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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  Ok, but look elsewhere - 2009 Acura TSX
  By eyeguy - March 20 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this car 2 weeks ago and am unhappy with the vehicle overall. The fit and finish is poor for a car of this caliber. Im noticing many inconsistencies in the paint and window molding. The felt trunk lining is already coming loose. The car lacks power. If I had to do it over again I would have sprung for an Infiniti or Lexus. I will be selling this car the first chance I get. Stay away from Acura, spend more money and get a higher quality car.

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  Transmission nightmare - 2002 Acura TL
  By Sailorman - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 model Acura 3.2TL based on excellent consumer reports. Why did I not hear about their transmission problems? After 15,000 miles I had to have a new transmission installed under warrenty. After another 10,000 miles on the new transmission the fluid looked like oil! The dealer admitted that the repair shop was full of TLs with transmission problems. From what I have read and heard since, I am amazed there has not been a recall. I hope to read more about this apparent "cover up". Shame on Honda.

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  Great Car - 2002 Acura TL
  By TL Fan - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I like the car it is fun to drive nice power and trunk space. I like the style and handling big difference from what I was driving.

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 1992 Acura Vigor
  By SAMMY - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Before my purchase of a new vheicle, I test drove, Lexus, Infinity, BMW 3 and 5 series, Acura Legend, Nissan, etc. I am the original owner and I have about 75000 miles and no problems. I love its potent performance, agility and overall style. I just wish they had cup holders, and other accessories.

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  My love / hate relationship - 1997 Acura CL
  By RC30126 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new when it came out in 96 as a 97 model. Since day 1, it has been plagued by squeeks and rattles. Dealership still couldnt fix these after 6 attempts. I enjoy driving the car (when it runs properly), but has been the most aggravating car (and least reliable) I have ever owned. Aside from a ridiculous amount of rattles in the dash, the driver side window motor was replaced, radiator fan, oxygen sensor, transmission.... Will probably never buy another Acura.... and I previously owned 3 other Honda products which NEVER gave me such grief.

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  Anonomous but so satisfying - 2002 Acura TL
  By wolf20910 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  On both long and short trips the car has been flawless. It is fast, silent and very comfortable. On a recent 2,200 mile trip it delivered 30mpg at hwy speeds. We are so very pleased with it.

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  04baseMDX-SO HAPPY I OWN ONE - 2004 Acura MDX
  By annalisa - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive been eyeing this vehicle for several months and did a lot of research. dealerships were competitive but got the best deal at 35,300 with side steps!-excl.tax and license. love the vehicle and look forward to driving it all the time. i just wish gas consumption was a lot better even though thats a given with an suv.

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  Recommended "Buy" - 2004 Acura TL
  By FloridaTLFan - March 19 - 2:00 am

  For several months, I searched for the "right" next car to buy; BMW, Infiniti, SAAB, even Cadillac and Mercedes. Hands down, the test drive of the new for 2004 TL sold me on the car. It is comfortable, spacious - and Fun (yes, with a capital "F"). And, for the price - there is no beating the included features.

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  Im In Love Again - 2004 Acura TL
  By executive - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I got my white diamond pearl TL with parchment interior just b4 xmas. I absolutely love this car. As my first new car purchase, I am not disappointed. I drove it straight from the dealers lot(North Carolina) to Disney World Orlando. It was a blast and surely a head turner everywhere I went. I had to watch for cops but it was fun cruising @ 90 and the car feels like its going 60. A friend told me, he was upset but somehow he calmed down once in my TL and got mad again once he stepped out of the car. I achieved a sub 7second time for 0-60. Go for a testdrive(20minutes minimum and just punch the pedal, youd smile when you are upto 100 in about 11seconds).

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  Black Bullet - 1996 Acura Integra
  By unreal0690 - March 18 - 2:00 am

  This car has been an excellent replacement for my first car, a Honda Prelude. The ride isnt quite as firm as the Prelude, but its much more firm than my friends cars. It has been run really hard for 6 1/2 years now, and its still going strong. The only abnormal maintenance has been replacing the radiator. This car is the best. I wouldnt trade it for the world!!!