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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  Theres nothing like a Honda product - 2001 Acura TL
  By Russell2372 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  While Acuras in general do not rate well with critics due to their conservative styling, a quick sample of user opinions will give you ample reasons to purchase one. They are a Honda product and are unmatched in quality and reliability. This is my second Acura over the last 12 years as I previously owned a Vigor. In that span I have had no mechanical problems other than routine maintainence. It also helps that I have had very favorable experiences with my local dealership. The service has matched the quality of the vehicle.

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  RL-Refined Luxury - 2004 Acura RL
  By Bucciarelli - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Last year for this body style for the 04 Acura RL so you can negotiate a great price on the flagship Acura car. It is fully loaded including navigation system, OnStar, heated seats, XM Radio and real wood trim. This car may not turn heads with its dated body style but it will provide you a luxurious, quiet, and spacious ride while providing years of quality and enjoyment from the precision craftsmanship.

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  Even Better Than the Last TSX! - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Rick - July 15 - 12:10 pm

  The new 2009 TSX is great. The car has paddle shifters, iPod USB download up to 2000 song directly to the car. It has weather forecasts. I love the way it drives and the way it looks. Its a winner!

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  Best car for the money - 2004 Acura RL
  By Douglas Don Carlos - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, luxo cruiser, built like a tank, excellent dealer service...I love this car..Great leather intirior, I beet the hell out of my cars...this think is tough...

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  How I Love My RSX!! - 2002 Acura RSX
  By holyuntogod - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is phenomenal, I would sincerely recommend this automobile to anyone who is in the market...There is ample space for at least 4 and plenty of cargo room. As far as performance, it has exceeded my expectations daily. There is no car in its class that comes close in comparisons, PERIOD!!

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  Ride quality - 2007 Acura TL
  By wepawn - July 13 - 12:46 am

  This is my 3rd consecutive Acura (01CL, 04TL, 07TL S-type). i was not satisfied with the ride on the 04TL, and replaced the OEM tires with top line Bridgestones. ride improved dramatically. My 07 S-type has a harsh ride with the OEM tires. I realize it has a beefed suspension, but a tire change might be in order. Otherwise I am delighted with the new Acura TL S-type. It is an awesome vehicle in all respects.

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  My RSX - 2002 Acura RSX
  By Ian Macomber - July 12 - 9:00 pm

  You can not go wrong with this car. They only reason to not get it is because you are not fond of its appearance.

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  Best Bang For Your Buck - 2003 Acura TL
  By JV - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a 2003 TL-S three days ago. Having a great time with it so far. Great handling, speed, ride, everything. Had a 94 Integra, so obviously a huge difference. Sport shift is fun, more to amuse myself than anything. But seriously, it is a lot of car for the price. Not too many gadgets to play with like others in its class, but that is a good thing.

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  Best overall auto experience to date - 1992 Acura Legend
  By ErnestW - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Well made vehicle, quality mechanical components (except as noted). Understated cache. Built to compete with Lexus in luxury but perhaps never achieved the brand recognition of Lexis so this means lots of car for the money for you.

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  2001 Integra LS - 2001 Acura Integra
  By allaprima99 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Excellent driving car with excellent maintenance record.