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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  Okay - 2007 Acura RL
  By fred - December 28 - 8:51 pm

  I enjoy owning the RL. It is very comfortable and easy to handle. Acceleration is mild for horsepower rating. It behaves as though it has turbo lag. Entry is awkward, seat and steering wheel take position when I get in the car rather than waiting until door is closed or car is started. Standard battery capacity is low. Have had to charge battery twice from sitting car with engine off trying to learn/program the computer navigation system. Fuel economy is good.

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  Hang on - 2004 Acura TL
  By zippytippy - December 28 - 10:00 am

  This car should have been rear or AWD. Its got tons of power to spare but cant use it. An TL AWD version would make BMW 3__xi series a tough sell.

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  Acura TL 2005 - 2005 Acura TL
  By Matt Ward - December 28 - 5:51 am

  I have been driving this car for almost 2 years. This is the best car that I have ever owned. It is fun to drive, the highway mpg is excellent, and I have never had to have any service other than required maintenance.

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  It is a rocket. - 2002 Acura RSX
  By Scoobysnax - December 27 - 8:53 pm

  I have had this car for less than a month, but it is the most fun I have ever had in a car.

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  05 MDX - 2005 Acura MDX
  By lbelle - December 27 - 1:56 pm

  A very solid car. Acura has gone to great lengths to correct some of the problems of the more recent models such as the gas tank slosh and the brake clunking. The new acoustic lining has done wonders to mitigate noise. This is one silent and solid vehicle. Leather appears improved over prior models as well.

• 

  Great value - 2005 Acura MDX
  By Aaron - December 27 - 12:20 pm

  Hands down the best automobile Ive owned. Did lots of research on SUVs before deciding on the MDX, and so far I havent been sorry with my decision. great zip, room for 7, and the Navigation system that never ceases to amaze. Awesome sound system; rear DVD a must have for those with kids. Incredible number of features for the money. Very refined car, with the quality of Honda to back it up. Every control right where its supposed to be - when you get into the drivers seat of this vehicle, youll feel right at home!

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  2 year follow up - 2002 Acura NSX
  By Easygo711 - December 27 - 10:19 am

  Its been 2 years and 17,000 miles since my last review of my 2002 NSX. This car has 28,000 miles on it and is amazing. I have not spent a cent on the car except for normal maintenance and an upgrade to a Comptec exhaust system. I didnt notice a change in performance, just a better exhaust sound. I just had an oil change and the tech said I still had 60% left on the brakes. There are no squeaks or rattles and everything works perfectly. I will need to replace the tires soon. The short throw shifter and 6 speed are a pleasure to drive. A tip of the hat to Acura and this car. Its no wonder that used NSXes hold their value.

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  TSX 6spd nav - 2006 Acura TSX
  By nj2pa2nc - December 26 - 4:35 pm

  Owned this car one month - love it. It is milano red with ebony int. Very good on the highways. No problems using regular gas.

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  Acura RL - Best of the Best - 2005 Acura RL
  By Mjustice - December 25 - 9:30 pm

  Awesome car, I love it. The RL is fast, luxurious, roomy. Its the best purchase for me and my family.

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  WOW! Best decision ever!! - 2007 Acura TSX
  By hexer311 - December 25 - 9:25 pm

  This car is absolutely amazing in every respect. The honda vtech engine isnt the quickest engine out there but over all performance, MPG, and reliability are unbeatable. I still cant believe this is only a 4-banger. The 07 comes packed with new stuff from previous models including bluetooth phone, MP3 jack, and a nice information system. Handling is best in class. Great job Honda/Acura. Drove MB C230, BMW, Infiniti, and Lexus IS 350, by far the best value and best style.