Who are Acura cars made by?

Acura is a luxury automotive brand that is owned and operated by the Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company. Acura vehicles are designed, engineered, and manufactured by Honda, but they are marketed and sold as a separate premium brand to compete with other luxury marques like Lexus, Infiniti, and BMW.

Honda's Luxury Division

Acura was launched in 1986 as Honda's luxury division, with the goal of offering more premium and technologically advanced vehicles to the North American market. The first two Acura models introduced were the Legend sedan and the Integra sports car/hatchback. Acura was the first Japanese luxury automotive brand to be introduced in the United States.

Over the years, Acura has expanded its lineup to include a variety of sedans, SUVs, and crossovers, all of which are built on Honda platforms but feature more upscale designs, materials, and features. Some of Acura's current models include the TLX sedan, the RDX and MDX SUVs, and the NSX supercar.

Acura's Relationship with Honda

While Acura is a separate brand from Honda, the two companies are closely linked. Acura vehicles are designed, engineered, and manufactured by Honda, utilizing many of the same components and technologies found in Honda's mainstream models. This allows Acura to leverage Honda's engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities, while still offering a more premium and distinctive product.

At the same time, Acura has its own dedicated design, engineering, and marketing teams that work to differentiate the brand from Honda and give Acura vehicles a unique identity. Acura also has its own dealer network and sales channels, separate from Honda's mainstream dealerships.

Acura's Global Presence

Acura is primarily sold in North America, with the majority of its sales coming from the United States. However, the brand has also been introduced in other markets, including China, Hong Kong, and parts of Southeast Asia. Acura's global expansion has been more limited compared to other luxury automotive brands, but the company continues to explore opportunities to grow the brand internationally.

Overall, Acura represents Honda's efforts to compete in the lucrative and prestigious luxury automotive market, leveraging the company's engineering prowess and manufacturing capabilities to offer a more premium and distinctive product to consumers.

Is an Acura better than a Toyota?

Neither brand is universally "better" than the other; the choice between Acura and Toyota depends on your priorities, as they excel in different areas. Acura is generally considered the better choice for those seeking more luxury, performance, and premium features, while Toyota is the better option for those prioritizing reliability, fuel efficiency, and a wider range of affordable, practical vehicles.
 
Acura's strengths

• Performance and luxury: Acura offers more powerful engines, premium interiors, and a sportier feel. 
• Premium features: Acura vehicles often come standard with more advanced technology and safety features compared to base Toyota models. 
• Interior space: Some Acura models, like the MDX, offer more cargo space and standard seven-seat configurations with more comfortable second-row seating compared to their Toyota counterparts. 

Toyota's strengths

• Reliability: Toyota is consistently ranked higher for overall reliability by organizations like Consumer Reports. 
• Fuel efficiency: Toyota offers a much wider selection of fuel-efficient hybrid and electric vehicles. 
• Affordability: Toyota vehicles generally have a lower purchase price and are often more affordable to maintain and insure. 
• Resale value: Toyota cars typically hold their value better over time. 
• Vehicle variety: Toyota's lineup is much broader, including a wider variety of trucks, SUVs, and economy cars. 

Do Acuras have Toyota engines?

No, Acura is not related to Toyota; it is Honda's luxury brand, competing with Lexus, Toyota's luxury division.

Are Acura reliable cars?

Yes, Acura is considered a very reliable car brand, consistently ranking highly in reliability studies from organizations like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. This reliability is attributed to its luxury division status under Honda, which uses proven engineering and quality components to build durable vehicles that often last 250,000 to 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. While some specific engines or models may have minor issues, the brand as a whole has a strong reputation for dependability.
 
Reasons for Acura's reliability

• Proven engineering: As the luxury division of Honda, Acura benefits from the parent company's reputation for engineering excellence, build quality, and durable powertrains. 
• High-quality components: Acura vehicles use high-end components that are built for long-lasting durability. 
• Consistent high rankings: Acura regularly earns top spots in reliability surveys from sources like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, often placing higher than many of its luxury competitors. 
• Longevity: With proper maintenance, many Acura vehicles can last for a very long time, with some owners reporting reaching 250,000 to 300,000 miles, or even more. 
• Reliable models: Some of the most reliable Acura models include the RDX and MDX, which have received high marks in recent reliability studies. 

Things to consider

• Maintenance: Like any car, an Acura's reliability is dependent on regular and proper maintenance. 
• Potential issues: While the brand is generally reliable, it's wise to research specific models, as some engines (like the 1.5T) have had some reported issues in certain vehicles, as noted on this YouTube video. 

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.