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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  I love my CL - 1999 Acura CL
  By Mary Neuhaus - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I always wanted a sporty type car. The kids are grown and moved away, and I dont have to share my CL with a hot rodding son or daughter. My husband is just too large to be comfortable in my CL, and I love that too. He doesnt drive it except to the car wash and gas station! I want a new one!

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  Im very happy - 2003 Acura CL
  By Corehhi - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I actually have a 2001 CL and I have only had one problem with it. The sunroof rattled a little, about an hour to have it fixed. Fun car to drive and for the price I really dont see how you could go wrong. My one thought is something has changed since I bought mine. I have a Blue CL w/tan leather which seems to have only been offered the first year the model changed. I have no build quality issues at all. Also I bought my CL from Southern motors and so have a few poeple who live near me and I havent heard anyone one having a problem with their service dept. But on the other hand I havent used it much. Just my 2 cents.

• 

  Nice Car - 2004 Acura TL
  By J.B.D. - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Only two problem areas. Drivers seat uncomfortable. Took over a year to breakin. The second problem was transmission failure at 30K. Acura dealer in Marin Co. repaired with no charge. Very pleased with brakes and suspension. Fule consumption from SF to Grand Canyon and back. .30 to 33 MPG at 70 mph plus and air condioning working at temps to 106F I would buy another one and recommend the dealer in Corta Madera Ca. (First time Ive ever recommended a dealer.

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  Pain in the rear - 2005 Acura MDX
  By bothell bill - February 28 - 5:40 pm

  Have owned my 2004 for 7 months and finally took it on a long cruise in Feb. A 4 hour ride. After 2 1/2 hours my butt started going numb and then legs. I think due to design of seat bottom. It tapers radically towards where the seat back joins and the angled sides of the seat bottom press into the nevers of my butt. Im 510" and 185 lbs with 35" waist. I did the same cruise the first of March with the same result. I took a friend with me the second trip and he experienced the same discomfort. If you plan on long cruises, that a second look. What about a four hour test drive??

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  Jack of all trades or a master of none? - 2003 Acura CL
  By cecil30 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Before I bought this vehicle I was worried about the torque pull, its lack of refinement and its comparison to others in its class. After a test drive, I questioned it no more. The technical beauty of Acuras Limited slip differential took some getting used to, but it does behave much like a RWD sports car in its handling. The bottom line of this vehicle is that it successfully merges the best aspects of a FWD luxury sedan with the performance of a sports coupe. What a shame that this car is being d/cd. I hope that Acura doesnt shy away from this platform in the future.

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  CL-S - Great Value for the Price - 2003 Acura CL
  By mbackus - February 26 - 2:00 am

  The Acura CL-S would be best called a "sleeper." The exterior styling is a bit bland, but once you are in the drivers seat the Acura takes on a whole new flavor. This automobile is truly fun to drive. While it wont meet the true driving enthusiasts needs (except perhaps with the 6-speed manual) this car has plenty of luxury and power to go around. The level of options included make the Acura a great value. The interior is cozy and comfortable with all switchgear close to hand. The Acura has a good sized trunk and would be a good choice as a touring car for a single person or a couple.

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  Used Acuras are the best! - 1999 Acura TL
  By Student - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Found a great deal on a used 99 acura TL. Looked at Camrys and Accords but the TL offered the most car for the money, and in some cases was even cheaper than lower model vechiles.

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  Acura CL Type S - 2001 Acura CL
  By rcmarsh - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, plenty of punch.

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  Superb car except for choppy ride - 2005 Acura RL
  By Raja Bhat - February 23 - 6:50 am

  Ive got 2000 miles in now. Great car overall, AWD gives confidence on wet roads. Handling is very precise. But tight handling comes at a price: a rough, choppy ride, disappointing for Acuras flagship car. Electronics including GPS navigation, superb Bose sound system with fully integrated satellite radio, are grand. Has a disconcerting rattle in potholes.

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  Im VERY happy! - 1997 Acura CL
  By Lisa11 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the looks of the vehicle and had to have one. Acceleration is good for the 2.2 model, although I drop it into 3rd gear for quicker acceleration at take-off and for passing. I enjoy the solidness of the car and it handles well. Trunk space is great. Ive never kept a car this long but I believe Ill have a long and happy relationship with my CL and see how long it will run. Maintenance is not too pricey which is a big plus. I actually like the design on my 97 better than the newer ones and so do most of my friends.