location

1818 St. Albans Dr #106, Raleigh,
NC 27609

phone

Need Help

919-872-1999
Understanding Alignment

Still Driving an Acura Vigor? You’ve Got Something Special.

Not many people are still out there driving a Vigor. And that’s part of what makes it cool. If you’ve got one, you’re probably the kind of driver who appreciates a well-built machine that doesn’t scream for attention. Acura only made them for a few years back in the early ‘90s, but they’ve stuck around—quietly, reliably, and with just enough personality to make you smile every time you get behind the wheel.

It falls in this interesting middle ground. Not quite a sport sedan, not quite a luxury cruiser—somewhere between the Integra and the Legend. But with that unusual 5-cylinder engine, it gave you something different. Smooth when you wanted it to be, a little growly when you pushed it. Definitely not your average four-door.

We’ve been working on these cars since they were new. At Creech Import Repair, we’ve had Vigors come through our doors for everything from routine maintenance to full-on revival jobs. Some owners have had theirs for decades. Others just found one on Craigslist that needs love. Either way, we’re here for it.

What Makes the Vigor… a Vigor?

It’s a little offbeat—in a good way. That inline-five engine gave the Vigor a different kind of balance on the road. Not quite as quiet as a V6, but smoother than a four-cylinder. It had either a manual or automatic, and both setups made for a solid daily drive. Steering felt tight. The chassis was firm but not punishing. It handled backroads with some real grace for a front-wheel-drive car from that era.

Inside, it didn’t try to show off. Just good materials, thoughtful layout, and a sense that it was built to last. Power everything, leather seats, and that Honda-level fit and finish that’s aged better than most cars its age.

acura-repair

Problems We’ve Seen Over the Years (Broken Down by Year)

Every car’s got its quirks. The Vigor didn’t get a long production run, but we’ve seen patterns in what breaks down and when—especially now that most of these are past the 150,000-mile mark.

1992 Models
  • Hot-start issues: You turn the key and nothing happens after a short drive? Could be the ignition switch or a failing main relay. Both are common.
  • Rough idle: Typically from old engine mounts or injectors that need a good cleaning.
  • Rust buildup: Look around the rear fenders—cars that saw snow or road salt are prone to rust in those spots.
1993 Models
  • Braking feels off: If the pedal’s soft, there’s a good chance it’s a worn-out master cylinder.
  • Electrical weirdness: Dashboard lights flickering or dimming usually points to alternator problems or bad grounding.
  • Suspension noise: A clunk over bumps? Might be the sway bar links or bushings wearing out in the front.
  • Steering fluid leaks: We often find the high-pressure hose giving out after decades of use.
1994 Models
  • Overheating: We’ve replaced plenty of thermostats and radiators in these—by this age, it’s expected.
  • Sunroof trouble: Some stick, others grind. Usually just gummed-up tracks or old grease.
  • Weak A/C:Most of these still use R-12. By now, retrofitting to R-134a isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.

What We Actually Do for Vigor Owners

We don’t “recommend everything” like some places. We look at how your Vigor’s been driven, what shape it’s in, and what’s worth doing. Whether you need a timing belt, a rebuilt distributor, or just want to get rid of that annoying rattle under the hood—we’ll take care of it without overdoing it.

🧰
Engine Services
  • Valve cover and camshaft seal replacements
  • Timing belt and water pump replacement (due every 90,000 miles)
  • Distributor cap, rotor, and ignition wire repair
  • Fuel injector diagnostics and cleaning
  • Engine mount replacement to minimize idle vibration
❄️
Cooling & HVAC
  • Radiator, hose, and thermostat replacement
  • A/C retrofitting (R-12 to R-134a systems)
  • Compressor, evaporator, and expansion valve diagnostics
  • Cooling fan relay testing
  • Blend door motor and heater core service
🚗
Suspension & Steering
  • Control arm and sway bar link replacement
  • Front strut and spring services
  • Steering rack resealing
  • Power steering hose replacement and fluid flush
🛑
Brake System
  • Brake master cylinder replacement
  • Rotor, pad, and caliper services
  • ABS diagnostics
  • Brake fluid flushing
  • Emergency brake cable and hardware replacement
🔋
Electrical Repairs
  • Main relay and ignition switch replacements
  • Alternator and battery testing
  • Dashboard lighting repair
  • Power window and lock motor replacement
  • Sunroof motor repair and track realignment

When to Visit Creech for Vigor Repairs

If your Vigor is showing signs of wear, don’t wait. Catching issues early is the key to avoiding major repairs. Keep an eye out for:

  • Engine won’t restart after short trips
  • Steering feels off or the car pulls to one side
  • Brakes feel soft or noisy
  • Shifting becomes rough or delayed
  • Flickering interior or dash lights
  • Clicking noises when turning
  • Air conditioner struggles to keep the cabin cool

Suggested Acura Vigor Maintenance Schedule

Service Task Recommended Interval
Oil & Filter Change Every 3,000–5,000 miles
Timing Belt & Water Pump Every 90,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush Every 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement Every 30,000–45,000 miles
Cooling System Inspection Every 50,000 miles
Battery and Charging Test Annually or as needed
Suspension & Steering Check Every 25,000–30,000 miles

Why Raleigh Drivers Trust Creech Import Repair

We’re not a chain shop—and that’s a good thing. We give each car the attention it needs, and we specialize in vehicles just like the Vigor. Our team has years of experience working with rare Acuras, and we pride ourselves on being one of the few shops in Raleigh that knows these cars inside and out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Long history servicing Acura and Honda vehicles
  • Honest advice and no sales pressure
  • ASE-certified techs with real experience
  • Only OEM or trusted aftermarket parts
  • Upfront quotes and clear timelines

What Our Vigor Customers Say

Maxin Will
David M., Raleigh
Star rating

I’ve owned my 1993 Vigor for over 20 years. Creech was the only shop that figured out the idle issue and actually fixed it.

Jonathan Pearce
Marsha T., Durham
Star rating

The sunroof on my ‘94 Vigor hadn’t worked since college. These guys cleaned and reset the tracks—it works like new.

Brett engle
Elliot P., Cary
Star rating

Everyone said to give up on my Vigor when it started shifting hard. Creech found a bad solenoid and saved the car.

Schedule Your Vigor Service Today

Whether it’s your daily driver or your garage-kept classic, your Acura Vigor deserves expert service. Bring it to a shop that knows these cars and has the track record to prove it.

📍Visit Us::Creech Import Repair – Raleigh, NC
📞Call Today: 919-872-1999
🌐 Book Online: Contact us

Let’s keep your Acura Vigor on the road, where it belongs—running strong, sounding great, and standing out.

Contact us today

For an estimate with the most trusted auto repair shop in Wake County, Creech Import Repair!

location
Shop Location
1818 St. Albans Dr #106
Raleigh, NC 27609
time
Monday - Friday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
phone
Call us 919-872-1999
Our Commitment to You

At Creech Import Repair, our philosophy is simple: Treat customers with kindness, respect, and honesty, and success will follow. Contact us for any and all of your automotive repair needs.

Please Note
  • Online bookings are not considered confirmed appointments until verified by a member of our Service Team.
  • We take your privacy very seriously. Learn more about how we protect your information by reading our Privacy Policy.
Schedule An Appointment
google map