When it comes to premium Japanese cars, most people remember Lexus or Infiniti, but rarely - Acura. Meanwhile, this brand became the first Japanese luxury division to appear on the American market back in 1986. Today Acura remains one of the most technologically advanced brands in the portfolio Honda Motor Co., although its history in Russia and Europe turned out to be short and controversial.

In this article we will look at Whose production does Acura actually have?how the brand is associated with Honda, where his cars are assembled today, and why, after leaving the Russian market in 2022, the cars continue to be in demand among enthusiasts. You will also find out which models Acura are produced in the USA, Japan and China, and how to distinguish the original assembly from “gray” importers.

Who owns the Acura brand: connection with Honda

Acura - this is luxury division of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., created specifically for the North American market. Unlike Lexus (which was initially positioned as a global brand), Acura remained exclusive to the US and Canada for a long time. It was only in the 2000s that the brand began expanding into Mexico, China and some countries in the Middle East.

Formally Acura is not an independent company - it is trademark, belonging to Honda. All technological developments, platforms and engines are developed in research centers Honda R&D, but under the hood Acura unique solutions that are not available in mass models are often hidden Honda. For example:

  • 🔧 Type S engines - high-performance versions of engines that are installed only on sports models Acura (for example, TLX Type S or NSX).
  • 🛡️ SH-AWD system - improved all-wheel drive with vector torque distribution, which is not available even in top-end Honda.
  • 💡 AcuraWatch technology - a set of safety systems, including adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function, which Honda Sensing I received it only a few years later.

At the same time Acura and Honda share not only technology, but also production capacity. For example, Acura MDX assembled at the same plant in Alabama as Honda Pilot, and Acura NSX the second generation was produced at a specialized plant in Ohio, where sports models were previously produced Honda.

⚠️ Attention: Despite common roots, spare parts for Acura and Honda often not interchangeable. For example, pendant TLX has unique silent blocks and levers that are not suitable even for Honda Accord of the same generation.

Where Acura is made: factories in the USA, Japan and China

Today cars Acura assembled at five plants in three countries. The geography of production depends on the model and target market:

Model Factory Country Notes
Acura MDX, RDX Honda Manufacturing of Alabama USA Main plant for North America. From 2021 they also collect here MDX for China.
Acura TLX, Type S Marysville Auto Plant (Ohio) USA Historical plant where it was previously produced Honda Legend (twin Acura RLX).
Acura NSX (2016–2022) Performance Manufacturing Center (Ohio) USA Specialized production with manual assembly. Closed 2022.
Acura CDX (for China) GAC Honda Automobile China Localized version Honda HR-V under the brand Acura.
Acura RLX (until 2020) Sayama Plant Japan The only model that was assembled in Japan. Production has been discontinued.

Interesting fact: despite the Japanese roots, Most Acura models today are assembled in the USA. This is due to the fact that the main market is North America, and local production allows you to avoid high import duties. For example, Acura RDX, which is sold in Russia as a “gray” import, consists of 90% parts manufactured in the USA or Mexico.

In China under the brand Acura Only one model is sold - CDX, which is a re-faced version Honda HR-V. This is due to the peculiarities of the local market, where premium brands often offer compact crossovers with a high degree of localization.

📊 How do you feel about the American assembly of Acura?
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I prefer Japanese assembly
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Why Acura left Russia and Europe: causes and consequences

In 2022 the company Honda officially announced the cessation of car deliveries Acura to Russia and Europe. The decision was made unexpectedly, given that the brand had just begun to gain popularity in these regions. Main reasons:

  • 📉 Low sales volumes: In Russia Acura sold since 2014, but in 8 years less than 5,000 cars were sold. For comparison, Lexus sold more than 100,000 cars during the same period.
  • 💰 High cost of ownership: Prices for Acura in Russia started at 3.5 million rubles, and maintenance was more expensive than Honda, due to a shortage of spare parts.
  • 🌍 Changing priorities: Honda decided to focus on electric vehicles and hybrids, and Acura in Russia it was positioned as a brand with an internal combustion engine.
  • 🔧 Problems with the service: Many dealers Honda refused to serve Acura due to lack of equipment and trained personnel.

After the departure of the official dealer, only “gray” cars remained on the market, which are imported from the USA via the UAE or China. This led to several problems:

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing "gray" Acura from the USA check compliance VIN- numbers to bases NMVTIS. Often such cars have a “problematic” history (drowned, damaged) or do not undergo customs clearance legally.

However, the demand for Acura did not fall in Russia. Enthusiasts value the brand for:

  • 🚗 Unique design (for example, TLX with an aggressive front end).
  • 🔥 High dynamic performance (motors Type S develop up to 360 hp).
  • 💻 Advanced multimedia (system AcuraLink with support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto even in basic configurations).

How to distinguish an original Acura from a fake or rebranding

Due to the closure of official sales in Russia, many fraudulent schemes related to Acura. The most common:

  1. Relabelled Honda: For example, Honda Legend passed off as Acura RLX (although they are the same model, but with different logos and suspension settings).
  2. "Gray" cars with fake history: Cars from the USA with an accident history are rebuilt and sold as “clean”.
  3. Chinese replicas: Copies are being produced in China Acura MDX under other brands (for example, Hongqi HS7 has a similar design).

To avoid being scammed, check the following points:

☑️ Acura authentication

Done: 0 / 4

Pay special attention VIN-code. The original Acura it starts with:

  • 1H or 5J - for American assembly.
  • JH - for Japanese assembly (rare, since most models are now produced in the USA).
  • LH - for Chinese assembly (only Acura CDX).

If VIN starts with other characters (for example, 2H or 3H), there is a great risk that in front of you Honda with re-glued nameplates.

