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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  3.2CL Type S--Wonderful Vehicle - 2003 Acura CL
  By ejwe - March 4 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has extremely comfortable seats and has a reasonably quiet interior. The interior is put together quite well with very few rattles or squeaks. The independent suspension soaks up potholes. The vehicle is responsive and appears to be very quick for a vehicle of this class. The exterior styling may be a bit dated for those who desire the latest new look. CDs sound clear and the base is great.

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  Love the TSX - 2004 Acura TSX
  By UZ - March 3 - 10:00 am

  First new car. Previous was a maxima, which was a great car also. Like the TSX alot and is very fun to drive. Handles great, likes the corners. Highly recommended but also need to see how it handles once I get snows/rims on for the winter.

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  Good Things Come with Time - 2005 Acura RSX
  By EIS - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Acura IÂ’ve owned since my 1990 Integra coupe. I considered buying the RSX when it first came out but I was indifferent with its corky exterior styling. When I saw the 05 I knew I had to buy one. I think Acura did a stellar job at keeping this car unique yet giving it design cues from Integras of past. The quality of leather and overall interior feel has greatly improved; it feels more like an Acura now. If anyone is contemplating over a 04 and 05 definitely go with the 05, youÂ’ll thank yourself later.

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  Nuts and Bolts only - 2001 Acura CL
  By kcfox - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Why is the TL considered a gem yet the CL is only adequate. It is every bit as good as the TL. Smooth, sporty and luxury best define this auto. The v-6 is not for the timid.

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  Great buy - 2018 Acura RDX
  By E.K. - March 2 - 11:32 am

  I ve only had my SUV a month and I love it. It handles well in the freezing rain. Everything about it is great except for acceleration from starting point. Also it uses 91 octane or higher which is more costly. I find I have to go to gas up more often although I dont let it go below 1/4 of a tank. I drive a lot and dont want to run out in the middle of nowhere. Overall I think this is a good automobile and am enjoying it a whole lot. I would buy another.

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  Fantastic car so far - 2009 Acura TSX
  By doc067 - March 2 - 9:46 am

  I just bought this car last weekend, and so far I just love it and am having a blast driving it. The exterior design is sharp and unique. The interior is luxurious and relaxing. I live in Chicago, which is not known for having the best roads in the world, but the ride is as smooth as you can expect over some very rough surfaces. Despite what some reviewers are saying, I am very pleased with the handling of the car. I also love all of the tech features, even in my base model. The drivers seat memory has been especially useful. It seems that Acura thought of absolutely everything in this car. And you know its gonna be reliable. In this price range, I dont see how you could do better.

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  GSR - 1995 Acura Integra
  By RAYsmith530 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  i have had a lot of fun with this car and it is a blast to drive. i would suggest this car to everyone

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  Excellent Buy - 1991 Acura Integra
  By Pilsner - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1991 Integra in the summer of 1996 after owning a Dodge Daytona. As Im a ex farm boy from Saskatchewan Canada, my integra has had the pleasure of plowing through snow drifts, ripping up muddy roads, trips through the rocky mountains and two trips up to Alaska. After all this, the car is still as solid as my sisters 2002 RSX.

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  THE WORLDS BEST CAR - 1991 Acura NSX
  By lil m 2002 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This car has everything you ever want in a sports car. It is not only pushing some amazing horse,and is a fun car to drive. It also gives an exotic look, making you definatly stand out.Everything about it just turns you on. The speed,handling,RELIABILITY,comfort, and looks just make this car one to be druelled over.

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  The Definition of Precision - 2007 Acura TL
  By Bryan9130 - February 28 - 10:50 am

  Went from a 2004 BMW 330i 6M to the new TL Type-S 6M, and I love it! Also tested the G35s 6M, 335i and 328i, A4 2.0T Quattro and Lexus IS 350. I was leery about the FWD with 289 horses mated to it, but torque steer is minimal (and kind of fun), and it does not detract from performance. This car is more responsive and precise than the BMW was when it came to handing. The interior is much more spacious, comfortable, and user-friendly. Glad I made the decision on the Acura!