Is Acura Made By Honda? Uncovering The Luxury Brand's Origins

Acura, a luxury automaker, is renowned for its stylish designs, powerful engines, and innovative features. But where did this esteemed brand come from? Acura is, in fact, the luxury vehicle division of Honda Motor Company, established in 1986 to rival other luxury brands.

Here’s a brief overview of Acura’s history and its connection to Honda:

Acura was founded in 1986 as Honda’s luxury vehicle division.
Honda created Acura to compete with established luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Acura and Honda share a common DNA, with Acura focusing on luxury and performance.
Both brands leverage their combined expertise to produce high-quality vehicles.

Let’s explore the history, manufacturing, and relationship between Acura and Honda, and see how this partnership has shaped the automotive industry.

Table of Contents

The Birth of Acura: Honda’s Vision for a Luxury Brand

In the 1980s, the Japanese government imposed voluntary export restraints on automobiles to the United States. This move made it more profitable for Japanese automakers to export higher-priced vehicles. Recognizing this opportunity, Honda embarked on a visionary journey to create its own luxury vehicle division, one that would cater to the discerning tastes of affluent buyers.

On March 27, 1986, Acura was born, marking a significant milestone as the first Japanese luxury automotive brand. The company’s initial offering consisted of two models: the executive class Acura Legend and the compact class Acura Integra, available in five-door and three-door hatchback configurations.

The Acura Legend, in particular, was the result of Project XX, a joint venture between Honda and the UK’s Austin Rover Group. This flagship sedan was mechanically related to the Rover 800 series, while the Integra was an improvement upon the Honda Quint hatchback. The success of these models, especially the Legend, paved the way for competing Japanese luxury brand ventures, such as Toyota’s Lexus and Nissan’s Infiniti.

Where Are Acura Vehicles Manufactured?

While Acura’s origins can be traced back to Japan, the brand’s vehicles are primarily manufactured in the United States, reflecting Honda’s commitment to domestic production. Acura has not one, but four manufacturing facilities located throughout Ohio, contributing to the local economy and supporting American jobs.

These plants are situated in the following locations:

Marysville, OH: This facility is responsible for producing popular Acura models like the TLX, ILX, and the iconic Acura NSX supercar.
Anna, OH: The Anna plant is dedicated to manufacturing engines for Acura vehicles, ensuring each model is powered by Honda’s renowned engineering excellence.
East Liberty, OH: Here, the Acura RDX and the Acura MDX are assembled, catering to the growing demand for luxury SUVs.
Russells Point, OH: This facility focuses on producing transmissions, all-wheel-drive systems, and other critical components that power Acura’s vehicles.

By manufacturing its vehicles in the heartland of America, Acura not only contributes to the local economy but also upholds its brand identity as a premium automaker with a strong commitment to quality and reliability.

Acura’s Shared DNA with Honda: Reliability and Performance

While Acura and Honda operate as distinct brands, they share a common DNA that is deeply rooted in Honda’s engineering and manufacturing processes. This connection is evident in the reliability and performance that Acura vehicles have become renowned for.

Honda has long been celebrated for its commitment to quality and dependability, traits that have been seamlessly integrated into Acura’s design philosophies. From the precision engineering to the rigorous quality control measures, Acura vehicles inherit Honda’s unwavering focus on delivering reliable and long-lasting automotive solutions.

However, Acura takes this inherited reliability and elevates it with a focus on performance and luxury. Drawing inspiration from Honda’s racing heritage and expertise in motorsports, Acura vehicles are imbued with a spirited driving experience, boasting powerful engines, responsive handling, and cutting-edge technologies that cater to the desires of driving enthusiasts.

Is Acura or Honda Better? A Comparison

When it comes to comparing Acura and Honda, it’s essential to understand the distinct value propositions and target audiences of each brand.

Pros of Honda:

Renowned for reliability, efficiency, and affordability
Diverse range of vehicles, including small cars, midsize cars, SUVs, and minivans
Excellent safety ratings and low ownership costs
Practical and family-friendly options

Pros of Acura:

Premium luxury features and advanced technologies
Sportier performance and more powerful engine options
Upscale interior designs and exterior styling
Higher-end amenities and a more prestigious brand image

While Honda vehicles cater to a broader audience seeking practical and reliable transportation, Acura targets buyers who desire a blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. However, both brands share a commitment to quality, safety, and value, making them compelling choices within their respective segments.

