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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  Bulletproof 99 CL 3.0 - 1999 Acura CL
  By azavocat - June 25 - 5:50 pm

  Bought this car new and its been bulletproof ever since. Nothing but routine maintenance. The ride, handling and craftsmanship are excellent. Similar to my NSX, when that VTEC opens up it delivers a surprising amount of power.

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  LOVE my MDX - 2016 Acura MDX
  By Acumom - June 25 - 11:20 am

  Driving is fun again. Once you go Acura, you wont go Back-ura!

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  TL 16K Update - 2005 Acura TL
  By jamrock66 - June 25 - 7:26 am

  My earlier review was scored 7.6 at 700 miles with my low scores in the comfort (passenger seats), fuel economy (23MPG Avg. on a 60 mile RT commute), and performance (compared to Infiniti G35) arenas. At 16K, rear seat comfort for my skinny 12 year old is still an issue. Same 23MPG. My scores on safety/performance is up to a 10! Several close calls in the city & on the highways in Atl, GA and the car responded predictably and confidently. I am beginning to hear interior rattles to be addressed by dealer). Had 2 Maintenance minders for service in 16K!! Both for oil/filter and 1 tire rot.. Tire wear is excellent. Reliability is a 10. Some noticeable wrinkling of leather seats (espec. driver).

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  Highly Recommended - 2008 Acura RDX
  By chicagordx - June 24 - 10:27 pm

  Checked out the Nissan Murano and BMW X3...Saved about $5k in regards to the Murano and $10k in regards to the X3 by opting for the RDX. This car is worth every cent...luxury, yet it feels like driving a sports car. Navigation/AcuraLink is fabulous and the best one out there. Definitely check it out before saying "Ill just buy a Garmin". Its worth the upgrade in price. Only negative is the gas mileage, I have 500 miles on the car and average about 14.4 mpg. The good thing is that my commute is only 2 miles each way to work so its not too bad. If youre in the market for something in this market, definitely be sure to check the RDX out..its so much fun to own.

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  Shamefull quality of Acura - 2008 Acura MDX
  By wj - June 24 - 3:44 pm

  Bought the "best" end of MDX and end up with worst nightmare. The quality of the car is a shame. Been back to the dealer 9 or 10 times for repairs and repairs. Defective mirror, roof molding, gas door assembly, steering wheel, front suspension defects. Customer services are horrible both with the dealer and especially the Acura reps. Their attitudes are that you bought the car and you have the problem. Gas mileage is terrible, remember that with current gas price.

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  Its my baby! 96 Integra LS - 1996 Acura Integra
  By Integra <3 - June 23 - 4:14 pm

  I got this car as an intended project car and its coming along great! Like stated, after 100k miles the car starts to show its wear. Ive bought an intake system, a full header back system and thats just the beginning. With some performance mods this car can haul! It is a tuner car and should be treated as such :) Outstanding car but should only be owned by tuners in my opinion.

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  08 Acura TL-S - 2008 Acura TL
  By dennis olson - June 23 - 4:11 pm

  My wife and I looked at several vehicles (Infiniti G35, Audi A4) before we decided on the Acura TL-S. My wife didnt like the others. I wanted performance - sporty handling and 0-60 in less than 6 seconds. The Acuras engine is very smooth with enough power. The handling is excellent - sporty but not stiff, slight understeer. Shifting is precise - I really love the shift paddles. The nav. system is easy to use with a big screen and many features. Its just really fun to drive.

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  Love it - 2008 Acura TL
  By oscars2212 - June 23 - 10:11 am

  Bought a base TL about 3 months ago, and just love it. Having had an 05 C230 before this TL, I can tell you that the interiors are identical quality. IF you want a little more luxury, a little sportier car, for a lot more money, then by all means look at the MS, BMW or infiniti. But if you want the best combination of value and luxury, look no farther than the TL.

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  1st Acura was better - 2005 Acura TL
  By Vesta28 - June 22 - 9:41 pm

  I had an 02 Acura RSX before and the build quality was much better. This one has some rattles and some fit and finish issues. Road noise. Now the pros, great looks, interior design, mpg 32 freeway, 22 city, great value, fast.

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  Still Love My Acura!! - 2006 Acura MDX
  By pearl - June 22 - 7:13 pm

  I still love my Acura after 2 years of ownership! This is my 2nd car made by Honda and my other was an Accord and I have been very happy with both. The Acura is like a Honda on steroids! Love the back up TV, navigation, onstar, Bluetooth, heated seats, and my kids love the DVD. I would definitely consider another Acura in the future!