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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  04 Acura TSX - 2004 Acura TSX
  By KristopherRNY - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Solid performance with luxury options at an affordable price.

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  excellent - 2004 Acura TL
  By Vyacheslav Kodryan - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Acuraa performance it gets better and better. Thank you Acura!

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  TL Experience - 2004 Acura TL
  By Micro - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent automobile... does everything well. Lots of equipment and features for the price. 6 speed is great. Yes there is some torque steer when driven very hard, but mostly it is not noticeable and does not interfere with everyday enjoyment. Zero warranty items in 7500 miles.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2004 Acura TL
  By bobzoom - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I test drove everything in this price class before deciding on the TL. An A4, 330ES, 3 series BMWs, G-35 sedan and coupe...nothing gives you the same value for your money. The TL has plenty of power, handles responsively, and gives snow belt drivers something tractable in winter weather. There is no excessive torque steer or lightness as Ive read here. Ive had this car up to 125mph and it is definitely autobahn ready. The G35 interior is dreadfully ugly, the A4 dash controls are cumbersome, the 3 series Beemer is tight if youre a 6 footer, and the Lexus is beautiful but not much fun to drive. All of these cars are terrific, but youll get the most for your money with the Acura TL.

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  wonderful - 2004 Acura TL
  By coachw - March 21 - 10:00 am

  just a great car to drive. The bluetooth phone system is really hands free,

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  Dare to compare:) - 2004 Acura TL
  By Pointman30 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have test driven almost every car there is in the 30,000 to 40,000 price range. In my humble opinion, nothing out there compares to the TL for the money spent. But, dont take my word, go drive one for yourself. I have heard some people compare the TL to the BMW 330i. I have a 330i and the TL is much larger. I feel the TL should be compared to the 5 serious instead. The only thing that BMW offers that I like better is the rear wheel drive. But you put my TL up against the 330 in a speed and handleing test, and the TL going to drop you like a bag of dirt!!

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  Nizze car - 2004 Acura TL
  By ptman - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is excellent. I am impressed with the stying improvement for the prior TLs which were simple and boring to look at. This model comes loaded which is refreshing when you think of the options battle that you face when buying a typical car. The TL handles very well in with its grip on road even when its wet. You will be amazed at the envious looks you get with this car. this car is so smart. The thought of most everything.

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  Love my 2004 TL! - 2004 Acura TL
  By Stella Anne - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving my 2004 Acura TL since Dec. 2003, and I cant say enough about what a pleasure it is to drive. It is comfortable and it has superb handling qualities. I appreciate the powerful 270 hp engine. The voice- recognition navigation system is awsome and is easy to operate. It makes my cell phone totally handsfree. The map mode is extremely helpful away from our home town and the system operates the climate control as well. I am more than satisfied, I am thrilled with my TL.

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  awesome - 2004 Acura TL
  By peps - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I originally thought this car was too small for me because im a big guy but when i first sat in it i was very impressed with the size of the interior The comfort of the the car is great and the engine response is incredible. Overall the car is fantastic and im glad i made the choice of going with the TL..By the way my last vehicle was a cheverolet suburban..Quite a difference....I love the car

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  Awesome! - 2004 Acura TL
  By Tony Prevo - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Love it Love it I have never owned a car like this I have recvd sooo many good comments on my car