Is Acura still owned by Honda?
Yes. Acura remains Honda’s luxury vehicle brand, owned by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. It operates as a brand within Honda rather than as an independent company.
Current ownership status
Acura is widely described as Honda’s luxury division. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. owns 100% of Acura, making Acura a wholly owned subsidiary within Honda’s corporate structure. The brand markets premium vehicles in North America and other selected markets while sharing engineering and manufacturing resources with Honda.
- Acura is a luxury vehicle division of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
- Honda owns 100% of Acura’s shares; Acura is a wholly owned subsidiary of Honda.
- Acura functions as a separate marque in key markets such as the United States and Canada, while leveraging Honda’s platforms and engineering.
- Acura was launched in 1986 as Honda’s first luxury brand for North America.
This ownership arrangement means Acura benefits from Honda’s global engineering, manufacturing, and supply-chain capabilities, while maintaining a distinct brand identity aimed at premium customers.
Historical context
Understanding how Acura fits into Honda’s corporate structure helps explain why the brand remains under Honda ownership today. Since its inception, Acura has been positioned as Honda’s premium option, rather than a separate corporate entity.
Origins of Acura
Acura debuted in 1986 in the United States and Canada as Honda’s luxury marque, designed to compete with established premium brands by offering higher-end features, performance, and technology built on Honda engineering.
Brand structure within Honda
Across its history, Acura has remained a division within Honda rather than a standalone automaker. This setup enables shared platforms, powertrains, and safety technologies with Honda while preserving a distinct premium brand identity for buyers.
Impact for consumers
For buyers, the ownership relationship influences warranty, service networks, and access to Honda’s engineering ecosystem. Acura vehicles typically share components with Honda models but are marketed with their own styling, technology packages, and pricing strategy tailored to the premium segment.
- Warranty and service are part of Honda’s global after-sales framework, with Acura-branded centers where the brand operates.
- Shared platforms and engines streamline parts, suppliers, and maintenance, impacting pricing and availability.
- Brand positioning remains distinct from Honda’s mainstream lineup, focusing on premium performance and design.
In short, Acura’s status as Honda’s luxury division continues to shape product development, dealer networks, and customer expectations.
Summary
Acura remains Honda’s luxury vehicle brand, wholly owned by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. The brand operates as a division within Honda, maintaining a separate identity while leveraging Honda’s engineering and manufacturing strengths. Since its 1986 launch, Acura has served as Honda’s premium option in North America and beyond, and that ownership relationship persists today.
Is Acura just a luxury Honda?
Yes, Acura is the luxury division of Honda, and it was the first Japanese premium car brand in the U.S.. Acura vehicles are designed with more performance-oriented features, a higher level of luxury, and more sophisticated styling compared to standard Honda models.
- Brand identity: Honda created Acura to compete with other luxury brands, positioning it as the more upscale and performance-focused marque.
- Features and performance: Acura vehicles typically have more powerful engines, sportier handling, and premium features like higher-quality materials and advanced technology. For example, an Acura MDX is significantly more expensive than a Honda Pilot, offering a higher trim level.
- Vehicle platforms: While many Acura models share platforms and components with their Honda counterparts, the luxury division adds enhancements that distinguish them from standard Honda models.
Do Acuras have Honda engines?
Yes, Acuras have Honda engines, as Acura is a luxury division of Honda and many of the engines share a common architecture. While they use the same core engines, Acura engines are often tuned for higher performance. For example, the turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder engine in the 2023 Acura Integra is the same as the one found in the contemporary Honda Civic Si, though it has an Acura badge and is designed for premium fuel.
- Shared architecture: Acura and Honda vehicles often share the same core engine designs.
- Performance tuning: Acura engines may be tuned differently to provide higher performance.
- Performance focus: Acura's performance models, like the Type S, use specialized versions of Honda engines.
- Examples:
- The 2023 Acura Integra uses the same turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder engine as the Honda Civic Si.
- The 3.5-liter V6 in the Acura MDX is similar to the one used in the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline.
What is better, Lexus or Acura?
Choosing between Lexus and Acura depends on your priorities: Lexus excels in reliability, luxury, and resale value, while Acura offers better value, a sportier driving experience, and lower average repair costs. Lexus is known for its smooth, comfortable ride and has a stronger reputation for long-term durability, often reaching higher mileage, according to sources like Lexus of Freehold and Parma Car Care Specialists. Acura is praised for its performance-oriented design and offers a strong balance of luxury and affordability, notes Acura of Overland Park.
Lexus
- Reliability: Consistently ranks highest in dependability studies, with vehicles known for long-term durability.
- Luxury and Comfort: Focuses on a premium, comfortable, and quiet ride with high-quality materials.
- Resale Value: Holds a stronger resale value compared to Acura.
- Hybrid Options: Offers a wide range of hybrid and electric models, which Acura does not.
- Maintenance: Provides complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first two services on many new models.
Acura
- Value: Often considered the better value due to a combination of lower pricing, performance, and technology.
- Performance: Delivers a more sporty and dynamic driving experience.
- Repair Costs: Has lower average annual repair costs than Lexus.
- Safety: May have an advantage in specific safety awards, such as the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings for certain models.
- Maintenance: Offers complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first year/12,000 miles on new models.
Which is right for you?
- Choose Lexus if: You prioritize the absolute best long-term reliability, a luxurious and quiet cabin, and a strong resale value.
- Choose Acura if: You are looking for a sportier feel, a better value proposition, and potentially lower running costs, while still getting a premium and reliable vehicle.
Does Subaru own Acura?
Honda Motor Company is the parent company that owns the Acura brand, and the history of Acura is very much part of the history of Honda.
