Acura vs. Honda

When shopping for a new sedan or SUV to go in your Asheville garage, you’ll probably see that both Honda and Acura produce reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. Some of the designs also look and feel the same when you take them for a spin. However, this is because Honda and Acura are owned by the same company.

So, are Acura and Honda the same? Not exactly. We explain more with our comparison of Acura vs. Honda.

Are Acura and Honda the Same Company?

No, not precisely. But they are similar. Honda Motor Company founded Acura as a high-performance luxury brand in the mid-1980s. This automaker has been a hit with American drivers ever since. There are benefits to both brands! 

Acura was founded in 1986 when engineers at Honda wanted to make higher-quality cars with greater performance and luxury. Consider Acura an expression of the engineers to aim higher. Honda benefits from Acura’s engineering and vice versa. 

Honda Motor Company is the parent to Acura, and both automakers have headquarters in Japan. One major difference in the Acura vs. Honda debate is that Acura sells most of its vehicles in North America, whereas Honda sells many more vehicles overseas.

So, are Acura and Honda the same brand of automobiles? Technically, no. But the brands share a lot of similarities for you to enjoy in Hendersonville.

Acura vs. Honda: Vehicles Out

Honda and Acura have nearly the same number of vehicles for the 2024 model year. Acura has six models out, sedans and SUVs, while Honda has eight models in release, including cars, SUVs, and a pickup truck.

Either way, you get a reliable car for your Johnson City excursions. If you favor higher performance levels and luxury features, Acura is where you want to go.

Honda vs. Acura: History

Honda began producing vehicles in 1948, focusing on pickup trucks at the time. The engineering was so popular, that the brand became known for reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles that last for 200,000 miles or more. You’ll see this in the Accord and Civic sedans available to American drivers.

Acura, meanwhile, began in 1986 as a research and development arm of Honda. It quickly grew a loyal following in America with drivers that love the high-performance specs, speed, and agility of Acura vehicles. Back in the mid-80s, the Integra and Legend models took off. Acura was announced in 1984. By 1986, there were 60 Acura dealerships officially opened in America. Acura sold over 50,000 vehicles in its first year in America, which paved the way for 150 Acura dealerships.

Honda vs. Acura: American Presence

In the Honda vs. Acura debate, you need to know that Acura models sold in America are made on American soil and employ American workers. Honda is the same way in that it has four assembly plants in the United States. Acura also has four factories. 

All of Acura’s factories are in Ohio, and the brand has a strong presence there:

• The Marysville, Ohio, plant is the largest, and it manufactures the Acura ILX and Acura TLXluxury cars. This facility also produces the Acura NSX supercar. 
• The East Liberty plant manufactures the Acura RDXand Acura MDX luxury SUVs. 
• The Anna plant makes engines and drivetrain components. 
• The Russel Point plant makes transmissions and related components, including the four-wheel drive systems that Acura is known for when you need excellent handling.

Are Honda and Acura Luxury Brands?

While both Honda and Acura have quality vehicles, Acura is generally considered a more luxurious brand over Honda. You’ll see that both manufacturers offer plenty of value for your investment in Fletcher.

Honda’s highest price is the Pilot SUV at $46,560 MSRP* before any additional features. Meanwhile, Acura’s highest price is $73,200 MSRP* for the base MDX before piling on more luxury accouterments. The price differences come from the performance, engineering, and luxury found in the Acura vehicles that you know and love.

Test Drive a New Acura for Sale in Fletcher

In the Honda vs. Acura debate, we believe you’ll find great vehicles in both brands! If you’re ready to climb into a high-performance Acura, contact us or call 828-684-4400 to schedule a test drive.