Honda Integra DC5

The Integra DC5 received a facelift in the 2005 model year (2004 in Japan). The headlight and taillight assemblies lost the so-called 'teardrop' shape. This made the assemblies flush with the bumpers. Interior received new gauge clusters, made immobilizer and alarm standard, as well as new interior trim. The refresh also made the body stiffer, changed the suspension spring design, and reduced the car's tendency to bump steer.[4]

In Japan, the Integra was introduced in two versions, the Integra iS (later renamed Integra Type S in the 2004 refresh) and the Integra Type R.

The JDM iS/Type S (not to be confused with the RSX Type-S), which was essentially the same as the base Acura RSX, featured the K20A3 engine with an output of 160 hp (120 kW) and is offered with either a 5-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. Integra iS is offered in 2002-2004 model years with 15-inch steel wheels with covers, or optional 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. JDM Type S was offered in 2005-2006 model years, and was equipped with a 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels shared with the Acura RSX Type-S. The Integra Type R, sold in Japan had reduced weight, a 220 PS / 164 kW / 217 hp K20A I4 engine (Japan-only; Oceania models have an engine similar to the Acura RSX-S), 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, as well as a helical limited slip differential (LSD), stiffer springs and shocks, high intensity discharge projector headlights, aluminum pedal set, 4-piston front Brembo brake calipers, 17-inch 5 double spoke wheels on Bridgestone Potenza tires, Recaro 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) in the Type S, true to its racing heritage. The C package on the Type R added various accessories like the rear window wiper, remote control, folding mirrors.[5] JDM Integras iS had one interior colour, Ebony, available for the first model year. After 2002, Titanium interiors became available for all exterior colours. Type S had redesigned cloth and leather seats. Type R had choices of black/blue/red interiors (including colour matching Recaro seats), depending on exterior colours. Refreshed Integra Type R had the option of either the high wing, or the trunk lip spoiler. Integra iS and Type S were available with sunroof, and navigation systems.[6] 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.

Interestingly, Japan's vehicle parts road compliance regulations means many Honda DC5 tuner parts can be purchased from Honda dealerships. For example, M&M Honda is a Honda dealer manages their own brand of parts.[7] Mugen, a tuning company made famous by Soichiro Honda's son, also sells their performance parts via Honda dealers as accessories.[8][9]

Honda Integra Type R Mugen Front side

Honda Integra Type R Mugen Rear

Honda Integra Type R Mugen Interior

Australia had four models of the Integra. They were simply named Integra, Integra Luxury, Integra Type R and Integra Type S. The base Integra was simply the JDM Integra iS, while the Luxury added accessories like leather seats and a sunroof. Australian Type Rs did not have full JDM specifications, they lacked the Brembo braking system, K20A 220PS engine (instead it has 200 hp K20A2), and the 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels (Regular 16-inch 5-spokes were mounted, painted in gun metal or white). However, the Australian Type R does still retain the JDM's helical limited slip differential, and full Type R interior (MOMO steering wheel, aluminum pedals+shift knob, Recaro seats and colour matched carpets)/aero (wing/front/rear bumper lips). The Honda Integra Type R was dropped in 2004, and was replaced by the Integra Type S. The Type S was mechanically identical to the USDM Acura RSX Type-S (though it did lack cruise control), but badged like the JDM Type S. When the Integra was refreshed in 2005, Integra base model was dropped. The only trims available in 2006 was Integra Luxury and Type S.[10] Black interior was the only colour available for the redesign. For the oceanic redesign extra strengthening was given to fit a higher safety regulations.

New Zealand only had two models, the Integra VTi and Type R. Integra VTi came with alloy wheels as standard, but was otherwise the same as JDM Integra iS. Type R was also replaced by the Type-S like Australia in 2004. NZDM Type R models are the same as AUDM, but did not have ABS.

2005-06 Acura RSX Type-S, with A-Spec small trunk lip spoiler and A-Spec/Type R wing.

