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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  Dream Machine - 2007 Acura RL
  By Artie - April 2 - 9:11 pm

  The Acura RL w/Tech Pkg. is truly a dream machine. Dynamically engineered, superb build quality, fit and finish, quality materials and technically ahead of its competition. The RL is the best kept secret of ’07. It goes beyond the “Best Bang for the Buck” this well crafted automobile has exceeded my expectations in every way.

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  Amazing - 2003 Acura CL
  By I am RobG - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!

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  Heidi - 2002 Acura RSX
  By Heidi Ignacio - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had my RSX-S for a week now - my previous car was an Acura Integra GSX. I think the RSX was made to perfection and lives up to the Acura name for dependability, accuracy and reliabity. The overall handling is stable and so percise. I was happy with my 99 Integra, but felt it needed perfecting - since it drove and sounded like a sports car. Now my RSX-S not only gives me a quiet ride, it is also smoother and more comfortable. My compliments to the engineer for developing a magnificent vechicle!

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  Finally a Fun to Drive SUV - 2007 Acura RDX
  By steve v - April 2 - 8:50 am

  I was so hesitant to look at the RDX after I read all of the reviews about it being too bumpy of a ride with lots of wind noise. Coming from a truck based sport utility, this car screams luxury and comfort. The console is amazing and offers every amenity you can think of plus all of the gee-whiz gadgetry that appeal to the 30-something market. The stereo system is the best out there as well as the navigation package. The car handles the road like a sports car and fields the bumps just fine with minimal wind noise. If you are looking for a pillowy ride to tote your kids around this isnÂ’t it. You just need to drive it for yourself to find out if it is a fit for you and your family.

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  06 TSX a Drivers Car - 2006 Acura TSX
  By TSXTODD - April 1 - 2:35 pm

  This is a stylish, fun to drive sports sedan. Sure you can get the excellent TL, but if you dont need the size, this car makes a lot of sense. The TL is based on the American built Accord. The TSX is a J built sedan made for the Autobahn. I recently packed it with 4 adults and all their luggage for a weekend. There was plenty of room and plenty of power. I average 28 MPG. In my book the 6 speed manual transmission is a must. The revy 4cyl loves to go to redline. This is a true drivers car.

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  Excellent travel car - 2000 Acura TL
  By papnjoan - April 1 - 8:03 am

  This car has provided us with excellent service and comfortability especially on trips. The Mrs. says it is the finest riding car she has ever owned. Both husband and wife enjoy driving the vehicle. The car seems to hold its beauty in design and when taken care of continually looks as if it is a brand new car. Our satisfaction is so great that we would now not consider another make car.

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  Enjoyable car - 2005 Acura TSX
  By John - March 31 - 5:16 am

  First thing I have to mention is that the dealership I purchased from was willing to negotiate price. The safety features drew me to the TSX along with the horsepower. In researching out other cars in this category I was amazed at the features that came standard on the TSX. Its a fun car to drive and looks good but the back seats are the right size for children, adults will have a tough time getting in and out. Another surprise is that the car is not supposed to have a total load of over 850 pounds in it which means four adults can ride in it and no more but that is good considering how the back is so small. I like the tan interior but it is difficult to keep clean.

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  My First Acura Vehicle - 2007 Acura MDX
  By JayT. - March 30 - 5:33 pm

  This is my first Acura vehicle, I previously owned a BMW coupe & am a current owner of an Odyssey. I primarily got this vehicle because of the value that was packed into this model. Comparing it with a BMW X5 (07- 3.0), this was a much lighter vehicle, lower cost & easier to handle. The ride was also quiet and the seats are comfortable. The third row seats leg/shoulder room is better than the competition. Middle row seats are very comfy for the two outer most, however the middle one is not good for long travel. The driver seat is excellent in holding the driver and power seats have lumbar support. The sound system rocks! Navigation is easy to use & voice commands are very convenient.

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  Awesome Crossover ! - 2007 Acura RDX
  By John K. - March 29 - 7:40 pm

  This Crossover SUV is a blast to drive. I think its the best value in its class. This was designed to compete with BMWs X3 and does so quite nicely. Similarly equipped you would have to spend about $8,000 more if you opted for the BMW. The Acura has a well crafted interior that is is full of luxury. The handling is extremely sporty, it drives a lot like a sedan with all the great features of having a SUV. I have noticed some negative reviews regarding gas mileage, feeling bumps etc... It seems to me those people dont have common sense. If you want a crossover with sports car like handling and performance, you will give up some gas mileage and cushyness on the road.

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  Worth every penny!! - 2004 Acura TL
  By bossylady - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Although I bought the car for myself, my husband LOVES this car. It is truly a luxury sports car. I believe that it would be difficult to find a car with as many options as the 04 TL for the price.