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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  Fun, but still practical - 2006 Acura TSX
  By senseless1 - August 6 - 9:18 am

  I was concerned that the 4 cylinder engine would be a negative, but it outperforms any 6 cylinder Ive owned. The hidden bonus is Im actually getting very close to EPA gas mileage numbers a first. The manu-matic transmission feature is useful and good for keeping the revs in peak range, cornering and brake assist. I didnt think I would use this much, but actually prefer it over straight automatic. The handling is exceptional and I feel confident on the highway because it tracks so well. The TSX is 2 cars in one: quiet and refined or a drivers car when you want it to be.

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  Best Car for the Money!! - 1992 Acura Integra
  By Goldie - August 5 - 4:05 pm

  I love my Integra. I bought it 4 yrs ago at 180K miles for $2000. Ive added over 65k since & it runs perfect! Ive only had minor problems (>$300). I get 30/40 mpg. Love the hatchback style-will never go back to sedans. Machanics (for oil changes) are always amazed at its condition, milage, and smoothness.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Kya - August 5 - 1:01 am

  This is a fantastic car for the price.

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  Best Ever - 2006 Acura RSX
  By Nick - August 4 - 3:18 pm

  This is the second RSX Type S I have owned. Initial quality was beyond my expectation. Fun car to drive, nimble and responsive, great handling. Fuel efficiency was all as advertised. If you can keep your lead foot off the accelerator, even better. Lots of trunk space under the hatchback. Servicing dealer is also more than one would expect. Takes the extra steps to make sure you are happy. Just what you would expect from a luxury car dealer.

• 

  Better - 2007 Acura TL
  By Hillbilly - August 4 - 10:36 am

  Traded a 2004 TL and the 2007 TL is much better, no rattles and rides a lot better. Fun to drive.

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  2017 Acura RDX Advance AWD - 2017 Acura RDX
  By Dave Hagan - August 3 - 5:35 pm

  As the owner of a 2016 Acura MDX, my wife loved driving it but wanted something a little smaller. She drove a number of vehicles and came back to the Acura RDX. It was the best mix of comfort, luxury, sportiness, and safety of any vehicle she test drove. She is currently 3 weeks in to ownership and completely loves it. She was coming from an Infiniti G37, so was used to great acceleration. The RDX doesnt disappoint as its one of the quickest vehicles in its class. The only complaints would be average to below average navigation system and lack of power folding mirrors, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, backseat climate controls, and Android Auto / Apple Car Play. The car excels in just about every other area. The Modern Steel Metallic with Graystone interior is gorgeous. Averaging 23 mpg around town.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Acura RL
  By Vince - August 3 - 11:32 am

  Have been very pleasantly surprised with this vehicle. Some criticisms on the Acura RL forums lowered my expectations but my experience with the high maintenance and repair costs on BMW 530I nudged me back to Acura. I felt that the RL was marginal at $50K but at $42.8k it seemed to be good value. Have only had it for 2 weeks but it has been extremely solid, rattle free, and everything works. My second RL after an 88 Legend and they get better and better.

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  Love my MDX - 2003 Acura MDX
  By carolyn - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I am so thrilled with my new MDX. It handles so well on the road, and I feel so comfortable and safe driving it. I previously have driven a Lexus...and a Volvo both always top of the line. But I prefer the MDX over both of these other cars. And the value is incredible.

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  Acura TL-S - 2003 Acura TL
  By msangio - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Phenominal car, handles well...no complaints, just rave reviews.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Acura MDX
  By BarryD - August 2 - 3:43 pm

  This is a great SUV for the money. It handles well and its comfortable. With the spoiler on the rear door and some side steps, it also looks sportier than other SUVs. I was looking for a larger car, but found that the MDX is more comfortable than many expensive sedans, handles well and the electronics are great.