In 1986, North America saw the first Japanese luxury automobile with the name of Acura – The Legend sedan. From this date forward, Americans cannot seem to get enough of Acura’s luxury and performance. With this very first car, a new standard was set that is still today rare in most luxury cars from any other manufacture besides Honda. Some of the features that were noted with the Acura Legend sedan were the precise handling, quick to respond power-trans, and the excellent road behavior.
With the unveiling of the Acura Legend sedan, luxury cars have been getting a second look at least the ones with the Acura name. Luxury did not mean only a comfy ride any longer.
The Evolution of Acura
1986: Birth of the Acura Legend Sedan in North America
1990:
On the Customer Satisfaction Index by J. D. Power and Associates, Acura dealerships in the United States were once again in first place for the fifth year in a row.
Late in this year, the Acura NSX sport coupe arrived for the excitement of consumers. This Acura was designed with an aluminum body, mid-engine, two-seater, and promised the performance of European exotics. Style, comfort, and reliability were the only words used in the description. Motor Trend stated it was the “’best sports car ever built.’”
1991:
Motor Trend chose the Acura Legend coupe for their Import Car of the Year trophy.
The Acura Integra was listed on Car & Driver’s Ten Best
The Acura Vigor sport sedan was unveiled, which was a cross between the Legend and the Integra.
Introduced VTEC technology in the NSX
Reliance Motors in Hong Kong introduced Acura.
1996:
Acura introduced RL considered their flagship. The RL replaced the Legend.
NSX lost sales due to few changes being made.
1997:
Integra Type-R hit the showrooms.
2000:
The Acura MDX sport-utility vehicle was introduced. This unique Acura was created and developed at a Honda R&D facility in Ohio. The MDX received top honors from Car and Driver in their first comparison test against other SUV’s.
Other redesigns hit the showrooms as well including the Acura 3.2 TL, 3.2 CL, RSX, and the NSX.
Later in the year, the 3.5 RL became known as the RL when they decided to drop the engine displacement numbers.
2001:
The Acura MDX received Motor Trend’s “2001 Sport/Utility of the Year” award.
2002:
Acura replaced the Integra with the RSX.
2004:
Acura replaced the CL coupe and the Acura Integra sedan with the TSX. The Integra had not seen any type of redesign since its birth in 1986. The major competition for the TSX was the BMW 3-series. This was the only 4-cylinder sedan that Acura had out for the year.
Honda de Mexico introduced Acura.
2005:
The Acura TL was introduced with sharp Italianate styling and a 258-hp V6 that was available with a 6 speed manual transmission. This automobile increased sales to 70,943 in America.
The Acura TL 3rd generation became the best selling luxury car in the United States.
Consumer’s Most Wanted Vehicle award from Edmunds.com went to the Acura TL.
The Acura RL was unveiled in 2005. It has a 300-hp V6, VTEC engine, better styling, and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive better known as SH-AWD. This new system is able to send practically all of the RL’s power to one wheel in a turn. With this type of power maneuvering and cornering is more reliable, precise, and stable. This is the only vehicle in North America to feature a telematics system with traffic reports in real time while updating 24 hours per day in certain metropolitan areas.
In December of this year, the NSX was discontinued because it was moving slow. However, a redesign has been promised between 2007 to 2009.
2006:
Acura introduced to China
The Acura RDX was unveiled and made available to consumers in August. This small SUV is powered by a turbocharged 240 hp 4-cylinder engine. It is also equipped with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive better known as SH-AWD. There are two versions available, the premium with standard offering and the Technology Package with is an upgrade that includes a GPS navigation system, Bluetooth phone integration and other high tech add-ons. Some of the features that can be installed by dealers include body-side moldings, all-weather floor mats, front and rear trim packages, automatic-dimming rear-view mirror, and iPod-integration cable.
Looking toward the future, who knows what will be available or what redesigns may be in store for the Acura. All that is known for sure is that the consumer will have to sit back in anticipation and wait to see what the future holds.
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