Cars That Start With A: The Complete List

If you're shopping for a car and want to narrow your search by the first letter of the brand name, here are the major manufacturers and models that start with A. This list covers both common vehicles you'll find at most dealerships and specialty brands you may encounter less often.

The most recognizable A-brand is Acura, which is Honda's luxury division. Audi, the German luxury automaker, is another major player. Beyond those two, you'll find Alfa Romeo (Italian performance cars), Aston Martin (British sports cars), and Abarth (Italian performance vehicles). Several other manufacturers exist in specific markets, including Aiways (Chinese electric vehicles) and Arcfox (another Chinese EV maker).

Key Takeaways

  • Acura makes luxury sedans, SUVs, and sports cars, with models like the MDX, RDX, and TLX widely available in North America.
  • Audi produces luxury sedans, wagons, and SUVs across multiple price points, from the A3 compact car to the Q7 large SUV.
  • Alfa Romeo and Aston Martin focus on performance and sports cars, with limited model ranges and higher price tags than mainstream brands.
  • Abarth specializes in small, high-performance versions of Fiat vehicles, primarily sold in Europe.
  • Aiways and Arcfox are newer Chinese electric vehicle makers with limited availability outside China.

Acura Models and What They Offer

Acura is Honda's luxury brand and sells sedans, SUVs, and a sports car in the United States and Canada. The lineup includes the ILX (compact sedan), TLX (midsize sedan), RLX (full-size sedan), RDX (compact SUV), MDX (midsize three-row SUV), and NSX (two-seat sports car). Most Acura vehicles come with all-wheel drive as an option or standard feature.

Acura models typically cost between $35,000 and $170,000 depending on the model and trim level. They are known for reliability, since they share engines and platforms with Honda vehicles, but carry a higher price tag and more upscale interior materials. You'll find Acura dealers at most Honda dealerships across North America.

Audi Models and What They Offer

Audi, owned by the Volkswagen Group, makes luxury vehicles across several categories. The A-series includes sedans and wagons: the A3 (compact), A4 (midsize), A6 (full-size), and A8 (ultra-luxury). The Q-series covers SUVs: the Q3 (compact), Q4 (compact crossover), Q5 (midsize), Q7 (three-row), and Q8 (performance SUV). Audi also makes the TT sports car and the R8 supercar.

Audi vehicles range from roughly $38,000 to over $200,000. They are recognized for sharp handling, high-quality interiors, and advanced technology features. Audi dealers are common in major cities and suburbs across North America, though less widespread than Honda or Toyota dealers. Maintenance and repair costs tend to be higher than mainstream brands.

Alfa Romeo and Aston Martin: Performance-Focused Brands

Alfa Romeo is an Italian brand owned by Stellantis that emphasizes driving dynamics and design. In North America, the current lineup is small: the Giulia (sport sedan) and Stelvio (compact SUV). Both are known for sharp steering and responsive engines, though they have smaller cargo spaces than competitors in their price range. Alfa Romeo vehicles start around $42,000 and go up to $80,000 or more for high-performance versions.

Aston Martin is a British manufacturer focused on sports cars and luxury vehicles. Models include the DB11 (grand tourer), DBX (SUV), and Vantage (sports car). These are hand-built vehicles with prices starting around $150,000 and reaching $300,000 or higher. Aston Martin has very limited dealer networks in North America, and ownership typically involves longer service wait times and higher repair costs than mainstream luxury brands.

Abarth and Other A-Brands

Abarth is a Fiat-owned performance brand that modifies small Fiat vehicles for higher power and sportier handling. Models include the 595 (based on the Fiat 500) and the 695 (a more powerful version). Abarth vehicles are primarily sold in Europe and are rarely found in North America. They typically cost between $25,000 and $40,000 in markets where they're available.

Aiways and Arcfox are newer Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. Aiways makes the U5 electric SUV, while Arcfox produces models like the αT and αS. Both brands are expanding into international markets but have very limited availability outside China as of now. If you're shopping in North America, you're unlikely to encounter these brands at a dealership, though that may change in coming years.

How to Find A-Brand Vehicles in Your Area

To locate dealers for any A-brand, start with the manufacturer's official website and use their dealer locator tool. This will show you authorized dealerships near you and often let you search for specific models and trim levels in stock. For Acura and Audi, you'll find dealers in most metropolitan areas. For Alfa Romeo and Aston Martin, dealer networks are much smaller, and you may need to travel or order a vehicle.

If you're interested in a specific model, contact the dealer directly to ask about current inventory, available colors and options, and expected delivery time if the vehicle needs to be ordered. Many dealerships can also tell you about certified pre-owned A-brand vehicles, which may offer better value than new models.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Acura and Honda?

Acura is Honda's luxury division. Acura vehicles have more upscale interiors, more powerful engines, and more advanced technology than comparable Honda models. They cost significantly more but share many mechanical components with Honda vehicles, which helps with reliability and parts availability.

Are Audi cars reliable?

Audi vehicles are generally reliable, though repair costs are higher than mainstream brands because parts and labor are more expensive. They require regular maintenance at authorized dealers to maintain warranty coverage. Long-term reliability depends heavily on maintenance history and driving conditions.

Why are Alfa Romeo and Aston Martin so expensive?

Both brands focus on performance, design, and limited production numbers rather than volume sales. Hand-built components, imported parts, and smaller dealer networks all contribute to higher prices. You're paying for driving experience and exclusivity, not necessarily more features than mainstream luxury brands.

Can I buy an Aiways or Arcfox car in the United States?

Not currently. These Chinese brands have not entered the North American market yet. They may become available in the future, but as of now, you cannot purchase them through authorized dealers in the US or Canada.

Which A-brand holds its value best?

Acura and Audi tend to hold value better than Alfa Romeo or Aston Martin, primarily because they have larger dealer networks and more buyers in the used market. Luxury sports cars like Aston Martin depreciate faster because fewer people are shopping for them at any given time.