Team Acura Parts Blog

USA Today recently bared its picks for the top 25 automobiles during the past 25 years. A 1986 Acura Legend managed to land at the number 9 spot, signifying the Japanese-bred American carmaker’s lofty billing in the automotive industry.

Acura, the first luxury brand that came out of Japan, has put a tag of $20,000 on its flagship sedan!

According to USA Today, the 1986 Legend “pioneers the way for Lexus and Infiniti and helps establish the notion that the Japanese are capable of true luxury cars.”

The Legend has been receiving accolades from all sides, since making a splash in North America in 1986, winning Car and Driver’s Ten Best three years in a row and Motor Trend’s “Import Car of the Year” for 1987.

Legends were regarded for their impeccable fit and finish, incredible reliability, and good performance. Manual-equipped models could sprint to 60 mph in just under eight seconds and reach a top speed of 135 mph.

1. 1992 Toyota Camry
2. 1991 Ford Explorer
3. 2001 Toyota Prius
4. 1984 Chrysler minivans
5. 1986 Hyundai Excel
6. 1986 Ford Taurus
7. 1990 Lexus LS 400
8. 1990 Mazda Miata
9. 1986 Acura Legend
10. 1996 Toyota RAV4
11. 1994 Ford Mustang
12. 1991 Saturn SL
13. 1997 Ford F-150
14. 2003 Hummer H2
15. 2002 Mini Cooper
16. 1998 Lincoln Navigator
17. 1986 Yugo
18. 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
19. 2001 Pontiac Aztec
20. 2001 Cadillac CTS
21. 1986 Suzuki Samarai
22. GM Impact
23. 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
24. 2005 Scion xB
25. 2002 BMW 7-series

Despite being Acura’s skipper, the 2007 Acura RL received a rude reception from automotive critics and enthusiasts. Among the first noticeable downsides of the new RL are the downscaled interior, the unremarkable body style, and the mediocre performance. Fortunately for the RL, its technological features save some grace. RL remained solid and sporty.

The new RL does not look like Acura-ish at all – a decent interior and exterior styling are not enough to give it an upscale look. Its profile is particularly dull, similar to a Honda Accord. The way the front-end dips down gives it a little swagger, reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SL550. The similarity carries over to the tightly framed, trapezoidal grille. The cabin feels well-built, with decent leather and some good-looking wood trim, but it lacks the luxury feel found in the less-expensive Lexus IS 350.

Back in 2005, the then’s Acura RL, wowed everyone with its knockout features. Sadly, it has not put up enough tweaks and upgrades to keep up with the competition in some key areas. Live traffic reporting is already a re-run, its superior voice command is now spread throughout lower-end Acura and Honda models, and its Bluetooth cell phone integration is virtualy archaic.

Acura, however, continues to push tech limits in other areas, most notably with RL’s Collision Mitigation Braking System, an advanced safety feature which holds its ground well with those found on much more expensive cars.

The 2007 Acura RL comes in three models, namely: the base model with a tag of $46,280; the Technology package available for $49,900; and the Technology package with CMBS and PAX in the bag for $53,700.

As mentioned earlier, the surprise and knockout factors of the 2005 RL no longer exist with the new one. Unfortunately, cars have longer product cycles than electronics, and Acura will probably need four or five years out of the current RL configuration before making a major model upgrade. This fact lets other cars with more recent model upgrades adopt newer, more richer electronic features.

Critics are contemplating on putting their blessings on the Lexus IS 350 and BMW 335i, since both offering better performance and almost the same number of cabin gadgets for the same bucks. Acura’s own RDX has the same technology, a better-sounding stereo, and slightly better performance for a lower tag price. In fact, the Nissan Altima Hybrid also has live traffic reporting, the same if not better cabin technology, and a hybrid power train for substantially less money.

Certainly, the 2007 Acura RL caters to an specific type of buyer – a person who suddenly earns much more money than he/she expect, and yet would feel uncomfortable in something obviously luxurious or powerful. The RL is the reliable ride for IT professionals and high-earning techie junkies with low-profile aspirations – those who still feel the need to commute into work every day and are not keen on racing around mountain roads on the weekends.

What could be behind RDX’s strong sales showing last May? Acura has made just some changes in the powerplant, suspension, and some tweaks on the looks of RDX.

