Editing Acura (section)

==History==

===1980s===
The brand was created around the same time as Japanese rivals Nissan and Toyota developed their respective Infiniti and Lexus premium brands. The Japanese government imposed voluntary export restraints for the U.S. market, so it was more profitable for Japanese automakers to export more expensive cars to the U.S.

[[File:First Gen Legend Coupe.jpg|thumb|right|270px|First generation [[Acura Legend]] coupe]]
Following a decade of research, Honda opened 60 new dealerships in North America by 1986, to support its Acura automobile division. Acura was the first Japanese luxury brand, introduced under the slogan, "Acura. Precision Crafted Automobiles." Its initial offering consisted of two models: the [[executive car|executive class]] [[Acura Legend|Legend]] and the [[compact (car)|compact class]] [[Acura Integra|Integra]], available as a five-door and three-door hatchback. The Legend was the result of Project XX, a joint venture Honda entered into with the UK's [[Austin Rover Group]]. It was mechanically related to the [[Rover 800]] series, while the Integra was an improvement of the [[Honda Quint]] hatchback.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acura.com/ |title=Acura History page |publisher=Acura.com |access-date=20 November 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101114173531/http://www.acura.com/| archive-date= 14 November 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

The success of these models, particularly the Legend, led to competing Japanese luxury brand ventures ([[Toyota]]'s [[Lexus]] that began development in 1983 as the [[#First generation (UCF10)|F1]] project, and [[Nissan]]'s [[Infiniti]] who began development in 1985 by revising their Japan-only flagship [[Nissan President]]; in the late 1990s Mazda planned but never launched its own Amati luxury division). The goal of the Legend was to compete with rivals [[Toyota Crown]] and the [[Nissan Cedric]] and [[Nissan Gloria|Gloria]], but due to its 1986 introduction worldwide, Toyota, Nissan and other companies like [[Lincoln (automobile)|Lincoln]] took notice of the markets reaction to the Legend and later the [[Acura Vigor|Vigor]] and offered vehicles that addressed the executive size car. Toyota introduced the [[Lexus ES]], Nissan introduced the [[Infiniti J30]] and Ford utilized the [[Ford D186 platform|Taurus platform]] and named their new sedan the [[Lincoln Continental#1988–1994|Lincoln Continental]].

[[Image:1989 Acura Integra.JPG|thumb|right|First generation [[Honda Integra|Acura Integra]]]]
In 1987, Acura's first full year of sales, they sold 109,000 cars with the flagship Legend sedan accounting for 55,000 sales and the rest were of the smaller Integra. By 1990, Acura was selling 138,000 vehicles, including 54,000 Legends, compared to Mercedes-Benz's 78,000 cars and 64,000 each for BMW and Lexus.<ref name="acura">{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/may2006/bw20060523_579325.htm |title=A Short History of Japanese Luxury Cars |publisher=Businessweek.com |date=23 May 2006 |access-date=19 July 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110628223731/http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/may2006/bw20060523_579325.htm| archive-date= 28 June 2011 | url-status= dead}}</ref>

===1990s===
In 1990, five years after the debut of the Legend and Integra, Acura introduced the [[Acura NSX|NSX]], a midship V6 powered, rear-wheel-drive sports car.  The NSX, an acronym for "New Sports eXperimental", was billed as the first Japanese car capable of competing with [[Ferrari]] and [[Porsche]]. This vehicle served as an "image car" for both the Honda and Acura brands, heralding the introduction of Honda's [[VTEC]] technology. The NSX was the world's first all-aluminum production car, and was also marketed and viewed by some as the "everyday supercar" thanks in part to its ease of use, quality and reliability, traits that were unheard of in the supercar segment at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-03 |title=Acura NSX and Lexus LS400: When Japan Ruled the Automotive World |url=https://www.motortrend.com/features/acura-nsx-lexus-ls400-history-review/ |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=MotorTrend |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920163642/https://www.motortrend.com/features/acura-nsx-lexus-ls400-history-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> With the release of the NSX, Acura introduced the "A-badge", a stylized pair of calipers—a tool used for exacting measurements to imply that Acura vehicles are built to precise and demanding standards.

