What car company is Acura part of?
Acura is a luxury automotive brand that is owned and operated by the Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company. Acura was launched in 1986 as Honda's luxury division, making it one of the first Japanese luxury car brands to be introduced in the United States.
Honda's Luxury Division
Acura was established by Honda in 1986 as a separate luxury division to compete with other premium automotive brands in the North American market. Acura was the first Japanese luxury car brand to be introduced in the United States, arriving a few years before Lexus (Toyota's luxury division) and Infiniti (Nissan's luxury division).
The Acura brand was created to offer Honda's high-quality engineering and technology in a more upscale package, targeting consumers who were looking for a premium driving experience. Acura models are known for their advanced features, refined interiors, and sporty performance.
Acura's Lineup and Models
Acura's current lineup includes a range of sedans, SUVs, and sports cars, including the TLX, RDX, and NSX models. Some of Acura's most popular and well-known vehicles include:
- Acura TLX: A midsize luxury sedan known for its sophisticated design and engaging driving dynamics.
- Acura RDX: A compact luxury SUV that offers a blend of practicality, performance, and premium features.
- Acura NSX: A high-performance hybrid sports car that showcases Acura's engineering expertise.
Acura continues to be an important part of Honda's global strategy, offering customers a more premium and luxurious alternative to the mainstream Honda brand.
Is Acura owned by Honda or Toyota?
Acura is the luxury brand of Honda, not Toyota. Acura was created by the Honda Motor Company to compete in the luxury car market and is sometimes referred to as the luxury counterpart to Honda. In contrast, Lexus is the luxury brand for Toyota.
- Acura is Honda: Acura is a division of Honda, designed to offer a more premium and performance-oriented vehicle line.
- Toyota is separate: Toyota has its own separate luxury brand, which is Lexus.
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 Nissan make Acura cars?
No, Acura is not made by Nissan; Acura is a luxury vehicle division of Honda Motor Company. Nissan's luxury brand is INFINITI. Acura and Honda share a parent company, and while they are distinct brands, they have a close relationship.
- Ownership: Honda owns the Acura brand.
- Parent Company: Acura is the luxury division of Honda Motor Co.
- Nissan's Luxury Brand: The luxury brand associated with Nissan is INFINITI.
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.