First, to reduce weight and provide fuel economy, Acura equipped the RDX with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, its first forced-induction part. A four-banger in a vehicle costing close to $40,000 is a risky gambit, but the RDX did emerge as one of the lightest crossovers in the market, and its 6.5-second sprint to 60 mph makes it the roadster of the SUV world. However, that the 20HP-stronger BMW X3 matched the RDX’s quarter-mile trap speed, and by the time both are blazing through at 100 mph, the BMW is expected to be a tenth ahead.

One of Acura’s views for the RDX is for the SUV to have the riding pleasure of the TSX sedan. Mission accomplished. The steering is light and sharp-responsing. Hence, with right-now turn-in, the driver always know what the front tires are up to. During a recent text, the RDX exhibited no uncontrolled body motions and showed impeccable command of turns.

The new RDX also summoned the greatest skid pad grip and the highest speed throug. Although its transmission offers only five selections, the “manumatic” paddles behind the steering wheel functioned so instantly and intuitively that batting it is just like having exchanges in a pingpong match.

A Super Handling All-Wheel Drive routes power to the outside rear wheel in corners to stave off premature understeer. Coupled with a set of aggressively designed seats, the RDX emerged as the sports car of the SUV market.

There is however, a disadvantage in RDX’s otherwise excellent handling abilities. It is the unyielding ride, flinty over small-displacement ripples and bust-the-backside harsh over potholes.

Overall though, the RDX does not show much kinks in its armor.

Acura has reaped dividends from its roster of light truck, which catapulted the Japanese- American luxury car maker’s sales to 15,920 units last May, a 5.3 percent increase compared to the figures a year ago. The May numbers, which are based on the daily selling rate that included one additional business day, also brought 2007’s total sales to 74,774 units.

Inspired showings by the MDX luxury SUV and turbocharged RDX in the market, helped set a May sales record of 6,635 for total light trucks — an 82.6 percent increase from last year and exceeding the previous record of 5,633 set in May 2005. The MDX posted strong sales of 4,623 units, 27.2 percent more than last May.

MDX’s sales for the current year reached 22,388 units, 7.1 percent greater than last year. In addition, RDX continued to make sales gains, recording May sales of 2,012 units, and totaling 10,419 units for the current year.

“We are delighted to report our tenth consecutive record month of light truck sales,” exclaims Dick Colliver, executive vice president of Acura sales. “And we look forward to the new Acura Design Studio in Southern California creating exciting products to help further increase Acura sales.”

Still, Acura’s top-selling for May was the TL performance luxury sedan, which posted sales of 5,760. TL is a product of the designers who will work in the new design studio recently completed also last May. The TSX sports sedan sold 2,859 units for the month, bringing year-to-date sales to 14,007.

The statistics are based on 26 selling days in May 2007 versus 25 selling days in May 2006. Year-to-date percentages are based on 127 selling days in 2007 as compared to 126 in 2006.

Set to play a key role in the development of new concepts and designs that will lead eventually to future Acura products, the new $15 million Acura Design Studio had its official break in May 24. With state-of-the-art research and design and a job layout focused on upping the ante for the Honda-bred car maker, the new workshop represents the next step in the advancement of the Acura brand.

With a superior level of energy efficiency on its sights, the studio is a shoo-in for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Builders of the design studio had painstakingly injected a lot of measures in the projects design and construction to achieve LEED gold certification.

“This Acura Design Studio will help conceive and design the future of Acura,” says Toshihiko Nonaka, president of Honda R&D Americas (HRA). “Our goal here is to create emotional designs that create a strong and distinct image for Acura products.”

Acura models, such as the MDX luxury SUV and TL luxury performance sedan, have been designed, developed, and crafted previously by Honda Americas. The construction and completion of the design studio pave the way for a clearer focus on advancing the unique character of the Acura brand.

“The effort to distinguish Acura in the marketplace begins with design,” exclaims Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and the Acura Division. “The Acura Design Studio will be critical in our efforts to deliver products at the right times and ahead of the competition.”

A key feature of the Acura Design Studio is the inclusion of a computer-generated virtual simulator that enables researchers and stylists to display virtual vehicles in a one-to-one ratio. Also featured in the design studio is the parallel arrangement of the interior and exterior design areas on the styling floor, which aims to enable easier interaction of designers involved in a new vehicle.

The Acura Design Studio joins the Honda Design Studio in Torrance, CA and the Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, CA to expand Honda Americas’ existing Los Angeles Center for research and design.

