Honda Quint Series: The Short-Lived Icon That Sparked the Integra Legacy

[History] A Short-Lived but Influential Quint Series

Original Content: Honda Magazine

Published on: December 3, 2023

Topic Hashtag: #HondaIntegra

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Since the invention of the automobile in 1886, many technological advances like assembly-line production and hydrogen fuel cells have flourished. However, there are car series that, despite their potential, only lasted one or two generations before being discontinued. Such "single-generation wonders" include Honda’s Quint series. Though short-lived, Quint left a lasting legacy, as its second generation introduced the "Integra" nameplate, which would later evolve into a legendary model. Think of it as Honda's version of the Celica Supra story—only this time, the Integra outshone its predecessor.

A Look Back at Quint

The Honda Quint was essentially a stretched and enlarged Civic, borrowing design cues from the Accord. Its five-door fastback styling was practical and trendy in its era. The name Quint is derived from "Quintet" (meaning "five"), representing its five-door configuration. Sold in Japan and exported to markets like Europe under the name Quintet, it was positioned between the Civic and Accord—an ambitious but challenging segment.

Global Struggles for the Quint

In the 1980s, the Civic and Accord had already found success worldwide. Quint, however, struggled to carve out a niche in both Japan and Europe. With fastback designs largely favoring three-door models at the time, Quint’s five-door layout seemed ahead of its time yet difficult to market.

In Japan, the car was offered through Honda’s Verno dealerships, targeting a niche audience. It launched on February 13, 1980, with a mid-cycle update arriving in 1981. Export models featured an 80hp EP engine (compared to the Japanese 90hp version) and transmission options like a five-speed manual or a three-speed semi-automatic Hondamatic gearbox. The result? A respectable but small following.

Quint’s Design and Specs

Platform: Derived from the Civic’s second generation but with an extended wheelbase of 2360mm.

Engine: Powered by a 1.6L EP carbureted engine producing 80-90hp, depending on the market.

Suspension: A mix of MacPherson struts at the front and a unique trailing-arm setup at the rear, showcasing Honda’s engineering prowess.

Trim Levels: Offered as TL, TS, and TE in Japan.

By 1985, the Quint was replaced by the Quint Integra. Its five-door version (DA1) and sporty three-door variant (AV) bore the Integra badge, equipped with the 120hp ZC engine—marking the start of Integra’s high-performance reputation.

Legacy: Quint to Integra

The Integra’s rise overshadowed its predecessor, eventually becoming Honda’s iconic coupe across four generations. By 1989, the Integra officially separated from the Quint name, leaving behind the legacy of a pioneering fastback. In the European market, Honda partnered with Rover, rebadging the Quint as the Rover Quintet and later evolving it into the Rover 416i.

The Quint was a small step for Honda, but it set the stage for Integra’s legendary journey, proving that even short-lived models can leave an enduring mark.