Acura: The Untold Story of Innovation & Luxury

Acura: More Than Just a Car, It's a Legacy of Innovation

Have you ever wondered how Acura, the luxury division of Honda, made its mark in the automotive world? From its humble beginnings to its current status as a symbol of performance and refinement, Acura has a history worth exploring. Buckle up as we explore the journey of Acura, answering all your burning questions along the way.

The Birth of a Luxury Brand

In the early 1980s, Honda decided to create something special: a luxury brand that would combine Honda's famous reliability with high-end features. This idea was born partly because of restrictions on Japanese car exports to the U.S. Instead of just selling a lot of regular cars, Honda wanted to sell fewer, more expensive ones. So, on March 27, 1986, Acura was officially launched with the catchy slogan "Acura. Precision Crafted Automobiles."

Acura's First Steps: The Legend and the Integra

Acura didn't waste any time making an impact. It started with two models: the Legend and the Integra. The Legend was a stylish sedan that showed off Honda's first-ever 2.5L V6 engine, producing 151 hp. It was designed to be comfortable and luxurious. On the other hand, the Integra was a compact car that handled like a dream, thanks to its special double-wishbone suspension. The Legend was inspired by Honda's high-end models in Japan, while the Integra shared some DNA with a joint project between Honda and Austin Rover.

How Acura Changed the Game

Acura's success was so great that it actually outsold luxury giants like BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the United States. This success inspired other Japanese automakers like Toyota and Nissan to create their own luxury brands, Lexus and Infiniti. Acura proved that a Japanese car could compete with the best in the world.

Navigating the Road: Acura's Evolution

Like any journey, Acura's path wasn't always smooth. The mid-to-late 1990s brought some challenges, but Acura continued to push the boundaries of automotive technology and design.

The NSX: A Supercar Icon

One of Acura's most impressive achievements was the NSX, a mid-engine supercar that turned heads and set new standards. The NSX wasn't just another sports car; it was a technological marvel. It featured an all-aluminum body and VTEC variable valve timing, making it the first production car with this cutting-edge feature.

Acura's First SUV: The SLX

Acura also ventured into the SUV market with the SLX, a rebadged Isuzu Trooper. While it was Acura's first SUV, it faced criticism for not quite matching the luxury people expected from the brand.

The 2000s: A New Era for Acura

The 2000s marked a turning point for Acura, with the introduction of exciting new models and innovative features. The MDX, Acura's first original SUV, arrived in 2001, blending luxury with practicality. The RSX and TSX replaced the Integra, offering sporty performance and sleek designs. Acura also introduced Type-S performance trims, which featured higher-power VTEC engines. The RL sedan showcased Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), a system that could distribute torque between the wheels for improved handling. And in 2007, the RDX became the first Acura to use a turbocharged Honda engine in North America.

Acura Today: Continuing the Legacy

Acura continues to innovate and impress. The second-generation NSX, launched in 2016, is a testament to Acura's engineering prowess, boasting a twin-turbo mid-engine, a 9-speed DCT, and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD. In 2021, the Type-S badge made a comeback with the TLX Type S, signaling Acura's renewed focus on performance.

Acura's Key Models and Innovations

Acura's lineup has always been about combining performance with luxury.

Acura Sedans: Setting the Standard

• Legend (1986-1995): With its V6 engine, leather interior, and advanced safety features, the Legend set a new standard for luxury sedans.
• Integra/RSX/TSX (1986-2000s): These models were known for their exceptional handling, thanks to their double-wishbone suspension.
• TL/CL/RL/TLX Type S: The Type-S trims, introduced in 2002, offered more powerful VTEC engines and available manual transmissions. The RL (2005) featured Acura's innovative SH-AWD system.

Acura SUVs: Luxury and Versatility

• MDX (2001+): As Acura's first original SUV, the MDX perfectly blends luxury and performance.
• RDX (2007+): The RDX was the first Acura in North America to feature a turbo engine.
• SLX (1996-1999): While a rebadged Isuzu, the SLX marked Acura's entry into the SUV market.

