Is Acura part of Toyota?
As a trusted auto service provider with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I often get asked about the relationships between car brands. One common question is whether Acura is part of Toyota. Let’s dive into the details to clarify this misconception and explore the origins of Acura and its parent company.
Acura: A Luxury Brand of Honda
Acura is not part of Toyota. Instead, it is the luxury vehicle division of Honda, a separate Japanese automaker. Acura was introduced in 1986 as Honda's answer to the growing demand for high-end, performance-oriented vehicles in the United States and Canada. It was the first Japanese luxury brand to enter the market, paving the way for competitors like Lexus (Toyota's luxury division) and Infiniti (Nissan's luxury division).
How Acura Differs from Toyota
While both Acura and Toyota are Japanese automotive brands, they are entirely distinct entities. Here are some key differences:
- Parent Companies: Acura is owned by Honda, while Toyota operates its own luxury division, Lexus.
- Brand Focus: Acura focuses on luxury and performance, whereas Toyota is known for its reliability and affordability across a wide range of vehicles.
- Market Positioning: Acura competes directly with luxury brands like Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, while Toyota targets a broader audience with its diverse lineup of vehicles.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion between Acura and Toyota likely stems from the fact that both brands originate from Japan and have a reputation for producing high-quality vehicles. Additionally, Toyota's luxury division, Lexus, often competes with Acura in the same market segments, leading some to mistakenly associate Acura with Toyota.
Conclusion
In summary, Acura is not part of Toyota. It is a luxury brand owned by Honda, designed to offer premium vehicles with a focus on performance and innovation. If you're considering a luxury vehicle, understanding the distinctions between brands like Acura and Toyota can help you make an informed decision. At Kevin's Autos, we’re here to assist with all your car maintenance and repair needs, no matter the make or model!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the luxury brand 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.
Is Acura just a fancy Honda?
Acura is the luxury and performance division of Japanese automaker Honda, based primarily in North America. The brand was launched on March 27, 1986, marketing luxury and performance automobiles. Acura sells cars in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, and Kuwait.
Do Acuras have Honda engines?
Acura cars are equipped with top options from the Honda engine lineup. There is a variety of four-cylinder and some V6s available.
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'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.
Who is Acura sister company?
Honda
There is a kernel of truth to the idea that Honda and Acura are the same company. Acura is actually a branch of Honda, albeit one with its own merits. While the history of Honda shows an automaker providing a wide range of everyday vehicles, Acura was used to break into the luxury car market.
Are Acura and Toyota the same company?
Acura is Honda's luxury brand. Toyota is not a luxury brand. Lexus is Toyota's equivalent to Acura. Toyota is known as a staid brand.
Which one is better, Lexus or Acura?
Reliability and Dependability
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. Acura, while still above average, scored 211 PP100.
Are acuras expensive to fix?
Cost of Acura Maintenance
Acura is a luxury brand, but the cost of the vehicles don't carry the higher luxury price tag. They are also not expensive to maintain. According to YourMechanic.com, Acura ranks 11th out of 30 on a list of the most and least expensive cars to maintain.
What company owns Acura?
Honda, an automotive titan, is the proud parent of Acura. Honda introduced Acura, originally dubbed Channel II, to the United States in 1986. Over the years, Acura has grown to become a luxury brand synonymous with Honda's reputation for quality and reliability.
