Japanese import vehicles have been called many things over the years-high-quality, well-engineered, fuel-efficient.  When the Acura Vigor was available, it was certainly a vehicle combining many elements of a sports coupe and a touring sedan.  For it's time, the Vigor GS delivers all kinds of power assist features, conveniences and safety measures, including an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players, air conditioning, a lush leather interior and dual air bags in 1994 -all standard.  It also boasted a number of cool technical things, most notably a five-cylinder, 2.5-liter, 20-valve power plant delivering a level of performance that competing four-cylinder import sedans would be hard-pressed to match. 

The Acura Vigor was originally brought out in 1992. The Vigor is introduced to broaden Acura's sedan market. It was considered a midsized near-luxury sedan that was somewhat based on the Honda Accord. The Vigor was offered in two trim levels; a standard LS and an upgraded GS. The car can be had with an automatic or manual transmission. Power comes via an inline five-cylinder engine. Antilock brakes, power everything and a security system are standard on the Vigor.

In 1993 a passenger airbag was included on the up-level GS Vigor. The front grille was also re-styled and sound insulation marked the other changes to this car.

1994 was the last year for the Acura Vigor. Dual airbags are now standard on all Vigors. Burled walnut trim replaces the Zebrano wood trim and GS models get a standard CD player.

On the Exterior

The exterior of the Vigor GS has a flawless fit-and-finish, in legendary Japanese tradition. However, it has little in its styling to suggest a kinship to earlier, smaller Japanese imports.  For it's time, the dramatically flared front and rear fenders, a slinky aerodynamic profile and slightly upswept rear fenders put the Vigor GS at the head of the class in the sports sedan styling.  In the front, a rather small black grille showcased the Acura logo and was framed by a thin ribbon of chrome. Broad, four-section headlight assemblies occupied almost 50% of the front end. Above, there is a sloping, sculpted hood that, taken together with the grille shape.

In profile, a black vinyl splash guard/rocker panel molding adds to this vehicle's sport sedan image. At the time, these styling touches set the Vigor GS apart from its competitors, such as the slab-sided European offerings and the rounded, cookie-cutter domestic sedans.  A wide, protective side molding traveled from the front fender well to the rear well and matched the car's body color. Oversized side-view mirrors and recessed door handles also matched the body color.  The rear fenders and upswept trunk lid highlighted the rear styling treatment. Oversized red and white tail-lamp assemblies wrapped around the rear fenders. Molding identical to that on the side of the car protected the body-colored vinyl bumper; this molding encased the bumper and extended to the back of the rear wheel wells, giving the trim a uniform look.

The Vigor came in  a wide variety of colors.  A color listing is shown further down the page but here are a few Vigors in the colors:

	(more colors still to come!!)

On the Interior

Elegant and comfortable but far too snug is an overall impression of the interior scheme often heard. Wood grain accents and luxurious leather seats on the GS make the interior eye-pleasing. 

But the big complaint is that all these creature comforts are crowded into an interior that lacked a few inches here and there. This was particularly true for rear seat passengers, whose legroom is definitely restricted by the front seatbacks. The reason for the cramped interior could be due to the positioning of the Vigor GS's rear wheels, as many automotive reviewers have mentioned.  Then again, who cares about the back seat when you're driving!! 

 

The interior came in a variety of colors that matched certain exterior colors.   The GS interiors were leather while the LS interiors were _____

 

Exterior Color	Interior Color
Frost White	Black
Granada Black Pearl	Cognac
Persian Red Pearl (available until Sept. 91)	Black
Cassis Red Pearl (available from Oct. 91)	Black
Buckingham Blue Pearl	Grey
Rosewood Brown Metallic	Black
Regal Plum Pearl	Cognac

 

Engine Type: 2.5-litre,SOHC, 20 valve, inline 5 cylinder Horsepower (SAE Net): 176 hp @ 6300rpm Torque (SAE Net): 170lbs-ft (23.5 kg/m) @ 3900rpm Redline: 6800rpm Fuel Cutoff: 7100rpm Engine Block: Aluminum alloy with cast iron cykinder liners Cylinder Heads : Aluminum alloy Alternator: 12v, 100 amp max. Recommended Fuel : Premium Unleaded; 91 Octane Wheels and Tires: 205/60 R15 89H All Season

 

Optional items were as follows:

• 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmissionwith programmed lockup torque converter (LS/GS)
• Trunk mounted 6 disc CD changer (GS)
• In dash CD player (LS)
• Custom designed cell phone with voice aid functions (LS/GS)

Items only available on the GS model were as follows:

• Heated door mirrors
• Front chin spoiler
• Leather trimmed interior
• Heated Driver's seat
• Digital Signal processor (DSP) audio system
• Pre-wired for CD changer
• Power operated sunroof with slidding shade
• Theft deterrent system

 

 

And here's the best place of all to be, in the Vigor cockpit on a baeutiful two-lane road and a nice sunny day.  It just is a wonderful thing!!!

 

 

 

More differences between the Vigor LS and GS (All info taken from 1992 Acura Vigor Sales Brochure)
Curb Weight Manual transmission LS 3150 lbs (1429 kg) GS 3212 lbs (1457 kg)	Automatic transmission LS 3212 lbs (1457 kg) GS 3274 lbs (1485 kg)
EPA Passenger Volume LS 86.7 cu ft GS 85.1 cu ft	GS has additionally: Body-colored Dual power-operated door mirrors Leather-trimmed interior Driver’s 4-way power seat Digital Signal Processor (DSP) audio system Power-operated moonroof with sliding shade Rear magazine pockets Illuminated Passenger-side vanity mirror

 

 

All information provided here is to the bets of my knowledge and a lot of it is from Canadian sales information.