[[File:Acura NSX (20391213293).jpg|thumb|right|The [[Honda NSX (first generation)|NSX]] was sold under the Acura brand in certain regions]]
Despite a strong start in market acceptance for the Acura brand, sales suffered in the mid-to-late 1990s.  Some critics attributed this decline in part to less inspiring designs, which were re-branded Japanese-spec Hondas, such as the [[Acura Vigor#Third generation series CB5/CC2 & CC3 (1989–1995)|Acura Vigor]] in 1992. Additionally, during this time Acura switched to an alphanumeric nomenclature formula, dropping the Legend, Vigor and Integra titles, following the lead of the NSX sportscar. The 1996 3.5 RL, which replaced the popular Legend, and the Vigor became the 2.5 TL and 3.2 TL, and was regarded by many as the epitome of this problem, namely because the alphanumeric designations were more anonymous than the former Legend, Vigor and Integra titles, which had grown into their own cult followings.<ref name=forbes>{{cite magazine |author=Jerry Flint |url=https://www.forbes.com/2003/04/01/cz_jf_0401flint.html |title=Backseat Driver – Acura |magazine=Forbes |date=1 April 2003 |access-date=20 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504031736/http://www.forbes.com/2003/04/01/cz_jf_0401flint.html |archive-date=4 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The parent company, Honda, was also feeling the results of the decline of the Japanese economy, due to the [[Japanese asset price bubble]] that took place during the 1990s and into the 2000s. This period is known in Japan as the [[Lost Decades|Lost Decade]].
[[File:Acura Integra Type R white.jpg|left|thumb|[[Honda Integra#Integra Type R|Acura Integra Type R]] ]]
During this time, the NSX also lost sales as Acura made few changes from its original 1990 trim. A year later, the Integra sedan was withdrawn from the Canadian market, replaced by the market-exclusive [[Acura EL|Acura 1.6 EL]], a rebadged [[Honda Civic]]/[[Honda Domani|Domani]]. The Integra sedan continued to be sold in the United States until 2001 (in name only, the model it was replaced with, the RSX, was simply a rebadged left-hand-drive version of the JDM DC5 Honda Integra).

Despite these letdowns, Acura gained prominence in the 1990s with a young group of customers: "tuner" enthusiasts.  Parent company Honda's reputation with this demographic as a maker of "easy-to-tune" and "rev-happy" engines rubbed off onto Acura, and the Integra became a popular tuner car.<ref>{{Cite web |last=West |first=Chris |date=2020-09-21 |title=The 20 Best Tuner-Friendly Cars Of All Time |url=https://hiconsumption.com/best-tuner-cars/ |access-date=2022-09-17 |website=HiConsumption |language=en-US |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920170726/https://hiconsumption.com/best-tuner-cars/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2000–2003===
[[Image:1999-01 Acura TL.jpg|thumb|The second generation [[Acura TL]]]]
Beginning around the year 2000, Acura experienced a rebirth which was catalyzed by the introduction of several redesigned models. The first of these models was the 1999 Acura 3.2 [[Acura TL|TL]], an upscale sedan. Critics suggested that although 3.2 TL did not outdo its competition in any one area of luxury cars, it offered a well-rounded blend of sportiness and luxury.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2002/04/02/038183.html |title=Review: 2003 Acura 3.2 TL Type-S |publisher=Theautochannel.com |access-date=20 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526075621/http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2002/04/02/038183.html |archive-date=26 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> These characteristics, combined with the TL's competitive price, proved very popular with consumers. Subsequent Acura models have followed a similar philosophy of offering much standard equipment and few options.

