prevents the wheel from skidding and keeps the car stable. ABS is particularly effective on slippery surfaces, such as wet or icy roads, where it can significantly reduce the risk of skidding and loss of control.
The Integra 1989’s ABS system was a major selling point for the car, as it offered a level of safety that was unmatched by other cars in its class. ABS has since become a standard feature on most new cars, and it is widely recognized as one of the most important safety features available. It is estimated that ABS has saved thousands of lives since its introduction, and it continues to play a vital role in reducing the number of accidents and fatalities on the road.
Power Steering
Power steering is a system that assists the driver in steering a vehicle by reducing the effort required to turn the steering wheel. It is a significant component of the Integra 1989, enhancing its handling and driving experience.
The power steering system in the Integra 1989 operates using hydraulic pressure. A hydraulic pump driven by the engine generates pressure in the power steering fluid, which is then directed to a hydraulic cylinder connected to the steering rack. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the hydraulic pressure assists in turning the wheels, reducing the effort required.
The power steering system in the Integra 1989 provides several advantages. Firstly, it makes the car easier to maneuver at low speeds, such as when parking or driving in tight spaces. Secondly, it improves handling and stability at high speeds, providing the driver with better control of the vehicle. Thirdly, it reduces driver fatigue, especially during long drives or in heavy traffic.
The Integra 1989’s power steering system is a crucial component that contributes to the car’s overall performance and safety. It enhances the driving experience by making the car easier to handle and control, particularly in challenging driving conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Integra 1989
This section addresses common inquiries and misconceptions surrounding the Integra 1989, providing informative answers to enhance understanding of its features and significance.
Question 1: What factors contributed to the Integra 1989’s popularity among driving enthusiasts?
Answer: The Integra 1989 gained popularity among driving enthusiasts due to its exceptional handling, which was a result of its well-engineered suspension and chassis, including a double wishbone setup. Additionally, its 118 horsepower 1.6-liter engine provided a thrilling driving experience, further enhancing its appeal.
Question 2: How did the Integra 1989’s design cater to different preferences?
Answer: The Integra 1989 was available in both three-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles, allowing buyers to choose the configuration that best suited their needs and lifestyle. The hatchback offered increased cargo space and versatility, while the sedan provided more traditional styling and increased passenger space.
Question 3: What safety features were incorporated into the Integra 1989?
Answer: The Integra 1989 prioritized safety by featuring an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. ABS prevented wheels from locking during braking, enhancing the driver’s control and stability, especially on slippery surfaces.
Question 4: How did the Integra 1989’s power steering system enhance the driving experience?
Answer: The power steering system in the Integra 1989 reduced the effort required to turn the steering wheel, making it easier to maneuver at low speeds and providing improved handling and stability at high speeds, contributing to a more comfortable and controlled driving experience.
Question 5: What was the significance of the Integra 1989’s front-wheel drive layout?
Answer: Front-wheel drive offered several advantages in the Integra 1989, including improved traction, reduced cost of production, and increased fuel efficiency. This layout contributed to the car’s overall performance and appeal.
Question 6: How did the Integra 1989 balance performance and practicality?
Answer: The Integra 1989 successfully combined performance and practicality by offering both sporty handling and versatility. Its compact size and lightweight design contributed to its agility, while the hatchback body style provided increased cargo space and practicality, making it a well-rounded choice for driving enthusiasts and everyday use.
In summary, the Integra 1989’s popularity was driven by its exceptional handling, thoughtful design, and inclusion of advanced safety features. It catered to the needs of driving enthusiasts while maintaining practicality, making it a highly sought-after vehicle.
Moving forward, the next section of this article will delve into the Integra 1989’s impact on the automotive industry and its lasting legacy.
Tips for Maintaining and Enjoying Your Integra 1989
The Integra 1989 is a classic car that can provide years of driving pleasure. Here are some tips to help you keep your Integra in top condition:
Tip 1: Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for any car, but it is especially important for a classic car like the Integra 1989. Be sure to follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, and have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic at least once a year.
Tip 2: Protect the Paint
The paint on your Integra 1989 is one of the things that makes it look so good. To protect the paint, be sure to wash your car regularly and wax it at least twice a year. You should also avoid parking your car in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
Tip 3: Drive Carefully
The Integra 1989 is a fun car to drive, but it is important to drive carefully. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid driving too fast or recklessly.
Tip 4: Store Your Car Properly
If you are not going to be driving your Integra 1989 for a period of time, be sure to store it properly. Park the car in a dry, well-ventilated area. You should also disconnect the battery and cover the car with a car cover.
Tip 5: Find a Good Mechanic
If you need to have work done on your Integra 1989, it is important to find a good mechanic. Look for a mechanic who is experienced in working on classic cars and who has a good reputation.
Tip 6: Join a Car Club
There are many car clubs dedicated to the Integra 1989. Joining a car club is a great way to meet other Integra owners and learn more about your car.
Tip 7: Have Fun!
The most important tip is to have fun. The Integra 1989 is a great car that can provide years of driving pleasure. So get out there and enjoy it!
By following these tips, you can help to keep your Integra 1989 in top condition and enjoy it for many years to come.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we have explored various aspects that define the significance of “integra 1989” in the automotive industry. Its innovative design, impressive performance, and inclusion of advanced features at the time made it a standout model.
To enthusiasts, the “integra 1989” remains a symbol of driving exhilaration and handling prowess. Its legacy continues to inspire modern vehicles, influencing the development of compact executive cars that prioritize agility and responsiveness.