Acura Models

Acura ZDX

Enthusiast Rating: 6/10

The ZDX was only produced in one generation. It was based on the same platform as the Acura MDX but featured a radically different design, with a sloping roofline, a more aggressive front grille, and a sharply raked rear end. This design was aimed at providing a more sporty and stylish alternative to traditional SUVs. The ZDX was powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine, coupled with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, providing solid performance and handling characteristics. The interior was well-appointed with high-quality materials, advanced technology, and luxury features, including a panoramic sunroof and an advanced audio system. Note that the ZDX is coming back as an all-electric SUV in late 2024.

• Generations: 2

• Status: Discontinued

• Type: SUV

• First production year: 2009

• Engines: Gasoline / Electric

• Acura ZDX (2009 - 2013)

• Acura ZDX (2023 - Present)

Acura SLX

Enthusiast Rating: 3/10

The Acura SLX was a mid-size luxury SUV sold by Acura, Honda's luxury division, primarily in the United States from 1996 to 1999. It holds a unique place in Acura's history as their first attempt to enter the growing SUV market during the 1990s. The SLX, however, was a short-lived and somewhat controversial model in Acura's lineup. The Acura SLX was essentially a rebadged version of the Isuzu Trooper, a result of a partnership between Honda and Isuzu. This collaboration allowed Acura to quickly enter the SUV market without developing a completely new vehicle from scratch. It was powered initially by a 3.2-liter V6 engine, which was upgraded in 1998 to a more powerful 3.5-liter V6.

• Generations: 2

• Status: Discontinued

• Type: SUV

• First production year: 1996

• Engines: Gasoline

• Acura SLX (1996 - 1997)

• Acura SLX (1997 - 1999)

Acura RSX

Enthusiast Rating: 6/10

The Acura RSX, introduced in 2002, was a compact sports coupe that replaced the Acura Integra in North America. Known for its blend of performance, style, and affordability, the RSX quickly became popular among driving enthusiasts and the tuner community. The RSX was in production until 2006, with its brief tenure marked by a focus on delivering a sporty driving experience in a compact package. The standard RSX was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It was well-received for its smooth handling and quality interior, making it a popular choice for those seeking a sporty yet practical vehicle. The RSX Type-S was the high-performance variant and quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional handling and power. It was powered by a higher output version of the 2.0-liter engine, featuring VTEC. This model was particularly noted for its engaging manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and more aggressive styling.

• Generations: 3

• Status: Discontinued

• Type: Coupe

• First production year: 2002

• Engines: Gasoline

• Acura RSX (2002 - 2005)

• Acura RSX Type S (2005 - 2006)

• Acura RSX (2005 - 2006)

Acura RL

Enthusiast Rating: 5/10

The Acura RL, introduced in 1996, replaced the Acura Legend. This first generation was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine and was known for its smooth ride and well-appointed interior. While not as sporty as some of its rivals, it focused on comfort and luxury, with features like leather seats, wood trim, and advanced technology for the time. The second-generation RL, introduced in 2005, featured significant technological advancements. It came with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and introduced Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which improved handling and made it more competitive in terms of performance. This generation also saw advancements in safety and infotainment technologies. The RL was renamed the Acura RLX in 2014.

• Generations: 2

• Status: Discontinued

• Type: Coupé (two-door)

• First production year: 2004

• Engines: Gasoline

• Acura RL (2004 - 2008)

• Acura RL (2008 - 2012)

Acura Legend

Enthusiast Rating: 5/10

The Acura Legend, introduced by Honda's luxury division Acura, was a significant vehicle in establishing the brand's foothold in the luxury car market. Launched in the mid-1980s, the Legend combined Japanese reliability with luxury and performance, appealing to a broad range of consumers. The first-generation Acura Legend was introduced as a sedan and later as a coupe. It was one of the first two models launched under the Acura brand, alongside the Integra. The Legend was powered by a smooth and powerful 2.5-liter V6 engine, later upgraded to a 2.7-liter unit. The second-generation Legend, launched in 1991, was more refined and featured a more powerful 3.2-liter V6 engine. This generation saw improvements in handling, a more luxurious interior, and an overall increase in size. The coupe variant, in particular, gained attention for its stylish design and performance. This era of the Legend was very well-received, bolstering Acura's reputation for producing high-quality luxury vehicles.

