Are you planning to purchase an Acura model and you are looking to find out whether are Acuras reliable? Well, if that is the case, then you are at the right place because there will be a lot to cover on this topic and we are going to discuss Acura models in great detail and find out whether they are reliable or not.
- Acura History & Background
- Acura vs Honda
- Pros & Cons Of Owning An Acura
- Current Acura Lineup
- Are Acura Cars Reliable?
- Most Reliable Model
- Least Reliable Model
- Maintenance Cost
- Final Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Performing thorough research on a car brand is always a good thing to do. You just don’t want to take your chances and buy something blindfolded. Usually what people are saying about a brand is somewhat true for their cars overall. Even though things can really depend from model to model.
So, the broader picture sometimes might be deceiving since some models of a certain brand perform better than others. Mainly because they have certain parts that are problematic while the other model does not have these parts and performs rather well. So, keep this in mind when it comes to car brands. But you shouldn’t worry because we are going to help you out.
First, we are going to learn what is Acura, and then we will learn how they compare with Honda. Then we will cover the pros and cons of Acura models as well as the maintenance costs. Then we will discuss the current Acura lineup and then we will cover the topic of whether are Acuras reliable or not and we will list the most and least reliable models that this manufacturer offers. So, if you want to learn more, follow along.
Acura
Now before we dive into the topic of whether are Acuras reliable, let’s take a look at what is Acura in general. A lot of people are confused and want to learn more about a certain brand and understand more about the basics. So, if you are not familiar with Acura yet, follow along.
If you didn’t know, Acura is a Japanese automaker that is basically a daughter company of Honda. Acura was founded in 1986, at the time when a lot of Japanese carmakers started to create separate divisions for their luxury vehicles.
Toyota had Lexus, Nissan had Infiniti and Honda had Acura. These car brands were created to steal some of the sales on the higher end. These were basically created as luxury brands. Maybe not on the same level as Mercedes Benz or BMW. But close enough to make some people consider opting for a Japanese brand rather than going for a German one.
And frankly, these new brands including Acura did precisely that and did rather well when it came to sales. The Acura Legend one of the first Acura models was a true hit and sold extremely well. And another quite popular model was the Integra.
We all know Integra and its legendary status in the car community. This car is still loved and cherished by a ton of car folks. Even though as of today it is almost 30 years old.
Then other models like the NSX were introduced in the 90s and put the Acura logo on the supercar territory. This model was probably one of the best all-around cars of the 90s. Perfect for track use and also perfect for daily driving. But are Acuras reliable? Well, more on that we are going to cover in a bit.
Acura vs Honda
Now let’s take a look at another topic before we dive into whether are Acuras reliable. And that is the topic of Acura vs Honda. A lot of people are confused by these two brands and do not know in what ways they differ from one another. And in this chapter, we are going to clear all misunderstandings.
As we mentioned previously, Acura is the luxury division of Honda. This means that Acura models are more upscale models.
The Acura models target targeting different clientele than Honda vehicles. Even though Honda models are not that cheap, they are still cheaper than Acura models by a significant margin which will make you opt for Honda instead of Acura if you don’t have a lot of money for spending on a car.
So, how do these two car brands differentiate from one another? Well, Acura models implement different styling on the exterior and the interior.
They use more technology and more conveniences. These conveniences include more features inside of the car, better quality leather interiors, more powerful engines, quieter suspension, and an overall better feel than your regular Honda.
So, if you are into luxury and you still want something Japanese, then going for an Acura might be the way to go if you are asking me. Also, Lexus is another great alternative.
But this article is about Acura and whether are Acuras reliable. This is why we will not focus a lot on other brands. But as you probably know, each brand has its pros and cons. This is why we are going to cover all the pros and cons of Acura in the following chapters. So, you definitely don’t want to miss that.
Pros & Cons Of Owning An Acura
So, we learned what is Acura and the differences between Acura and Honda. We think that now it is time to cover some of the pros and cons of Acura.
In the following chapters, we are going to cover the pros and cons of having an Acura. So, knowing the positives and negatives will help you when it comes to determining the topic of whether are Acuras reliable or not. Now let’s cover the positives and negatives really quickly.
