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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  Forelorne - 1997 Acura Integra
  By forlorne - May 16 - 2:00 am

  My 97 integra RS was in the prime of its life when I totalled it. Apparently I got accustomed to its smooth ride and quick handling but lacked the driver skills to hold her wide race like tires to the road. I am saddened to say that I said my farewells to my car last week...hopefully I can find a replacement but not optomistic at all...:o( All-in-all a terrific car with a lot of gusto for the price. Just a cool car all the way around.

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  2001 cl - 2002 Acura CL
  By greg m - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Great alternative to a c-class MB

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  Happy w/ the 2014 RDX - Even Happier w/ the 2016! - 2016 Acura RDX
  By Stephanie - May 15 - 9:15 pm

  This is my 2nd RDX. My first was a 2014, which I was happy with, despite a few minor irritations. The 2016 took care of my irritations with added technology, specifically the blind spot and rear traffic warning sensors and changes in the technology package. The RDX has two good blind spots so the new tech is fantastic and solves the issues - and works beautifully. The 2016 feels heavier and drives smoother than the 2014. The steering feels better and more substantial, as well. It is also quieter with less wind noise and a smoother sunroof mechanism. I did purchase a wind deflector this time though. I love the 3D navigation viewing option and the 10-speaker sound system is wonderful. Ive had Acuras since 2000 - three TLs (2000, 2003 and 2008), the 2014 RDX and now the 2016 RDX. My 2000 TL had transmission issues, which were taken care of by the dealer even though the warranty had expired. Ive always been treated well by the Dealer (in South Orange County in California). I did not test drive competitors vehicles, but did a lot of research on the Lexus RX, Lincoln MDX, Mercedes GL and GLK and some of the BMW and Audi SUVs, which would have fit into my budget. At the end of the day, I could not justify a higher cost for the competitors (when comparing the multitude of packages available with the competition), even though they may be more prestigious in name and perhaps more luxury interiors. The value, quality and solid luxury of the Acura won out when I decided not to tie up more of my money and still have all the bells and whistles you get with the RDX.

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  Absolutely love it! - 2007 Acura MDX
  By sobrien1087 - May 15 - 10:30 am

  Bought the complete Sport /Rear DVD package just before the New Year. I highly recommend this vehicle. Its a blast to drive, stylish comfort and a real workhorse. Safety is a huge reason for owning this newest design. You cant go wrong!

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  I LOVE it!!! - 2004 Acura TL
  By jackiee - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I am a 3 time owner of Acuras and this is my 4th Honda product. Each car is better than the last! I am telling you, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my TL. Redondo Red, Quartz int. This car is fast, fun and looks HOT! The Bluetooth is an excellent feature, not to mention everything else in the vehicle. Forget those German cars, you cant get a loaded car like the TL anywhere for the price!!! BUY IT!

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  Great Car - 2004 Acura TL
  By pfaciparum - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I waited for this car to come out and have not been disappointed. Drives, great and is a whole lot of fun.

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  2004 Acura TL w/ Navigation - 2004 Acura TL
  By Jerbur - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Though I have not had the car long, I shopped several other cars in the same price range and I feel that the 2004 Acura TL was a superior when considering everything; price, styling, performance, reliability... the interior fit, finish, styling and ergonomics is well above the competition... a fine automobile! They really thought this one out!

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  My best car purchase - 1997 Acura Integra
  By foogazy - May 14 - 2:00 am

  The Acura Integra is just a great small sports car. It has good pickup for a small engine and handles great. It is very comfortable and has a nice interior layout. I have driven this car from 0-53,000 miles without even blinking and I havent always been easy on it. I highly recommend this car to others.

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  The Fabulous NSX - 2002 Acura NSX
  By Dverpr - May 14 - 2:00 am

  My Blue Beauty has been my dream car all of my life. It was well worth the money I spent. It hums down the highway at exciti9ng speeds. If you have the money buy one. Haggle with the dealer, they will always knock down the price. Not everyday does someone want to buy an NSX.

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  Love my TL, glad I waited for 2005 model - 2005 Acura TL
  By Ed - May 13 - 2:06 am

  I bought my TL in May of 2004, and have racked up 14000 miles since. It has been a pleaseure to own from day one. The Acura dealer buying experience was hassle free; by far the easiest buy I have ever had, very professional and low key. My car has the six speed which is tight, with short throws. I down shift from sixth to fifth to pass on the highway, and the car just rockets up. The ride is firm without being jouncy. As I live on a hill in a snowy climate, the front wheel drive is essential, and I routinely pass by my BMW & Mercedes owning neighbors who are struggling to keep their beasts on the road. All in all, a great value (a G35 with the same equipment was nearly $6000 more)!