1980s was not a glorious time for Honda in terms of car sales and production. However, many models are become quite popular with enthusiasts, produced during this era. The Honda Model’s Integra Type R JDM was one of them
Speaking of Integra, if you are a Honda enthusiast. First thing that comes to your mind will be the two Type R models DC2 and DC5 with the red-topped engine. It seems to represent the entire Integra lineup, as if there are only two generations of Integra in its history.
But that’s not the case; there were four generations of Integra cars in total, with the production cycle starting in 1985 and going through four generations of evolution before finally drawing to a close in 2006.
The ancestor of the Integra Type R JDM
The Honda Quint was born in 1980-1985, a model that could not be considered a success and was positioned as a premium Civic.
Honda Quint 1980-1985
The Honda Quint was a fairly ordinary five-door Hatchback from Honda in 1980, and in those years, it didn’t come with any new technology just a single engine called the EP, a SOHC design with eight valves per cylinder, which was hardly sporty, so it’s no wonder that it was only positioned by Honda as an upmarket Civic. However, despite the Quint’s lacklustre sales and popularity, Honda didn’t give up on it and gave it a refresh in 1985.
Honda Integra 1th AV、DA1-DA31985-1989
Debuting in 1985, the Integra wasn’t actually called the Integra. The first generation of the Integra was a replacement for the Quint, so it still followed the Quint’s path.
The first generation of the Integra had a total of three engines. The 1.5L EW5, the 1.6L ZC and the 1.6L D16A1. These three engines were better than the Quint’s EP engine. But unfortunately, none of them were performance-focused, so the performance of the current generation of the Integra was still lacking.
In terms of bodywork, there’s been a bit of a change for this generation. Honda adding a 3-door Hatchback style to the first-generation Integra to add a bit of sportiness to its appearance.
The first generation of the Integra was sold in the United States. But the version sold in the U.S. was only the five-door model. There were some minor modifications to the headlights. Honda replaced the headlights with CR-X headlamps. A design that seemed to appeal to Americans. It’s the first generation of the Integra sold 228,000 units in the U.S., which was quite a large number at the time.
Honda Integra 2nd DA5-DA9、DB1-DB21990-1993
Every major news story has one of its bombshells, and by the same token, every classic car has one of its bombshells.The Integra’s bombshell came in the second generation of the Integra model.
The second generation of the Integra though has done away with the five-door Hatchback style in terms of body design and has instead started using a three-door coupe and four-door hardtop.
This arguably added to the sportiness of the Integra model even further. Honda also equipped this generation of the Integra with the B16A engine. The first engine to feature the DOHC VTEC system, which the Integra premiered.
Honda Integra 3rd DB6-DB9 DC1-DC2 DC4
There weren’t many Integra type r JDM models, and by the third generation it was nearing the end of the entire lineup. However, this generation also really showed us the explosion of Honda. From the second generation onwards, the Integra type r JDM was in the explosive years of Honda’s performance models. So following the introduction of the first Integra type r JDM(NSX NA1R), Honda continually began to release powerful Type R models.
Of course, we can’t just look at the Type R and not the others. But by the time you get to the third-generation Integra. You’ll find it hard to spot the other versions. The reason for it is the Type R model is so bright that it completely overshadows the others. A four-door version of the Type R has existed since the third-generation Integra Type R. It carries the frame designation DB8.
The Integra lineup arguably showed us how Honda can make a neutral lineup sporty, how it can make a mediocre model hit the ground running and finally become a front-wheel-drive streetfighter.
