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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  2009 RDX - 2009 Acura RDX
  By EH - April 15 - 10:00 pm

  RDX is my first SUV. It has roomy interior and handles quite nice for its size. The ride quality is not for everyone since it is stiff sport suspension. Its supposed to be an entry level luxury SUV, but I dont really see that. Hope Acura pays little more attention to finish quality since interior rattle is really annoying.

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  Poor gas mileage! - 2008 Acura TSX
  By cj - April 14 - 5:22 pm

  Ive owned the TSX for a year now. Im surprised about the inadequate gas mileage. My daughter owns the 1986 model TL, and she gets much better gas mileage than me! A new car? I do like the handling and the driving experience though. The sunroof controls are out of place. The stereo could produce a more quality sound that is reflective of the Acura sound.

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  Qualtiy not good for price - 2008 Acura RDX
  By Kdog - April 13 - 12:38 pm

  I actually like this car, it handles well and has a lot of nice features. I have 23 months to go on my lease and will not purchase again. Too many rattles for a car at this price range. The gas mileage is horrible especially in the city, 17 mpg. I have taken it in twice and they seemed to fix one rattle but the other is still VERY audible. Overall somewhat disappointed.

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  I Always Loved Acuras - 2004 Acura RL
  By Trini-34 - April 11 - 11:00 pm

  This is my 5th Acura (I had 3 Legend and a 2000 RL). The Acura RL 2004 is an awesome car, the interior finish is beautiful. I enjoy using the voice activated Nav, OnStar, etc. The gas mileage is a little poor (compared to my 94 Acura legend GS model) but I can live with it. The smooth ride and reliability is a comfort. I think it has enough power for me 0 to 60 in 6.5 sec. The sound system is great. 6-disc in-dash CD player. Not a fashionable car but I am satisfied.

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  Mercedes to Acura - 2005 Acura TL
  By Retired Mercedes CLK - April 9 - 9:56 pm

  Although pretty, the Navigation stinks!! Has a very wide turning radius. Seats took a little getting used to, initially felt uncomfortable and hard. Handles pretty well and sturdy for a 6 cylinder. Pick up is slow, dont expect a sports vehicle or ride. I love the aesthetic appeal both inside & outside!! Its a cute car that reminds of a BMW 3-series. Overall, I recommend for the money even over the Mercedes.

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  Best Bang for your Buck! - 2009 Acura TL
  By CPR - April 6 - 2:45 pm

  Ive had a 98/CL, 01/CL, 05, & 09TL By far, the latest edition is superior Loved my 05, but the technology, ride & handling, blow it away. Best stock audio system available plays DVD Audio, CDs, Ipod interface, HDD (copies all 2 channel CDs), XM radio, AM/FM, etc. 445 Watts of pure bliss Ive heard nuances, on my DVD Audios, that didnt exist before. Cant find a better value, ANYWHERE!

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  Whatever happened to decent cars - 2005 Acura TL
  By MJL05 - March 31 - 10:24 pm

  I bought my Acura TL in September of 08, and after hearing all the positive things about them, I thought to myself that sounds like a great car to get. Dont get me wrong its not a piece of junk but since day one I have had more problems then my old car in the four years Ive had it. I recently thought of selling it or trading it for another car because the car is in the shop so often. You know all those annoying sounds you really dont like well thats my car for the most part. I bring it in the shop for a few problems and then more develop. This will be the last Acura I will buy in my life and Im only 21 thats pretty sad. Now Im losing money just to get another car not to hear the noises.

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  I guess Im a poser - 2001 Acura TL
  By keith - March 31 - 6:51 pm

  This is definitely a great car in every area except exterior design. Love the engine, gas mileage, Bose sound system, handling and build quality is superb. If I didnt have to look at it and think of a BMW M3, This would be the car for me. Think Ill trade it for one.

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  Great car, room for improvement - 2004 Acura TSX
  By genejockey777 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Great character this car has despite the NYTs review regarding lackluster "spirit". However admittedly the exterior needs a little more "wow" to match the wonderful powertrain and handling characteristics of this front-driver. If you like understated capability - that is, not going out of your way to draw attention to your confident self - then this is the vehicle for you. Great to drive in town and on the highway. Gas mileage does not seem to be as good as everyone claims, but maybe its just the way I drive it. Or perhaps the gas gauge is just more accurate than in my old GM vehicle. Some interior rattles noted.

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  my tl - 2004 Acura TL
  By joe lightner - March 31 - 10:00 am

  the tl is great. the biggest and only downfall that i can find with it is the fuel economy. im not getting any kind of mileage what so ever. also the car seems to have quite a few blind spots when looking to change lanes on the highway, but the styling and ride cant be matched by any other car that ive had the pleasure of owning or riding in.