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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  Great car - 2010 Acura TSX
  By floridadriver - July 27 - 10:57 am

  I moved to this car from a 2001 f150, and love it. I have had it about a week now and have no complaint. Ride is smooth and seats are great. I have no issue with the brakes or any interior rattling. The 4 cyl is great, awesome gas mileage, its a little sluggish but if you get the 4 its for the mpg not autobahn racing and still fun to drive with the paddle shifters! All in all I am very happy with this car.

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  Okay for me. - 1998 Acura TL
  By Christy - July 26 - 5:02 pm

  I bought my Acura used five years ago. In that time I have replace the timing belt, had the engine overhauled and the transmission overhauled (costing several thousand dollars), replaced the pulley system for the alternator and the windows are having trouble rolling down or up and the paint is flaking off. I do realize that its an older car now, but the repairs are really starting to be too much. Otherwise, the car runs great when its running and sounds great. Pretty good horse power though gas mileage is only about 21 mpg. Not great, but its okay.

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  Perfect blend of Luxury and Economy - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Str8sh0otr - July 25 - 10:01 pm

  I came to this car from an 03 Maxima wanting something a little more luxurious and better on gas. Mission accomplished. This car has been wonderful. The standard options on this car make it a great value. I have friends with Mercedes C300 and BMW 3 series. I have driven/ridden in all these cars many times and I am glad I saved all that money. There is really nothing comparable in this price range.

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  Acura Puts the "Sport" in an "S"UV - 2010 Acura MDX
  By octavian - July 21 - 4:23 pm

  I traded in an 2001 MDX for this SUV. It offer the best price/performance in this category. Punch it, it goes. It is also not a car for the technology-challenged individual. It is packed with so much stuff, including adaptive speed control, blind side sensors, heated and cooled front seats, bluetooth, you name it. I dont get the issue with too many buttons. The dash is well laid out. Awesome suspension. And tight corners it does very well, with sport suspension turned on. I was taking corners like I was in a tl. Ok, not quite as fast, but unbelievable for a 2 ton SUV.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Acura RSX
  By CaliPatriot88 - July 20 - 11:24 pm

  I drove the Honda Integra when I was in Japan and loved it so much I bought the USDM version the RSX. I couldnt afford the type s though so I bought the luxury base model. A great car fast and nimble on the highway, it loves going fast and loves taking corners. Great on gas, run on premium and youll get some faster acceleration out of it.

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  Very good car - 2005 Acura TSX
  By sam - July 20 - 12:04 am

  Hi! everyone I just like to tell you guys that this car that I have TXS is one of the best cars that I ever have I take I trip from Maryland to Mexico back and for and the car it was excellent I wish I had this car before and just change oil and gas and I have no problem I know guys to repair this car it cost a lot of money but it worth every penny that you spend.

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  Sporty ride & look with luxury comfort - 2010 Acura TL
  By JParn - July 18 - 6:56 pm

  TL is the perfect car for my tastes - sporty, great ride/handling, but all the luxury and creature comforts. I couldnt be happier with it. Its a luxury car with sports car feel and look.

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  NSX = Fun For Driving Enthusiasts - 1991 Acura NSX
  By Pat - July 18 - 6:42 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 years and never cease to have fun while driving it. It always pleases and never disappoints. Although it was 18 years old when purchased, after only a few maintenance items (suspension, brakes and dealer recommended engine maintenance) and a little TLC, the car runs and drives like new. It is now 20 years old and starts and drives like it came off the showroom floor. The engine has 119,000 miles and never skips a beat, even at the 8000 RPM red line. Incredible!

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  2010 vs 2009 - 2010 Acura MDX
  By brian - July 18 - 12:21 am

  Owned 2009 for 14 months and put on 23k was not impressed with overall quality i.e. both front Windows squealed when rolling down and wheel bearings replaced traded in for 2010 and what a difference the new 6 speeds trans is wonderful definitely glad I gave Acura another try base model purchased in libertyville il 39,500+ttl

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  Well balanced and fun to drive! - 2007 Acura RDX
  By jjc - July 14 - 10:24 pm

  We just got this car used several weeks ago and are thrilled with it! It is very fun to drive and has a nice kick. The car is a great balance of size, speed, practicality, and fun. Plus, it looks sharp and is fast! Both my wife and I love it.