[[File:04-06 Acura MDX.jpg|thumb|First generation [[Acura MDX]]]]
Another refreshed Acura introduced in the early 2000s was the [[Acura MDX|MDX]], a popular three-row crossover SUV based on the [[Honda Odyssey (North America)|Honda Odyssey]] minivan. The MDX replaced the slow-selling [[Acura SLX|SLX]], which was little more than a rebadged [[Isuzu Trooper]]. The MDX was a car-like crossover SUV with limited off-road capability that catered to the demands of the luxury SUV market. It was given top honors by [[Car and Driver]] in its first comparison test against seven other SUVs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sandiegometro.com/2001/feb/roadtest.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907115408/http://www.sandiegometro.com/2001/feb/roadtest.html|url-status=dead|title=Road Test: You Can Hang A Star On The Acura MDX|archivedate=7 September 2008}}</ref> Other cars in Acura's line-up during this time included the 3.2 TL, 3.2 [[Acura CL|CL]], [[Acura RSX|RSX]] (formerly the Integra hatchback), and the NSX. By the late 2000s, Acura had dropped the inclusion of engine displacement numbers in its vehicle designations, retaining a simpler, two- or three-letter designation instead (e.g. 3.5 RL became RL). The 1999-2003 TL have been plagued by transmission and other problems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1999-to-2003-acura-tl-2.htm |title=1999-2003 Acura TL: Reliability - Consumer Guide Automotive |publisher=Consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com |access-date=26 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427071711/http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1999-to-2003-acura-tl-2.htm |archive-date=27 April 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2001, a new coupe, badged as the RSX was introduced to the Acura line up. It was a replacement for the outgoing Integra. The RSX is a rebadged Honda Integra (DC5) from the Japanese market. As a result, the RSX is technically a new generation of the outgoing Integra. Much like the Integra, the RSX was a hit in the tuner market. However, at the end of 2006, the RSX was taken out of the Acura line up, subsequently in the Japanese market as well. It is not known why the RSX did not continue to be sold as the Integra in Japan, however, the reason that Acura gave for the cancellation of the RSX is that Acura wishes to move up in the luxury brand, thus cannot sell a car that is mostly driven by teenagers.

===2004–2006===
A new TL was introduced for the 2004 model year, with a {{convert|270|hp|abbr=on}} V6<ref>{{cite web|title=Acura TL V 6-3.2L (2004)|url=http://acura.workshop-manuals.com/tl/v6-3.2l/|publisher=workshop-manuals.com|access-date=28 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818180618/http://acura.workshop-manuals.com/tl/v6-3.2l/|archive-date=18 August 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>  measured by the then-current [[Society of Automotive Engineers|SAE]] standards. The new TL increased sales dramatically to 70,943 American units in 2005.

Also around the same time the [[Acura TSX]] was introduced. It was essentially a re-badged European and Japanese market Honda Accord loaded with features. This model became the only 4-cylinder sedan in Acura's line-up (with the exception of the Canadian market [[Acura CSX]], which replaced the EL in 2006).

Acura's new models—particularly the TL and TSX—were well received by the motoring press and became Acura's top selling vehicles by then. The TSX was on ''Car and Driver''{{'}}s Ten Best list from 2004 to 2006.

[[File:04-06_Acura_TL.jpg|thumb|left|2004-2006 [[Acura TL]]]]
[[File:2005 Acura RL -- NHTSA.jpg|thumb|2005 [[Acura RL]]]]
[[File:2006_Acura_CSX.jpg|thumb|left|2006 [[Acura CSX]]]]
[[File:2007-Acura-RDX-2.jpg|thumb|left|2007 [[Acura RDX]]]]

