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:

• 

  Surpassed its reputation - 2005 Acura TL
  By FLATL05 - September 19 - 12:13 pm

  2004 was classified as CAR OF THE YEAR. I just bought a 2005 TL, and it exceeds what I expected. I couldnt find a car to replace my BMW 540i, as it spoiled me. On the test drive, I finally knew I found the car.

• 

  Style/Value/Smart - 2001 Acura RL
  By Kevin - September 19 - 10:44 am

  Looks good, drives great, easy on your wallet. What more do you want from a large sedan? As with all Acura models, the features and controls are easy to find and operate. The leather seating is very comfortable and resilient. The Navigation system, although archaic compared to later model Acuras, is simple to operate and precise. Although the fuel economy isnt great, its very comparable to other sedans in its class. And besides, for what it lacks in saving you at the pump, it more than makes up for by saving on mechanical breakdowns/repairs. If youre looking for a sharp, comfortable and reliable luxury sedan, the Acura RL should be on your list to look at.

• 

  this is the best car that i have ever owned - 2017 Acura NSX
  By Eric - September 18 - 6:16 pm

  Ive owned a Ferrari, Audi R8, Porsche, Jaguar, Lexus and others. i had the old Acura NSX and this blows away all of the cars that Ive owned.

• 

  74 years young and his Acura TL - 2006 Acura TL
  By Floyd Holmes - September 18 - 12:39 pm

  From the day I picked up the car, it has been a sheer pleasure to drive and own. Previously I had a 98 Acura TL. This 06 is something to behold. Cornering is fantastic with not even a hint of sliding in your seat, oversteering or any other malady. The interior is camel colored and the exterior is Redondo Red Pearl. The combination makes it look like a million dollars. It is tight and the sound system is out of this world. I only have one of the DVD CDs but am looking to increase my collection because of sheer quality you receive with as compared to the regular CD. The only complaint I have is the cup holder. It is not designed for a coffee mug, only the stryofoam tapered ones.

• 

  Perfect except for Drink Holders - 2006 Acura RL
  By Chip Jones - September 18 - 8:53 am

  I think this is the best Acura I have owned to date. The handling and braking are excellent. The ride is great and very comfortable. I am still getting use to the keyless system. The drink holders after all these years still are not in a position that make them useful. For them to be usable in my opinion it has to be able to be accessed by the driver without a concern of spilling or tipping. That is not possible in the RL. It is the only interior design flaw. It has been in all 5 Acuras I have owned. I hope I get an opportunity to buy one that has a good drinkholder before I stop buying them. Otherwise it is an excellent vehicle. I had found some aftermarket drinkholders that work no longer.

• 

  In love love love with this car. - 2005 Acura TL
  By RAQUEL - September 18 - 12:23 am

  I cant get over this car, what a pleasure to get up every morning being able to drive this gorgeous car. I am blown away with ever detail in this car. The torque the handling, the interior... wow! I am so grateful to have this car. Highly recommend this car!

• 

  Used Gem - 1997 Acura Integra
  By Ziggy261 - September 15 - 7:53 pm

  I bought this car from a friend that had put 224,000 miles on it. Mostly hwy with total dealer maintenance. It still purrs like a kitten. My son just loves it and most people think that it is only a few years old.

• 

  Nice car to own - 2002 Acura TL
  By tst32tl - September 15 - 10:07 am

  Own this car for 5 years and it never had any major problems (except the transmission recall, and they automatically provide extended warranty to 100,000 mi no charge). Very comfortable and nice. Probably will buy the same car when ready to get my next car.

• 

  Great Car - 1993 Acura Integra
  By J ROD - September 14 - 6:48 pm

  Running a LS/Vtec in it currently with many modifications and it has to be one of my favorite cars to drive. Car gets a straight 10 from me!

• 

  Acura RL Luxury Bargain - 2005 Acura RL
  By Sandra - September 14 - 12:35 pm

  My 2005 Acura RL is state-of-the-art with a superior navigation system, live traffic alerts, and terrific voice command design. All of my luxuries come standard. The ride is terrific and wow does it ever take corner well. I have owned Mercedes, Lexus, and BMW in the past - I am now a permanent convert to the Acura RL. Best buy for the money, and, sexiest car I have ever owned. If you want luxury and performance at a bargain price get an RL!