Acura Cars and Autos

The Acura motor car company
This section provides access to the cars and autos manufactured under the name of the Acura motor car company. An online guide for auto enthusiasts covering old and new cars and autos. If you like car talk then you will love this website! A free, online resource with facts and company information about the cars and autos made by the Acura motor car company.

Founding of the Acura motor car company
The Acura was first used in the US, Canada and Hong Kong in March 1986, The Acura is a luxury car built by the Honda Motor Company, Acura was then introduced to Mexico in 2004 then China in 2006. Only in 2010 will the Acura be introduced to Japan by Honda.

History of Acura motor car company
In 1986 Honda opened up 60 new dealerships in North America to support there decade of research put into the Acura, there Honda derived luxury car. Acura was Japans first luxury car to be built with only 2 models available. The Legend a V6-powerd sedan, and the Integra. The Integra was available in a five door or three door hatchback. The Legend V6-powerd sedan was derived from the Accord and the Integra from the Honda Quint hatchback.

In 1991 the NSX was introduced by Acura five years after both the Legend and the Integra. The NSX, a midship V6 rear wheel drive sports car. The NSX meaning "New Sports eXperimental" was Japans first car capable of competing with the likes of Ferrari and Porsche. The NSX to some people was seen as an everyday Super car and was the first all aluminium production car. At the time a super car was not built for quality and reliability but the NSX broke this trend.

Sales in the mid to late 1990s suffered despite strong acceptance into the market. Critics believe the decline was part of a lack of inspiring designs. Acura during this time switched to an alphanumeric nomenclature formula witch meant dropping the Legend, Vigor and Integra titles that were following the lead of the NSX. The Legend was replaced in 1996 with the 3.5 RL and the Vigor replaced with the 2.5 TL and 3.2 TL. this was regarded as the epitome of the problem, mostly because of the alphanumeric designations were more anonymous than the past Legend, Vigor and Integra titles that had there own following. BMW, Audi, Lexus and other competitors did far better than the RL's 210 bhp V6 later increased to 225 bhp combined with a high price and styling that copied the large rear wheel designee of the V8 powered Lexus LS400.

During the NSX's life up till 1996 sales as the Acura dropped due to the lake in change of the trim since 1989. The Integra Sedan a year later was withdrawn with the Acura 1.6EL replacing it and only sold in Canada badged as a Honda Civic. Sales of the Integra Sedan continued in the United States until 2001.

During the 1990s Acura gained a young following, a group of customers known as "tuners". The easy to tune rev-happy engines used later by Acura meant the Integra became a popular tuner car.

Acura experienced a rebirth around 2000 witch brought on the introduction of several redesigned models, the first being the 1999 Acura 3.2TL an upscale sedan. The Acura 3.2TL was seen competing with the likes of the Lexus ES, Infiniti I30 and the BMW 3 series. The 3.2TL provided a blend of luxury and sportiness but could not out do in any one area its competitors luxury cars. The 3.2TL proved very popular with its customers due to a competitive price, the luxury and the sporty feel. The popularity in the Acura models has meant they follow the philosophy offering lots of standard equipment and few options.

During the early 2000s a remodelled Acura was introduced as the MDX. The MDX is a SUV based the Honda Odyssey minivan. The SLX was a slow selling predecessor of the MDX witch took over nicely, the SLX was little more than a rebadged Isuzu Trooper. For an SUV the MDX had very little off road capabilities but catered very well as a luxury SUV. In its first comparison test the MDX was given top honours by car and driver against other SUVs. Acura's other cars during the 2000's include the 3.2 TL, 3.2CL, RSX and the NSX, The 2000's series of cars were plagued with transmission and other problems.

In 2004 a new TL made its debut, its features consisted of a sharp Italian style with a V6 producing 270bhp measured by the SAE standards of the time. This new sharp TL sold around 70,943 units in America in 2005, out doing the likes of the C-class, G35, ES300 and A4. Around the same time Acura brought out the TSX essentially a re-badged European marked Honda Accord, with loads more features. This was to be a cheaper alternative to the BMWs 3-series. The TSX was the only 4 cylinder sedan Acura was to make.

A new RL was introduced in 2005 with an amazing 300bhp V6 with fantastic handling all wheel drive and improved styling. The RL is Acura's current flags ship though it lakes a more powerful V8 witch most competitive luxury sedans in the same class have. Due to this the RL's sales are not as good and Acura have no plans on bringing out a V8 rear wheel drive version.

Acura's top selling vehicles were the TL and TSX models and were from 2004 to 2006 Car and Driver's top 10.

Acura brought out a small SUV called the RDX available in the US in 2006. powered by a turbocharged 240bhp 4 cylinder engine much like the RL also using the all wheel drive system. There were two version, the premium standard and a technology package consisting of a Bluetooth phone integration, GPS system and many more high tech features. Late in the year 2006 the MDX was introduced, a completely redesigned model with a 300bhp V6 and superior handling and all wheel drive.

In 2007 Acura re introduced the TL type S. An all new TL and TSX models were introduced in 2009 with a redesigned RL. All were debuted in a 2008 calendar. 2011 holds a redesign of the RL as well as a crossover vehicle called the ZDX, same as the featured concept.

Time Line

• 1986: Honda opens 60 new dealerships in North America to support the decade of research in to Acura.

• 1986: The Legend and Integra, two first cars available from Acura.

• 1991: NSX was introduced.

• 1996: The Legend was replaced by 3.5 RL and the Vigor replaced by the 2.5 TL and 3.2 TL.

• 1997: Integra Type R introduced, 1.6EL replaces Integra Sedan the Canadian line-up, Integra Sedan continued sales in US till 2001.

• 2001: 1.7EL launched and replaced 1.6EL in Canadian line-up.

• 2002: Acura RSX to replace Integra name in North America.

• 2003: CL is dropped.

• 2004: Honda de Mexico introduce Acura into Mexico. TL third generation is introduced. TSX also introduced and is very competitive with BMW 3 series.

• 2005: New Acura TL wins Consumer most wanted vehicle by Edmunds. RL introduced with SH-AWD system. Acure drops engine size from 1.7EL models

• 2006: Acura introduced to China. RDX introduced with SH-AWD. CSX to replace EL and only sold in Canada. RSX is dropped.

• 2007: MDX is redesigned. TL type S is reintroduced. CSX type S is introduced.

• 2008: Introduction of diesel engine line up. Introduction of a new RL with a mid model redesign at Chicago Auto Show. TSX introduced at New York Auto Show.

• 2009: TSX redesign. TL redesign. RL mid model change. CSX mid model change. Introduction of Acura ZDX prototype.

What models and types of cars and automobiles does the Acura motor car company produce?
The models and types of cars and automobiles produced by the company include those detailed on the following list. Whether you enjoy comparing cars and autos, want to conduct some research before you buy a new car or a used car or finally an automobile enthusiast who loves fast, cool, new, old, vintage, classic, antique, sports, top, muscle or exotic cars we have the info you are searching for! Select the automobile you are interested in and click the link for access to an online overview of this Acura vehicle with car guides, online facts, information, statistics, specs, specifications, design details and ratings of cars and autos.