Why is Honda called Acura in us?
Honda, the renowned Japanese automaker, decided to establish a separate luxury brand called Acura for the US market in 1986. This strategic move was aimed at positioning Honda's premium vehicles as a distinct and more upscale offering compared to their mainstream Honda-branded counterparts.
The Rationale Behind the Acura Brand
There were several key reasons why Honda chose to introduce the Acura brand in the United States:
- Differentiation: Honda wanted to create a distinct identity for its luxury vehicles and distance them from the more affordable Honda models. Acura would serve as a premium brand to compete with other luxury automakers like Lexus, Infiniti, and Cadillac.
- Branding and Perception: The Honda name, while highly respected for its reliability and value, was not necessarily associated with luxury and premium features. Acura allowed Honda to build a new brand identity focused on advanced technology, performance, and exclusivity.
- Market Positioning: The US luxury car market was growing rapidly in the 1980s, and Honda saw an opportunity to capture a share of this lucrative segment. Acura would allow Honda to target a different customer base and compete directly with other luxury brands.
By establishing Acura, Honda was able to offer a more diverse lineup of vehicles, from the compact Integra to the flagship Legend sedan, all while maintaining the Honda brand's focus on affordability and practicality.
The Acura Naming Convention
Another key aspect of the Acura brand was its unique naming convention. Unlike Honda's model names, which are often based on common words or concepts, Acura's models were given alphanumeric designations:
- Integra: A compact sports car
- Legend: A flagship luxury sedan
- NSX: A high-performance sports car
- TL, RL, MDX, RDX: Subsequent luxury sedan, SUV, and crossover models
This naming strategy was intended to convey a sense of exclusivity and technical sophistication, differentiating Acura from the more mainstream Honda brand.
Acura's Success and Expansion
The Acura brand has been a success for Honda, establishing itself as a respected luxury automaker in the US market. Over the years, Acura has expanded its lineup to include a diverse range of vehicles, from sedans and SUVs to high-performance sports cars. While the Acura brand is not sold in Japan, it has become an integral part of Honda's global strategy, allowing the company to compete in the lucrative and prestigious luxury automotive segment.
Is it better to buy an Acura or Honda?
Honda vehicles are very similar because they share core values. However, with the Acura brand being the luxury and performance-focused sibling to Honda, an Acura vehicle lets you get a better luxury experience while retaining top-notch reliability.
Why are Hondas 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.
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.
Is Acura as luxurious as Lexus?
Build Quality and Luxury
While Acura produces high-quality vehicles, Lexus takes luxury to the next level. The materials used in Lexus interiors are often of higher grade, and the overall design aesthetic tends to be more elegant and sophisticated.
Do Acuras have a Honda engine?
Honda and Acura cars share a lot of features, including engines. Honda engines are known for their high performance, fuel efficiency, durability, and low cost of maintenance. Honda builds some of the best engines in the world, and these engines are used in both Honda and Acura cars.
Are Acuras just fancy Hondas?
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.
