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:

• 

  Nice car, but a four cylinder - 2005 Acura TSX
  By CFS - August 3 - 10:36 pm

  I was talked into buying this car by my brother - he wanted me to have something "reliable". I have no real complaints about it other than the headlights - they have to be turned on and off and the halogen headlights have other drivers constantly flashing their lights at me - thinking I have my brights on when I dont. Also, you cant open the windows when its raining because the water comes in. Its quick for a four cylinder but too slow for my taste (I drove Pontiac Bonnevilles for years and am now wishing I had purchased another one.) Ill be trading it in after two years for a faster car. I got better gas mileage on the highway with my Bonnevilles than I do with this vehicle.

• 

  Acura Tops (AGAIN!) - 2005 Acura MDX
  By Goulet - August 3 - 7:47 pm

  I traded out of a 97 CL to the 04 MDX and couldnt be happier. Although it was a sad day, it was a happy day also. Recently drove to NC from MA for the US Open and it was a most pleasant drive. Navigation system helped us avoid all the DC traffic on our non-stop trip home. The auxillary hook ups in the rear allow for a iPod to be installed and played continuously for hours (miles). Love my MDX, just wish that there was a way to get a upgrade to get the bluetooth tecnology installed in the 04. Currently dont know of this being available, but other than that, its a GREAT CAR. Im an Acura man for LIFE!

• 

  Nice Type-S - 2007 Acura TL
  By JEY - August 3 - 7:46 pm

  Traded a 2002 Audi A6 for the Acura. Although not as luxurious as the A6, the Type-S is a whole lot more fun and rewarding to drive. The engine is one of the best and pulls strongly at any speed. I wanted a nice blend of sport and luxury and the front wheel drive Type-S does this very well.

• 

  ACURA MDX TOURING w/NAVI - 2005 Acura MDX
  By Wade - August 3 - 12:12 pm

  This is a nice looking vehicle, the navigation system is by far the best in the industry. It is a better value for the money than other luxury SUVs. The interior styling is kinda cheap looking with the fake wood grain. If you need headroom this is not the vehicle for you. Can not believe I had to order and pay for body side mouldings extra. If you tow anything over 4,500 pounds you will not be able to do it with the MDX. Would love to see Acura offer chrome wheels, would look so much better than the standard alloy, looks weird since the door handles are chrome.

• 

  Im lovin it - 2005 Acura RL
  By richard m - August 3 - 3:44 am

  I use my RL for my short commute to work, and taking the family around the town, its just terrific. It has every feature that I need, and a lot I will never use. The 6 cylinder engine puts out more than ample power. This is a great car and i would recommend it to anyone who can afford its steep price.

• 

  Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By Acura RL - August 3 - 12:32 am

  If you want to be pampered, this is the car to purchase. Though not short in performance, its strength is its smooth effortless ride and its on board technology. Best navigation package in the market with a full compliment of voice activated systems.

• 

  Built Just For Me - 2005 Acura MDX
  By EWD - August 2 - 9:23 pm

  I am a tall driver (64")and always must "try on" an automobile for fit in head,leg and foot room, steering wheel positioning and instrument and control visibility and convenience. The MDX fits me almost perfectly. I could use a little more room for my left foot, but head and leg room are great. instruments and controls are conveniently located and visibility is excellent. For me it has smooth acceleration, a firm but not harsh ride and a confidence building feel of the road. Cargo space is excellent and thirdf row seating comfortable for the occasional need to transport my four grand kids and two adults. Pleasing exterior styling that I think beats anything else on the road.

• 

  Highly recommended after 1 year - 2004 Acura RSX
  By fausto - August 2 - 3:42 pm

  Ive had this car for 25,000 miles. Bought it brand new. Have had a few minor rattles (dash, heat shield, both fixed) and a window motor was replaced. Other than that, the car has been trouble-free. I mean, its a Honda. Performance wise, it handles great now that Ive replaced the stock tires with good ones. Its as fast as a WRX but gets 32+ mpg no matter how hard you drive. The steering and shifting are paticularly nice. However the 6-speed tranny (with triple cone synchros) definitely shifts best in the hands of an experienced driver. Overall, I compared the RSX to the WRX, Mini Cooper S, STI, Audi A4, 350Z and RX-8 and Im very, very glad I got the RSX.

• 

  I love this car! - 2004 Acura TL
  By drknapp - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. I test drove the G35 also and liked it too. But when I drove the TL I fell in love with it. Its interior is much nicer, The radio far exceeds the one in the G35. This car is just a blast to drive. I just cant seem to stop smiling.

• 

  Love my car but hoping for the best - 2004 Acura TL
  By mejpj - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car three weeks. Bought it on a Saturday and had to bring it back by Tuesday. I have had to bring it in twice; navigation system has stopped functioning twice but now been promised a new navi, and also has had a lot of crackling noises in the interior. They also had to redo my ground effects bec it wasnt fitted right. ItÂ’s a fun car to drive and lots of power and very stylish. So far, I have been treated well by the service department but I do want my car in "NEW" condition. Now, I am banking on ACURAs reputation, reliability and quality to be as good as they say they are.