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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  WOW - 2005 Acura RSX
  By TCraftyL - May 1 - 11:55 am

  Just got my RSX a few weeks ago, and WOW! Its perfect for someone who wants a hot sports car but not something overly flashy. I was worried that the 160 horsepower engine wouldnt give me as much "go-power" as my last, 190 horsepower car, but thats not a problem. This little thing can go! I would have like to get the Type-S instead with 210 horsepower, but unfortunately I didnt like the wheels OR the spoiler that comes factory installed on the Type-S. Acura should consider changing them or making them options. To sum it up - this car is hot!

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  TSX 2004 - 2004 Acura TSX
  By ashlim - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Over the past nine months since I bought my new TSX the driving experience has been awesome. Its entirely made in Japan. I guess that sure makes a difference. I have driven the Accord V6 before I bought this car and there is definitely a difference in handling especially the turns. To test it I drove at 65 mph on a circular ramp and car didnt even flinch. That speaks volumes on the design and aerodynamics. Those of you still thinking should I or shouldnt I dont hesitate. Take action: Buy it. This is my honest opinion. This is a keepre for me. I got a white one. Its head turner on the roads.

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  Accura Go too - 2004 Acura TL
  By Richone - April 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the best Auto I have ever owned or driven including a couple of Cadillacs and Mercedes. I am sold on Accura

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  TL-S 2003 vs TL Navi 2004 - 2004 Acura TL
  By Gilles Gue - April 28 - 10:00 am

  More fun , a big difference

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  Good balance of luxury and price - 2009 Acura TSX
  By RBH - April 27 - 9:53 pm

  Lots of professional reviews say it is underpowered, but coming from a Volvo 850, the TSX is a bit more spirited than that car, it has enough power for me. Engine is smoother than I thought a I4 would be.

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  TL: Tech Tour de Force - 2006 Acura TL
  By Redirector - April 26 - 1:50 pm

  Tested: A3, M35, Passat V6. M has even more tech, but is +$14k. Passat is fast, but dealers not so good, reliability suspect. A3 drove great, a little small. TL best use of HP, Lux, Sport, Tech. Quiet, fast, smooth; roomy, beautiful tan interior. 31mpg hw! Navi better than M (note: TSX, RL have newer "firmware", more voice commands, Zagat). Voice recog. is accurate; Map is intuitive, not bossy, or verbose! Fast recalc; can input by point/clicking on distant cities for routes; Displays logos. Dials #s found on Nav w/Handsfree Cell. Stereo/XM Sat has stunning clarity. Dealer: "free tires for life"; car washes; loaners. Must spend $50k to top TL. Use $ for DVD-As, bluetooth cell!

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  New to Acura by gail - 2007 Acura MDX
  By New acura owner - April 26 - 2:50 am

  Researched the 07 MDX a lot before purchasing. It was worth the wait. The 07 interior is much nicer than the 06. We bought the Sport package and the leather upgrade was worth the price. This car has a lot of pep and wants to go. Cant wait to take it on a trip. The more you drive it, the more you like it.

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  TLX Outstanding Value - 2018 Acura TLX
  By MJLx2 - April 26 - 2:47 am

  We’ve all heard / seen commercials urging comparison to competitive products “costing thousands of dollars more” .... well the TLX AWD V-6 w the Advance package truly offers a fully loaded car for thousands less than other mid-size premium cars. (In some cases for many, many thousands less.). Coupled w advanced safety and tech features, the car provides a smooth, comfortable and very quiet ride ... almost no wind or road / tire noise. The seats are very comfortable and the Advance package offers a driver’s power seat extension feature. For a taller guy that’s a much appreciated feature. My only nicks per se are the back seat leg room is a bit tight, trunk springs could be a bit stronger and the 9-speed trans is not as silky smooth as my previous car ( Audi A6). That said, the V6 AWD provides plenty of power and confident handling. The car is tight and feels solid. At 75mph the engine / trans are only turning 1,500 rpm! And, Acura finally dumped the beak grill got a modern, attractive and premium looking grill for the car making it a great looking car. When considering the price ($43,200 after Acura rebate) advanced safety, tech features and build quality this car is an outstanding value.

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  Excellent Value - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Mark1 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I looked at a number of cars in this class. Part way through my search I was sure Id go with the Celica, but I changed my mind after seeing and driving the RSX. I went back to drive the Celica again, and although I have nothing bad to say about it, I saved about $2000 on the RSX and got ABS, side airbags, and a car that has done the best in its class whenever it is reviewed. The best for less -- cant beat that!

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  Just got it - Already love it!!! - 2003 Acura TL
  By Denhe - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Just got my TL-S with navi and it is an amazing car. Great accelleration, completely loaded, fun toys all in a family car package for just over $30K. Cant say enough good things about this car. Also, Precision Acura made the purchase process and negotiation completely painless. Great Dealer!!