• Generations: 2

• Status: Discontinued

• Type: Coupé & Sedan

• First production year: 1986

• Engines: Gasoline

• Acura Legend Coupe (1987 - 1990)

• Acura Legend Coupe (1990 - 1995)

• Acura Legend (1986 - 1991)

• Acura Legend (1990 - 1996)

Acura Integra Coupe

Enthusiast Rating: 9/10 (Type R)

Our Take: Type R One of Best Ever Front Wheel-Drive Sports Cars Ever

The Acura Integra has been a notable name in the compact sports car segment, appreciated for its blend of performance, style, and affordability. The Integra was introduced as part of Acura's initial lineup in 1986 and was available in both hatchback and coupe. It was known for its sporty design and 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, which was quite advanced for its time, offering a good mix of performance and efficiency. The second gen car arrived as a 1990 MY car and saw a more refined and rounded design, now powered by a new 1.8-liter engine, and the introduction of the GS-R model in 1992 was a significant highlight. The GS-R featured a higher-output VTEC engine, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. Perhaps the most iconic of the Integra lineup, the third generation car in 1994 featured a more aggressive design and improved performance. The introduction of the Type R model in 1997 was a milestone. Known for its lightweight construction, high-revving VTEC engine, and exceptional handling.

• Generations: 3

• Status: Discontinued

• Type: Coupé (two-door)

• First production year: 1986

• Engines: Gasoline

• Acura Integra Coupe (1986 - 1989)

• Acura Integra Coupe (1989 - 1994)

• Acura Integra Coupe (1994 - 2001)

Acura EL

Enthusiast Rating: 4/10

The first-generation Acura EL debuted in 1997, based on the sixth-generation Honda Civic. It distinguished itself from the Civic with unique front and rear styling, a more luxurious interior, and additional features. The EL was powered by a 1.6-liter VTEC engine, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It aimed to provide a more upscale and feature-rich alternative to the Civic, targeted at buyers seeking luxury in a smaller, more affordable package. The second-generation EL, introduced in 2001, was based on the seventh-generation Civic. It continued the formula of its predecessor, featuring distinct styling changes, a more refined interior, and additional luxury features.

• Generations: 2

• Status: Discontinued

• Type: Coupé (two-door)

• First production year: 1997

• Engines: Gasoline

• Acura EL (1997 - 2000)

• Acura EL (2001 - 2005)

Acura CSX

Enthusiast Rating: 6/10 (Type S)

The Acura CSX, a lesser-known model in the Acura lineup, was primarily designed for the Canadian market. It was essentially a luxury version of the Honda Civic. The CSX was introduced in 2006 as a successor to the Acura EL, another Canada-exclusive model. It was based on the eighth-generation Honda Civic but featured unique front and rear styling, a more luxurious interior, and a higher level of standard equipment. Acura introduced the CSX Type-S in 2007, which was the performance variant of the lineup. It was equipped with a 2.0-liter K20Z2 engine, similar to the one used in the Honda Civic Si, producing a higher horsepower output. This model also featured sportier suspension tuning, larger wheels, and more aggressive styling cues.

