Among the most affordable versions are the second-generation Integras sold from 1990-93. Like all Integras, Acura billed this front-wheel-drive model as a performance car. I guess it all depends on what you consider performance. The high-output, 160-horsepower GS-R might qualify (it arrived in 1992), but the more basic models had with fewer hot-rod pretensions.

No doubt this generation of Integra is a sure-footed and easy-to-drive runabout. But we need to be honest here. The Integra's underbody architecture has always been based on the mainstream Honda Civic. Draw what conclusions you will from that.

The Integra GS, RS and LS models deliver a pleasant compliant ride on the highway, yet handling is quite tight and controlled during hard cornering. Give credit there to what was at the time a very stiff body structure for this class of car. But let's not forget the Integra's double-wishbone four-wheel independent suspension.

Even an older Integra should deliver performance that's light on cabin noise (for small cars at this price) and relatively heavy on the fun-to-drive quotient. No, you won't exactly tear up the roads in an older Integra, but for what you'll spend you'll get above average power and handling.

From the front seats you'll also have excellent visibility. That's because like all Honda products, the Integra has lots and lots of glass area. With the engine mounted sideways, the cowl, or dashboard, is quite low and wedge-like.

Compared to rival cars of its day - the Nissan 240SX comes to mind -- the Integra has seating that feels quite high and upright. The seats themselves were firm and supportive when the car was launched and if they've been cared for, they should have remained so. Lumbar support was not available in the base model RS, but it did come in the mid-level LS. Adjustable side bolsters were offered on the top-of-the-line GS. That should give you some direction when shopping for seating comfort.

From the outside, the styling of the '90-93 model was pretty slick for its time. The cars have rounded corners and nearly flush glass, and overall the lean, aerodynamic lines allow the Integra to knife through the wind with a then-best-of-class 0.32 coefficient of drag.

Thin roof pillars which, by the way, enhance visibility for passenger and driver alike, also give the car a very airy, open feeling. Good vision for the driver enhances safety. On the latter, no airbags were offered for this generation Integra and neither was traction control.

Power for this generation Integra comes from a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. With 16 valves, this powerplant delivered 130 hp at 6000 rpm. Power went up to 140 hp with the introduction of the '92 version.

Those horsepower numbers are almost identical to those posted by the rival Toyota's Celica of those years, and slightly less than the 240SX in the early '90s. Brakes on the second generation Integra are all the four-wheel disc variety. Anti-lock braking was an option.

As for actual performance, when new this engine would take you from 0-100 km in just over nine seconds. While the years might have caused the Integra to lose a step, even used ones today are quite responsive at low speeds. On the highway expect the engine to get a bit buzzy when pushed towards its 6,500 rpm redline.

A five-speed manual transmission was standard on all Integra models for this generation. Look for smooth shift action, not to mention shift points well-suited to city driving. That is, most of the time the engine should asks for a change of gears at just the right moment in traffic. You'll find, for example, that second gear is not so low that the engine is sluggish at those bumper-to-bumper moments. A four-speed automatic was optional on all models, but personally I think it robs the car of any real zest.

Inside, you'll find three sets of seatbelts on the backseat. But even in the four-door Integra that's either a sign of optimism or in recognition of the many short city hauls for which this car is well-suited. Still, the Integra is roomy for its class, well-thought-out and comfortable. Reliability has proven to be very, very good, too.

Specifications