Key Takeaways
- Announced 2 July 2001 as a full model change; the Type R was "sold exclusively in Japan"
- "A 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine... and a maximum power output of 220PS, coupled with a new close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission"
- "Front brakes jointly developed with Brembo, Recaro bucket front seats, and a MOMO genuine leather-covered steering wheel"
- A helical limited-slip differential, "stiffer springs and shocks, and 17-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires"
- Light for the class: "it weighs just 1170kg", and "the rear wing isn't just for show"
- The practical constraint is supply: "parts for them aren't too easy to get because they are an import"
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
| Chassis | Engine | Displacement | Power — JDM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC5 (USDM base RSX) | K20A3 | 2.0L | 160hp @ 6500rpm (estimated) | i-VTEC economy cam; 5MT/5AT |
| DC5 (USDM RSX Type-S) | K20A2 | 2.0L | 200hp @ 7400rpm (estimated) | i-VTEC performance; 6MT; 7900rpm redline |
| DC5 (JDM Integra Type R) | K20A | 2.0L | 220ps @ 8000rpm (estimated) | JDM Type R; high-lift cams; LSD; 8600rpm |
Transmission Options
| Type | Ratios | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-speed Manual | varies by engine/market | Most trims (1985-2006) | Cable/hydraulic by era; close ratios on sport |
| 4-speed Automatic | varies by engine/market | Many non-Type R trims | Hydraulic/ECT by era; not on most Type R |
| 6-speed Manual | varies by model | DC5/DE5 Type S/Type R | Close ratio; LSD on Type R |
| 5-speed Automatic | varies by model | DC5 base/iS, some JDM iS | SportShift on some markets |
Livability
- Headroom
- 37.5"
- Low roof; tall drivers may brush head with helmet
- Rear Seats
- Tight 2+2
- Adults fit short trips; legroom limited behind tall driver
- Cargo
- 12-16 cu ft
- Hatchbacks practical; coupes/sedans less flexible
Early builds of this chassis became eligible for US import under the 25-year rule in 2026; later production years become eligible through 2031. Calculate import costs →
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC5 (5th gen JDM/EDM/USDM) | Integra iS (JDM/EDM) | K20A3/K20A 2.0 i-VTEC | i-VTEC, 5MT/5AT, comfort sport mix |
| DC5 (5th gen JDM/EDM/USDM) | Integra Type S (USDM Acura RSX Type-S) | K20A2 2.0 i-VTEC | 200hp class, 6MT, sport suspension, 4W disc |
| DC5 (5th gen JDM/EDM/USDM) | Integra Type R (JDM DC5) | K20A 2.0 i-VTEC | Type R, LSD, Brembo, Recaro, close 6MT |
| DC5 (5th gen JDM/EDM/USDM) | Integra Type R (JDM DC5 '05+) | K20A 2.0 i-VTEC | facelift, revised ECU, LSD, Brembo, 6MT |
Should You Buy a Honda Integra DC5?
Why You'll Love It
- An engine built for the job The Type R uses "a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine developed specifically for excellent intake and exhaust efficiency and a maximum power output of 220PS", with "a lightweight flywheel for better engine response".
- Chassis hardware that matches it "Chassis enhancements included Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers, stiffer springs and shocks, and 17-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires."
- Handling is the headline, not the engine "The nose responds quickly and precisely to steering inputs and there's plenty of poise and balance." "The Type R is taut (body roll is almost non-existent), agile and athletic."
- It resists understeer "The DC5 resists understeer exceptionally well, aided by a limited-slip diff, and we don't just mean for a front-wheel-drive car."
- Robust in service "Reliability is bulletproof too, so don't be afraid to lean on it, because the DC5 Type R was designed to be driven hard."
Why You Might Not
- Parts are an import problem "Parts for them aren't too easy to get because they are an import, after all."
- Never sold outside Japan by Honda It was "sold exclusively in Japan" — every car in another market came through a private importer.
- High mileage is normal "Plenty of DC5s bear high mileage now but that's no surprise, given how sweet this car is to drive."
- Worn Recaros are common "The DC5's Recaro seats will hold you in place well, unless they're extremely worn (as many are)."
