Who Owns Acura?

Acura was launched in 1986 by Honda Motor Company as the company's first luxury vehicle brand. The brand was created to establish Honda's presence in the premium automotive market, competing with established luxury brands like Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Honda recognized the opportunity to leverage its reputation for reliability and innovation to enter the lucrative luxury segment. This strategic move represented Honda's ambition to expand beyond mainstream vehicles and compete in the higher-margin luxury automotive market.

The brand initially launched with the Legend sedan, a premium vehicle featuring advanced technology and refined engineering. The Legend was developed specifically for the luxury market, offering sophisticated styling, premium materials, and advanced features that appealed to affluent consumers. Acura quickly gained recognition for combining Japanese reliability with luxury features and performance capabilities, establishing a unique market position. The Legend's success demonstrated that Honda could successfully translate its engineering excellence to the luxury segment while maintaining the brand's core values of quality and innovation.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Acura expanded its lineup to include additional models such as the Integra sports car, TL mid-size sedan, TSX compact sedan, and MDX luxury SUV. The brand established itself as a credible competitor in the luxury automotive market, particularly in North America where it achieved strong sales and customer satisfaction ratings. Acura's focus on precision engineering and performance differentiated it from other luxury brands, creating a loyal customer base that appreciated the brand's blend of Japanese reliability and luxury sophistication.

In the 2010s and 2020s, Acura continued to evolve its product lineup, introducing new models and investing in electric vehicle technology. The brand has maintained its position as a leading Japanese luxury automotive brand while adapting to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics. Acura launched the RDX and MDX SUVs which became particularly successful in the growing luxury SUV segment, and introduced the Integra nameplate again to appeal to enthusiast drivers. This evolution demonstrates Acura's ability to adapt to market trends while maintaining its core identity as a Japanese luxury brand that delivers exceptional value and performance.