Is Acura just a fancy Honda?
When it comes to car brands, Acura and Honda often spark a debate among car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Acura is Honda's luxury division, but does that mean it's just a "fancier" version of Honda? Let’s dive into the details to understand the relationship between these two brands and what sets them apart.
The Origins of Acura
Acura was introduced by Honda in 1986 as the first Japanese luxury car brand. The goal was to compete with established luxury automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus. Acura was designed to offer premium vehicles with advanced features, refined styling, and enhanced performance, all while maintaining Honda's reputation for reliability and efficiency.
Shared DNA: What Acura and Honda Have in Common
Acura and Honda share a lot of similarities, which is no surprise since Acura is a division of Honda. Here are some key points they have in common:
- Engineering: Many Acura models are built on the same platforms as Honda vehicles. For example, the Acura MDX shares its platform with the Honda Pilot, and the Acura ILX is based on the Honda Civic.
- Engines: Acura and Honda often use similar engines, though Acura models may feature performance enhancements or tuning for a more refined driving experience.
- Reliability: Both brands are known for their exceptional reliability and longevity, a hallmark of Honda's engineering expertise.
What Sets Acura Apart?
While Acura and Honda share a foundation, Acura distinguishes itself in several ways:
- Luxury Features: Acura vehicles come equipped with premium materials, advanced technology, and upscale interiors that cater to a more luxurious driving experience.
- Performance: Acura models often feature sportier handling and more powerful engine options compared to their Honda counterparts. For example, the Acura TLX Type S offers a turbocharged V6 engine and performance-focused all-wheel drive.
- Design: Acura vehicles are styled to appeal to luxury buyers, with sleek lines, bold grilles, and distinctive lighting systems like the Jewel Eye® LED headlights.
- Brand Identity: Acura positions itself as a premium brand, offering a more exclusive ownership experience with perks like concierge services and extended warranties.
So, Is Acura Just a Fancy Honda?
In a sense, yes—Acura is a "fancier" Honda, but it’s much more than that. Acura takes Honda's solid foundation of reliability and engineering and elevates it with luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology. For drivers seeking a premium experience without sacrificing dependability, Acura is an excellent choice.
At Kevin's Autos, we service both Honda and Acura vehicles, ensuring they perform at their best. Whether you drive a reliable Honda or a luxurious Acura, our team has the expertise to keep your car running smoothly. Contact us today for all your car maintenance and repair needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Acura not luxury?
Acura according to Honda was never meant to be luxury it's just the performance brand of Honda in the US. That's why they don't advertise luxury but just performance.
What's better, Acura or Infiniti?
Acura match-up is a very close competition. INFINITI pulls ahead by offering vehicles with more power and more standard features, and the brand has slight but important advantages in new and CPO warranty coverage, as well.
Is Acura a fancy Toyota?
Acura is the luxury line for the Honda Motor Company, while Lexus is the luxury line for the Toyota Motor Corporation.
Is Acura a status symbol?
The top non-luxury car brands Americans think look high-status are Acura, Volvo, and Jeep. Acuras and Volvos often have sleek designs that can be appealing to the eye, while Jeep is known for its more rugged yet iconic style.
Where does Acura rank in luxury cars?
Acura is among the most reliable car brands for 2022.
The Consumer Reports 2022 list ranked 28 automakers with three luxury car brands landing inside the top 10. Lexus took home the title at number one, INFINITI came in at number four, and Acura earned the number eight spot.
Is an Acura a luxury Honda?
Acura, on the other hand, is Honda's luxury division. Launched in 1986, Acura was the first Japanese premium car brand. The vehicles under this marque are designed with a greater emphasis on performance, luxury features, and a higher level of craftsmanship.
What is Chevy's luxury brand?
Cadillac
Cadillac is a division of GM. It's one of four GM brands in the U.S. — the other three are Buick, Chevrolet and GMC — and the relationship has brought some stinkers over the years.
What is Toyota's luxury brand?
Lexus vehicles
Lexus vehicles are the Toyota luxury brand – the same parent company owns the two automakers, and Toyota and Lexus vehicles share some components. The Lexus manufacturer is based in Japan, though their largest target market is the U.S.
Is Acura as luxurious as Lexus?
While Acura produces high-quality vehicles, Lexus takes luxury to the next level. The materials used in Lexus interiors are often of higher grade, and the overall design aesthetic tends to be more elegant and sophisticated.
What brand is Acura comparable to?
Lexus
The Acura Integra is often compared to another compact sedan, the Lexus IS. This vehicle is still in its 2023 model year.
