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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  Best in its class - 2007 Acura RDX
  By Vivian - May 14 - 11:35 am

  Test drove the BMW X3, Lexus RX 350 and the RDX is the best. Its the class leading in acceleration, braking and handling. Its just like a sport sedan and I like it better than my 2006 IS 250 (much faster....^_^). Also, the finish and materials are much better than X3 and even better than Lexus. We love the RDX and my wife is thinking to trade in her 2006 IS 250 for another RDX with tech package. Its our first Acura. I highly recommend people test drive the RDX before you make decision.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2007 Acura RL
  By veritas7 - May 14 - 11:25 am

  I love this car! I havent had it long but I am very impressed with how well it handles the road. The RL is a solid vehicle and is equipped with just about everything for less money than its competitors.

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  "Superb Machine" - 2003 Acura TL
  By bleamoney - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 other Acuras and I have loved them all equally. Of course some had features that others lacked but over all I was satisfied with them. Acura knows how to build a quality vehicle.

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  Great Car At A Great Price - 2005 Acura RL
  By R - May 11 - 3:47 pm

  I moved from an 02 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro w/ sport package into an Acura RL. All I can say is that I love this car. Its loaded with just about every option you would expect from a luxury car. It handles great considering the size of this car and sharp turns arent dramatic and feels well planted. The ride quality is great although some might consider it a bit harsh, as for me, its a huge improvement compared to the A4. Coming from an Audi, Im used to expecting good material and build quality and this car doesnt disappoint. Just drive the cars you are considering and see which you like better. Theres not much to complain about the RL, its a fine automobile and you can bargain on price.

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  One of the Best Cars Ever - 1999 Acura Integra
  By riscci - May 11 - 4:14 am

  This car is a low maintenance, sporty, comfortable, more than adequate power, highly upgradeable, and just an all around fun car. Upgrades are: strut brace, Cold Air Induction, Plug and wirei

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  Proud Owner - 2003 Acura MDX
  By Timbo - May 10 - 5:17 am

  I purchased this vehicle new after owning a dodge durango for 5 years. I knew that my dodge had poor gas mileage and poor reliability, but I did not know what else I was missing. The MDX might only have a V6, but I have never been disappointed with the power or acceleration. I also bought the optional towing package and I occasionally tow a 10 utility trailer with no problems. I also enjoy woodworking and being able to get a sheet of plywood in the back is handy (though it is a bit tight). This is the first time I have owned a vehicle and not wanted to sell it to buy something new or better.

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  A very nice car - 2006 Acura TSX
  By EmanV - May 9 - 5:03 pm

  I was in the market for a new car, my wonderful honda prelude aproaching 300,000 miles. I decided on the TSX after driving BMW, Audi, Lexus. The combination of Price, features, economy and RELIABILTY were unbeatable. The 4 cylinder is strong enough to get the job done. The navigation seems extravagant until you need it. The more I drive it , the more I like it.

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  Acura must have - 2007 Acura TSX
  By LA - May 9 - 4:08 pm

  I just went from a 2004 Honda Accord EX-L to a Acura TSX with navigation system and I must say that I am happy with my decision so far. I love the Acura navigation system, really easy to use. I did love the Honda Accord though. The car is absolutely fun to drive, I cannot wait for a new, refreshed version of the TSX, hopefully with more room and better gas mileage, also with more power. Excellent car choice nonetheless.

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  Acura TSX 2006 - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Cynthia Magill - May 9 - 3:50 pm

  I went from driving the 2000 TL Acura and I love this car. I actually bought the 2005 Acura TSX first and my husband loved it so much he suggested I buy the 2006 and give him the 2005. We both love the Navigation system. The blueTooth in the 06 is exceptional. We love this car. We also love the dealership Inskip in RI and we live in NH.

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  2005 Acura TL - 2005 Acura TL
  By Lucius B. Fetner - May 9 - 9:02 am

  Good driving car. A little stiff around town but excellent on the road.