In 2005, a new RL was introduced with a {{convert|300|hp|abbr=on}} V6, improved styling, and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), a system capable of sending almost all of the RL's power to just one wheel in a turn. The second-generation RL appeared on ''[[Car and Driver]]''{{'}}s [[Car and Driver Ten Best|Ten Best list]] for 2005, and also garnered an CNET.com "Editor's Choice". However in the midsize luxury segment, RL sales lagged far behind not only the best-selling German offerings but also Japanese contemporaries like the [[Lexus GS]] and [[Infiniti M]]. Honda Japan had set the RL's initial price high, close to those with V8 engines, disappointing potential customers who perceived Acura as not being on par with its German rivals in brand equity and expected more value from the Japanese marque. The damage from Honda Japan's alleged hubris was done, even though Honda Canada has since reduced the RL's price.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=ebd3dab9-f974-4fc2-a4e1-d321bdf1bb5b |title=Driving.ca - Road test: 2009 Acura RL |publisher=Autos.canada.com |access-date=20 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521004336/http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=ebd3dab9-f974-4fc2-a4e1-d321bdf1bb5b |archive-date=21 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2006 Acura introduced a compact crossover SUV which was based on its own unique unibody chassis called the [[Acura RDX|RDX]] with models becoming available to U.S. consumers in August 2006. It is powered by a turbocharged 240-hp 4-cylinder engine and, like the RL, uses Acura's [[SH-AWD]] system. A completely redesigned MDX became available in the fall of 2006 with a {{convert|300|hp|abbr=on}} V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.
{{News release section|date=August 2012}}

===2007–2013===
[[File:06-08_Acura_TSX.jpg|thumb|First generation [[Acura TSX]]]]
Acura reintroduced the TL Type-S for the 2007 model year. 2009 marked the all new TL and TSX models as well as a mid-year model update for the RL; all three made their debuts in the 2008 calendar year. Acura planned on redesigning the RL by 2011 as well as announced the creation of a brand new luxury crossover vehicle called the [[Acura ZDX|ZDX]], previewed by the concept of the same name.

The ZDX was the first vehicle designed in Acura's design studio located in [[Torrance, California]]. The ZDX was designed by Michelle Christensen, and based on the Acura MDX using that vehicle's 3.7 litre V6 engine (300&nbsp;bhp) and SH-AWD system. It is also the first Acura to be completely built in North America. The production model of the ZDX made its debut in the Orange County Auto Show in Southern California on 15 October 2009. The concept behind the ZDX is that it is a "four door coupe," and the design emphasis of the body of the car is like a "pulled back slingshot." Another prominent design aspect of the ZDX is the wide rear shoulders above the rear wheels. The ZDX went on sale in December 2009.

[[File:2012 Acura TL -- NHTSA 2.jpg|thumb|2012 [[Acura TL]]]]
Acura initially had plans for the third generation of RL to be a rear wheel drive V8 sedan for its [[Flagship car|flagship]], but shelved the plans in the wake of the 2008 economic downturn.<ref>{{cite web |last=Joseph |first=Noah |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/sorry-acura-dealers-v8-rwd-dropped-for-low-growth-period/ |title=Acura sticks with V6 on large sedans |publisher=Autoblog.com |date=2 November 2009 |access-date=20 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131044234/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/sorry-acura-dealers-v8-rwd-dropped-for-low-growth-period/ |archive-date=31 January 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Acura announced new TSX wagon in the [[New York Auto Show#2010|2010 New York Auto Show]] and went on sale in Fall of 2010. The wagon version of the TSX is based on the wagon version of the Euro-spec Honda Accord which has been in the European market for some time. However, Acura did not announce any plans for the third-generation RL.

For the 2010 model year the MDX models received some slight exterior changes and increased equipment levels. Mechanically the engine remained unchanged but the transmission was updated from the previous 5-speeds to 6-speeds including steering column mounted shift override paddles. This new transmission was shared with the ZDX.

In 2012, Acura introduced a new model called the [[ILX]] which replaced the [[Acura CSX]] in Canada and is based on the [[Honda Civic]] platform. The ILX was initially offered with three powertrain options: a [[Honda L engine|1.5L]] four cylinder electric hybrid shared with the North American [[Honda Civic Hybrid]] paired to a [[Continuously variable transmission|CVT transmission]], a 2.0L 4 cylinder [[Honda R engine|R20A1]] paired to a 5 speed automatic transmission, or a 2.4L [[Honda K engine|K24Z7]] paired with a 6 speed manual transmission equipped with a [[Limited-slip differential|limited slip differential]] identical to the 2013-2015 [[Honda Civic Si]]. It also unveiled the [[Acura RLX]] Concept, a replacement for the RL sedan, at the [[New York International Auto Show#2012|New York International Auto Show]]. The ILX went on sale in May 2012 in the United States as a 2013 model.

