Acura

Beginning around the year 2000, Acura experienced a rebirth which was catalyzed by the introduction of several redesigned models. The first of these models was the 1999 Acura 3.2 TL, an upscale sedan competing with the likes of the Lexus ES, Infiniti I30, and BMW 3-series. Critics suggested that although 3.2 TL did not outdo its competition in any one area, it offered a well-rounded blend of sportiness and luxury.[4] These characteristics, combined with the TL's competitive price, proved very popular with consumers. Subsequent Acura models have followed a similar philosophy of offering lots of standard equipment and very few options.

Another refreshed Acura introduced in the early 2000s was the MDX, a popular three-row crossover SUV based on the Honda Odyssey minivan. The MDX replaced the slow-selling SLX, which was little more than a rebadged Isuzu Trooper. The MDX was a car-like crossover SUV with little off-road capability that catered to the demands of the luxury SUV market. It was given top honors by Car and Driver in its first comparison test against seven other SUVs.[5] Other cars in Acura's line-up during this time included the 3.2 TL, 3.2 CL, RSX (formerly the Integra hatchback), and the NSX. By the late 2000s, Acura had dropped the inclusion of engine displacement numbers in its vehicle designations, retaining a simpler, two- or three-letter designation instead (e.g. 3.5 RL became RL).

A new TL debuted for the 2004 model year, featuring sharp, Italianate styling and a 270-hp V6 (measured by then-current SAE, standards) — and was offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. The new TL increased sales dramatically to 70,943 American units in 2005, trumping competitors such as the C-Class, G35, CTS, ES 300, and A4.[6] That same year, Acura introduced the TSX, a European-market Honda Accord loaded with features, as a cheaper alternative to the BMW 3-series. This model became the only 4-cylinder sedan in Acura's line-up. A new RL debuted in 2005, this time with a 300-hp V6, improved styling, and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), a system capable of sending almost all of the RL's power to just one wheel in a turn.

Acura's new models—particularly the TL and TSX—have been well received by the motoring press. For example, the TSX has been on Car and Driver's Ten Best list in all three years of production (2004 – 2006). The TL, TSX, and MDX have become Acura's top selling vehicles. US Big Three recently re-introduced sport sedans with rear wheel drive and V8 engines and Acura will be the only luxury manufacturer not to offer V8s.[3] Volvo, Saab and Acura will be the only luxury manufacturers to use FWD exclusively.

Current models

Acura MDX (luxury SUV)

Acura RDX (crossover SUV)

Acura RL (mid-size sedan) (know as "RL" in North America, "Legend" in the rest of the world)

Acura TL (mid-size sports sedan)

Acura TSX (compact sports sedan)

Acura CSX (compact sedan) (replacement for the Acura EL, only available in Canada)

Past models

Acura EL (compact sedan, replaced Integra sedan; available only in Canada, replaced by the CSX (which is also available only in Canada))

Acura Integra (sports coupe and sedan, replaced by the RSX and EL)

Acura RSX (sports coupe, discontinued after the 2006 model year)

Acura Legend (luxury sedan and coupe, replaced by the RL) ("Legend" nameplate discontinued only in N. America)

Acura Vigor (mid-sized sedan, replaced by the TL)

Acura CL (luxury coupe, discontinued after 2003 model year)

Acura SLX (SUV, replaced by the MDX; available only in the United States)

Acura NSX (exotic coupe)

Acura Sterling – a version of the Acura Legend marketed in the USA, built in the U.K. by Rover