Acura is Honda's luxury brand, built by Honda Motor Company

Acura is not a separate automaker — it is the luxury division of Honda Motor Company, a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1946. Honda created Acura in 1986 to sell higher-end vehicles in North America, similar to how Toyota owns Lexus or Nissan owns Infiniti. Every Acura vehicle is designed, engineered, and manufactured by Honda.

Honda is one of the world's largest automakers, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company makes everything from motorcycles and small engines to cars, trucks, and power equipment. Acura represents the premium side of Honda's business — the vehicles carry higher prices, more advanced technology, and more powerful engines than Honda-branded models.

Key Takeaways

  • Acura is owned and operated by Honda Motor Company, a Japanese automaker founded in 1946.
  • Honda created Acura in 1986 as its luxury brand for the North American market.
  • Acura vehicles are built in factories in Ohio, Indiana, and Japan, depending on the model.
  • Honda owns Acura completely — it is not a joint venture or partnership with another company.

Where Acura vehicles are manufactured

Acura cars are built in multiple locations. The Acura RDX (a compact luxury SUV) and Acura MDX (a three-row luxury SUV) are assembled at Honda's factory in East Liberty, Ohio. The Acura TLX (a midsize sedan) is built at Honda's factory in Marysville, Ohio. The Acura NSX (a high-performance sports car) is hand-assembled at a dedicated facility in Suzuka, Japan.

Honda also operates a transmission plant in Russells Point, Ohio, and an engine plant in Anna, Ohio, both of which supply parts to Acura assembly lines. Some Acura models sold in other countries are built in Japan or other locations, but the vehicles sold in the United States come primarily from Ohio factories.

How Honda and Acura are structured

Honda Motor Company owns Acura as a wholly owned subsidiary, meaning Acura has no separate parent company or outside owners. Acura operates as a distinct brand with its own dealership network, marketing, and product lineup, but all major decisions flow through Honda's corporate structure.

This ownership model is common in the auto industry. Toyota owns Lexus, Nissan owns Infiniti, and BMW owns Mini. The luxury brand gives the parent company a way to reach customers who want premium features and higher prices without diluting the main brand's identity.

The relationship between Honda and Acura vehicles

Acura and Honda often share platforms, engines, and components, but Acura models are tuned for performance and luxury. For example, the Acura TLX and Honda Accord are built on related platforms, but the TLX has a more powerful engine, a different interior design, and different suspension tuning. The Acura RDX and Honda CR-V share a similar structure, but the RDX has a turbocharged engine and a more upscale cabin.

This shared engineering allows Honda to control costs while giving Acura the resources to develop distinct vehicles. Acura buyers pay more but receive features like all-wheel drive as standard, more horsepower, premium audio systems, and leather interiors that are optional or unavailable on Honda models.

Acura's history and market position

Honda launched Acura in 1986 with the Legend sedan and Integra compact car. The brand was created to compete with established luxury automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus. Over the decades, Acura has expanded its lineup to include sedans, SUVs, and sports cars.

Today, Acura sells vehicles only in North America — primarily the United States and Canada. In other markets, Honda sells luxury vehicles under the Honda brand or through other divisions. This regional focus allows Acura to tailor its products and marketing to North American customers.

Who designs and engineers Acura vehicles

Acura vehicles are designed by Honda's global engineering teams, with significant work done at Honda's North American research and development center in Raymond, Ohio. This facility employs engineers who work specifically on Acura products, developing new models and improving existing ones.

Honda also has design studios in California and Japan that contribute to Acura's appearance and features. The company's main engineering headquarters in Japan oversees the overall direction of Acura's technology and performance standards. This global collaboration means Acura benefits from Honda's worldwide informed while remaining focused on North American preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Acura made by a different company than Honda?

No. Acura is owned and operated by Honda Motor Company. Honda created Acura as its luxury brand in 1986. Every Acura vehicle is designed and built by Honda engineers and factories.

Are Acura cars made in Japan or the United States?

Most Acura vehicles sold in the United States are built in Ohio factories — East Liberty and Marysville. The Acura NSX sports car is assembled in Japan. Some components are made in both countries and shipped between facilities.

Why did Honda create Acura?

Honda created Acura to sell luxury vehicles at higher prices and with more advanced features than Honda-branded cars. This allowed Honda to reach customers who wanted premium performance and upscale interiors without changing Honda's brand identity.

Can I get Acura service at a Honda dealership?

Acura has its own dealership network separate from Honda dealers. However, because Acura vehicles use many Honda parts and systems, some independent mechanics familiar with Honda cars can service Acura vehicles. Check with your local Acura dealer for service options.

Does Honda still make Acura?

Yes. Honda continues to own and manufacture Acura vehicles. The brand remains part of Honda's business strategy for the North American market, and Honda regularly updates Acura's lineup with new models and redesigns.