Are Acuras Good Cars? Can They Be Reliable?

Honda Motor Company is the parent company of Acura. Acura is a luxury car that's not as well known. Are Acuras reliable and good-looking cars?

This guide will examine the reliability and quality of Acura's brand. Additionally, we determine the most reliable models. We list some that you should not buy. 

Are Acuras Good Cars?

Acura is one of the most trusted brands. It’s also not priced too high, considering the brand produces a luxury lineup. Considering it is one of the top options, it’s been underestimated and hasn’t gained the popularity it deserves. 

We have more info on the things you need to know before purchasing an Acura.

1. Safety

Many Acura models received top honours from The Automobile Magazine. NHTSA And the IIHS. It’s easy to find which ones are the safest when you are car shopping.

Acura’s latest lineup features the most advanced technology to give you even greater peace of head. Additionally, used Acura models can be found with future-oriented technology at a much lower cost. 

2. Motor

These engines can be found in Honda's Acura lineup. Honda's top choices are however the only ones Acura will consider. 

There are many options for four-cylinder engines, and some V6s. There’s also some hybrid technology to enjoy. 

3. Rust, Body

Acura is known for its premium quality and prestige. For that reason, you don’t have to worry about rust or corrosion on the body.

For a sturdy build, the body uses superior materials. If you have to have any bodywork done, it could cost more. 

4. Technology and features

Acura doesn’t skimp when including technology or features in the vehicles. Acura has some of the most advanced sound systems and hi-tech infotainment displays.

You can also get advanced technology features as standard equipment on some models. You won’t even need to pay extra to get competitive features with an Acura. Acura's technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.

5. Performance

Acura is a fun car to drive. Even if you don’t choose one of the company’s sports cars, you will enjoy nimble handling and superior maneuverability.

You can not only find powerful engines that produce maximum power but also vehicles with all-wheel drive. These high-tech systems are great for driving on inclement roads. 

6. Affordability

The Acura lineup isn’t as affordable as your budget-friendly manufacturer. Acura models are expensive because they're considered luxurious.

Acura is generally cheaper than other luxury vehicles. An Acura can be a great deal cheaper than other luxury models. 

7. Price of Ownership

Acura is relatively affordable to own. You will be able to get off to a good start with Acura because of its reasonable purchase price. 

Plus, because of the Honda platform and design, it won’t need a lot more maintenance. You can anticipate spending a small amount over the long-term. 

8. Repair & Maintenance Costs

According to RepairPalAcura's maintenance and repair cost are among the lowest. It has a reliability score of 4/5, making it the 2nd most reliable brand as rated by this publication.

The average repair cost per year is also lower than for other brands. The frequency of repairs is lower than other brands, although it may be higher across all areas. However, severity of the problems are much lower. 

RELATED: 20 Most & Least Expensive Cars to Maintain

Are Acuras Reliable?

Acura is a reliable brand. A luxury car that will last for many years can be purchased at an affordable price. Acura vehicles require very little maintenance and don’t often deal with severe issues.

J.D. Acura was named one of the Top Ten Brands by J.D. This model is above BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but lower than Lexus, Cadillac and Genesis. It is not, however, the most popular Acura model in its respective segment. 

Acura History

Acura was created in 1986 and is now Honda's luxury segment. It became the first luxury brand from Japan, actually before Toyota’s Lexus and Nissan’s Infiniti models. The Acura Legend won Import Car of the year in 1987. Meanwhile, the Integra was named to the Ten Best List. 

Only a year later, the Legend had become the top-selling import luxury car in the United States. The Integra was awarded the International Sedan Championship.

Acura has been receiving awards and honours since its beginning. Acura continued to be a leader in the development of advanced features such as Variable Valve Timing, Advanced Compatibility Engineering, and Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SHAWD).

Acura remains a leading company in its field. To stay on top of their competition, Acura releases new technology and innovating lineups. 

Are there any common Acura Problems that I should be aware of?

1. Transmission with Jerky

Most common problems are caused by a jerky gearbox. If the powertrain is not cold enough, it might cause problems with gear shifting or hesitation. 

There have actually been recalls and class action lawsuits against the transmission. The biggest problem with the 2015 TLX appears to be its transmission. 

2. Overconsumption of Oil

Oil consumption is another problem that can cause damage to the engines. If the oil levels aren’t monitored closely between changes, the levels could drop too low and lead to severe damage.

Most complaints are directed at the J-Series V6 engine. It can be found in the 2009-2014 TSX and 2009-2014 TL as well as the 2011-2012 RL, 2008-2014 MDX, and 2011-2012 RL. 

3. Cracked Dashboard

Although the Acura interior features and materials have been praised, complaints regarding the dashboard cracking are common. This seems to be most common with the 2004-2008 TL.

The problem can be magnified if the dashboard is placed in direct sunlight or exposed to UV light. Extreme heat can dry the materials and cause shrinkage. 

Most Reliable Acura Models

2017 Acura

The NSX Supercar is one of the most exciting cars on the market. However, it does come at a high price. In fact, the MSRP was in the six figures, so it wasn’t meant for everyone. The V6 engine, 573 horsepower, makes the purchase worth it.

With the nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it’s ready for quite the ride. It's street legal and a supercar you can enjoy during your commute. 

2014 Acura RLX

While the RLX may not be a supercar but it does act like one. Full-size sedans offer a luxurious cabin with a 310-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 motor. The six-speed, paddle-shift automatic transmission is also available. 

You are sure to have a great time with a top speed at 135 mph, and a 0-60mph time of only 6.3 seconds. It’s the perfect model for a little fun without breaking the bank. 

Acura RDX 2016, 2016.

The RDX is Acura’s compact crossover design with superior levels of luxury included. It’s an affordable model but doesn’t lack anything you desire. 

With its 279-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, it’s also powerful and fun to drive. Plus, this model earned fantastic crash test ratings, showing it’s great for a family as well. 

Acura ILX models are also highly reliable.

Acura Models That Are the Most Reliable

2010 Acura TL

This TL, along with many others, was part of the Takata airbag recall. This Acura has also had transmission problems. The paddle-shifting transmission is limited to five gears and can be slow or unresponsive. 

The cabin is noisy and can make it difficult to hear passengers' voices. There is also an issue with understeering and a feeling of unbalance in the car. It simply doesn’t respond the way a luxury car should. 

2015 Acura LX

This compact luxury sedan didn’t get the accolades it had hoped for. Acura placed a defect in the transmission underneath the car, leading to an eventual recall. There were shifting problems because the connections between harness and transmission weren't properly crimped. 

Drivers complained that the transmission would not shift into Neutral automatically. The recall was not the only issue. Other issues also developed, which led to class action lawsuits that proved this vehicle is unworthy of driving. 

Are Acura's Used Cars a Good Choice?

Acura is a top-quality brand that's worth the investment. You will be happy with your Acura purchase as long you don't buy the trouble models. Many Acura used models have received top crash test ratings and awards.

You can also find used Acuras with the most recent features without having to pay the sticker price. Acura's are generally cheaper than most other brands, which means it is more affordable to own a luxury car. You can choose from a powerful sports car or a compact SUV to suit your needs.