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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  I love this car - 2000 Acura RL
  By Clarence - January 2 - 3:13 am

  I bought this car a year ago with 26000 miles on it. I have a 120 mile round trip commute to work and wanted something a little more comfortable than the Acura Integra I had (loved that car too and had no problems ever). I live in the DC metro area and you need to be able to get into traffic on the beltways and highways fast. This car has the power to do it. The comfort is nicer that some of the Mercedes Ive been in and when I test drove the Acura it was up against a Volvo and a Lexus. The Acura won hands down. There was no contest. My only complaint so far was a $650 repair bill for replacing the motor of a rear window. The parts were almost $400. Seems just a little excessive.

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  Over 100K miles and going for 200k! - 1999 Acura TL
  By AMTL - January 1 - 3:00 am

  I got is used in 2003 with 75K mis on it, now with almost 110k mis. Just put gas and drive, not much maintenance! Only changed A/C compressor at 100k mis. Acura and Honda owner for life!!!!!

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  This is IT! - 2005 Acura RSX
  By AU DC5 - December 31 - 7:42 pm

  I am absolutely THRILLED with my new RSX. I got the sporty type S. The 6 speed is incredibly smooth and easy to drive. This is my first manual transmission and Ive had no trouble. The engine is extremely powerful producing over 100 hp per liter (a very impressive engineering feat). Leather recaro seats are awesome. 6 disk bose cd system is very nice. Power at 5500 rpms all the way up to the 8000 rpm redline is astounding for an engine this small. Will outrun pre 99 mustang GTs and runs nearly neck and neck with the pre 05 mustangs. Not bad considering they have an engine HALF the size of the ponycars! This car is a dream for the budget minded driving enthusiast!

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  Great Vehicle! - 2003 Acura TL
  By 1HappyGuy - December 31 - 1:45 pm

  After driving this car for two years we still love it. When we were in the market for a second car we returned to the same dealer and purchased another Acura, this one an RSX. Solid vehicles, no problems and great service. Would do it all over again.

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  Awesome car for speed/handling - 2005 Acura TL
  By Katie - December 31 - 8:30 am

  Awesome car for the price. Has all the bells and whistles. Accelerates beautifully and drives smooth.

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  Love my MDX! - 2004 Acura MDX
  By DebbieM - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I am not a car enthusiasist, but I love the MDX! Drove it 1600 miles shortly after getting it & it performed well & was very comfortable (even for my 65" husband who hates cramped spaces). I like it too because although it is attractive -- it isnt showy. Weve never owned an Acura before, but I suspect this is not our last one! (PS - our golden retriver loves any vehicle, but our little "uppity" dogs even love it!)

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  TL - 2004 Acura TL
  By 04TLOWNER - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle Acura has built to date. Handling, performance, power, and technology are awesome. AND it can not be touched for the features/price comparison. Nobody and I mean NOBODY can give you this high a quality automobile and be within 6k of the TL.

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  2004 Acura TL - 2004 Acura TL
  By luscioman - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Incredible car. The interior is well designed and easy to use. Power is always there. The handling is not to tight but it is not a race car so it is perfect.

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  grrreat value for a first car - 2002 Acura RSX
  By insect - December 30 - 8:36 pm

  My first "real" car is a blast to drive. Enough power/torque to keep anyone happy. Interior is designed perfectly. Stock sound system is also a plus.

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  Great Little Car! - 2005 Acura RSX
  By Racehorse - December 30 - 2:36 pm

  Perhaps the best small car I have owned! Built tight, like a little watch. Performance, handling, steering, visibility, power, quality, Honda put it all together on this one. A blast to drive. Goes exactly where you point it. Accelerates good just running up to 6000 rpm, but then youve got 2000 more on top of that!