Acura is a luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker, Honda. It was launched in March 1986 in North America, and since then, Acura cars have become synonymous with performance, style, and innovation. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the history of Acura and its journey to becoming one of the most popular luxury car brands in the world.

Acura's Beginnings

In the early 1980s, Honda was looking to expand its product line and explore the luxury car market. To achieve this goal, Honda created a new division called Acura. The idea behind the division was to create a luxury car brand that would compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Honda engineers worked tirelessly to create a car that would meet the high standards set by luxury car buyers. The first Acura car, the Legend, was launched in 1986, followed by the Integra later that same year. These two cars were critical to the success of the Acura brand and established the foundation for future Acura models.

The Acura Legend was a luxury sedan that featured a 2.5-liter V6 engine and was available with a range of luxury features, such as leather seats, power windows, and a sunroof. The Acura Integra was a sporty two-door coupe that was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and was designed to appeal to younger buyers.

Acura's Evolution

Over the next few years, Acura continued to evolve, introducing new models and refining existing ones. In 1991, Acura launched the NSX, a mid-engine sports car that was developed with the help of Formula One legend Ayrton Senna. The NSX was a game-changer for Acura, as it showcased the brand's ability to produce high-performance sports cars.

In the late 1990s, Acura expanded its product line with the introduction of SUVs, such as the SLX and the MDX. These SUVs were designed to appeal to families who wanted a luxury vehicle that could handle rough terrain and challenging driving conditions.

In the early 2000s, Acura introduced the RSX, a sporty two-door coupe that was designed to appeal to younger buyers. The RSX was later replaced by the TSX, a luxury sports sedan that featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and was available with a range of luxury features.

Acura's Recent Successes

In recent years, Acura has continued to innovate, introducing new models that appeal to a broader range of buyers. In 2013, Acura launched the RLX, a luxury sedan that features a range of high-tech features, such as adaptive cruise control and a lane-keeping system. Acura also introduced the ILX, a compact luxury sedan that was designed to appeal to younger buyers.

In 2016, Acura launched the NSX, a successor to the original NSX. The new NSX is a hybrid sports car that features a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and three electric motors. The NSX was a critical success and received numerous awards, including the 2017 North American Car of the Year.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings in 1986 to its current status as a leader in the luxury car market, Acura has come a long way. The brand has continued to evolve, introducing new models that feature the latest technology and performance features. As Acura looks to the future, it's clear that the brand will continue to innovate and set new standards for luxury vehicles. Whether you're looking for a luxury sedan, SUV, or sports car, Acura has something for everyone.