The fourth-generation Honda Integra (chassis code DC5), is a sport compact car produced from July 2001 until August 2006 by Honda. It was introduced in Japan on 13 April 2001 and in North America on 2 July 2001 as the Acura RSX, the name a part of Acura's naming scheme changing the names of its models from recognizable names like "Integra" or "Legend" to alphabetical designations in order for buyers to build more recognition to the marque, and not the individual cars.
Chassis and drivetrain
left|thumb|2002 Honda Integra Special Edition
In concordance with the introduction of the Integra's platform mate, the seventh-generation Civic being introduced in 2000, the Integra joined the Civic in abandoning Honda's traditional double wishbone suspension at both ends and adopted MacPherson struts in the front and trailing arm type suspension in the rear along with the new K-series engine supplanting the B-series.
The K-series engine features intelligent VTEC (or i-VTEC), which electronically adjusts valve lift and duration between separate cam profiles, as well as valve timing with the implementation of a continuously variable sprocket, giving the 2.0 L engine a flatter torque curve relative to previous VTEC implementations which only adjusted valve lift and valve duration.
Facelift
The Integra received a facelift in 2004. The headlight and taillight assemblies lost the "half circle" on the bottom. This made the assemblies flush with the bumpers. The interior received new trim and gauge clusters, an immobilizer and alarm became standard, the body became stiffer, the suspension springs were redesigned, and the car's tendency to bump steer was reduced.
Markets
Japan
In Japan, the Integra was introduced in two versions, the iS (later renamed Type S in the 2004 refresh) and the Type R.
The iS/Type S (not to be confused with the RSX Type-S), featured the 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder K20A3 engine with an output of and mated to either a 5-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. The 2001–2003 iS was available with 15-inch steel wheels with covers, or optional 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. The 2004–2006 Type S was equipped with 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels shared with the RSX Type-S. The JDM Type R had reduced weight, a 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder K20A engine that output 217 hp (164 kw) (Japan-only; Oceania models use an engine similar to the RSX Type-S), 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, as well as a helical limited-slip differential (LSD), stiffer springs and shocks, high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs paired with specially designed reflector headlights (different from all other RSX models), aluminum pedal set, 4-piston front Brembo brake calipers, 17-inch 5 double-spoke wheels on Bridgestone Potenza tires, Recaro faux suede seats/matching interior, leather-wrapped MOMO steering wheel, body trim, front strut bar, and more. The Type R lacked many of the luxury features (like vanity mirrors or side airbags) found in the Type S, true to its racing heritage. The C package on the Type R added various accessories, such as a rear wiper, remote control, and folding mirrors. The JDM iS had one interior color, Ebony, in its first year. After 2002, Titanium interiors became available for all exterior colors. The Type S had redesigned cloth and leather seats. The Type R had choices of black/blue/red interiors (including color matching Recaro seats), depending on exterior colors. The refreshed Type R had the option of either the high wing, or the trunk lip spoiler. Both the iS and Type S were available with sunroof, and navigation systems. Additional interior and exterior accessories were available from Honda's Modulo line. Modulo accessories offered include interior trim (shift knobs, decals, etc.), foglights, aero kits (front/side/rear bumper enhancements), wing spoilers, alloy wheels, push button start, upgraded speakers, and navigation.
Japan's vehicle parts road compliance regulations means many tuning parts for the Integra can be purchased from Honda dealerships. For example, M&M Honda, a Honda dealer, manages their own brand of parts. Honda tuner Mugen sells their performance parts via Honda dealers as accessories.
