Acura
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About Acura
In 1986, Honda spun Acura off as its luxury division targeting the North American market. In the 33 years since Acura has carved out its own international identity. The Tokyo, Japan-based company offers luxury and performance at a competitive price, a selling point typified by its long-running NSX, still the most frugal choice in legitimate supercars. Acura was Japan’s first luxury automaker, but by proving that the US was ready for upscale Japanese cars—specifically with its hot-selling Legend midsize sedan—the brand soon attracted industry imitators. Nissan and Toyota unveiled their respective Infiniti and Lexus luxury brands in 1989, just three years after Acura’s debut, and by the mid-1990s Honda’s high-end offspring had lost their distinct appeal.
The 2000s marked the beginning of Acura’s ongoing comeback, with the brand releasing a slew of new models that filled the growing demand for vehicles both large and luxe, including the new three-row MDX, RDX and ZDX SUVs, and the TSX wagon. Though Acura can’t keep up with European carmakers in terms of pure performance, the brand remains reliably high-tech and low-lost among luxury vehicles. And its use of sport hybrid drivetrains to boost handling and performance is proof that Honda’s spinoff isn’t done trying to reshape its industry.