Pros
Now let’s start with the pros of owning an Acura before we discuss whether are Acuras reliable or not. What are the biggest pros of having this model parked in your garage? Let’s elaborate.
The biggest pro of owning an Acura is probably the luxury. This brand is luxury-focused, unlike the standard Honda brand which is purely utilitarian. On the basic Acura models, you get a ton of luxury features that you will only get if you pay for the most expensive trims when it comes to Honda models.
The second pro is probably reliability. Even though this is an Acura, it is not like buying a different brand. So, if you move from a Honda to an Acura, you will still be able to enjoy the maximum reliability that Honda is known to offer. But are Acuras as reliable as Honda vehicles? More on that we are going to cover in a bit.
The next pro that buying an Acura will benefit you is the higher resale value. Although the Acura brand is more luxurious and costs more than your standard Honda, these models actually have a good resale value. So, if you don’t want to lose a ton of money after a couple of years of owning the model, going for an Acura is the way to go.
And the last pro is sportiness. Although Acura is the luxury brand of Honda, their cars are more like performance-oriented vehicles. This means that they aim for high performance.
High performance is in the DNA of Acura and since its early inception, they created the Type-S, which is the sport trim of their models. But are Acuras reliable? More on that in a bit.
Cons
So, we covered the pros of owning an Acura and learned that Acuras have a ton of positives. But what about the cons of these models? Let’s elaborate more on that before we dive into finding out whether are Acuras reliable.
When it comes to the cons of this brand, the biggest one is the price. As you probably know, Acura models are rather more expensive than your standard Honda. But this is normal since their goal is to be more expensive and more exquisite models compared to Honda.
What is bad though, is that even though they are rather expensive, they do not offer as much as the customer would want to. If you compare Lexus and Toyota, you will notice that these two brands are actually worlds apart and they have different features, and looks, Basically every bits and pieces are different.
While on Acura models, not so much. The drawback that Acura has is the lack of focus on making the models stand out from the standard Honda lineup. And try to make them more special than the standard Honda. And this is the aspect in which they should focus more in the following years to bring back some of the sales. But are Acuras reliable? More on that we are going to cover in a bit.
Acura Lineup
So, we learned more about the Acura brand and its pros and cons. Now let’s move on and start learning more about the current lineup that Acura is offering before we cover whether are Acuras reliable or not. Knowing the lineup will be really useful for people who want to get a new Acura model. So, let’s cover the cars that Acura is offering right now.
Acura Integra
The first model on our list of Acura models that we are going to cover before we dive into the topic of whether are Acuras reliable is the Acura Integra. If you didn’t know before the new generation of the Integra there was the ILX. And the Integra basically replaced this model.
The new Integra model debuted in 2022 and 2023 is the first model year. This new car will be based on the eleventh generation of the Honda Civic.
The engine used in this model will be the 1.5L turbo engine paired with a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic. The model is expected to produce about 200hp and bring back some of the genuine Integra fans that have been with the brand since its early beginnings. As well as to attract some of the younger audience by offering extremely good looks and also many interesting features. But are Acuras reliable? More on that in a bit.
Acura TLX
The Acura TLX is the Acura offering in the executive market. This TLX nameplate was introduced in 2014 and it replaced the TL and TSX. This new model is based on the Honda Accord and till now there are two generations of this model. With the newest generation released in 2020.
This model as we mentioned is based on the Accord and is sharing a lot with this model. In terms of engines, there are two engines available. A 2.0L inline-4 turbo that is producing 272hp, and a 3.0L V6 that is producing 355hp. Both of these engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
What is interesting is that there is a Type-S version that uses this V6 engine and is purely performance focused. But are Acuras reliable? More on that in a bit.
Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is probably one of the oldest models in Acura’s current lineup. The RDX debuted in 2006 and during this long stint, there were three generations released in total. The newest model was released in 2019. This RDX model is based on the Honda CR-V.
But unlike the CR-V, the RDX uses a more potent engine. Namely, a 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine that produces 272hp and 280lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic.
This model also sells probably the best from all of their lineup. With more than 50,000 units sold annually. But are Acuras reliable? More on that we are going to cover in a bit.
