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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  Excellent vehicle - 2012 Acura TL
  By bradj7 - April 19 - 10:46 pm

  Previous Infiniti G, VW Passat and BMW 335 series owner (24 month leases). TL is impressively well balanced. At least in the 6MT, a great combination of sport, luxury and comfort. In true Honda/Acura fashion, there isnt one thing that glaringly stands out rather, when taken as a complete package, the engineers have clearly done their homework. Ive had issues with my most recent three sedans, yet, I really havent found significant short comings in the TL. Everyone talks about "German engineering" (why did my BMW get a new engine at 29K miles?) , but I think the TL is a better all-around car.

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  Dont be a Dummy from 3 Transmissions - 2002 Acura MDX
  By davesocal - April 18 - 2:58 pm

  Bought this MDX new with all options. At 55,000 had the transmission replaced using my extended warranty (1 month shy of expiration and any work done under the warranty or extension it is only good thru the end of the extension date, meaning I only had one month of warranty on the new transmission). This transmission died at 88,000 mi. 6k replacement from the dealer, which was whittled down to 2 thousand. This car has been babied thru the dealer servicing since purchase. Service managers admit the design is faulty. And mentioned I was lucky to get this much use before the transmissons died ! DO NOT PURCHASE THIS CAR USED !!! YOU WILL HAVE A PROBLEM !!!

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  A PLEASANT SURPRISE - 2012 Acura TL
  By gfortunato - April 15 - 11:43 am

  Test drove the Buick Lacrosse, the Volkswagen CC Coupe, Hyundai Genesis and Maxima. Although I liked the looks of others a little better, as soon as I drove this car I was sold! This car is just plain fun to drive...handling is awesome, rides nice and has great "tracking". Controls are easy as is the Nav system, sound system phenominal, along with comfy but supportive seats. Got 28.3 mpg on first trip...not bad for all that power that feels like a V-8 not a V-6. You cant beat this car for "bang-for-the-buck"

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  Excellent value for the money - but not perfect - 2012 Acura TSX
  By mtsn - April 10 - 1:58 pm

  I traded in an aging BMW X5 with a V8 that I loved but couldnt handle the expensive repairs any longer. The TSX with technology package is roughly $12-$15k less than a similarly equipped BMW, Audi, Mercedes and also $5-10k less than a similarly equipped Infiniti or Lexus. Ive been very pleased on the value the car offers for the price, but it definitely does not drive "German". The 4 cylinder noise is not pleasing the ear, but it does offer decent power and economy. The safety ratings are excellent, the sound system is very good, it has lots of standard equipment (xenons, leather, sunroof, bluetooth), and is a very solidly built car. I am happy with my purchase...but I still miss my BMW :)

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  1st Time Acura Owner - 2010 Acura TSX
  By luvcars32 - April 9 - 1:26 pm

  Just got my 1st Acura and couldnt be more impressed. I was going to stay in the Toyota family, but thought Id give Acura a try. I couldnt be more impressed. I love the interior and exterior style and quality. Ive had a BMW 328i and honestly, I like the TSX better. I needed a sedan, and Im glad I chose this one.

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  Disappointed- Inconvenient Car - 2012 Acura MDX
  By tcars1 - April 8 - 6:03 pm

  Had 3 months, car is not convenient, there are feature which make you wonder who thought of this? Obviously someone not driving but designing the car. If you get the car you will see what I mean. You can open the power lift gate with the key or with a button in the driver door but the power lift gate DOES NOT work with the truck button. Sure it releases the trunk and then you have to yank it up but its not powered…but is on the down slope. If you walk up to the car and it is open, you can’t simply hold all of your bags and “touch” the hatch door handle…no you have to open the trunk. You cannot open the power lift gate without first unlocking the entire car. Say you are at the stor

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  Great car for the money - 2012 Acura TSX
  By flyboiord - April 5 - 8:31 pm

  I ended my 2009 C300 lease and looked at the TSX when i found a zero down 313 a month lease 10k miles/yr and 36 months. The car is very nice for the price and i generally really enjoy it although there are some minor drawbacks. Coming from a 6 to a 4 is a downgrade. It sounds like any other japanese 4 which means its whiney. Although the gas miliage is excellent and exceeds expectations and has plenty of power for me. 25 in town and 33-37 on the hwy. The driver seat is just ok and it hits me a little high. i cannot seem to lower it enough to make it comfortable. The passanger is perfect however. The radio is average and the dash has some cheap looking plastic in places.

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  MDX - 2011 Acura MDX
  By babydo - April 4 - 11:27 pm

  I totally love my MDX, awswome suv. I feel very classy when i drive it...MY family and I are very happy with it.

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  MDX torque converter failures - 2010 Acura MDX
  By curious52 - March 29 - 3:40 pm

  There are many, many MDX owners out there who have experienced torque converter failures over the years from 2002 up to 2010. For newer models there has JUST been a recall, within the last month. New software needs to be installed by the dealer. Be sure to ask if this recall applies to your car. My TC was replaced two months ago in my 2010 vehicle. I find it interesting that only now has Acura accepted the fact that a general problem has existed across many years of the MDX production. This damages my long-time positive feelings about Acura automobiles.

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  ZDX... Whos this car designed for? - 2012 Acura ZDX
  By ericdise - March 25 - 8:51 am

  The most frequent question asked about the ZDX is "Why?" The automotive magazines and automotive websites all want to slot this car in the crossover category when just like the BMW X6, it just doesnt fit. Is this really a problem? I dont think so. This car is an able, capable, looker! It stands out in the crowd and always provokes favorable comments wherever I go. In a world where so few cars stand out (Mini Cooper, Fiat, Fisker are exceptions), the ZDX stands out and I love that aspect more than anything else. The ZDX is luxurious, well-equipped, and fun to drive. The Advance Package is recommended as the features aid the driver tremendously. This is a great vehicle but not for everyone.