In coinciding with the celebration of Acura’s 20th anniversary, a celebratory groundbreaking for the Acura Design Studio was marked March 27 last year. Acura was the world’s first Japanese luxury car and the first Japanese luxury automaker to design, develop and manufacture its vehicles in North America. Today, nearly two-thirds of all Acura vehicles sold in America are researched, designed, developed, and assembled exclusively in North America.

The Acura Design Studio includes many energy-saving parts such as an Energy Star reflective roof to stifle heat gain and lower air conditioning requirements; reclaimed water used for landscaping; and an intelligent lighting system that makes greater use of natural light.

Honda Americas traces its roots in California way back in 1976. Since then, local market research activities and has steadily grown its capabilities to include all aspects of new vehicle design and development.

The completion of the Acura Design Studio, brings the number of R&D facilities in North America to 13, with more than 1,200 designers, engineers and support personnel engaged in the development of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment products for North America and global markets.

Honda Americas’ major centers include the Los Angeles Center (Torrance, CA) responsible for market research, concept development and styling design; the Ohio Center (Raymond, OH) responsible for complete product development, testing, and support of North American supplier development; and two dynamic test facilities in California and Ohio; and the North Carolina Center (Swepsonville, NC) responsible for power equipment R&D.

Acura had a relatively busy year as it unfolded new models for its campaign next year. The American-bred auto manufacturing arm of Honda certainly has been noticeable this yer.

Summer time is getting near and the model year is about the end, but it is worth noting the three new vehicles uncovered by Acura in its efforts to make an upward move in the luxury market. The three siblings introduced were, namely: the RDX, a sporty entry-level luxury SUV; the MDX, a top-of-the-line SUV; and the TL-S Type entry-level luxury sport sedan.

With the up-and-coming urban families who love adventures and active lifestyle as its target market, the RDX fits well with the billing as it was given a high level of equipment and the performance. It is powered by Acura’s first turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 2.3L 16-valve unit that gives out 240 horsepower in a five-speed automatic with a sport shift. Thanks to the car’s amazing power, engaging the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel with your thumbs gives instant acceleration. As you run through the gears, it feels far more like a sports car than anything else. Gas mileage is estimated to be at 19 mpg when driving in city and 23 mpg while on the highway.

Enthusiasts who are also music buffs are set to be get supreme entertainment with one of the best sound systems in the business: the 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround Premium Sound System, designed by Grammy Award-winning recording engineer and producer Elliot Scheiner of Panasonic and Acura. It gives every RDX passenger the distinct sensation of sitting in the middle of a concert hall with sound coming from every corner of the vehicle.

A set of top grade materials and an assertive dashboard design angled toward the driver highlights the interior. The LED-backlit gauges are some of the cool features. The main fly in the ointment is cargo space. It is relatively tight, which may be an issue for some of those active families that Acura is targeting. Prices for the RDX range from $32,995 up to $36,495.

MDX, on the other hand, sports a styling that alone represents a radical deviation for Acura. Sweeping curves, dramatic angles and a roofline that makes it appear as though it’s a smaller, have replaced the older, more conservative design. The package is an aggressive, highly sculptured effort, which includes a more aerodynamic six-seater. In reality, the MDX does have three rows of seats, though the third one is quite tight. Such is the case with just about all SUVs anyway.

MDX boasts primarily of its high performance. It’s probably the only SUV that has been on the famous Nurburgring race track. Power comes from a 3.7L, 300 horsepower V-6 powerplant with a mileage rating of 17 city/22 highway.

Driving the MDX was quite an experience. It’s unusual, to say the least, to drive an SUV that tears into corners and has responsive steering, but that’s exactly what the MDX features. Prices for the MDX start at $39,995 and max out at $47,795.

Since its birth in 1986, Acura has been Honda’s luxury arm outside Japan – in the US, Canada, Mexico, and even Hongkong. Recently, however, a value Acura sedan was born with the looks and specs of its famous Japanese sister, Civic.

Introducting the CSX, a Canadian-bred Acura built at Honda’s assembly plant in Alliston, northeast of Hamilton. Manufactured exclusively for Canadians who are not keen on expending much but are bent on owning an Acura, the CSX Touring starts at $25,990. The Premium trim CSX cost $28,200 and the performance-oriented Type S carries a $33,400 tag. A navigation system with bilingual voice recognition can be added for a grand total of just $31,900.

CSX is based on the Honda Civic, a great starting point since the latter is world-renowned for its quality on the road. Although there are similarities between the two models, there are also many notable differences.

