The Third Generation 1998 Acura Integra RS

The market for Japanese import cars has been growing exponentially in the past few years. Of course, the reasons for the boom are numerous. Whether it be the affordable pricing and proven reliability that the cars offer, making them perfect choices for first time buyers, or their excellent mile per gallon ratings, many consumers consistently find themselves turning towards import manufacture such as Honda, Mitsubishi and Nissan for their automobile needs. However, perhaps one of the best and most overlooked import vehicles can be found in the Acura Integra.

The Integra (and more recently the RSX for American car buyers) is Acura's entry-level coupe, produced in a variety of body styles and offering several choices as to interior options, performance and luxury accessories.

Considering that Acura is actually a luxury division of Honda, it should come as no surprise that the cars' engines are one of the major selling points. Unlike other entry coupes, such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse or Nissan Sentra, Integra's have unsurpassed long life and reliability.

The Integra model began production in 1986, going through several periods of change and reinvention before evolving into its most distinctive form, the G3 or third generation. The G3 Integra's are distinguished by their curvy body lines, "bug eye" dual headlights, and aggressive front ends.

Although each successive generation of Integra has had major improvements over the last, many argue that the third generation comprises the best vehicles ever produced on the line, even achieving more than the fourth generation or "RSX". And, of course, there are many good reasons to believe that such is the case.