Acura MDX
The next model that we are going to cover is the Acura MDX. The MDX is a mid-size crossover SUV that Acura is offering right now. This model was introduced in 2000 and is the longest production Acura model as of 2022 with four generations released and the last one released in 2022.
This model is based on the Honda Pilot. The MDX shares a lot of technologies and parts with the Pilot. But this model is much more upscale than the standard Pilot. With improved looks and presence on the road, it looks rather good. There are two engines in this model, the 3.0L V6 turbo and the 3.5L V6 naturally aspirated. Both of them are paired with a 10-speed automatic. But are Acuras reliable? More on that in a bit.
Acura NSX
And the last model on our list is the Acura NSX. The NSX is probably one of the most legendary Acura models along the Integra. This new model is a proper supercar that was meant to compete with cars like the Ford GT.
It implements a rather smart-looking design. The powertrain used in this model is the 3.5L twin-turbo V6 that works with the help of an electric motor. And as you can guess the NSX is a pure hybrid vehicle. This helps it produce 602hp in the Type S version. This engine is paired with a snappy 9-speed dual-clutch transmission. But are Acuras reliable? More on that next.
Are Acuras Reliable
Now as we covered the Acura lineup of models, let’s take a look at whether are Acuras reliable or not. What is the real answer? Let’s elaborate.
As you probably know, Acura is part of Honda. So, the reliability of these two brands is pretty much the same.
We all know Honda and its quality. So, when purchasing an Acura, you can expect the same thing as well.
Not that there are no reliable models, there are some here and there. But the overall image of the brand is good. If it wasn’t, then people would not buy these cars.
Still, Acuras are rarer than Honda models. And sometimes parts can be a struggle to find and you could end up waiting for a certain part to be imported from Japan. Beware of this, especially if you are looking to rebuild one of these models. So, we learned if are Acuras reliable, now let’s discuss their most reliable models.
Are Acuras Reliable: Most Reliable Models
We covered if Acuras are reliable, now let’s take a look at the most reliable Acura models. Which are the models that are the go-to when it comes to this brand? We will take for reference the information from carcomplaints.com. Let’s elaborate.
When it comes to reliability, we can say that the ILX and the Integra are probably one of the most reliable vehicles that this brand offers.
Also, the RDX is a really reliable model. Namely, because it is produced in three different generations and there is a total of 174 complaints on the website. So, this is a good reference point that gives you a good estimate that in a 16-year production run, there are only 174 complaints on a certain model.
The Acura TSX is also a relatively good performer with only 155 complaints during its 11-year production run. Now let’s move on to the least reliable Acura models since we covered if are Acuras reliable.
Are Acuras Reliable: Least Reliable Models
So, now we know if are Acuras reliable, now let’s take a look at the least reliable Acura models. What are the worst models that Acura has to offer?
Well, when it comes to the least reliable models, it is worth mentioning the Acura TL. The Acura TL was introduced in 1995 and produced until 2014. And during this production stint, the model accumulated about 402 complaints from customers. The most problematic years are the production years from 2004 to 2008.
The second most problematic model is the MDX. This model is more than 20 years old. So, it accumulated more than 385 complaints on carcomplaints.com. The worst production year is 2014 with 61 complaints on the model and 2016 with 33 complaints. The newer model years have low complaints overall.
Acura Reliability
Acura, as the luxury division of Honda, often enjoys the reputation of building dependable vehicles. But like any brand, Acura is not without its challenges. Here, we dive into the most common issues with Acura vehicles, spanning their entire lineup.
Are Acuras Reliable, Common Problems #1: Transmission Troubles
One of the main concerns with some Acura models, especially the TL and CL, has been transmission failures. Early 2000 models were particularly affected. Signs of this issue include slipping between gears, jerky shifts, or the transmission refusing to go into any gear at all. Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the transmission’s life. So, if you’re considering an older model, ensure it has a well-documented service history.
Are Acuras Reliable, Common Problems #2: Oil Consumption
Another issue reported among some Acura models, primarily the RDX, is excessive oil consumption. While it’s normal for engines to use some oil over time, owners have noticed their vehicles needing top-offs between scheduled oil changes. To stay ahead of this, routinely checking the oil level and being aware of any unusual engine noises or behaviors is crucial.
