Is the Acura Integra made by Honda?
The Acura Integra is a popular compact car known for its sporty design, reliability, and performance. Many car enthusiasts and potential buyers often wonder about its origins and whether it is made by Honda. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between Acura and Honda and provide clarity on the manufacturing of the Acura Integra.
The Relationship Between Acura and Honda
Acura is the luxury and performance division of Honda, a globally recognized Japanese automaker. Established in 1986, Acura was created to compete in the luxury vehicle market, particularly in North America. While Acura operates as a separate brand, its vehicles are designed, engineered, and manufactured by Honda. This means that Acura models, including the Integra, share a strong connection with Honda in terms of technology, engineering, and production.
The Acura Integra: A Honda Creation
The Acura Integra is indeed made by Honda. It was first introduced in 1986 as one of Acura’s debut models, alongside the Acura Legend. The Integra has always been based on Honda platforms and utilizes Honda’s engineering expertise. For example, the Integra shares many components with the Honda Civic, including its chassis and powertrain options, making it a close relative of Honda’s compact car lineup.
Why Acura Integra Stands Out
Although the Acura Integra is made by Honda, it is designed to cater to a different audience. Acura vehicles, including the Integra, are positioned as premium options with added features, refined styling, and enhanced performance. Here are some reasons why the Integra stands out:
- Luxury Features: The Integra offers premium interior materials, advanced technology, and comfort-focused features that are not typically found in Honda’s standard lineup.
- Performance Tuning: Acura models, including the Integra, often receive performance upgrades, such as sport-tuned suspensions and more powerful engine options.
- Distinctive Design: The Integra boasts a sleek and sporty design that differentiates it from Honda’s more mainstream models.
Conclusion
In summary, the Acura Integra is made by Honda and benefits from the automaker’s renowned engineering and manufacturing expertise. However, as part of the Acura brand, the Integra is tailored to deliver a more luxurious and performance-oriented driving experience. Whether you’re drawn to its sporty appeal or its connection to Honda’s reliability, the Acura Integra remains a standout choice in the compact luxury car segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Honda own Acura?
Yes, you read that right. 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.
What is the Honda equivalent of the Integra?
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic and the Acura Integra have some similarities, which may make choosing between them challenging. We'll compare some of the most important features to help make deciding between the Civic vs. the Integra easier.
Is the Integra basically a civic?
On paper, the Honda Civic Type R and Acura Integra Type S are very evenly matched — and they should be, since they're basically the same car.
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.
