Back in 1986, when the Acura brand was introduced by the Honda Motor Company, 2 models kicked it off : the Legend and the Integra.  Since that time one or two additional models have joined the Acura line up and the two original models were renamed : the Legend became the RL and the Integra was renamed the RSX.  Today’s RSX – a three door hot hatch — continues to supply pretty much what the original Integra stood for : luxury, engineering, and price.  Let us take a better look at this popular seller and what the vehicle means to both the driver and to the company. 

Honda’s advent of Acura was prior to and done slightly different than Toyota’s arrival of Lexus and Nissan’s roll out of Infiniti.  Unlike its Japanese cousins who were introducing pure luxury brands, Honda decided to include’near luxury’ as well as top end cars in the Acura mix.  This marketing method was kind of like selling Cadillacs and Oldsmobiles under one name, but without the creating of a third brand.  Honda’s strategy has paid off as the Integra/RSX has been a popular seller and a nice bridge for Honda loyalists hunting for something more refined than the classic Honda, but without the Acura price .  Really, a star was born with the Integra and continues to shine with the RSX. 

For driver’s, the RSX offers a gusto not found on the average Honda, giving it lots of room to be’specially tuned’ by the OEM crowd.  With seventeen in. tires, 6 speed transmission, and seven spokesperson Bose sound system, the RSX has been engineered to provide optimal driving fun at an affordable cost.  Featuring 2+2 seating, sport styling, and a 201horspower VTEC engine, the 4 banger RSX effectively combines performance with fuel potency. 

For the Honda Motor Company, the RSX has helped to keep Acura sales strong.  Lately, the company began to market the Acura brand miles past its northern US roots and the RSX [curiously still called the Integra elsewhere] has led the way.  Latterly {, however ,} the Firm has decided to discontinue the RSX to concentrate on further separating the Honda and Acura divisions.  So, the original intention of Honda for Acura has been changed and Acura will now be totally promoted as a luxury brand. 

For Integra/RSX lovers all is not lost.  Honda will likely sell an in a similar fashion provided Accord while Acura will continue to sell the TSX, a four door upscale version of the RSX.  Changing customer tastes have shown a near luxury coupe does not have quite as powerful as an appeal as a 4 door sedan, so the RSX won’t be produced after 2006. 

The Integra/RSX has served Acura and its drivers well ; new models are certain to build on its success as the Acura brand is spread around the planet.

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