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Buyers who need quick parts availability — "parts for them aren't too easy to get because they are an import, after all"
- Buyers put off by mileage: "plenty of DC5s bear high mileage now"
- Buyers who will not check underneath — "check everywhere for it, especially underneath the car"
- Buyers who want a car with a local warranty and dealer history: it was "sold exclusively in Japan"
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulty oxygen sensor | "A faulty O2 sensor is a common issue. It can be identified by a 'check engine' light." | "It is usually an easy fix because the sensor simply needs replacing." | One of the cheaper faults on the car — confirm it is the sensor before accepting a larger diagnosis. |
| Worn Recaro bolsters | "The DC5's Recaro seats will hold you in place well, unless they're extremely worn (as many are)." | "Spend some time in them and look for signs or wear around the bolsters." | Retrim or replacement — price it into the offer. |
| Corrosion underneath | Age plus import history: the advice is direct — "check everywhere for it, especially underneath the car". | Inspect on a lift rather than in a car park. | Budget an independent pre-purchase inspection. |
| Parts lead times | "The last ones were produced back in 2005 and 2006, so it hasn't been made for a while", and "parts for them aren't too easy to get because they are an import". | Identify a specialist before you buy, and note that "there are a lot of aftermarket parts available for them". | Plan for lead times rather than surprise bills. |
Differences between JDM & USDM
There is no US-market Integra Type R of this generation. Honda's own record is unambiguous: it was "sold exclusively in Japan", announced on 2 July 2001 and offered "at Honda Verno dealers nationwide in Japan". Honda did sell a related coupe in North America under the Acura badge, but the Type R specification described here — "a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine... and a maximum power output of 220PS", "a new close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission", "front brakes jointly developed with Brembo", a "lightweight flywheel" and "a helical limited-slip differential" — is the Japanese car. Practically, that means importing, and importing means planning for parts: "parts for them aren't too easy to get because they are an import, after all", although "there are a lot of aftermarket parts available for them". US import eligibility runs on 49 CFR 591.5's condition that "the vehicle is 25 or more years old", which the earliest cars are only now approaching — confirm the individual car's date rather than assuming the model qualifies.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
High Priority
Medium Priority
Generation History
1st Gen DA1/DA2/DA3 (1985-1989)
- Pop-up headlamps; early sporty Honda coupe
- D-series/ZC engines; light curb weights
- Period-correct classic; limited US collector focus
4th Gen DC5 (2001-2006)
- K-series era; Type R with K20A i-VTEC
- More rigid, modern; different feel vs DC2
- JDM DC5R values strong; USDM RSX Type-S cheaper
Market Data
Production Numbers & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Total Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st gen (AV/DA0/DA3; market dependent) | 1985-1989 | unknown (estimated ~300,000+) | Global totals not centrally published; estimate |
| 4th/5th gen (DC5; global) | 2001-2006 | unknown (estimated ~300,000-400,000) | Includes Acura RSX; Type R is low volume |
| 6th gen (DE; JDM only) | 2007-2011 | unknown (estimated ~20,000-40,000) | Japan-only; Type R rare vs mainstream models |
Comparable Alternatives
Acura Integra Type R
USDM DC2R; LHD, easier parts; still pricey
Acura RSX Type-S
K20 power, modern chassis; cheaper than JDM DC5R
The Buyer's Read
The DC5 Integra Type R is a Japan-only car, and the specification is worth reading carefully because it is what separates a real one from a tidy coupe. Honda announced the full model change on 2 July 2001, with the Type R "powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine developed specifically for excellent intake and exhaust efficiency and a maximum power output of 220PS, coupled with a new close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission". Alongside that came "front brakes jointly developed with Brembo, Recaro bucket front seats, and a MOMO genuine leather-covered steering wheel", plus "a lightweight flywheel for better engine response and a helical limited-slip differential" and "stiffer springs and shocks, and 17-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires".
What owners talk about is the chassis rather than the engine. "A team of former Formula 1 engineers put this car together and it shows. The nose responds quickly and precisely to steering inputs and there's plenty of poise and balance." "The Type R is taut (body roll is almost non-existent), agile and athletic", helped by the fact that "it weighs just 1170kg". "The DC5 resists understeer exceptionally well, aided by a limited-slip diff, and we don't just mean for a front-wheel-drive car." The rear wing earns its place too: "it's proper, functioning aero to reduce lift".
Mechanically you can be relaxed. "Reliability is bulletproof too, so don't be afraid to lean on it, because the DC5 Type R was designed to be driven hard." The recurring small fault is the oxygen sensor: "a faulty O2 sensor is a common issue. It can be identified by a 'check engine' light and it is usually an easy fix."
The real planning is around ownership rather than purchase. "Plenty of DC5s bear high mileage now but that's no surprise, given how sweet this car is to drive", the Recaros are often "extremely worn", and rust wants a proper look — "check everywhere for it, especially underneath the car". Above all, line up support first: "parts for them aren't too easy to get because they are an import, after all. The last ones were produced back in 2005 and 2006" — though "there are a lot of aftermarket parts available for them".
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was it announced, and where was it sold?
- Honda announced the full model change on 2 July 2001, and "the new Integra will go on sale from July 2, 2001 at Honda Verno dealers nationwide in Japan". The Type R was "sold exclusively in Japan".
- What is the engine and gearbox?
- "A 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine developed specifically for excellent intake and exhaust efficiency and a maximum power output of 220PS, coupled with a new close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission."
- What else does the Type R get over the standard car?
- "Front brakes jointly developed with Brembo, Recaro bucket front seats, and a MOMO genuine leather-covered steering wheel", plus "a lightweight flywheel for better engine response and a helical limited-slip differential" and "stiffer springs and shocks, and 17-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires".
- Is it reliable?
- "Reliability is bulletproof too, so don't be afraid to lean on it, because the DC5 Type R was designed to be driven hard."
- What is the catch?
- Parts. "Parts for them aren't too easy to get because they are an import, after all. The last ones were produced back in 2005 and 2006, so it hasn't been made for a while."
- How does it handle?
- "The nose responds quickly and precisely to steering inputs and there's plenty of poise and balance." "The DC5 resists understeer exceptionally well, aided by a limited-slip diff."
Sources & References
Sources (15)
- Honda Integra — encyclopedic overview — Wikipedia Verified
- Honda Integra Type R — model history and specifications — Wikipedia Verified
- Honda B engine family reference — Wikipedia Verified
- Honda K engine family reference — Wikipedia Verified
- VTEC — Variable valve Timing and lift Electronic Control — Wikipedia Verified
- Honda Civic Type R — sister Type R lineage — Wikipedia Verified
- Honda / Acura Integra Type R auction results — Bring a Trailer Verified
- Honda Integra market comps and sale data — Classic.com Verified
- Acura Integra market comps — Classic.com Verified
- Honda Integra owner technical community — Honda-Tech Verified
- Honda Integra review archive — CarsGuide Verified
- Spoon Sports — long-time Integra tuner-house — Spoon Sports Verified
- Mugen Motorsports — works tuner — Mugen Verified
- Garage Dreams — Integra buyer's-guide reference — Garage Dreams Verified
- The Motorhood — period road-test archive — The Motorhood Verified
Sources last verified: