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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  RSX IS A GREAT BUY - 2005 Acura RSX
  By Alex - June 2 - 1:45 pm

  This cars is my second honda purchase, my first being a civic dx in 99. I love veything about hondas reliability with my first car and now the RSX Type S has added great handling, incredible pick up, great high end speeds, and an appearance second to none. I would suggest this car to anyone who really enjoys driving a little too fast a little to often. As far as maintance i have had none which is right in line with hondas reputation. GO BUY IT TODAY!!

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  Optimum - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Prinkle - June 1 - 9:33 pm

  I like economy but wanted to step up to a leather car for the first time. My previous car, a 626 (5m) was a satisfying experience. I kind of thought about a leather accord, but am glad I did the TSX. I like the 205 hp 4cyl and the nav. Did a road trip and an actual measurement of mpg. Got 35 mpg measured with 37mpg measured on the outbound (downwind) leg. My first experience with computer controlled automatic shifting. I like it! It has some spring in its step. It aint gonna out pace a mustang, but it is a pretty peppy little 4cyl. Almost a luxury car. Almost a sport sedan. Almost an economy car. To some, that might sound like too much compromise. But to me it is the stuff of optimum.

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  great, reliable car - 2002 Acura TL
  By lda - June 1 - 6:38 pm

  Fun to use in town, very good for long trips

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  Best Japanese car out there! - 2017 Acura ILX
  By Kane - May 31 - 6:46 pm

  My 2017 ILX, The day I was looking for a car. I scrambled from plenty of vehicles! First the Civic but to slow, Camry but no features, Rogue but too pricey, Sonata but too slow and expensive. Than I fell in love with my ILX, It was the best car I have driven out of all the four cars I listed. I drive 45 minutes from my house to Manhattan and it was saving me money and was a quiet and comfortable ride. I had a 2012 Passat SEL but I had so many problems and waste so much money that If I add all the maintenance prices plus the passat I could have boughten I Lexus or BMW, So I got the ILX. I had this for 2 years and no problems and at all. Its fast, reliable, fuel efficient and the money is worth it! My wife truly loves our ILX and I will hold on to it forever.

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  Everything I always wanted - 2002 Acura MDX
  By bphill - May 30 - 4:12 pm

  This vehicle truly has the best of all worldsÂ’ ex.style, comfort, luxury, performance, and fuel efficient. Not to mention that the sound system is top notch (even has a sub). My wife and I both are very pleased all around. The next vehicle I buy will be a newer version of the MDX. The only thing I wish I had in this one is the navigation option. The next one I buy will have the navigation and dvd entertainment.

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  Ownership - 2005 Acura TL
  By Silverthorn - May 30 - 9:13 am

  The Navigation system is the best that I have ever seen or used. The XM Satellite radio is a pleasant feature, particularily if you drive long distances or have a long commute. Visibility when backing is a bit restricted, which is the only short coming, if any. Sport car acceleration, steering and handling. Every appointment except headlight washers and exterior turn indicators on the side mirrors. Side moldings are extra, but well worth it. I really enjoy driving this automobile. Replaced an Infiniti Q45, so although downsized, did not surrender much. I highly recommend it. A lot of car for the money when compared to comps in BMW, Volvo, Infiniti etc.

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  STILL HAPPY WITH IT - 2005 Acura TL
  By JOEY - May 29 - 6:43 am

  after 33,000 Im still satisfied with the car. The problem area was memory seat and moisture inside the headlights. But after being replace no more problem. I would have love to have a FX35 but it was out of my range maybe next time when my least is up. For the money this is a great car. If you shop around you can buy this car close to invoice $30,300 or less so do your homework. Compare that to a C class or a 3 series and G35 and the TL is a great value and a great resale when your ready to sell it.

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  Die hard GM man converted by my RSX ! - 2005 Acura RSX
  By GRNTYPE-S - May 28 - 10:54 am

  Im 51 and this is the 1st import I have ever owned. The car is amazing! The ride is smooth and the road feel is taught, but not "stiff". You can nail the gas pedal and hear it just come to life like a wild animal or take it out for a quite cruise at 70 while playing Motzart. The body style is unlike anything else on the road. And the quality and attention to detail is unsurpassed at this price. The Chevy Cobalt Supercharged version is in the same price range. But look closely... it doesnt hold a candle to the quality of the RSX Type-S.

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  Luxurious Ride - 1997 Acura TL
  By Jenny - May 28 - 3:01 am

  I bought my 1997 Acura 2.5 TL in 2004. The paint has held up wonderfully with a great topcoat. The sleek design is very desirable to most. No cracks or problems with the leather interior. Very little maintenance problems. A very luxurious ride. I am very pleased.

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  Great sporty coupe - 2005 Acura RSX
  By Richard - May 28 - 2:51 am

  Not much interior space to work with, but thats what you get with a sporty coupe. Great handling and steering and interior leather. A pleasure to drive.