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:

• 

  Great Value - 2010 Acura MDX
  By Great Value - February 2 - 1:11 pm

  I had a 2003 MDX and needed a new car. I really did not want another MDX because I had the last one for 7 years and wanted something new. I tried but nothing else compares in this class. This suv drives like a sports car, it the right size and is very luxurious. I put 104,000 miles on the my last mdx and just replaced tires, battery and brakes. It was solid and reliable. I am expecting the same from this.

• 

  Luxury, Style and Enjoyment - 2010 Acura TL
  By George Eid - February 2 - 12:00 pm

  I have 3 other vehicles, I bought this Acura because I am tired of boring, lifeless, look alike vehicles in the market. I am an Engineer, This Acura styling is out of this world, its styling will last for a decade to come. Its stance says a big statement. I have done my homework before I wrote the check. I drove BMW 3 & 5 series,Infinity G37,Lexus ES350, Forget about it, the clear winner is Acura TL

• 

  TSX-Tech has 3 Es in its EnginEEring - 2009 Acura TSX
  By acurator - February 2 - 11:19 am

  TSX-tech is a car without an overkill. It definitely has 3 Es in its engineering: Efficiency, Elegance and Economy. I took it to a long drive (during both day and night time driving) with lots of curves and elevation differences (characteristic in Colorado). You put 91-octane gas in it and it gives 33 mpg (with about 20% city-driving). I drove the car with average speed of 70+ mph with no hard braking and acceleration, though. The handling is great on sharp turns. When you need power it is there. It can easily take 85 mph and you see other cars well behind you. It has so solid feel that you feel confident on road. A great ride for the money. Attention new buyers, it is a green car.

• 

  Still has looks - 1999 Acura CL
  By Dibbyb - February 2 - 9:34 am

  Got hooked by the styling, love to drive it. I had a 95 Accord wagon and loved that, this is better. Bought for $4500 with 112,000, now 126,000. Brakes replaced, were pretty rusty when I bought it. The A/C compressor let go last summer - $1200. You have to expect a few repairs on a 10 year old car. Has all the options +remote start. Drove it 600 miles in 10 hrs on I-90, most comfortable road trip I ever had. Performance is great! Put it in passing gear and it presses you back and the tuned exhaust roars. I can imagine it surprises the passee with the sound. Doesnt look or feel like a 10 year old. I need to get a van or pickup but will miss this little rocket.

• 

  Best Car Ever - 2003 Acura RL
  By Acura Lover - January 30 - 11:02 am

  I love it in every gas pedal. I love it in every turn. I love it when it is stopped or when it is running. Too good car to write a review about it.

• 

  PRECISION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2010 Acura TSX
  By isaw10 - January 29 - 5:06 pm

  Traded in my BMW 325 XI for this car. Id go for an ACURA over BMW anyday. Cant say enough about the quality of this car inside and out. The precision of how EVERYTHING is put together is mind blowing. I have yet to hear one rattle or squeak while driving this car!!! Some say its underpowered but it definitely has more than enough pep for me which combines well with the great gas mileage. I feel like Im getting the best of both worlds. Have absolutely no regrets trading in the Bimmer for this car!!

• 

  Its almost what you would expect - 2009 Acura TSX
  By JiminSD - January 28 - 9:41 pm

  The TSX is a very good car. Mileage is decent, exterior design is great, and interior design is improved over the 04-08. Overall quality is not up to Honda/Acura standards, though. Brakes squeak at times, rear brakes go at 15-25k miles, engine pings on acceleration at below 50 degree temperatures, and leather is a bit thin. However, when you consider that for the same price you could drive a similarly optioned Camry, Accord, or Prius, and the TSX really shines. All the competitors are $5-10k more. Even with its shortcomings, there is nothing like it for the price.

• 

  Acura - Loaded with Features - 2010 Acura TL
  By Mikey B - January 28 - 5:34 pm

  This is my second Acura - I previously drove a 2003 CL-Type S. The new 2010 TL SH-AWD is far superior in handling with the AWD and with the Tech package has the most technology of any car Ive driven. The ride and fuel economy suffer a bit with the AWD but this car really handles. This car has more entertainment choices than one can possibly use. The XM radio and the iPod connection are the ones I use most as my iPod allows me to take my entire music collection on the road with me and XM radio comes in handy when I want to listen to something that is not in my collection.

• 

  An excellent, well-rounded car. - 1994 Acura Legend
  By tractor - January 28 - 2:44 pm

  This car really did give the owners about everything they could need when new, and even as old as it is, it still doesnt disappoint. Ive added a few touches here and there like a new stereo system and a short shifter and exhaust and those keep the car fresh. It really is a joy to drive. It allows for a sporty character and 4-door practicality. This car will perform if you know how to shift the 6-spd. Also, a suspension and brake upgrade will keep you happy. Keep on top of maintenance, especially with the cooling system and you will be pleased!

• 

  You cant go home again... - 2008 Acura TL
  By ManyRegrets - January 27 - 8:30 pm

  I fondly remember my 1989 Acura Legend, which I loved for 10 years. After years of other less expensive vehicles, I was excited to purchase a 2008 TL. After 3 months, the power steering & the carpet (from the leaking power steering fluid) had to be replaced. Since that time, it is very difficult to steer, especially when turning corners or backing out of parking spaces & the acceleration is disappointing. The dealerships service dept. maintains that it drives "beautifully", exactly the way a TL of its age should handle. My sons 2006 Accord with 100k miles handles better. I will trade it in as soon as I can afford to take the loss, but no more Acuras for me.