Are Acuras Reliable, Common Problems #3: Infotainment System Glitches
With modern vehicles increasingly relying on technology, software glitches can be a common pain point. Some Acura owners have reported issues with their infotainment systems, including unresponsive touchscreens and connectivity problems. Regular software updates, which a dealer can perform, often resolve these glitches.
Are Acuras Reliable, Common Problems #4: Brake Woes
The Acura MDX and RDX have occasionally reported brake problems, including premature wear and noisy brakes. Fortunately, consistent inspections and sticking to maintenance schedules can help you catch and address these problems early.
Are Acuras Reliable, Common Problems #5: Suspension Concerns
Handling is crucial in a luxury vehicle, but some Acura owners have raised concerns over suspension components wearing out prematurely. Symptoms include a rough ride or clunking noises, especially in the TL and RL models. Regular checks by a trusted mechanic can ensure your ride remains smooth and safe.
Tips for Prospective Buyers and Owners
If you’re in the market for an Acura or already own one, there are proactive steps to mitigate these issues. First, always prioritize regular maintenance. This not only keeps your vehicle in top shape but can also catch potential problems before they become major repairs.
Secondly, do thorough research on the specific model and year you’re interested in. While Acura, in general, has a reputation for reliability, some years or models may have more reported issues than others.
In summary, while Acura boasts a strong reputation for building dependable vehicles, no brand is without its flaws. By being aware of these common issues and taking proactive measures, you can ensure that your Acura remains a reliable and enjoyable ride for years to come.
Acura Maintenance Cost
So, we covered if are Acuras reliable. Now let’s take a look at the maintenance costs. How much does it cost to maintain an Acura?
Well, in terms of maintenance, the difference is not that significant in comparison to Honda. Even though Acura understandably has more expensive maintenance.
Some of the parts that have to be changed cost more to obtain than for Acura models since the Acura parts are produced in far less volume than for Honda vehicles. And even though they share a lot of the components. There are still some noticeable differences between vehicles between the two brands and Acura has some Acura-specific components that can be more expensive to buy.
But overall, you shouldn’t be very intimidated by Acura if you owned a Honda previously. There is just not much to worry about breaking, especially if the vehicle is rather new and does not have a lot of miles.
Are Acuras Reliable: In Conclusion…
In this article, we have covered quite a bit when it comes to the topic of are Acuras reliable. First, we learned what is Acura and how it differentiates from Honda. Then we covered the pros and cons of owning an Acura vehicle.
Then we discussed the Acura lineup of cars and the specs they come in. We also covered the main topic of whether are Acuras reliable and learned more about it. We listed the most reliable and least reliable models as well as the maintenance costs.
Are Acuras Reliable
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
Who Makes Acura
Acura is the luxury division of Honda. Acura was founded in 1986 to allow Honda to enter the luxury vehicle market. Namely, with the Acura Legend. Soon after that, the Integra was introduced as well as the NSX which both brought the attention of people who want sportiness as well.
Is Acura Honda
Technically, yes, Acura is Honda. These companies work pretty much interchangeably and share a lot of know-how between them to create the best products possible. Acura was founded by Honda in 1986 and since then Acura is one of the go-to brands when it comes to upscale models.
What Is Honda’s Luxury Brand
The luxury division of Honda is the Acura brand. Similarly to what Lexus is for Toyota, that’s what Acura is for Honda. They produce luxury cars that are relatively more expensive than standard Honda models and offer far more features.
Is Acura A Luxury Car
Yes, Acura is a luxury brand that was founded by Honda in 1986. This was the time when Japanese brands diversified and created their own luxury brands. Toyota created Lexus, Nissan created Infiniti, and Honda created Acura.
Do Acuras Hold Their Value
Yes, in comparison to the standard Honda, Acura models hold their value far more. Especially if we are talking about classic Integra and NSX. But even the standard models like the RDX and MDX are valued more than the CR-V and Pilot, respectively.
Are Acuras Good Cars
Yes, they are definitely good cars. The Acura models have the same Honda quality. So, what you can expect from a Honda, you can expect from an Acura as well.
