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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  Nice balance - 2007 Acura TL
  By John - August 1 - 11:23 am

  I test drove the BMW 335i coupe, Lexus ES 350 and this car. Loved the balance in this car and costs a lot less than the BMW. While not as solid in handling and performance as the BMW, the Acura TL-S has more creature comforts and almost as good handling for a lot less money than the BMW. The Lexus was great but not very solid at handling as the Acura TL.

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  Some serious design flaws - 2007 Acura MDX
  By LexThor - July 31 - 10:03 pm

  Huge side blind spots make lane changes a gamble. Uncomfortable seats. Dashboard angled steeply away from driver so in sunlight you cannot see the digital readouts. The 4 dash A/C vents almost close when you aim them to blow air at you. And under powered - if you think the 300hp stat means this car will outperform a 265hp V8, a test drive will show this car powers more like a 210 hp V6 costing $15K less. On the plus side, solid luxurious quiet ride and decent handling. Perfect for soccer moms. Not for inner city driving where you need power to zoom up hills and need to be aware of surrounding traffic in case of quick lane changes.

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  Very few flaws - 2007 Acura RDX
  By remke44 - July 31 - 2:26 pm

  The RDX is a great small SUV. Ive had mine almost a year and I love the ride, handling, and sleek interior. The interior and cargo space are much larger than the exterior of the car would indicate. The biggest drawback is the poor gas mileage. I drive 80% in the city and 20% on the highway and Ive only averaged 15 MPG. Thats pretty bad for a small SUV. Other small annoyances -- the seat belts dont fit snug and rattle the front seats should slide back further to increase front leg room. Cheaper than the BMW X3 and more luxurious and sportier than the RAV4 or CRV.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Acura Integra
  By Scott - July 31 - 11:55 am

  This 97 Integra GS-R V-tech, purchased new, has performed beyond the call of duty with only routine maintenance. After 10 years all systems, 5-speed transmission, engine + components, shocks, electricals are still working smoothly. Never in the shop except for state inspection and routine oil change, tire installation, etc. Im continually amazed it uses virtually no oil. Though it doesnt look like a sports car, it acts like one, with excellent acceleration (especially when the v-tech kicks in) with quick-response precise handling and excellent match of transmission + engine. The high-quality paint still looks rich. Nothing in the interior or on exterior has ever broken. A tight, fun car!

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  1999 Acura CL - 1999 Acura CL
  By roadtripgirl - July 31 - 11:07 am

  I purchased a new CL 3.0 and only had the Acura dealership work on the car, including every single maintenance appointment. At 67K miles, I had my fourth transmission installed. I am very upset, as neither the dealership nor corporate Acura will do anything to make this right. Ive purchased two consecutive extended warranties just to keep from going in the poor house. I strongly urge people to steer clear from the Acuras!

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  Perfect harmony of luxury, tech, and sport - 2007 Acura MDX
  By Facha - July 31 - 9:53 am

  I bought this SUV early July, and am loving every bit of the vehicle. My family members including myself are owners of 5 Lexus vehicles (2 ES, 2 GS, 1 SC) and I introduced the 07 MDX to the bunch. I have no complaints so far and I love the luxury feel of the inside with an awesome sport feel that I would not be able to get from the RX. I test drove several SUVs (Audi Q7, RX 350, BMW X5, Buick Enclave, Chevy Tahoe, looked at the LR3, GMC Acadia) and nothing came close to the drive and luxury that MDX offered. Navigation and voice commands for nav, climate and radio are by far the best.

• 

  One Sweet Ride! - 2003 Acura TL
  By G Wis - July 30 - 7:07 pm

  Performs great. Handles well, gas mileage is adequate (but uses highest octane) and the car has a nice sporty appearance. I drive this car to work daily.

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  All in one Champ - 2007 Acura MDX
  By Srid - July 30 - 6:01 pm

  Undoubtedly this is the best of its class vehicle with outstanding bang for the buck. I am into 3rd week of ownership, so my experience with it is minimal, but all for now I can observe and suggest that Acura improve the ride with more comfort or sportier. Either be more like comfy Lexus or sportier like BMW. Regardless, my experience is still minimal and as it stands I own an outstanding car.

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  2007 RL - 2007 Acura RL
  By stu - July 30 - 5:41 pm

  Just purchased my RL. Build quality equal to or better than Lexus. A great value with current market support. SH-AWD useful in all weather, not just snow. A smart looking car, however not screaming I am here. Had a 2004 TL and liked it, this is much more car. I hope resale is as good on this as it was on my TL. Also owned a 2001 BMW 525, no comparison. The BMW was more like my TL. RL does seem overpriced until you drive it.

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  Joy to drive - 2004 Acura TSX
  By evil - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Originally planned to purchase the TL but fell in love with the TSX. This car is a true joy to drive. The Inline 4 engine doesnt seem to match the class of car but it doesnt hold it back at all. The power of the car is definitely felt at higher rpms where it seems to come into its own. Acura has done an excellent job with the gear shift with the 6 speed manual. Clutch is nice and isnt even a pain when you are stuck in traffic. Handling is superb. The interior has been designed for comfort and is extremely luxurious. The dash is well designed and controls are easy to use. A great sporty sedan.