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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  A fun car with enough luxury to suit you - 2003 Acura TL
  By Norm F - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The is the most fun car I have owned since my 1980 RX7, but this car befits a middle-aged man with mostly grown kids who still wants to have fun. The navigation option is pricey but a real treat when needed. The DVDs arent updated often enough, however. My wife enjoys the comfort of the heated leather seats in the winter. Well, so do I. The sportshift is fun and engenders a feeling of control. I hate forced downshifting in certain acceleration situations, and the sportshift addresses that.

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  The Dream Car - 2003 Acura TL
  By Brooke - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had 2 Acura TLs and they are really one of the best cars. I have had several other cars such as an Audi, BMW and Lexus and I would go for my Acura over my other cars any day. This car has never failed us and really has good pick up and go. It is fun to drive. While the outside look is not the prettiest you sure can make it by adding 2 things...ground effects and a spoiler. It will not make your car look bad. If you wanna see what it looks like with them or have any other questions about this fine call...e-mail me at BRozell822@aol.com Good Luck!

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  Love That Honda Feeling! - 2003 Acura TL
  By Randooo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Acura TL/S as a replacement for my Nissan Maxima. The Acura handles better and has more "umph" than the Nissan. I dont think I would have been as happy if I had purchased the base model 3.2 TL, however the "S" gives extra kick and also keeps the driver in a more drivable position to negotiate those things that are unexepected in Atlanta driving. I will keep this car for some time and would like to see what Acura comes dreams up in the next few years for those baby boomers who require 4 doors, but appreciate sports-car-like- handeling.

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  Love it - 2003 Acura TL
  By comedypace - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is great!

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  Very sweet! - 2004 Acura TL
  By Jurybox4 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I replaced a 99 TL with the 04 model. The design, performance, and comfort are excellent. The voice controlled Navigation system is a huge step up. Also, voice can control the climate control, audio (with 5.1 surround and DTS, and wireless phone. Truly a technological marvel. Only complaint is that the engine seems to be at too low in RPMs at 50-60 mph and I feel vibration in the gas pedal. It is truly the first TL that performs as a sports sedan and does not disappoint. Technologically it is a joy (the mirrors even tilt down when you shift to reverse). At this point, I highly recommend.

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  bang for the buck - 2003 Acura TL
  By Acura owner - September 25 - 6:50 am

  for the price, you cant beat this car. Only a $100 increase over the 2002. The 2003 will sell fast at this price...

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  Just buy it - 2007 Acura MDX
  By vroooom - September 23 - 11:40 pm

  I bought a TL after I had a Pilot, needless to say, I missed the room. I have 2 small children. This is the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. Its powerful, quiet, refined, full of gadgets and so comfortable it pampers you. Im getting around 23 mpg (90% 75 mph interstate driving). No squeaks, no rattles. Beautiful taupe interior. My only complaint is the lack of automatic rear-view mirror. Acura, thank you!

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  Computer on Wheels - 2007 Acura TL
  By SR503 - September 23 - 12:06 pm

  This car is amazing especially considering the price. We looked at the IS 350 and the G35S, The TL Type S has more bang for the buck. It comes fully loaded with touches like a back up camera. WeÂ’ve had our TL for 3 weeks and have put 1000 miles on it. The fuel mileage did improve after the break in period, and is now averaging 22 mpg. This car is not only fast but very entertaining. If youÂ’re a techno geek, this car is for you. It has so many features it comes with 3 manuals. IÂ’m still learning the Nav system. Steering wheel controls for climate, radio, blue tooth phone and voice-activated Nav are great and add to safety. I find myself using two hands on the wheel more.

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  Luxury car at reasonable price - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Rich - September 22 - 1:51 pm

  The TSX is a great value for the critical buyer. The sharp styling and extremely nice lines make this car stand out in any crowd. The features that are all standard put other luxury cars to shame. Heated seats, heated mirrors, dual temp controls, xm sat radio, six disc in dash... the list seems endless. The performance is an added surprise for those of us that like a little kick out of driving. Handles like many past sports cars Ive owned. 100% satisfied.

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  Great satisfaction - 2005 Acura TSX
  By Bill - September 22 - 11:14 am

  After much research, purchased the Acura TSX. Have many compliments about design and overall appearance. It is a joy to drive. Interior and exterior is outstanding. Could be a bit better on gas mileage.