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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  I Love This Truck! - 2006 Acura MDX
  By LovemyMDX - August 9 - 6:54 am

  I saw this truck on the highway when it first came out and had to know what it was. I loved the look. Then I did research and found it was one of the safest SUVs with its wide wheel base. When my husband and I went to test drive it I didnt. I just knew I loved it. So when I picked it up after ordering the color I wanted I enjoyed it more than ever. I just love driving this Truck. My 3 vehicles before were a 77 Camaro, 84 Trans Am, and a 93 Camry. It has great room for the kids and vacations. Plus its very easy to clean.

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  My new 2002 Acura - 2002 Acura TL
  By ARGOLFER - August 9 - 1:40 am

  Very satisfied with my new TL. I was very interested in the TL S but it was so peppy that my wifes neck snapped every time I accelerated. Also I found the ride in the S to be a little stiffer that the TL and I was used to a softer ride. I am disappointed that the dealer didnt tell me when I bought my 2002 that the 2003 would be available in a week.

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  Finally! - 2006 Acura RL
  By ED - August 8 - 6:12 pm

  I just Traded my manual tranny TL for a trch package RL. I loved my TL specially in the thrust department but boy this RL is a CAR! Although noticeably slower than the manual TL from a standstill, they are very comparable on the highway. In all other categories the RL wins hands down, quieter, better handling, more comfortable ride, much quieter, better nav, much improved voice recognition. The stereo is simply fabulous (big compliment from a B&W fan why cant bose make something anywhere this good for the home???). The adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation system are worth their money in gold.

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  RSX Fan - 2004 Acura RSX
  By Greg - August 8 - 11:36 am

  I leased my RSX in 2003 as the first Acura I have owned. Knowing their reputation for quality I have been totally pleased with the car. It is so versatile with the hatchback, I have hauled bagged Mulch, Ceramic Tile and just about anything else I needed to carry. It is comfortable on long trips and get great mileage. Apple Tree Acura has been Awesome for service trips too! My only complaint is they are not replacing the RSX with a new version. I am now facing going to a TSX or a Honda brand when my lease is up. Other than that, I love my RSX!

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  2nd TSX and Loving it - 2006 Acura TSX
  By wilson - August 8 - 11:23 am

  I buy a new vehicle about every year or two. This is my second TSX. I had an 05 model and just purchsed an 06. I love these cars. The ride in my 06 is somewhat smoother than the 05, and the bluetooth and ipod jack are a nice addition for 06 along with the 17" wheels and tires. If you want a semi- luxury car that is different from what most people drive with excellent fuel ecomony THIS IS YOUR CAR!!! On top of all that...it is a blast to drive. I never had to take my 05 to the dealership for anything but an oil change. Such a nice change from American made cars.

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  my first real car - 2001 Acura MDX
  By kcooper - August 7 - 10:03 pm

  I say this is my first - as it really is the first good car Ive gotten my hands on. I have also owned the Jeep Cherokee FWD and the Acura is way beyond in options, handling and quality.

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  What a car - 2003 Acura TL
  By Cathy - August 7 - 3:54 pm

  What a car... I just love my Acura. I have had no trouble, I love the design, the speed the look and the quality. The only thing that I dont like is the mileage per gallon. But I guess you cant have it all.

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  Follow-up Review (7/8/03) - 2003 Acura CL
  By Dr. Citrus - August 7 - 2:51 pm

  This 2003 CL was purchased in August 2002. The front brakes were replaced at 60K. Its been maintained by the dealership. It continues to be a fun car to drive.

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  the best car in the world - 2003 Acura RSX
  By john hurtado - August 7 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car in the world i give it perfect 10s on everything i think its fast cool and it gets girls.

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  Total Package - 2006 Acura RL
  By mouse - August 7 - 12:29 am

  Car has everything anybody could want on the inside and the power of most sports cars.