Acura Supercars: Pushing the Limits

• NSX (1990-2005, 2016+): The NSX is a true supercar icon, featuring an aluminum body in its first generation and a hybrid powertrain with over 573 hp in its second generation.

Acura's Innovation: Ahead of the Curve

Acura has always been known for its innovative technologies, including:

• Pioneering Japanese luxury in the U.S.
• SH-AWD: Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, introduced in 2004 (though the term "torque vectoring" wasn't yet widely used), enhances handling by distributing torque to the wheels that need it most.
• Turbo engines, first introduced in 2007.
• Hybrid technology in the NSX.

Acura's Place in the Market

Acura primarily targets the North American market, including the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It has also been available in other regions like Panama and Kuwait. In the past, Acura had a presence in China, Hong Kong, Russia, and Ukraine.

Acura quickly became a top luxury brand in the U.S., rivaling established European brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. After some challenges in the 1990s, Acura bounced back in the 2000s with new designs and popular SUVs.

Acura's Reputation: What People Say

Acura is often praised for its reliability, performance, and value. It has evolved from being known for affordability to being a symbol of high-tech sportiness.

Acura FAQs: Your Questions Answered

You may have some questions about Acura. Let's address some of the most common ones.

Is Acura a reliable car?

Yes, Acura is generally considered a reliable car brand. They are known for their high build quality and the reliability of Honda engineering.

Is Acura a luxury car?

Absolutely! Acura is the luxury division of Honda, offering premium features, advanced technology, and high-performance capabilities.

What does the name Acura mean?

While there's no official meaning, it's thought that the name "Acura" was chosen to evoke precision and reliability. It sounds similar to "accurate," which fits the brand's focus on engineering excellence.

Where are Acuras made?

Acuras are primarily made in North America, including the United States and Canada.

Is Acura better than Lexus?

Whether Acura is "better" than Lexus depends on your personal preferences and needs. Acura is often praised for its sporty handling and advanced technology, while Lexus is known for its smooth ride and luxurious interiors. It's best to test drive both brands and see which one you prefer.

Is Acura owned by Honda?

Yes, Acura is owned by Honda Motor Company. It's Honda's luxury and performance division.

What is Acura SH-AWD?

Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is an advanced all-wheel-drive system that enhances handling and stability. It distributes torque not only between the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheels, improving cornering performance.

What is AcuraWatch?

AcuraWatch is a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. It includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

What is Acura True Touchpad Interface?

The Acura True Touchpad Interface is a unique infotainment system that uses a touchpad instead of a traditional touchscreen. It allows you to control various functions, such as navigation, audio, and climate control, with simple gestures.

What is Acura RDX?

The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV known for its sporty handling, comfortable interior, and advanced technology features.

What is Acura MDX?

The Acura MDX is a mid-size luxury SUV that offers three rows of seating, making it a great choice for families. It's known for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and advanced safety features.

What is Acura TLX?

The Acura TLX is a mid-size luxury sedan that blends sporty performance with a refined interior. It's available with Acura's SH-AWD system and offers a range of advanced technology features.

What is Acura NSX?

The Acura NSX is a high-performance supercar that showcases Acura's engineering capabilities. It features a hybrid powertrain, advanced aerodynamics, and a lightweight design.

What is the Acura Type S?

The Acura Type S is a performance-oriented trim level that offers enhanced power, handling, and styling. Type S models typically feature more powerful engines, sport-tuned suspensions, and unique exterior and interior accents.

Acura: The Road Ahead

Acura's journey from a new luxury brand to an established icon has been remarkable. With its focus on innovation, performance, and luxury, Acura is poised to continue making waves in the automotive industry for years to come. Whether you're drawn to the sporty handling of the TLX, the versatility of the MDX, or the supercar performance of the NSX, Acura offers something for every driver.

If you're in the market for a luxury vehicle that combines reliability with cutting-edge technology, Acura is definitely worth considering.