10/28/99 comments:   I've had my car since Aug. 13, 1999. My previous car, which I gave to my parents, was a 1987 Honda Accord DX Hatchback that I loved. The Integra is so similar, but with an inspiring touch of luxury, and it lives up to all of the good points that comprise the consensus of reviews. With a manual, it is incredibly fun to drive. The GS has as standard, sunroof and spoiler which add to its "smile factor." Also, its maneuverability is as sharp as its stylish looks. The sound system is above average; after all, there's only about five square feet of space to fill with sound. With a wheelbase virtually comparable to my '87 Honda Accord Hatchback, it is very comfortable and quiet, given its "sports car" status. Keep in mind, this isn't a car for "family use" or one that would be convenient for anyone with more than one child and certainly not if that child is a baby requiring all of the car carriers and stuff needed in traveling with a baby. On the practical side, it is thoroughly economical, getting consistently 29-30 mpg in town driving. Nice notes: the hood is heavy, solid, and its mechanical design underneath is easy to navigate for those who care to do their own battery, oil, fluid, filter and general eye-ball maintenance checks. Of course, the three-door is incredibly accessible and utilitarian for a small car. For my purposes, the hatchback was a must. The drawbacks to the Integra: There are rear sightlines that are just downright blind and take quite a bit of doing to become familiar enough with so as to not bump sides or the rear. Proper adjustment of the side mirrors, and religious use of them is also a must. The center console isn't designed to accommodate "things" that one might want to have conveniently at hand. No space to have them. The built-in cupholders are close to a joke: flimsy, and badly located to be of much use. Probably the most aggravating of badly designed necessities is the rear windshield wiper. With a little more thought, it could have been positioned so as to reach/clear more of the rear windshield whose sightlines are already severely compromised by not extending far enough around from the back to the sides and to overcome the thickness of the t-frames. Lastly, if the floor mountings of the front seat belts were placed closer to the rear seat than the bottom of the front seats, it would be easier for people and things to access the back seat area without getting tangled in the retracting shoulder belts. Another little suggestion would be to either light, or have iridescent markings on the electric controls for the windows and sunroof for night driving. These "drawbacks" are fairly minor in terms of the overall satisfaction that I have for the Integra. It is a car that suits all of my needs as a single adult who spends a lot of time in my car and wants to do it with fun and a modest amount of affordability and luxury. I chose to pay for that, and the Acura reputation for reliability which may be figured in to what people may regard as a somewhat high price for a small sports car. I chose to pay for the privilege of NOT having to visit the repair shop unless it's for routine maintenance. I've not yet had any dealings with the repair shop, so I can't judge that aspect of the car's ownership yet. However, at this time, I would certainly highly recommend the Integra for those with similar sensibilities as my own. Thanks for the opportunity allowing me to register my thoughts.

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