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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  Better than a Lexus? - 2010 Acura RDX
  By Les - March 19 - 3:14 pm

  Prior to buying this vehicle, I researched the Lexus RX 350, the Volvo XC 60, the Audi Q5, and the Ford Escape. I test drove the Volvo. Most of these vehicles, are over $40,000, plus tax and license, and that is w/o many of the amenities that come standard with the RDX. The RDX interior is very nice. It is functional and user friendly. The bluetooth is very easy to set up and operate. The rear view mirror has a back up camera. It is amazing how much you get for under $32,000. I am still waiting to see how the gas mileage is going to be. My Lexus IS 350, got about 19 miles a gallon. If I can get that, Ill be happy.

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  Just Getting Broken In - 1999 Acura TL
  By Texasrooster - March 19 - 2:21 pm

  I purchased my 99 Acura TL in 2005. At the time, had 42k miles, now closing in on 100k. As with a 91 Accord I previously owned, the overall reliability and build quality of this car have been impeccable. Comfort and luxury with just enough of a sporting flavor thrown in. Comfortable for long trips, yet definitely not a marshmallowy Toyota- or Lexus-like ride. Steering feel is excellent. Sight lines are likewise excellent, something that is missing in most newer cars. These have got to be the most comfortable car seats Ive ever sat in--nice soft pleated leather, not like the hard-as-a-rock leather seats in most newer luxury cars.

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  Great Family SUV - 2010 Acura MDX
  By RC - March 19 - 7:19 am

  I finally gave into Japanese engineering after years of driving only European brands. The last straw was a terrible BMW experience. I have never been so satisfied with a car. The combination of comfort, space, performance, safety and reliability is great. I wasnt willing to compromise on any of those features and the MDX was the only one that met all of my criteria. The safety ratings really sold me due to the fact that I have a teen driver learning on this car and another one coming up in 2 years. Decent fuel economy given the size of the MDX.

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  Awesome drive - 2010 Acura TSX
  By PS - March 18 - 4:20 pm

  Beautiful ride. Beats BMW 3 series, Lexus IS and Audi A4 based on value for money. Beats Accord/Camry/Altima on luxury. This car is my getaway to everyday stress. Got more than I expected.

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  Excellent Decision - 2010 Acura TSX
  By Acuragirl - March 18 - 1:53 pm

  Im very much enjoying my new TSX. At first I wasnt sure if I liked the exterior of the vehicle. I was more a fan of the last body style. The front end just seemed so massive and its a much bigger vehicle than my last. Once I went for a test drive, my view on the TSX changed. The interior and the way the car drives had me sold. Its a fun and sporty car with a luxurious look. Im very happy I chose the white also. It really stands out from all other vehicles.

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  What a great car - 2007 Acura TL
  By RDFreier - March 18 - 10:51 am

  I really love the styling of the 07 TL. It has so many features, that makes this the best value in any luxury car. Ive had it for three years now and my lease is over. It spoiled me so much that Im having a hard time finding another car that Im willing to pay for. I so wish the new TL styling was better. This is just a great car and if you are considering one, get it. You wont regret it.

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  Tour de force - 2010 Acura TL
  By graphicguy - March 17 - 6:46 am

  Ive always liked and admired Honda products. Acuras are the top of their line. I consider the TL SH AWD the best that they know how to make. Its fast. It handles great. very confidence inspiring. Is comfortable. Literally, the seats fit me like a glove. Makes great sports sedan sounds under the hood. Compared it to a MB C300 4matic (seems anemic in comparison), Infiniti G37x (my 2nd choice, didnt like interior or seats), BMW 3 and 5 series (at least $10K more cost), Audi A4/5 (my 3rd choice, weak engines and costly with options), a Taurus SHO (ponderous feeling, and $46K as tested...WOW). The TL SH AWD seemed to be the perfect blend of performance, handling, and comfort.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2010 Acura TL
  By Lisa Van Der Wall - March 13 - 7:34 pm

  I have owned this car for 9 days and I love it! The exterior body style and interior body is beautiful. I got the Basque Red Pearl with Ebony (black) interior and I get so many compliments on the color and body style. It handles great...very tight. I like how the car shifts. The Technology Package is well worth it. The sound system is great and it is nice to have XM radio for a while. The seating is very comfortable in the front and back. My sons car seat fits perfect in the back. I would recommend this car to anyone. I have had a Ford Mustang GT, a Volvo and two Toyota Camrys. By far, this is my favorite car so far.

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  150k and drives/looks like new - 2005 Acura TL
  By kp28217 - March 12 - 9:30 pm

  What can you say about a car with 150K miles that doesnt have a rattle or squeak, everything works perfectly and drives like new? 33 MPG on highway and averaging 28 in combined driving. The interior still looks new. Impressive car given the mileage and age. Very pleased and would highly recommend. Best stock stereo Ive had. Better than BOSE in Infiniti and Harmon Kardon in my BMW.

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  Dependable and fun to Drive - 2006 Acura TL
  By macura - March 11 - 6:45 am

  I was originally looking for a second automobile with good fuel economy. I bought this car when it was 3 years old with 25,000 miles on it. This car has exceeded all my expectations. Its agile, and, while others complain of the "heavy" steering and road noise, I love the way this car feels. It is as planted at 60mph as it is switching lanes at 80mph. I can "feel" the road surface through the steering wheel not an objectionable feeling imho and the steering response is quick and precise. All this and I regularly get 30 mpg in a well appointed, sneaky fast and RELIABLE Honda product. I made the right decision!