• Generations: 2

• Status: Discontinued

• Type: Sedan

• First production year: 2005

• Engines: Gasoline

• Acura CSX (2006 - 2009)

• Acura CSX (2009 - 2011)

Acura CL

Enthusiast Rating: 4/10

After more than a decade on the market, Acura finally launched its first product entirely built in the U.S., the 1997 Acura CL. Acura stopped producing the Legend Coupe in 1995 and introduced the CL, which was built on Honda's assembly lines in East Liberty, Ohio. Acura offered the CL with a choice of two engines: a 2.2-liter inline-four or a 3.0-liter V6. Later on, the automaker also included a 2.3-liter engine. Power went to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The second generation of the Acura CL was introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model year car. It was based on the Acura TL platform.  While other European premium car-makers used to charge for every bolt and nut added to the car, the Acura just installed them as standard. Power for the second generation car came from a 3.2-liter V6 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Until 2003 it was the only drivetrain available. Later on, a 2.4-liter inline-four and a 6-speed manual were added to the options list.

• Generations: 2

• Status: Discontinued

• Type: Coupé (two-door)

• First production year: 1997

• Engines: Gasoline

• Acura CL (1997 - 2001)

• Acura CL (2001 - 2004)

Acura NSX

Enthusiast Rating: 8/10

Our Take: First Gen a True Icon. 2nd Gen Underrated & Unappreciated.

The first NSX, introduced in 1990, was a groundbreaking model for Acura and the world of sports cars. It was the first production car to feature an all-aluminum body and chassis. Designed with input from Ayrton Senna, it was powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine with Honda's VTEC system, later upgraded to a 3.2-liter engine. It was celebrated for its exceptional handling, reliability, and ease of use compared to other supercars of its time. After a long hiatus, the NSX was revived in 2016 with a complete redesign. The new NSX shifted to a hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with three electric motors, delivering a total system output of over 570 horsepower. A mini Porsche 918 best describes the performance, with its cutting-edge technology, insane performance, and improved efficiency.

• Generations: 4

• Status: Discontinued

• Type: 2-Door Sports Car

• First production year: 1991

• Engines: Gasoline / Hybrid

• Acura NSX (1990 - 2001)

• Acura NSX (2001 - 2005)

• Acura NSX T (2001 - 2005)

• Acura NSX (2016 - 2022)

Acura ILX

Enthusiast Rating: 5/10

Based on the Honda Civic, the longer and wider compact sedan had an unique styling that differentiated it a lot from its Honda sibling. Designed mostly for those who wanted to have an elegant, yet sporty sedan, the ILX was smaller and cheaper than the TSX. For 2013, the ILX was available in a single sedan body style and a choice of three engines. The 2014 model was longer and wider, featuring a completely different exterior look and a more powerful base engine than the small Civic. Acura improved the ILX again for the 2016 model-year and brought more power, better handling, and three trim levels to the market. The most important addition was the introduction of the K24 engine under the ILX's hood, and it was mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. In 2018, the facelifted version of the ILX brought a sportier vibe with its new grille, taillights and a lower diffuser with an exposed exhaust.

• Generations: 4

• Status: Discontinued

• Type: Sedan

• First production year: 2012

• Engines: Gasoline / Hybrid

• Acura LLX (2012 - 2014)

• Acura LLX (2014 - 2016)

• Acura LLX (2016 - 2018)

• Acura LLX (2018 - Present)

Acura RLX

Enthusiast Rating: 4/10

After the disappointing RL, the RLX came as a surprise, ready to fight back in the premium car market. Introduced as a 2014 model-year, the RLX came fitted with many standard features and a new image made to impress. In addition, the car's interior was upgraded with many tech features, and thanks to the increased wheelbase compared with the RL, it offered more room inside its cabin. There was also a new V6 engine. In 2017, Acura introduced the facelifted version of the RLX. Under the hood, Acura offered a choice of two drivetrains. The base version featured a 3.5-liter V6 while the top model received a 377 hp hybrid engine that was all-wheel drive. The RLX offered a smooth ride, a spacious and well-appointed interior, and a range of high-tech features. It was Acura's flagship sedan, focusing more on luxury, comfort, and advanced technology versus being a sporty option for us enthusiasts.

• Generations: 2

• Status: Current

• Type: Sedan

• First production year: 2013

• Engines: Gasoline / Hybdrid

• Acura RLX (2013 - 2017)

• Acura RLX (2017 - Present)