Is Acura owned by Toyota?
When it comes to car brands, many people often wonder about the ownership and relationships between manufacturers. Acura, known for its luxury vehicles, is frequently mistaken as being associated with Toyota. In this article, we’ll clarify the ownership of Acura and provide some context about its origins.
Who Owns Acura?
Acura is not owned by Toyota. It is actually the luxury vehicle division of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., a Japanese multinational corporation. Acura was established in 1986 as Honda's attempt to enter the luxury car market, particularly in North America. The brand was created to compete with other luxury automakers like Lexus (Toyota's luxury division) and Infiniti (Nissan's luxury division).
Why the Confusion Between Acura and Toyota?
The confusion likely arises because both Acura and Lexus are Japanese luxury brands, and Lexus is owned by Toyota. Here are some reasons why people might mix them up:
- Both brands are Japanese and have a reputation for reliability and quality.
- Acura and Lexus vehicles often compete in the same luxury car segments, such as sedans and SUVs.
- Both brands were introduced around the same time in the 1980s to target the North American luxury market.
A Brief History of Acura
Acura was launched in the United States and Canada in 1986, making it the first Japanese luxury car brand. Its initial lineup included the Acura Legend and the Acura Integra, both of which were well-received for their performance and quality. Over the years, Acura has continued to innovate, offering vehicles that combine luxury, technology, and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, Acura is not owned by Toyota. It is a division of Honda, created to compete in the luxury car market. While Acura and Lexus may share similarities as Japanese luxury brands, they are distinct entities with different parent companies. If you’re considering a luxury vehicle, understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one is better, Lexus or Acura?
Both Acura and Lexus are known for producing reliable vehicles, but Lexus has consistently topped dependability rankings. In the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, Lexus ranked first with a score of 133 problems per 100 vehicles, significantly outperforming the industry average of 186 PP100.
Is Acura just a fancy 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.
Who is Acura owned by?
Acura was launched in 1986 by its parent company, Honda. When Honda debuted its luxury line in America, the brand was actually known as Channel II.
Are Acura and Toyota the same company?
Acura is the luxury line for the Honda Motor Company, while Lexus is the luxury line for the Toyota Motor Corporation.
What's better, Acura or INFINITI?
Regarding luxury vehicles, INFINITI and Acura have earned a reputation for combining style, performance, and cutting-edge technology. However, INFINITI consistently outshines Acura in critical areas, offering a more comprehensive suite of engine options, superior performance features, and advanced technology.
What's better, Acura or Infiniti?
Regarding luxury vehicles, INFINITI and Acura have earned a reputation for combining style, performance, and cutting-edge technology. However, INFINITI consistently outshines Acura in critical areas, offering a more comprehensive suite of engine options, superior performance features, and advanced technology.
Did Toyota buy Acura?
The rumors you heard are correct. The Honda Motor Company, Ltd. is the entity who owns Acura. The government of Japan introduced export restrictions on automobiles to the U.S.A. during the 1980's.
What is the luxury version of Toyota?
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.
Do Acuras have Honda engines?
The 2007 RDX, a crossover SUV, featured the first North American use of a turbocharged Honda engine. A second generation NSX was launched in 2016 and features a twin-turbocharged mid-engine, a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.
Are acuras expensive to fix?
On average, Acura owners pay $501 per year for maintenance and repairs. Acura maintenance costs are low for the industry and very low for luxury models. Extended car warranties or prepaid maintenance plans can help manage Acura maintenance costs.
