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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  09 TL - 2009 Acura TL
  By SB - March 9 - 1:35 am

  The car is very comfortable. Love the way it rides firm but smooth. It is also very quiet. I do mostly highway driving and according to the onboard computer I avg between 30-34 mpg going 65.

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  The rattles and the jerking finally won. - 2006 Acura TL
  By samsam - March 8 - 10:28 pm

  I was so excited when I bought my 2006 TL. It was and still is one of the best looking cars on the road. However, after just one week the rattles began. I should have listened to other reviews. I tried for 2 years to pretend they didnt bother me because the car is beautiful and reliable. The real problem is the ride to the TLs prior to 2007 suspension upgrade was just too rough and it shakes everything loose. You cant even enjoy the DVD audio because ALL the speakers rattle and no one at my Acura dealership could fix them. I had a 2007 loaner once and noticed they finally fixed the suspension-that car was quiet. I finally gave up and traded it in this month (not for another Acura).

• 

  A lovely drive - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Venter - March 8 - 10:51 am

  Bought this as a replacement for a Toyota Corolla and found that the TSX makes driving a pleasure. Very comfortable inside, stylish exterior and more than adequate horsepower. Feels safe and handles well, especially when cornering (unlike the Corolla). Rear view camera makes reversing safer and easier, and all round visibility is good.

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  Nice car...but. - 2009 Acura RL
  By Mike P - March 7 - 7:09 pm

  This is our second Acura. Over all this is a nice comfortable car. Long trips dont beat you up like some can. The AWD is rock solid on icy roads. My only gripe is that I have had problems with the heater on days that are below freezing. Even with the temp control set at 62 the passenger compartment gets very hot. Then it will turn on the ac and blow cold air into your face. Three different dealers couldnt find anything wrong. The car, compared with other 09 Acuras, when tested above freezing temps, are identical.

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  02 MDX - 2002 Acura MDX
  By bill_tiffany_jr - March 6 - 5:12 pm

  The MDX has been great although the 02 is well known for transmission failure. Mine gave out at 60K. There are hundreds and hundreds of similar stories, even at much lower mileage levels. You will here a "burr"ing sound between 40 - 50 MPH while traveling in 5th gear. Talk to your dealer and to Acura customer service in order to get a new transmission heavily discounted or best case, for free, even when you are out of warranty.

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  best sport sedan - 2004 Acura TL
  By pmlay - March 5 - 2:00 am

  whats not to like? well maybe rear wheel drive would be nice. but other than that it is one of the best driving and nicest all around cars i have ever had the pleasure of driving. i cant wait to take it on a long trip.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2004 Acura TL
  By TLowner - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 TL for this new beauty.

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  Drivers Delight - 2004 Acura TL
  By dronan - March 5 - 2:00 am

  First time to own an Acura (3300 miles). Hugs turns and corners. Brakes grab securely. Steering wheel controls seem well placed. Navigation finds even obscure locations and remembers them. Dash lights are attractive, and the automated maintenance/mileage/data center relieve alot of worry. I look forward to going places because the driving experience is rewarding. Ive recommended an Acura to my wife.

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  Really nice car - 2009 Acura TL
  By Justin - March 4 - 4:56 pm

  This is an engineering marvel. It is the most intuitive vehicle Ive ever driven. You think about going around a corner and youre there. The ride is a little stiff but thats the price one pays for the performance, at least until you get into cars costing three times as much. The gas mileage isnt great, but after all its not a hybrid. Still, if you go easy on it, its a lot better than youd expect. The interior controls are overwhelming at first, but once learned are easy to use. The exterior styling stands out and I predict will be a harbinger of things to come across all makes. The tech options are second to none. I assume it will be as reliable as my last TL, so well done Acura.

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  Never owned an Acura? Youre missing out - 2002 Acura RSX
  By markycena - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Two Words...THE BEST. This is now the third Acura in the family. Everyone talks about Acura not being a luxury car. They just have never owned one. The quality, the resale, and most importantly...The fun to drive nature of this car. One of the only guarantees in life!!!! Excellent all the way around!