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Before buying a “gray” Acura, check whether it is suitable for Russian fuel. Some American models are designed for gasoline with an octane rating of 91 (according to the American classification), which corresponds to our AI-95, but Type S engines may require 98.

Brand prospects: will Acura return to Russia?

At the moment Honda does not plan to resume official sales Acura in Russia. However, there are several factors that can change the situation:

  • 🔋 Transition to electric vehicles: By 2026 Acura promises to release two electric crossovers on the platform Honda e:Architecture. If they prove competitive, the brand may return to the European market.
  • 🌐 Logistics change: If Honda will establish production Acura in Turkey or Kazakhstan (as they did Toyota and Hyundai), car prices may become more attractive.
  • 💱 Ruble exchange rate: When the national currency weakens, “gray” imports become less profitable, and official dealers can regain interest in the brand.

However, experts are skeptical about the chances Acura to return. Main reasons:

⚠️ Attention: Even if Acura will return to Russia, owners of older models (until 2022) will have to solve problems with spare parts themselves. The official service is unlikely to support cars sold before the brand left.

An alternative would be to develop a network of independent services specializing in Honda/Acura. For example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg there are already workshops that undertake repairs TLX and MDXusing spare parts from disassembly or parallel imports.

If you are considering purchasing Acura (new or used), pay attention to the following models:

Model Years of production Engine Features
Acura TLX 2021–present 2.0T (272 hp), 3.0T Type S (355 hp) Sports sedan with SH-AWD system and virtual instrument panel.
Acura RDX 2019–present 2.0T (272 hp) Compact crossover with premium interior and system AcuraWatch.
Acura MDX 2022–present 3.5 V6 (290 hp), Type S (355 hp) Three-row crossover with a hybrid version (US only).
Acura NSX (2nd generation) 2016–2022 3.5T V6 + 3 electric motors (573 hp) Hybrid supercar with all-wheel drive. Production has been discontinued.

Most relevant for the Russian market TLX and RDX — they are relatively compact, economical and have good secondary liquidity. MDX suitable for large families, but its dimensions and fuel consumption (from 12 l/100 km) can be a problem.

If you need a sports car, take a look at TLX Type S or NSX (the second has already become a rarity). However, please note that spare parts for Type S will cost 30–50% more than for standard versions.

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The Acura TLX Type S is the only sedan in the lineup with a manual transmission (available only in the United States). In Russia, such cars are extremely rare.

After the official dealer leaves, import Acura It is legally possible to enter Russia only through a parallel import scheme. Basic requirements:

  • 📄 Customs clearance: The car must go through customs clearance with payment of all duties (from 48% to 80% of the cost, depending on engine size).
  • 🔧 Certification: Registration required OTTS (vehicle type approval). For Acura this is difficult since the brand has no official representation.
  • 💳 Taxes: Recycling fee (20,000–150,000 rubles) and VAT (20%).

In practice the majority Acura in Russia they are imported under “gray” schemes through Kazakhstan or Belarus, where customs duties are lower. However, such cars cannot be registered legally with the traffic police. Risks:

  • 🚨 Fines: Up to 50,000 rubles for driving a car that has not cleared customs.
  • 🔒 Confiscation: The car may be seized at customs or during a traffic police check.
  • 💸 Problems with selling: A vehicle that has not cleared customs cannot be re-registered to a new owner.

If you still decide to import Acura legally, contact brokers specializing in parallel import of Japanese cars. The average cost of services is from 300,000 to 800,000 rubles, depending on the model.

How to check the legality of import?

To ensure that your Acura is imported legally, ask the seller for the following documents:

1. Customs declaration (CD).

2. Certificate of compliance with OTTS.

3. PTS with a customs mark.

If at least one of the documents is missing, the car was imported illegally.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Acura

Can an Acura be serviced at a Honda service center?

Yes, but not all dealers Honda take up Acura. Problems may arise with:

  • Spare parts (many parts are unique to Acura).
  • Diagnostic equipment (special scanners are needed for SH-AWD).
  • Warranty (if the car is “gray”, the official service will refuse repairs under warranty).

It is better to look for independent services that specialize in Honda/Acura.

What kind of oil should I put in my Acura engine?

For most models Acura synthetic oil recommended 0W-20 or 5W-30 with permission Honda/Acura HTO-06. For engines Type S (3.0T V6) requires oil 5W-40 with increased cleaning properties.

Important: do not use oils with energy-saving additives (for example, GF-5) - they can cause increased wear on the turbine.

How much does a contract engine cost for Acura?

Prices for contract motors for Acura depend on the model:

  • 2.0T (K20C4): 250,000–400,000 rubles.
  • 3.0T Type S (J35Y6): 600,000–900,000 rubles.
  • 3.5 V6 (J35): 300,000–500,000 rubles.

Engines for NSX (hybrid) cost from 1.5 million rubles and are extremely rare on the market.

What alternatives to Acura are there on the Russian market?

If you like Acurabut you don't want to mess with gray imports, consider:

  • Lexus IS 350 — a reliable sedan with similar dynamics.
  • Infiniti Q50 — a sports sedan with a turbo engine.
  • Volvo S60 — a premium sedan with hybrid options.
  • Honda Accord (for the USA) - close relative TLX, but cheaper to maintain.
Is it possible to tune an Acura without voiding the warranty?

No. Any modifications (chip tuning, replacing a turbine, changing the exhaust system) automatically void the warranty, even if the car is serviced by an official dealer. This is especially true for models Type S, where the engine operates at its limit.

Exception - installation of accessories from the official catalog Acura Genuine Accessories (such as spoilers or LED headlights).