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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  2004 Acura TL - 2004 Acura TL
  By Heinzl - September 5 - 10:00 am

  From the buying experience to a 2000 mile trip this Acura TL has to be one of tyhe best buys in its category. I have driven the BMW 3 Series as well as the Lexus ES 330 and this car has them beat in about every category.

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  So far, so great - 2004 Acura TL
  By cis14 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Still a little new but so far Im extremely happy with this hot car. Lots of people are inquisitive and envious. Lot of car for the money. An excellent choice.

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  From 2003 TL owner to 2004 TL .... - 2004 Acura TL
  By AtlantaGA - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 2003 TL after 25 months with 75,000 miles for a 2004 TL. My only complaint on the 2003 was the soft seats lacked some serious lumbar support. The new 2004 TL seats are much firmer and better for someone that drives in excess of 35,000 miles each year. Never changed my Michelin tires on my 2003 but have heard from several friends that the 2004 tires are wearing out at 15,000 miles ... I find that hard to believe and will be very disappointed if that happens to me. I have 4000 miles on my car and have noticed some rattles and steering wheel vibration ... several issues that will have to be addressed by the dealer. Overall I think this is the best c

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  So Far So Good! Great Value - 2009 Acura TSX
  By Mike - September 5 - 7:40 am

  I have only owned the car a few weeks, but I love it so far. I traded in a 2007 Mazda 6s, and have been thrilled so far. A total upgrade, smoother ride, surprising power from the high strung I4 (F1 technology at its best), perfect fit and finish. You can feel the quality, and the features are easy to get use to. Sporty european styling gets me nothing but compliments where ever I take it. I hope to enjoy it down the road as much as I do now.

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  Love It! - 2006 Acura TL
  By NewBlue - September 5 - 4:53 am

  I have liked this car since its introduction in 04. I have 2000 miles on it already. The seats are comfortable and the controls are easy to reach and work with. You cant beat the value of this vehicle. For $35k sticker, you get everything. I compared BMW, but the 325xi comparably equipped was about $40k sticker. Lexus is difficult, b/c you have to order option packages and hope you can find the car you want.

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  The Acura TL - why pay more for luxury - 2005 Acura TL
  By faranhiet4 - September 4 - 4:13 pm

  The Acura TL is the best-equipped car in its class. Why spend thousands more for a car like the Audi a4 and a6 or BMW or even a Mercedes that doesnÂ’t even have half the options the Acura has standard bi-xenon head lamps and blue tooth to name a few. The car on the track pulled a 5.3 secs to 60 and 14 flat in the quarter. The car has some serious handling especially with the a-spec package. If you are thinking about owning a high priced luxury sport sedan such as and Audi, BMW or Mercedes there is only one obvious choice. The Acura TL day in and day out all day long.

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  Acuras are timeless - 2006 Acura TL
  By Denzel Seals - September 3 - 7:44 pm

  Just know that you are getting a car that depreciates slower than most, its style and reliability is the reason why.

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  Can you say Best in Class? - 2002 Acura RSX
  By walk - September 3 - 6:53 am

  Its predecessor, the Integra, was already highly praised. Well folks the RSX is all those things that made the teg great, and more. Faster, better handling, quieter, more comfortable, more room, safer, and better looking! :) There is absolutely no question, the RSX is best in its class, and its not an easy class to say that. The Celica, the WRX, the Eclipse, all are fine cars, but the RSX is just a notch higher than any of those. Highly recommended!

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  i love this car - 2003 Acura CL
  By 2002clawsome - September 3 - 2:00 am

  this car is incredible! its sad tht you guys have said that this car is horrible! this car preforms awsome, its fast and sleek. this car is the best acura/honda ever!

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  Incredible value great performance - 2005 Acura TL
  By kadesh - September 2 - 3:03 am

  Didnt expect to buy a TL. With integrated bluetooth phone, great acceleration and superb handling at close to 30K, just could not turn it down