[[File:Acura MDX facelift front 6.10.18.jpg|thumb|Third generation [[Acura MDX]]]]
[[File:ACURA NSX (18410856452).jpg|thumb|right|2016 [[Honda NSX (second generation)|Acura NSX]]]]Also in 2012, Acura "reinvented" another model, The RDX concept. For the new model, Acura dropped the 4 cylinder turbo for a 3.5L V6. When the official 2013 Acura RDX was released, it was relatively similar to the concept but had changes in wheels, taillights, and some other cosmetics. A lot of this Acura looks like its brother the ILX. The 2013 RDX doesn't have the SH-AWD system instead it has "AWD with intelligent control", similar to the CR-V's AWD system.

In 2013, Acura showed a 2014 Concept of the MDX. Shortly after, it was released to the public. The MDX competes with the Lexus RX, Audi Q7, and many others.

[[File:2019 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD in red front NYIAS 2019.jpg|thumb|2019 [[Acura TLX]] PMC Edition]]
In December 2013, at the [[Los Angeles Auto Show#2013|Los Angeles Auto Show]], Acura unveiled a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD version of the flagship RLX sedan. It has a 310-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine and a pair of electric motors (one for each axle) that generate a combined 377 horsepower through a new 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Acura technology firsts on the 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD also include an electronic gear selector that replaces the conventional, center console-mounted shift lever with an efficiently packaged push-button array allowing the driver to easily select the desired mode—Park, Drive and Reverse, as well as Sport and Normal driving modes. The new RLX Sport Hybrid will go on sale in mid-2014.

===2014–present===
In January 2014, at the [[Detroit Auto Show#2014|Detroit Auto Show]], Acura unveiled the all-new 2015 TLX sports sedan. This new vehicle replaced the soon to be discontinued TSX and TL sedans. The TLX in the 2.4-liter comes with Acura's all new eight-speed dual clutch DCT transmission. Meanwhile, the high-end 3.5-liter V6 model came with the new nine-speed transmission and Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The TLX went on sale in the Summer of 2014.

In 2015, Acura redesigned the ILX for the 2016 model year. Now solely available with a 2.4L [[Honda K engine|K24V7]] engine and 8-speed [[Dual-clutch transmission|dual clutch transmission]] (DCT) instead of the 2.0L [[Honda R engine|R20A1]] & 5-speed automatic transmission, 2.4L [[Honda K engine|K24Z7]] 6 speed manual transmission and [[Hybrid electric vehicle|hybrid electric]] options. Added is the signature Acura Jewel Eye LED headlights, LED taillights, updated wheels, suspension modifications, bumper redesign, and new packages such as AcuraWatch Package (includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation, and forward collision warning) and [[Acura A-Spec and Type-S models|A-Spec]] (sportier appearance).

Also redesigned is the 2016 RDX. Featured with the same 3.5L 6-speed automatic with some slight adjustments for efficiency and hp/torque boosts. The RDX gets the Acura Jewel Eye LED treatment as well. A new Advance Package is being offered with the inclusion of, parking sensors (front and rear), rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto-dimming side mirrors, remote start, ventilated seats, and foglights.

In 2017, Acura made considerations on opening an Indian branch.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.businessworld.in/article/Honda-Mulling-Acura-Brand-For-India-To-Take-On-Lexus/25-08-2017-124829/ | title=Honda Mulling Acura Brand for India to Take on Lexus | access-date=24 April 2022 | archive-date=24 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424125032/https://www.businessworld.in/article/Honda-Mulling-Acura-Brand-For-India-To-Take-On-Lexus/25-08-2017-124829/ | url-status=live }}</ref>