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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  Great Decision - 2009 Acura TSX
  By TmK - July 1 - 10:16 am

  Weve been enjoying the car for over a month and I get stopped from time to time by people interested in the car or the basque red color. Fuel mileage has been better than the EPA rating. In all city driving, averaging under 19 mph, we get around 22 MPG. With constant highway driving we get about 35 MPG. Weve been happy with acceleration, passing ability and cruising as well. Im unaware of other upscale cars that match the combination of comfort features, performance and fuel economy. The TSX seats are very nice. My wife likes driving and riding in the TSX better than in the Audi A4 2.8l we traded in. Back seat guests have liked it as well.

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  Ultimate Performer - 2004 Acura MDX
  By Paclark11 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is awesome. I really do not understand the complaints about gas mileage. I live in the DC Metro Area, and I average 18.5 - 19.6 miles per gallon CITY, and 25.4 - 26.7 HIGHWAY. The MDX is hands down the best luxury SUV under $45,000 sticker. Remember follow the break in period per the owners manual and the gas mileage will increase guaranteed.

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  Best bang for the money - 2003 Acura TL
  By xqu - June 30 - 2:00 am

  very strong engine, power everything for a reasonable price, cant beat it. very comfy and the car looks great too, I think it looks even better then the new 04 TL. Love all the standard features come with the car.

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  Incredible Automobile - 1994 Acura Legend
  By Sen284 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  After two years of searching I finally found a suitable Legend coupe and can say confidently that it has lived up to my expectations. You will not find a better combintion of style, performance and reliability in car. For the ultimate in comfort and performance the Acura Legend is king.

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  Searched Forever - 2002 Acura MDX
  By SDSUALUMNI - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Great car, look far and long for the right SUV...Almost settled w/ the BMW X- 5, but glad I went w/ Acura. Saved $15000 and maintenence is much less expensive. 30000 mile service on BMW is $1200, EVERY 30000 miles (after your first 60k). No buyers remorse here...Great SUV.

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  Wind noise is ATROCIOUS - 2002 Acura MDX
  By Jerry D. Gibbens - June 28 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 MDX has been a DISASTER from the second week. I get TERRIFIC wind noise at speeds in access of 60 miles per hours. The dealership smiles and works on the MDX, but they wind noise continues. I have had the RUN AROUND from the Acura National folks. I would DEFINETELY NOT buy another ACURA.

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  Great Value - 2001 Acura TL
  By David G Schmidt - June 28 - 2:00 am

  The TL is a very reliable vehicle. It offers loads of standard options which were unavailable on my Lexus 300 EX. Heated seats, garage remote control, and steering wheel radio controls are but a few of these features. Mileage averages 25-27 on the highway. The ride is a bit noisey-a combination of wind noise and rattle. The Lexus was a softer, more comfortable ride. All in all, a great car for the money.

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  Acura Integra 4dr LS - 1997 Acura Integra
  By TrishasToy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I actually went from a Ford Probe GT (i know, gag) to this beautiful Acura Integra LS 4dr. So far I have fallen in love with it. The look is sleek, sporty yet sophisticated. I needed something with a little more dependability, and wanted to look good driving it! Its pretty quick for its 4 cyl engine, my probe had a turbo charged engine and this VTEC engine in my Acura offers right about the same, or more "get up and go" All in all Im truely satisfied with my purchase and hope to get a few good years in with my new toy =)

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  Love it! - 2004 Acura MDX
  By WhipNme - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love driving the MDX. It has a very smooth drive for an SUV. Fun and very attractive. Lots of standards and options. Radio system is excellent. Best car that we have ever had! And the wife is picky!

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  Nice Whip - 1999 Acura Integra
  By simpleman - June 26 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a 99, and I have been impressed with its handling, from suspension to transmission. Michelin tires do definitely leave something to be desired. Car drives like new and looks great.