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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  honda/acuras best car ever - 1991 Acura Legend
  By marcus - May 26 - 2:57 am

  I bought this car from a private seller back in march 03. It was a little beat up on the inside, but it ran like a jewel. I had to replace some things mainly due to age - at that point it was 11 and now its 14 and runs better than ever. The interior design is better than a lot of younger cars on the road today and the exterior design is timeless. People mistake my 91 for a 2000 or 2002! The Bose system was okay I soon replaced it after I bought it just because I wanted to and I couldnt add any subs or anything to the system without blowing the speakers. Other than that the car is an absolute gem. Highly recommend this for a first car for a teenager.

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  Still a dedicated owner after a Decade - 1993 Acura Legend
  By Michele Lisor - May 25 - 6:07 pm

  It was purchased originally in 1996 from a family member then transfered to me so it has been well kept for quite sometime. Maintaining the vehicle has been average tires are not fun to purchase due to specialized size. But I still say, "Luuuuv my car!" I am having a fuel system issue. When I turn key to start, once Ive let go of key it does not stay running. If key is continuously turned to the start position it wants to turn over but will not stay running.

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  Fun car to drive - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Jason - May 25 - 4:08 pm

  This is the 5th car Ive bought (all new), and my second Acura. This TSX satisfy me the most. With this price, the luxury features and look, the performance and handling are much more than what I expected.

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  Sold my 2007 TL for the TSX - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Bob Jamesson - May 24 - 8:16 pm

  I had a 2007 Acura TL with only 11,000 miles on it. I sold it and am glad I bought the 2009 TSX. Its quieter, handles better and the gas mileage is much improved : I went from averaging 20mpg to 28mpg. Thats an approximate savings of almost $600 annually based on the 10,000 miles I drive. The TSXs looks are complimented by people that see the vehicle. Its an all around enjoyable car to drive and as much as I liked my TL, I like my TSX better.

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  Great car for the money - 1997 Acura TL
  By 3.2 premiun - May 21 - 10:04 pm

  Just bought a used TL with 73000 miles. The car looks great and has all the features you can ask for $8500. My only complaint is that I had to have the starter replaced at 74000 miles, and the starter for this car is pretty expensive considering its a honda ($550). I also notice when I park slowly I can hear the gas swishing in the gas tank, it also seems like the fan always turns on when the car turns off. Otherwise the car is very fun to drive. It handles great, the interior and exterior look great.

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  RSX NON-type S! - 2005 Acura RSX
  By Bill - May 20 - 10:39 am

  I love this car! Its the perfect combination of fun to drive and all around comfort for the daily commute. At first I was skeptical because the good press has surrounded the Type S version. However, if you need a fun to drive car that is comfortable for commuting (and every day life outside the track world), the standard RSX model is the way to go. Opt for the leather to take the comfort level up a step further. Also, the standard RSX model does not need premium fuel- the Type S does. So at an average of 27 MPG (city), thats one more accolade the automotive media has missed on this little brother of the Type-S.

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  Excellent Car - 1997 Acura CL
  By Bunny - May 19 - 4:40 pm

  I like the fast engine and the nice styling and interior ... I love the transmission and definitely the relability. Clocking this 3.0 with 200 horsepower to 60 takes only 7.2 seconds ... which I love.

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  Acura is accurate - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Bryan - May 19 - 4:55 am

  I owned a Honda civic which I loved, especially the gas mileage. after an accident, i decided to purchase a "03 Acura RSX that was traded into my dealership. I save some money buying used, and so far, no regrets. This car is fun to drive, fun to look at, and fun to personalize. This is my first Acura, and Ive owned 2 Hondas. I definetly recommend this car. The only downside is the fuel economy. Not the best, I average about 250 miles to a full tank using supreme. I think my tank is 11 gallons, and even though i drive fast at times, the gas goes quick.

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  We just love it - 2007 Acura TL
  By tomtrav - May 17 - 8:26 pm

  Our first acura after having 3 maximas. Maximas were all good cars but cannot compare to the TL. It just seems so much more refined, interior comfort is great and the ride is less harsh than our maxima se. Only have it for a month but so far, were very pleased.

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  My Dream Car - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Buckeyegirl - May 17 - 7:23 pm

  I finally got my dream car. It rides so smooth for me. The only thing I didnt care for was the front grille, I like the front of the 2008 better, but Im getting used to it I never forget to fasten my seatbelt it wont let me haha.