Riding Shotgun in the Integra Type-R
Written: Sep 28 '00 (Updated Nov 09 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good stepping stone before getting a better sports cars
Cons: Overpriced, no amenities, not a good daily driver
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| nghiemr's Full Review: 2000 Acura Integra Coupe |
I have never been much of a fan of the Integra. It’s a fun car, but has never inspired me to drool or oogle the way I have over some cars. In Southern California where the import car scene is played out, they’re a dime a dozen. And there are more fake Integra Type-R’s with four lug rims and red paint than there are street corners. Every import car aficionado knows that the Type-R’s only came in Championship White – prior to the 2000 model year – with stock five lug rims.
In January, I took a road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego with a few friends and that was my first close-up encounter with the Type-R. The driver for our trip just bought a 2000 Type-R, and it was only a couple of weeks old. I couldn’t believe he was going to take it on a 120 mile drive already, but I didn’t mind the opportunity to ride in a car notoriously overrated and overpriced, so that I could decide for myself what I thought of it.
With the exception of the red Type-R badges and a slightly different body kit, the exterior of the Type-R basically looks like any other Integra. In fact, it’s exterior dimensions are the same as the GS and GS-R models, except 2 inches longer. The one I rode in was black, which I think is a nice “sleeper” color for a little 1.8L four cylinder that goes 195 hp @ 8000 rpms. Whereas the 1997, 1998 Type-R’s only came in Championship White, the 2000’s come in Flamenco Black Pearl and a bold Phoenix Yellow. Honda did not produce a Type R for the 1999 model year.
The Type-R is definitely built for performance, not practicality or comfort the way a Civic, or even the Integra GS-R is. For a car that is $24,350 MSRP (but can easily inflate to $30K at the dealership), this car lacks amenities for those who want more than just speed and loud revving. While the GS-R is available with leather seats, the Type-R isn’t. The seats are black cloth with red stitching, which is slightly tacky, in my opinion. While the GS-R is available with a moonroof, the Type-R isn’t. The moonroof, along with other features like better sound dampeners, are taken out to minimize weight and the make the driving experience more (loud) and exhilarating. Any one who loves speed loves the sound of their car hauling a$$, not whispering by. What also distinguishes the Type-R from other Integras is the fake, but sporty carbon fiber-styled instrument panel, an aluminum shift knob, and a unique serial number plate on the driver’s side indicating ownership of one out of the 750 Type-R’s produced for the 2000 model year.
The lack of a moonroof makes the Type-R a little less fun than it could be. Also, while riding on the passenger side, I felt sunken into my seat, almost as if I could barely see out the windows. Even though I’m petite, there still wasn’t much room. I’ve rode in this car several times, and the one time I sat in the back, my legs were smooshed and I felt pretty cramped. Another annoyance was the glove box, which I managed to make pop open a few times, over the course of several rides, whenever we would hit a big bump at high speeds. Integra glove boxes have always been small, and the Type-R’s is no exception.
Needless to say, the Type-R is a car built for driving, not for sitting in the passenger seat. It’s hard to vicariously enjoy the exhilaration of a sports car when your hands are in your lap and not on the shift knob. Unfortunately, I don’t drive stick…otherwise I would’ve gladly taken it for a little spin myself, but believe me…the deep, throaty revving definitely made me wish I knew how. And that’s what the Type-R is all about. It’s not your commuter car. It’s not your family car. It’s all the joys of a sports car at a price the average person can afford, while still dreaming of Maranellos and McLarens. It’s definitely a “look at me” car, one to cruise Sunset Blvd with on a Saturday night, or load up with friends to go hang out at the street races. I don’t particularly think this car has much style, but much of its appeal is how Honda managed to squeeze that much hp out of a 1.8 L engine and make it handle the way it does.
One interesting fact about Type-R parts is that Acura dealerships don’t restrict the purchase of these parts solely to Type-R owners. So, basically, anyone can purchase these parts for their GS-R, Civic, or whatever else imaginable. Instead of buying a Type R, hardcore enthusiasts could easily create a custom-made interpretation. This probably makes up half of the fake Type-R’s that I mentioned earlier. The other half are simply “sticker” Type R’s – all the badges, but none of the parts. Whatever the case, the Type-R definitely has some appeal and mystery about it, much of which probably has to do with the significantly limited production. But three years in the making, I only wonder what transformation Honda has in store for us next.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 24,350 MSRP
Condition: New
Model Year: 2000
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Epinions.com ID:
nghiemr
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
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