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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  Awesome automobile - 2006 Acura TSX
  By Rich - October 30 - 1:30 am

  I am so happy that I decided on buying the TSX. I also looked at BMW 325i, Audi A4, Lexus IS250 & Subaru WRX. The Acura TSX was simply the best value, and was in itself a truely awesome car. THat coupled with the Acura warranty & customer care made me jump for it.

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  Best Acura - 2008 Acura TL
  By acura` - October 28 - 1:50 pm

  Handles better than the BMW, more reliable than the G and sexier than the IS. Great car.

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  My Acura - 1995 Acura Integra
  By CRAZYCANUK - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1995 integra LS 5 months ago. I love it. So far Ive added a Ractive cold air intake, 9mm ignition wires and a Perdetor 3001 alarm system. In the near future headers, exaust, under pullys, msd ignition, NOS, tires and rims.(Im looking for a used set of rims 17x7, email me if anyone is selling!) The only problem Ive had is the power anntenna broke twice (Design flaw) when the radio is on and the hatchback is open it gets stuck and breaks when you close it. Ive replaced it with a 14 rubberized anntena. Its fun to drive, and handles as good as any car on the road.

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  thoughtful design, great value - 1999 Acura TL
  By 99TLowner - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I test drove several late-model used vehicles in this price range--Infinity I-30, Maxima, VW Passat, Mazda Millenia, Toyota Camry V6. The Acura had the best combination of sportiness, refinement, and solid feel. The equipment for the money is remarkable-- the Acura actually sold for less as a new vehicle than just about any of the others I tested, but it was a little higher as a used car (less depreciation) and worth it! I cant really describe the feeling of driving the car (my wife calls it "purposeful"), but I can say that after driving all these other vehicles the Acura stood out as the most desirable.

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  Very Happy! - 1990 Acura Legend
  By C Powers - October 27 - 1:00 am

  I really enjoy my Acura. It is comfortable, roomy, and really gets up and goes. The only problem I have had has been due to a faulty electronic board and also that there are no cup holders.

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  A Great Car - 2004 Acura TSX
  By Northern Bill - October 26 - 10:00 am

  After comparing the Mazda 6S, VW Passat GLS 1.8T and the 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT, he TSX was the clear choice. The other vehicles are good cars its just as a overall package the TSX is the winner. The TSX is not as quick as the turbo Legacy or Mazda 6 but fast enough to be entertaining trust me. The engine is silky smooth, the manual tranmission is excellent, the interior is luxurious and is rapped in handsome body (think mini TL). As one automotive reviewer put it " you dont have to hit homeruns to win the game". I could go on and on about the car but will end this by saying that if you are in the market for a sporty sedan give the TSX a look.

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  Best Luxury SUV in the class - 2008 Acura MDX
  By wtliao - October 26 - 6:36 am

  This is my first SUV after driving sedan for 15 years. MDX drives like a sports car! Love SHAWD handling and ride quality is comfy and quiet. The 5-speed auto transmission works flawlessly. I shouldve bought the sport package for sportier ride and sexy sport rims but we figure save additional 2K for my kidsÂ’ education funds. Navigation system is easy to use with voice recognition system. I think its the best luxury SUV in this class for a 45K value! Complaints: Bluetooth phonebook import only works for very limited cell phone models. Gas mileage isnt great, only 17 city/21 highway, but its a trade off for 300HP & SHAWD, I will never regret.

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  I love this car - 1991 Acura Integra
  By jrp4000 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is fast, fun and a joy to drive. Its reliability is 100% and over 155,000 TOUGH miles, it has never let me down. (Not a lot of miles, but every one driven to the fullest.) The only reason my rating of this car doesnt come out higher, is because at 6 foot 4, I have to say it was built to someone smaller. Im also sorry to say that with the second kid on the way, the two-door will have to go. I will be sad to get rid of it.

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  L. R. 3.5RL review - 2000 Acura RL
  By lee r. - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I am 75 years of age, and this is without question the best car I have ever driven. Plus, it has never taken back to the dealer for any maintenance problem.

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  great suv - 2002 Acura MDX
  By mrandall - October 23 - 2:56 am

  extremely solid and well built