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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  Youthful yet Practical - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Mark - November 20 - 12:40 pm

  I couldnt see myself in a 4 door family car since I am only 22 but this car is awesome. The 6 speed is the smoothest tranny Ive ever driven and the high class style leaves nothing more to be desired. Outstanding ride, navi is a must, great handling, and of course great looks. Tint the windows and no one will ever call it a family car.

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  Great Engine - 2002 Acura RSX
  By Bison - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This is probably one of the best 2.0 liter engine in the world. Even with an automatic it has enough power to move the car, and its smooth until you get close to the redline. Unfortunately, Im to big to fit under the standard sunroof. I spent about an hour in one, but finally decided it was a no go due to the lack of headroom.

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  What a Hot Car - 2001 Acura CL
  By wsdyer - November 20 - 10:00 am

  The head and legroom is enough for me however for a person larger or taller than me 61 290# the ergonomics are for smaller people. That said - everything else is wonderful. The ride is as smooth as glass and the power transfer from the motion of my foot to "gettin on down the road is immediate. The tiptronics is fun to play with and the vtec engine is every bit of the 260 horsepower at 5500rpm. Excellent response, brakes are abs and stop you faster than I was ready for. The cost was higher than I wanted to pay but the curb appeal is magnetic. Ive only had her for a week so I dont have any long term data. But so far shes a blessing!!!!

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  Most car for the money - 2016 Acura RDX
  By James Jatczynski - November 18 - 2:23 pm

  The RDX probably isnt the best vehicle in the small luxury SUV category in any particular attribute, but it does score near the top in most attributes, and its that, combined with a price $10,000 or more lower than similarly equipped competition, that makes it a great buy as well as a very enjoyable vehicle. Weve found it very comfortable on a long road trip and around town. We also feel that the understated styling will endure over time without looking odd or dated.

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  Loved it... - 2008 Acura MDX
  By Satisfied - November 18 - 2:15 pm

  3 yr lease just expired...Id buy again. I absolutely loved this car. I prefer Honda or Toyota, Acura is my favorite. By the time I had equipped comparable vehicles (BMW, Lexus, actually), there was no comparison in price. Dont get me wrong, BMW and Lexus were fantastic, but about $8K more when comparably equipped. Leasing fit me...I drive 12,000/yr. Gas mileage was just as advertised...sometimes a mile or two better. The ONLY thing I didnt like was the giant shield design on the front...which is now apparently on all Acura vehicles.

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  3rd Acura - 2009 Acura TL
  By Ed - November 17 - 9:07 pm

  I previously drove a Nissan Maxima for 6 years, until I switched to Acura in 2003. Since then I have never looked back. The comfort and performance in the 2009 TL is incredible. I spend a lot of time in my car meeting with my customers so handling and comfort are very important. Having upgraded from the 2006 TL the difference is incredible. Acura has created the perfect balance between comfort and performance and thrown in all the bells and whistles.

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  RDX 2010 SH-AWD with Tech - 2010 Acura RDX
  By raza - November 17 - 10:11 am

  Absolutely best car I ever drove. All wheel drive is a blast to drive in the rain and snow... the tech in the car is amazing. The only downside is the gas mileage getting about 17-19 on highway. Probably needs to break in some more. Pretty quick for a 4 cylinder. Seats are very comfortable.

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  2004 TL - 2004 Acura TL
  By TM823 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Quick, Handles well. Great look, comfortable seats everything but auto headlights

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  No complaints after 7 years - 2002 Acura RL
  By watjordan - November 15 - 8:11 pm

  I am very satisfied with the car. Only trip to dealerships are for routine maintenance and tire rotations. Car looks great and runs quietly and smoothly.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Acura MDX
  By Carl R - November 15 - 4:24 pm

  I just came out of an Audi A-8 yet needed a SUV. I normally would not even consider a MDX however my wife bought an Acura RL in April and loved the car the quality and ride was excellent so I elected to look at the MDX. The ride is excellent and the finish is terrific. I felt the interior was nicer than the Q7. The sound system in the vehicle (with the Tech package) is exceptional and better then in my previous Audi, Jaguar and Lexus. I love driving it!