The biggest distinction is the CSX’s powerplant — the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine found in Acura’s sporty RSX coupe. The lightweight, aluminum engine has a typical output of 155 hp — 15 more ponies than the 1800cc unit found in the Civic.

Acceleration of power comes through a new 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The standard manual gearbox has close ratios and a short shift lever, which makes running up and down the notches quick and comfortable. The automatic shift does an fabulous job too.

Despite the similarities in looks between the CSX and Civic, the Acura family genes are evident with the same sleek upper bodylines, trademark grille and round tail lamps. The overall package has a more performance-oriented appeal and improved visual presence. It’s not too slick, but it looks upscale.

In the interior, however, the similarities continue. Behind the raked windshield, the gauges are displayed in a bi-level design with a digital speedometer up top and additional readouts for outside temperature, odometer and tachometer below. The cabin is decently lit throughout with blue and white illumination. Combined with metallic accents and dark upholstery, the cabin exudes a trendy downtown lounge feel.

There are no power operated seats and lumbar adjustment available. Yet, the front seats are comfortable and supportive, with manual height adjustment for the driver’s side. With the standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel it’s easy to find a comfortable driving position. Backseat passengers will find the rear bench comfortable, with ample legroom for all three persons.

A standard package for the CSX consists of automatic climate control, cruise control, leather steering wheel, speed sensitive volume control, CD/stereo with MP3 compatibility and power windows, mirrors and locks.

As additional features , the Premium model have a sunroof, high intensity discharge headlights, heated seats, leather upholstery and an in-dash, 6-disc CD changer. Honda’s commitment to safety extends throughout the auto maker’s fleet, and because of this, the CSX also benefits with the standard 4-channel anti-lock brakes, six airbags and active head restraints to prevent whiplash injuries.

Competitors may have more power than the CSX, but are far pricier than the youngest Acura sibling. With a balanced mix of comfort, sporty looks, and luxury backed by Honda’s reputation for reliability, not to mention its low tag price, Acura’s “gateway” product is a good start for those who are planning to set foot in the luxury door.

Acura’s “Advanced Sports Car Concept” has arrived.

Figuring to surpass other models like the 2008 Lexus LF-A and 2007 Nissan GT-R, Acura unveiled the 2009 NSX recently at the Detroit Auto Show.

In an effort to make it run toe to toe with top models like the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo and the new Maserati GT, the “future” Acura NSX will be boosted by a 4.5L V10 engine that ensures bigger output than the past NSXs, though smaller than the current BMW’s M5 and the upcoming Lexus V10. NSX is expected to reach around 120HP/L with max output of 550Hp. Top speed is projected to be around 200 mph and the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.8 seconds.

Tipped as the most powerful Acura ever produced, the 2009 NSX is said to be more in the line of British GT’s than Italian Ferraris. Even though it is designed as a typical roadster, it will retain much of its Acura looks, but not necessarily the characteristics of its predecessors.

Honda’s “Super Handling AWD” system will possibly be included in the new NSX. SH-AWD is capable applying a greater percentage of overall torque to the rear wheels in aggressive driving situations. The SH-AWD technology was first used by Acura and is fairly fitted for high performance vehicles. Its success led to its application on some of Acura’s high-performance vehicles.

The Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept presented at 2007 Detroit Auto Show featured a 19-inch front and 20-inch rear performance tires which are mounted to custom billet-machined, polished aluminum wheels. Powerful, ventilated carbon ceramic brake discs and eight-piston calipers accent the wheels. Bold wheel arches and flares add to the concept’s aggressive appearance.

NSX’s interior is constructed entirely of tinted glass and sits well against the body. Door handles are also flush mounted, allowing the sports car to retain a clean and aerodynamic appearance. A carbon fiber underbody and aggressive quad exhaust pipes with integrated rear diffusers highlight NSX’s high performance potential.

The redesigned Acura MDX outpointed competitors from Cadillac, BMW, and Lincoln in Consumer Reports’ tests of five mid-sized luxury SUVs for the July issue.

Acura MDX now rank in fourth place among the 18 mid-sized SUVs recently tested by Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports’ top three rated vehicles in this category are all from the Toyota family. The number one, and also the Top Pick vehicle in the Annual April Auto Issue, is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Another hybrid, the Lexus RX400h, is ranked second overall. RX350 round up the highest three.

