Is an Acura the same as a Honda?
When it comes to car brands, many people wonder about the relationship between Acura and Honda. Are they the same? Do they share parts or engineering? As an experienced auto service provider, I’m here to break it down for you and clarify the connection between these two well-known automotive brands.
The Relationship Between Acura and Honda
Acura is not the same as Honda, but the two brands are closely related. Acura is the luxury and performance division of Honda, created to cater to a more premium market. Honda launched Acura in 1986, making it the first Japanese luxury car brand to enter the North American market. While Honda focuses on reliable, practical, and affordable vehicles, Acura emphasizes luxury, advanced technology, and high performance.
Key Differences Between Acura and Honda
Although Acura and Honda share a parent company, there are several distinctions between the two brands:
- Target Market: Honda vehicles are designed for the mass market, offering affordability and practicality. Acura, on the other hand, targets customers looking for luxury, performance, and advanced features.
- Design and Features: Acura models often feature more sophisticated designs, premium materials, and advanced technology compared to their Honda counterparts.
- Performance: Acura vehicles are engineered for higher performance, with more powerful engines and sportier handling.
- Price Point: Acura vehicles are generally more expensive than Honda models due to their luxury positioning and additional features.
Shared Engineering and Components
Despite their differences, Acura and Honda share a lot of engineering and components. Many Acura models are built on Honda platforms and use Honda engines, which helps maintain reliability and reduce production costs. For example, the Acura MDX shares its platform with the Honda Pilot, and the Acura ILX is based on the Honda Civic. However, Acura vehicles are often tuned for better performance and equipped with exclusive features to differentiate them from Honda models.
Conclusion
In summary, Acura and Honda are not the same, but they are closely connected. Acura is Honda’s luxury division, offering premium vehicles with advanced features and higher performance. While they share engineering and components, Acura vehicles are designed to stand out in the luxury market. Whether you’re looking for a reliable daily driver or a luxurious ride, understanding the differences between these two brands can help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people call Acuras Hondas?
Acura began its history in 1986 as the luxury division of the Honda Motor Company. It was the first luxury brand to go to market, beating both Lexus and Infiniti. The purpose of the Acura brand was to sell luxury versions of Honda vehicles outside Japan, in order to appeal to a broader, growing market at the time.
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.
How reliable are Acura engines?
Acura Reliability Earns Praise from Consumer Reports
Of the 22 brands measured in the study including a mix of both mainstream and luxury brands, Acura finished in the top 25% with a 5th place finish1. That's higher than its biggest rivals including Lincoln, Genesis, Cadillac, Tesla, and Mercedes-Benz.
Is Acura a high end Toyota?
Acura is the luxury line for the Honda Motor Company, while Lexus is the luxury line for the Toyota Motor Corporation.
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.
Why is Honda called Acura?
There are a few definitions of the word Acura. One of the origins of this brand name is that it came from the Latin word Acu, meaning “done with precision” or “mechanically precise.” Another possible influence for the brand name comes from the Japanese division of the Honda Motor Company.
What is Toyota's luxury brand?
Lexus
Lexus. Lexus (レクサス, Rekusasu) is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. The Lexus brand is marketed in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide and is Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars.
What is more reliable Honda or Acura?
Most drivers consider both Honda and Acura to be great choices that aren't as hungry for auto service, so it shouldn't be a surprise that Acura vs. Honda reliability is a tie. That's not just our opinion: RepairPal.com gave both the Acura and Honda brands a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.
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.
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.
