Acura is Honda's luxury vehicle division, introduced in 1986 to offer premium, performance-oriented cars and SUVs in North America and beyond.
Origins of Acura
Acura debuted in 1986 as Honda's luxury and performance brand, becoming the first luxury marque from a Japanese automaker. The name Acura was chosen to evoke a sense of precision and quality, and the brand has long promoted its engineering philosophy under the banner Precision Crafted Performance.
Current lineup and notable models
Across its sedan and SUV lineup, Acura focuses on a blend of luxury, technology, and driving dynamics. The following models are among the best-known offerings in North America.
- TLX — a mid-size luxury sedan with performance-focused Type S variants.
- RDX — a compact luxury SUV with a modern interior and strong technology package.
- MDX — a three-row luxury SUV designed for versatility and family use.
- Integra — a compact hatchback revived in 2023 as a sport-oriented entry model.
- NSX — a high-performance hybrid supercar representing Acura's engineering pinnacle.
These models illustrate Acura's emphasis on performance, luxury, and modern technology across body styles—from sport sedans to premium SUVs—and highlight the brand's flagship capabilities.
Technology and design philosophy
Acura emphasizes "Precision Crafted Performance" through driver-focused interiors, advanced safety technology, and performance-tuned variants. Features commonly highlighted include the AcuraWatch suite of safety aids, refined cabin craftsmanship, and, in Type S models, enhanced power and handling characteristics.
Market presence and global footprint
Acura operates primarily in the United States and Canada, with more limited distribution in other markets. The brand remains Honda's flagship luxury division in North America, while its presence outside that region is comparatively modest.
Summary
In short, Honda's luxury car brand is Acura. Since its 1986 launch, Acura has built a lineup that blends luxury with performance, featuring models such as the TLX, RDX, MDX, Integra, and NSX. The brand emphasizes precision engineering, advanced technology, and a premium driving experience for buyers in North America and select markets worldwide.