CR tested a total of five luxury SUVs for the July issue—the RX350, the MDX, the Cadillac SRX, BMW X5, and Lincoln MKX. Loaded with features such as sunroofs, high-end sound systems, and more, prices for these SUVs ranged from $43,595 for the MKX to $56,745 for the X5.

Alhough the SRX achieved a “Very Good” overall score, it still finished just midpack in this competitive segment. The X5 and MKX finished at the bottom of CR’s rankings for this class.

Actually, Acura MDX and RX350 finished in a virtual tie, with 80 points each overall. But the battle went down to the varying driving characters. The five-passenger RX is luxurious and comfortable and delivers the quickest acceleration and the best fuel economy in this group—at 19 mpg overall. The three-row, seven-passenger Acura MDX, on the other hand, has better handling and a powertrain that feels sportier than the Lexus, but a firmer ride.

Details about the how the tests and racings of the mid-sized and large SUVs were done appear in Consumer Reports’ July issue released last June 5. The full reports can also be obtained on-line from www.ConsumerReports.org.

Consumer Reports features only two of the five mid-sized SUVs in this issue—the Acura MDX and RX350. CR did recommend the SRX because of its subpar reliability record; CR does not yet have reliability data on the X5 and MKX.

Consumer Reports only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s Annual Car Reliability Survey of its own subscribers, and performed at least adequately when crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

The newly-facelifted Acura MDX is a well-rounded, seven-seat SUV that outscores vehicles costing thousands more. CR noted its refined powertrain, responsive handling, and controlled ride. But the third-row seat is tight for anyone but kids. The Acura MDX ($46,365 MSRP as tested) is dragged by a 300-hp, 3.7-liter V6 that delivers quick acceleration coupled with a smooth and responsive five-speed automatic transmission. Braking is highly touted.

Consumer Reports is one of the most reliable sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. Anchored by the magazine’s auto experts who have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars, Consumer Reports conducts the most comprehensive auto-testing program of any U.S. publication or Web site.

Acura TL underwent a facelift for 2007. The ‘upgrade’ involves, not just an additional cupholder, but a real tuneup. For all its glory, the new performance-tweaked 2007 TL Type-S midsized luxury sedan its not just about souped up looks. Operation is now more exciting.

The engine gets the most heart-pounding upgrade – it is now a a superlative 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 286 horsepower power plant that gives you instant response at low and high RPMs. On surface streets, driving out of harm’s way is like gliding in an unrestricted airspace. On the highways, a quick tip on the accelerator jets you a safe distance away from a swerving aggressor bent on scathing your front bumper.

With the presence of Formula One racing-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel, the sporty feel of the tested five-speed automatic TL Type-S was dramatically intensified. A TL driver could go full automatic or operate in semi-manual mode with his/her hands doing the shifting chores and without the need for clutch.

Zooming down the on-ramp with that 18-wheeler approaching fast in the right lane might give you second thoughts of obliging when using other models. With the Type-S, zipping onto the highway is effortless with plenty of space to spare. Uphill runs were a walk in the park. Slalom maneuvers were easy, although the suspension seemed relatively stiff. Fortunately, the new TL’s performance handling more than made up for rigid shocks. The four-piston, ventilated Brembo brakes on the front end rates a 9/10.

Type-S actually marks as a resurrection, not an upgrade, of a predecessor that was booted out of the roster three years ago. Nobody knows if it was just a marketing strategy played up by Acura, although everybody knows that the Type-S has always been about unbridled performance. On the tested car, performance came in big spurts.

Aesthetically, TL Type-S has a few subtle upgrades. The TL Type-S has been restyled inside and out. The exterior’s sporty looks are decent, but it is ultimately understated. What you get is basically an appealing, rounded shape body that cuts through the air nicely. Inside the cabin, the leather seating surfaces are breathtaking, and the dual-zone climate control does a good job of matching up with the desired coolness. Interior quietness is exceptional, even when the Acura’s V-6 is asked to prove its worth more.

The TL Type-S’s controls panel located at the center console is nicely laid out and user-friendly. Eight speakers are enough to give a chest-thumping sound experience. All of these come in an amazing tag price of just $38,125!

Impressive isn’t it? What’s not a bargain is Acura’s recommendation of using only premium gas in the 17.1-gallon fuel tank. The federal fuel economy ratings of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway make the superior factor a little easier to take. Interior space is fine in the front, but the back would have three squirming adults. In a nutshell, this TL Type-S is a breath of fresh air worthy of excitement.