Acura

Acura

Acura Annual Sales by Year

All figures are x1000

About

Acura is a luxury vehicle marque and division of the Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company. Acura was introduced in the United States and Canada on March 27, 1986, as a response to the growing popularity of luxury vehicles from European and Japanese automakers. The brand's name, Acura, was derived from the Latin word "acu," meaning "precise" or "sharp," symbolizing the brand's commitment to precision craftsmanship and advanced engineering. The birth of Acura can be traced back to the late 1970s when Honda recognized the need for a separate luxury brand to compete in the premium vehicle market. At the time, Toyota had already launched its Lexus brand, and Nissan had introduced its Infiniti division. Honda realized that its mainstream Honda brand needed a more upscale counterpart to cater to buyers seeking higher-end vehicles with more luxurious appointments and advanced technologies. Acura's debut models were the Legend sedan and the Integra sports coupe. The Legend was a full-size luxury sedan designed to compete with the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, while the Integra was a more affordable and sporty offering aimed at the entry-level luxury market.

In the years that followed, Acura continued to expand its lineup with various models, including the NSX sports car, the TL sedan, the MDX SUV, and the RDX crossover. The NSX, introduced in 1990, was particularly noteworthy as it showcased Acura's engineering prowess and commitment to performance. Powered by a mid-mounted V6 engine and featuring an all-aluminum monocoque chassis, the NSX was a direct competitor to exotic sports cars from Ferrari and Lamborghini. Throughout its history, Acura has been known for its innovative technologies and advanced engineering solutions. The brand was an early adopter of features like variable valve timing (VTEC), super-handling all-wheel drive (SH-AWD), and advanced safety systems. Acura's vehicles have consistently received acclaim for their reliability, build quality, and overall driving dynamics.

In the late 2000s, Acura faced challenges in differentiating itself from its mainstream Honda counterpart, leading to a period of identity crisis for the brand. However, in recent years, Acura has focused on revamping its design language and enhancing the overall luxury experience of its vehicles. The brand has introduced models like the TLX sedan, the RDX and MDX SUVs, and the NSX hybrid supercar, which have been well-received for their blend of performance, technology, and luxury. Acura's success can be attributed to its commitment to innovation, engineering excellence, and a relentless pursuit of quality. The brand has consistently aimed to provide buyers with vehicles that offer a unique blend of performance, luxury, and reliability, setting it apart from its competitors. Looking ahead, Acura is poised to continue its evolution, embracing electrification and advancing its design and technology offerings. With a strong emphasis on performance and luxury, Acura is well-positioned to cater to the discerning tastes of premium vehicle buyers in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.