Two models were available in the US: RSX and RSX Type-S. The RSX had numerous standard features such as cruise control, 4-wheel ABS, power windows and a power moonroof. The RSX used the 160 hp (120 kW) K20A3 engine throughout the entire production run. (Engine was rated 155 hp (116 kW) after SAE net revision)[11] Sport cloth seats were standard with optional perforated leather interior. An optional 16-inch 7-spoke alloy wheel was available that is very similar to the USDM 15-inch DC2 Integra Type R alloy wheels. The RSX was available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control.

The RSX Type-S had a 200 hp (149 kW) (2002–2004) K20A2 or 210 hp (157 kW) K20Z1[12][13] (Labeled in 2006 as 201 hp (150 kW) due to SAE hp calculation revision)[11] in 2005-2006 and a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission was not offered on the Type-S. The Type-S included additional features such as sport-tuned suspension, gunmetal painted wheels, 11.8" ventilated front disc brakes, larger sway bars and a Bose 7-speaker (including a subwoofer mounted on the spare tire) audio system.[14]

One peculiar note for the initial 2002 model year were two available options. HID projector headlights from the Integra Type R was made available to the RSX for $1500.[15]

In 2005, the RSX received a refresh. On the exterior, Acura updated the headlights and taillights and the Type-S received an updated rear hatch spoiler. The base model received 12 spoke Enkei alloy wheels, while the Type-S came with 17-inch 5-spoke Enkei/Asahi wheels wrapped in Michelin HX MXM4 215/45/R17 tires.[13] 17-inch Enkei J10s alloy wheels (with Acura specific fitment and center caps) were optional. Under the hood, the RSX Type-S received the camshafts, b-pipe and muffler, 4.77 final drive ratio, crankshaft pulley and the intake snorkel duct from the Japanese DC5 Type R.

The "A-Spec Performance Package" was a dealer option package. The body kit is essentially debadged JDM Honda Modulo kit, while the wing is from the Type R. The package included a sport suspension system, under-body spoiler kit, wing spoiler (came with stronger hatch shocks to hold additional weight), exterior badging and 5 dual spoke 17-inch gun metal wheels.[16][17]

The RSX had numerous exterior color options but only two interior colors: Black (Ebony) and Beige (Titanium). The exterior color choice would dictate the interior color. Some colors were available in either trim package while other colors would be available in one trim level but not the other.

In 2002, colour options were as follows:[18]

In 2006, the available color combinations were as follows:[19]

Three models were available in Canada: Base (cloth interior, no ABS, no moonroof, no cruise control, unpainted side skirts and front lip, 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, non heated seats, non leather wrapped steering wheel, essentially an Integra iS.), Premium (Moonroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated, leather seats) and Type-S (bigger front brake rotors than premium and base, BOSE sound system with sub, stiffer shocks, 200-210 hp, oil cooler). The A-Spec package was available to the Type-S models. Canadian RSX had a significantly larger washer sprayer bottle to deal with harsher weather. They were 4.5 litres vs. 2.5 litres for USDM cars.

The refresh in 2005 brought the same updates as USDM cars. Base model now has standard alloy wheels (16 inch, 12 spoke). Sport cloth standard in 2005, optional leather in 2005-2006.

Wheel types varied according to model year. 2002-2004 models had a 15-inch steel wheel with covers (Base), 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels in silver (Premium) or gunmetal (Type-S). 2005-2006 had 12 spoke wheels for both Base and Premium. Type-S had the 17 inch 5 spoke alloys. Acura branded Enkei J10s, 16 inch old ITR, and 17 inch 5 dual spoke A-Specs were available as accessory wheels.[20]

The CDM RSX had the same interior as the USDM RSX, however the exterior and interior colours are different. e.g. CDM Taffeta/Premium White Pearl exterior cars came with Ebony black interiors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined crash test ratings of the RSX.[21]

NHTSA scores

Acura RSX (2002 - 2006)
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Rollover: