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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  Scratch Scratch Scratch - 2007 Acura RDX
  By Robert Small - September 15 - 6:33 am

  I drove a Volvo for 12 years and needed a change. The Acura attracted me because it was small. I also owned a Honda in the past. The car handles well and dazzles but there is absolutely no body protection. Its a joke. Everytime we park, the car boasts a new ding or dent. They should think about some body trim.

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  Acura Integra 2000 - 2000 Acura Integra
  By Ani K - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The best car that I have driven to date. Smooth ride, solid handling. No complaints whatsoever. I could keep this car forever!!

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  Love the car for the money - 2004 Acura RSX
  By AEGuy683 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  After all the positive reviews and my old car dying, I purchased one. I am almost 100% satisfied with it. 200hp is a lot for a 4 cylinder but more companies are coming close to that and there are many v6 and v8s out there that will outrun even the Type S. Insurance is sky high on this car, a little fact I wish I had known prior to buying. Its very fun to drive, the cockpit is designed well, all buttons in reach and easy to use. Love the 6- disc in dash cd player. I have yet to get the factory suggested mpg though.

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  MDX is Great!!!!!! - 2004 Acura MDX
  By Mommys Ride - September 15 - 2:00 am

  My MDX is great! I upgraded from an Acura TL which was also fabulous. The only complaint I have with this vehicle is the braking system. The brakes always seem worn out. I have had them adjusted and tightened several times but still no better. I was told by Acura that this is an ongoing problem for this vehicle and that they are aware of it and trying to come up with a solution. (They dont tell you this at the dealership when shopping for a vehicle) Besides that I love the car. Gas mileage could be a little better only getting 22 highway 16 city. Definately a good buy for the money. Will never switch from Acura!

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  Very Nice - 2004 Acura RSX
  By Diment Singh - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my baby for 6 months and so have nothing but praise for it. The only problem Ive had was with the engine light coming on but this was due to me not securing the gas cap tightly. remember it has to click three times...

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  Best Auto I have ever owned - 2004 Acura MDX
  By Carla M - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy not only the ride and comfort but I love the navigation system and the back up camera. I feel safe and comfortable. I sell real estate and even my customers comment on how nice it looks and feels. The back seats sit up or recline for more comfort. therefore, comfort is enjoyed by all my passengers, not just the front seat one. The visibility is very good as well making it safer to drive. I drove from California to Washington with four adults and everyone enjoyed the car. The Navigation system is awesome. Thank you Acura. Good Job

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  Nothing Better - 2003 Acura RSX
  By Matty RSX - September 12 - 10:00 am

  The most gorgeous car in creation, period.

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  tbone - 2003 Acura RSX
  By tpfanne - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Great handling, fun to drive

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  Best in class - 2003 Acura MDX
  By mikeo - September 12 - 10:00 am

  The MDX is a great well rounded rig and an excellent value. As with any vehicle, there are always some criticisms that are of varying importance to other drivers. Mine include the following; the drive by wire feature is very touchy and uneven , the backseat door side seatbelts dont retract to their original position and knock on the side of the cabin until straightened. Acceleration is fantastic, cornering is not without body roll though, ride is smooth and firm. Cabin layout, instruments, features and functions are perfect. Just enough gizmos a good balance between function and form. Bose sytem is good, but not "bright" enough for my taste.

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  Nice Ride - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Mike - September 12 - 4:00 am

  I just got the car and so far I am very pleased. I turned in a Volvo S60 2.5T and got the TSX. The TSX is so much more fun to drive, the 6 speed gearbox is smooth and the clutch is fantastic. I read many semi negative reviews on the new TSX, I guess I am not a sport sedan enthusiast because the pick up and handling of this car IMO are great. Overall I feel its a lot of car for the price.