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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  Great Entry level luxury car - 2003 Acura TL
  By Rob B - September 14 - 10:00 am

  The process of purchasing this vehicle was a pleasure, we visited several Acura dealerships. We were treated with respect and taken seriously with questions and needs. The car is a fantastic vehicle for those looking for sports car like handling and styling, with the functionality of a family car. The quality is what you expect from Acura, well built, thought our interior, with a stylish and unique, yet understated exterior. The Type-S extra horse power is joy, especially with sequential shifting. Putting the windows down, opening the moon roof and finding a stretch of road all to your self is definitely something I do at least once a week.

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  Best car for the money - 2003 Acura TL
  By Cjitty - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Since buying my slightly used 2003 TL Type S, this car continues to amaze me. Its fast, looks good and there is no car in that class that comes with all the standard features minus navigation.

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  Our top choice Luxury SUV - 2005 Acura MDX
  By kevinmak - September 14 - 4:13 am

  After owning 2 Nissan Pathfinders, a Ford Explorer, and a Mitsubishi Montero, it was time to step up to a Luxury SUV. I had never considered the Acura a serious contender, leaning more towards the Volvo or Lexus... but after driving them all, theres no doubt that this is the best choice for the money. Hands down more bang for your buck than the Lexus (although it was a strong contender) and certainly capable of keeping us as happy as the Volvo while saving $7500 comparably equipped... this is a great vehicle. I agree with the editors review, a little "bland", but when you want a luxury SUX and youre in the $40k budget - Id highly recommend the MDX! What a dream to drive!

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  My 2006 TL with Navigation - 2006 Acura TL
  By Michael B - September 13 - 8:42 pm

  I purchased this car on July 19th 2006, and it is by far the best car I have ever owned! I am getting 26-29 mpg all the time. The looks both inside and out make this car look far more expensive than it is. The sound system is INCREDIBLE! I just wish that the DVD- A discs were easier to find in stores and not just on-line!

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  My Golden Chariot - 2005 Acura RL
  By Marjorie Nave - September 13 - 2:32 pm

  I am 82 years of age and I am the one who furnished rides to all my friends day and night. I appreciate the headlight turning feature. I am a golfer and often take three friends on out of town trips so appreciate the size of the trunk. Also the sun screens in the back area are great.

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  Everyday Driver - 1998 Acura CL
  By snowdogg - September 12 - 2:18 am

  Bought used with 42K miles - hard to believe it is only a 4 banger... really moves out with the 5 speed. Everything still works and I put 65 miles on it daily commuting. Never any problems mechanically. Have replaced the exhaust twice (Vermont winters are hard on a car) and gone through 2 sets of tires in 80K miles. Did the timing belt, etc @100k. Fuel economy runs 32-34 mpg. Needs heated seats, a better climate control system and upgraded stereo. Never understood why a car like this didnt come with foglights (I added aftermarket). I intend on giving this car to my son in another 3 years. All in all one of the most enjoyable cars Ive ever owned... Honda/Acura does build a quality product.

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  Acura RL 2006 - 2006 Acura RL
  By ff100 - September 11 - 4:13 pm

  Has all the gadgets one can imagine, very good quality of materials used.

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  My third new Acura since 1999! - 2005 Acura TL
  By richard d. ross - September 9 - 2:50 pm

  The seats in my 2005 TL are so comfortable and supportive. I love the Navigation system and Stability system, and the voice command phone, nav, audio, and a/c! This is one responsive and handsome car. I like that Honda/Acura sells you a car with most things already included. It is the right size and is easy to park. All my friends and family love this car.

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  Love the RL - 2006 Acura RL
  By Art - September 9 - 6:02 am

  The RL is my second Acura. I bought a CL Type-S in 2001, and was very pleased with its performance, reliability and fun-to-drive factor. The RL is awesome. With 3500 miles, everything has worked as advertised. Its roomy, plenty of power, every gadget imaginable... great technology, and it all works.

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  Love my Christmas present! - 2005 Acura TL
  By BWood - September 9 - 2:40 am

  I enjoyed my previous car, a Lincoln LS, but when ready to trade was looking for something a little more sporty. This car has the whole package and looks beautiful in black with grey interior. Lots of technology to learn, but I am looking forward to that too. Navigation is awesome!