The Acura Lineup: A Range of Luxury Vehicles

Acura’s diverse lineup of vehicles reflects the brand’s commitment to catering to various driving needs and preferences. From sleek sedans to capable SUVs and the iconic NSX supercar, Acura offers a range of options that blend luxury, performance, and innovative technologies.

Acura Sedans

Acura ILX: A compact luxury sedan that combines sporty handling with premium amenities, making it an ideal choice for urban commuters.
Acura TLX: Acura’s midsize luxury sedan, the TLX offers a perfect balance of performance, comfort, and advanced safety features.
Acura RLX: The flagship luxury sedan in Acura’s lineup, the RLX is a showcase of cutting-edge technologies, including Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.

Acura SUVs

Acura RDX: A compact luxury SUV that combines versatility and luxury with Acura’s signature performance and handling.
Acura MDX: Acura’s midsize luxury SUV, the MDX offers a spacious interior, advanced technologies, and impressive towing capabilities, making it perfect for families on the go.

Acura Supercar

Acura NSX: The legendary Acura NSX is a mid-engine, twin-turbocharged hybrid supercar that represents the pinnacle of Acura’s performance engineering. With its advanced aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and electrifying acceleration, the NSX is a true driver’s car.

Across its lineup, Acura vehicles are known for their attention to detail, innovative features, and a commitment to delivering a premium driving experience that sets them apart from the competition.

The Future of Acura: Continuing Honda’s Legacy

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Acura remains steadfast in its commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering and design. With a strong foundation rooted in Honda’s legacy of innovation, Acura is poised to shape the future of luxury automobiles.

One of the key focus areas for Acura is electrification and sustainable mobility. As the world transitions towards more eco-friendly transportation solutions, Acura is actively exploring and developing advanced electric and hybrid powertrains that will continue to deliver the exhilarating performance and luxury that the brand is known for, while minimizing its environmental impact.

Additionally, Acura remains dedicated to maintaining the delicate balance between performance, luxury, and reliability that has become its hallmark. By leveraging Honda’s cutting-edge research and development, Acura will continue to introduce groundbreaking technologies and design elements that elevate the driving experience while upholding the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and dependability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acura and Honda

Who owns Acura?

Acura is the luxury vehicle division of Honda Motor Company, founded in 1986 to compete in the premium automotive market.

Is Acura considered a luxury brand?

Yes, Acura is widely recognized as a luxury automotive brand, offering premium features, advanced technologies, and a focus on performance and luxury.

What does the name “Acura” mean?

The name “Acura” is derived from the Latin word “acutus,” meaning “to sharpen,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to precision and attention to detail.

Are Acura vehicles more reliable than Honda vehicles?

While both Acura and Honda vehicles are known for their reliability, Acura models typically score slightly lower in reliability ratings compared to their more affordable Honda counterparts. This is partly due to Acura’s categorization as a luxury brand, which often comes with more complex features and advanced technologies that can be more prone to issues over time.

However, it’s important to note that Acura still ranks highly in terms of reliability among luxury brands. According to RepairPal, Acura is ranked second out of 32 car brands for reliability, outperforming many other luxury marques like Lincoln, Cadillac, and Audi.

Is Acura better than Lexus or other luxury brands?

When it comes to comparing Acura to other luxury brands like Lexus, Audi, or BMW, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and priorities. While Lexus is often praised for its exceptional reliability and customer satisfaction ratings, Acura offers a compelling combination of performance, value, and advanced technologies.

In their 2021 J.D. Power Dependability Study, Lexus ranked highest among luxury brands for reliability. However, Acura vehicles often undercut their rivals on price while delivering capable performance and a comprehensive list of standard features.

Ultimately, the decision between Acura and other luxury brands will depend on factors such as driving preferences, budget considerations, and the specific features and capabilities that align with your needs.

Let’s Finish

Acura, a luxury automaker, excels by combining Honda’s engineering expertise with premium quality. Born from Honda’s vision, Acura offers a unique blend of style, power, and technology. With Ohio manufacturing facilities, Acura contributes to the local economy and upholds its premium brand identity.

Acura’s success stems from its shared DNA with Honda, inheriting renowned quality and elevating it with a focus on luxury and performance. As the industry evolves, Acura prioritizes electrification, sustainability, and balance, shaping the future of luxury automobiles.

Acura’s diverse lineup offers something for everyone, from sedans to SUVs to the iconic NSX supercar, all crafted with precision and cutting-edge technology, ensuring an exceptional driving experience.