thumb|Honda Integra Type R Mugen front
thumb|Honda Integra Type R Mugen rear
thumb|Honda Integra Type R Mugen interior
{| class="wikitable" Style="text-align:center"
|-
! Exterior Color!! Interior Color!! iS!! Type S
|-
| Taffetta White || Ebony/Titanium|| X||
|-
| Premium White Pearl || Ebony/Titanium|| || X
|-
| Alabaster Silver Metallic || Ebony/Titanium|| || X
|-
| Satin Silver Metallic || Ebony/Titanium|| X||
|-
| Magnesium Metallic || Ebony/Titanium|| || X
|-
| Desert Silver Metallic || Ebony/Titanium|| X||
|-
| Jade Green Metallic || Ebony/Titanium|| || X
|-
| Eternal Blue Pearl || Ebony/Titanium|| X||
|-
| Vivid Blue Pearl || Ebony/Titanium|| || X
|-
| Nighthawk Black Pearl|| Ebony/Titanium|| X|| X
|-
| Milano Red || Ebony/Titanium|| X|| X
|-
| Blaze Orange Metallic || Ebony/Titanium|| || X
|}
{| class="wikitable" Style="text-align:center"
|-
! Exterior Color!! Interior Color!! Type R
|-
| Championship White || Black|| Red
|-
| Milano Red || Black|| Red
|-
| Satin Silver Metallic (2002–04) || Black|| Black/Red
|-
| Alabaster Silver Metallic (2005–06) || Black|| Red
|-
| Nighthawk Black Pearl || Black|| Black/Red
|-
| Arctic Blue Pearl (2002–04) || Black|| Black/Blue
|-
| Vivid Blue Pearl (2005–06) || Black|| Black/Blue
|}
Oceania
In Australia, the Integra was available in four models: the base model, simply named Integra, Luxury, Type R and Type S. The base Integra was simply the Japanese-market iS, while the Luxury added accessories like leather seats and a sunroof. Australian Type Rs were different from the JDM models, as they were not equipped with all of the features of the latter. They lacked the Brembo braking system, used the 200 hp K20A2 in place of the slightly more powerful K20A, and used regular 16-inch 5-spoke wheels, painted in gun metal or white, instead of the 17-inch, 5 dual-spokes. However, the Australian Type R does retain the JDM model's helical limited-slip differential, full Type R interior (MOMO steering wheel, aluminum pedals and shift knob, Recaro seats and color matched carpets) and aero (wing and front/rear bumper lips). The Type R was dropped in 2004, and replaced by the Type-S, which was mechanically identical to the USDM RSX Type-S (though it did lack cruise control), but badged like the JDM Type-S. With the Integra's refresh in 2004, the base model was dropped. The only trims available in 2006 were the Luxury and Type-S. Black was the only interior color available for the redesign. For facelifted Oceanic models, extra strengthening was given to fit higher safety regulations.
{| class="wikitable" Style="text-align:center"
|-
! Exterior Color!! Integra!! Integra Luxury!! Type R (02-04) !! Type S (05-06)
|-
| Championship White || N/A|| N/A || Black/Red || N/A
|-
| Premium White Pearl || Black|| Black || N/A|| Black
|-
| Milano Red || Black|| Black || Black|| Black
|-
| Satin Silver Metallic || Black|| Black || Black|| N/A
|-
| Nighthawk Black Pearl || Black|| Black|| Black/Red|| Black
|-
| Arctic Blue Pearl || N/A|| N/A|| Black/Blue|| N/A
|-
| Eternal Blue Pearl || Black|| Black|| N/A|| N/A
|-
| Vivid Blue Pearl (2005–06)|| N/A|| Black|| N/A|| Black
|-
| Magnesium Metallic (2005–06)|| N/A|| Black|| N/A|| Black
|-
| Blaze Orange Metallic (2005–06)|| N/A|| Black|| N/A|| Black
|}
New Zealand only had two models, the VTi and Type R. The VTi came standard with alloy wheels, but was otherwise the same as the JDM iS. The Type R was also replaced by the Type-S like Australia in 2004. NZDM Type R models are the same as AUDM ones, but did not have ABS.
{| class="wikitable" Style="text-align:center"
|-
! Exterior Color!! Integra VTi!! Type R (2002–04) !! Type S (2005–06)
|-
| Championship White || N/A|| Black/Red || Black
|-
| Premium White Pearl || Black|| N/A|| N/A
|-
| Milano Red || Black|| Black|| Black
|-
| Satin Silver Metallic || Black|| Black|| N/A
|-
| Nighthawk Black Pearl || Black||Black/Red|| Black
|-
| Arctic Blue Pearl || N/A|| Black/Blue|| N/A
|-
| Eternal Blue Pearl || Black|| N/A|| N/A
|-
| Vivid Blue (05-06)|| N/A||N/A|| Black
|-
| Magnesium (05-06)|| N/A||N/A|| Black
|-
| Blaze Orange (05-06)|| Black|| N/A|| Black
|-
| Blade Green (05-06)|| Black|| N/A|| Black
|}
United States
thumb|2005–06 Acura RSX Type-S, with A-Spec small trunk lip spoiler
thumb|right|2005–06 Acura RSX Type-S, with A-Spec small trunk lip spoiler and A-Spec/Type R wing.
In the US, the Acura RSX was available in two models: the base model, simply named RSX, and the Type-S. The RSX came standard with features such as cruise control, 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes, power windows and a power moonroof. The RSX came with the 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder K20A3 engine throughout the entire production run.
Sport cloth seats were standard with optional perforated leather interior. Also available were optional 16-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels, which were very similar to those of the USDM DC2 Integra Type R (only 1 inch larger). The base model RSX was available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control.
From 2002-2004, the Type-S was equipped with a 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder K20A2 engine. Beginning in 2005, the engine was replaced with a more powerful 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder K20Z1 engine