Japanese import cars have been called many things over the years-high-quality, well-engineered, fuel-efficient. One adjective that hasn't been used very often, though, is luxurious.
The Acura Vigor is certainly a vehicle striven to change that perception, combining many of the greatest elements of a sports coupe and a touring sedan.
In our test vehicle, a 1994 Acura Vigor GS four-door sedan, we found an ambitious and innovative attempt to improve the import sedan in terms of ride, elegance and Performance. For an MSRP of $28,827, our Vigor GS delivered all the power assists, conveniences and safety measures we've come to expect in a luxury midsize sedan, including an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players, air conditioning, a lush leather interior and dual air bags-all standard.
It also boasted a number of technical marvels, 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.
Unfortunately, the Vigor GS does not reach the upper echelon of luxury sedans because its interior is too small, inches short of what its prime competitors are offering
Our exterior tour of the Vigor GS met our expectations for a flawless fit-and-finish, in legendary Japanese tradition. However, we found little in its styling to suggest a kinship to earlier, smaller Japanese imports.
Finished in a deep Sherwood Green Pearl with a nicely contrasting tan interior, our test vehicle was devoid of any inconsistencies in paint quality or deviations in seam width or color match between the metal and vinyl components. 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 school of styling.
In front, a rather diminutive black grille showcased the Acura logo and was framed by a thin ribbon of chrome. Broad, four-section headlight assemblies covered in clear, impact resistant plastic occupied more than 60 percent of the front end. Above, there was a sloping, sculpted hood that, taken together with the grille shape, reminded us of a Mercedes-Benz treatment.
In profile, a black vinyl splash guard/rocker panel molding added to this vehicle's sport sedan image. All 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 perfectly. 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.
Acura appears to be proud of its identity-as well as the Vigor nameplate-and hopes its owners will share that pride. A large Acura "A" appears on the middle of the trunk lid with the corporate name to the left and "Vigor" spelled out in prominent chrome below that. Even the distinctively spoked alloy wheels bear the Acura logo. Viewed from any angle, There is no mistaking who makes this seda.
