Overview & Reviews

Acura is an upscale automaker known for offering cars with impressive levels of luxury, features and performance. It's come a long way in a short time, however, as the history of Acura is relatively brief. Parent company Honda introduced the Acura brand to the U.S. market in 1986 in an effort to create a separate luxury division for its products. At first, it was just a two-car show: the Legend sedan, which was the first true Japanese luxury car sold in America, and the Integra sport coupe and sedan.

Though essentially a marketing creation for the North American market, the Acura brand was immediately successful. Consumers liked the features, performance and upscale image of Acura cars, along with the fact that Acuras were backed by Honda's reputation for reliability and low ownership costs. In 1991, Acura introduced its crown jewel: the all-aluminum NSX sports car, which offered performance close to that of other exotic cars while undercutting them in price.

As Acura's product line grew in the 1990s, however, the company struggled a bit. Some of its products were duds, and it risked alienating loyal customers when it replaced the Legend and Integra names with alphanumeric designations. The company jumped on the hot luxury SUV bandwagon in the mid-'90s with the SLX. Unfortunately, the SLX was just a rebadged version of an Isuzu SUV, and its quality did not match customers' expectations.

For the new millennium, Acura revamped its product range. An all-new SUV called the MDX debuted, sporting numerous family-friendly features, including a third-row seat. The Integra was replaced with the RSX sport coupe, and an all-new entry-level sport sedan called the TSX was introduced after that. A complete redesign of its most popular model, the midsize TL sedan, followed, as did a redesign of its flagship RL luxury sedan.

By mid-decade the NSX was gone, but Acura filled out its model lineup with the street-performance-oriented RDX compact crossover, the TSX wagon and the ZDX, a fastback-styled crossover that placed unique styling over practicality. Today Acura is still trying to find its ideal niche but there's no denying the quality of Acura's vehicles, nor their appealing mix of performance, technology and value.

User Reviews:

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  Better than a Lexus? - 2010 Acura RDX
  By Les - March 19 - 3:14 pm

  Prior to buying this vehicle, I researched the Lexus RX 350, the Volvo XC 60, the Audi Q5, and the Ford Escape. I test drove the Volvo. Most of these vehicles, are over $40,000, plus tax and license, and that is w/o many of the amenities that come standard with the RDX. The RDX interior is very nice. It is functional and user friendly. The bluetooth is very easy to set up and operate. The rear view mirror has a back up camera. It is amazing how much you get for under $32,000. I am still waiting to see how the gas mileage is going to be. My Lexus IS 350, got about 19 miles a gallon. If I can get that, Ill be happy.

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  Great Car, Buy it again - 2010 Acura TL
  By Kiran - March 19 - 2:25 pm

  This is my second review. I bought this car in December of 2009. I didnt get a chance to check the SH- AWD out in snow because of traveling, but now, I am testing that. This car loves corners. sometimes, it scares the sh*% out of me, but it never oversteer or understeer. It handles corners like it wasnt there. Im always on the road in weekends and I love driving. only problem is that the GPS maps. My friends house has been at this location for over 20 yrs and it cannot find it. GPS says that it does not exist. They need to do better job at MAPS. My tomtom finds that house good and its 4 years old. Clutch on this car is easy. it doesnt take a lot to push it down, which is good.

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  Just Getting Broken In - 1999 Acura TL
  By Texasrooster - March 19 - 2:21 pm

  I purchased my 99 Acura TL in 2005. At the time, had 42k miles, now closing in on 100k. As with a 91 Accord I previously owned, the overall reliability and build quality of this car have been impeccable. Comfort and luxury with just enough of a sporting flavor thrown in. Comfortable for long trips, yet definitely not a marshmallowy Toyota- or Lexus-like ride. Steering feel is excellent. Sight lines are likewise excellent, something that is missing in most newer cars. These have got to be the most comfortable car seats Ive ever sat in--nice soft pleated leather, not like the hard-as-a-rock leather seats in most newer luxury cars.

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  Great Family SUV - 2010 Acura MDX
  By RC - March 19 - 7:19 am

  I finally gave into Japanese engineering after years of driving only European brands. The last straw was a terrible BMW experience. I have never been so satisfied with a car. The combination of comfort, space, performance, safety and reliability is great. I wasnt willing to compromise on any of those features and the MDX was the only one that met all of my criteria. The safety ratings really sold me due to the fact that I have a teen driver learning on this car and another one coming up in 2 years. Decent fuel economy given the size of the MDX.

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  Awesome drive - 2010 Acura TSX
  By PS - March 18 - 4:20 pm

  Beautiful ride. Beats BMW 3 series, Lexus IS and Audi A4 based on value for money. Beats Accord/Camry/Altima on luxury. This car is my getaway to everyday stress. Got more than I expected.

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  Excellent Decision - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Acuragirl - March 18 - 1:53 pm

  Im very much enjoying my new TSX. At first I wasnt sure if I liked the exterior of the vehicle. I was more a fan of the last body style. The front end just seemed so massive and its a much bigger vehicle than my last. Once I went for a test drive, my view on the TSX changed. The interior and the way the car drives had me sold. Its a fun and sporty car with a luxurious look. Im very happy I chose the white also. It really stands out from all other vehicles.

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  What a great car - 2007 Acura TL
  By RDFreier - March 18 - 10:51 am

  I really love the styling of the 07 TL. It has so many features, that makes this the best value in any luxury car. Ive had it for three years now and my lease is over. It spoiled me so much that Im having a hard time finding another car that Im willing to pay for. I so wish the new TL styling was better. This is just a great car and if you are considering one, get it. You wont regret it.

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  very good but could still be better - 2007 Acura TSX
  By unsure - March 17 - 6:42 pm

  I really like this car, compared to what else is available and in the price range but I wish Acura would make a somewhat smaller version that is sportier in both looks and performance. And also get rid of the electronic crap that causes it to act strange sometimes--like when the brakes wont work because I drove over a bump. The shifter could also be a little smoother

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  Tour de force - 2010 Acura TL
  By graphicguy - March 17 - 6:46 am

  Ive always liked and admired Honda products. Acuras are the top of their line. I consider the TL SH AWD the best that they know how to make. Its fast. It handles great. very confidence inspiring. Is comfortable. Literally, the seats fit me like a glove. Makes great sports sedan sounds under the hood. Compared it to a MB C300 4matic (seems anemic in comparison), Infiniti G37x (my 2nd choice, didnt like interior or seats), BMW 3 and 5 series (at least $10K more cost), Audi A4/5 (my 3rd choice, weak engines and costly with options), a Taurus SHO (ponderous feeling, and $46K as tested...WOW). The TL SH AWD seemed to be the perfect blend of performance, handling, and comfort.

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  Its almost one year - 2009 Acura RDX
  By giri80 - March 16 - 3:34 pm

  I bought this car as a graduation gift for my self! I already have 25,000 miles on the car drove all across the country. So far the ride is fun. Cabin can be a bit quieter, awesome 4 awd handling its fun to drive in rain and snow. Fuel economy is excellent on hwy (24) but not good in city (17- 18). Interior materials can be of better material. Plastic used is of low quality. I love the seats though. Climate control, audio, back leg room and cargo space very good. I would suggest this buy over a crv, rav4 or Forester any day.