The 10 Best Old Acura Cars of All Time

From the iconic 1991 Acura NSX to the introduction of the Type S engine on the 2003 Acura 3.2CL, here are the best old Acura cars you should know about.
Written by Ethan Moser
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Feb 24, 2023
Acura is a fairly young car manufacturing brand, having only been founded in 1986. That said, in their 30+ year history, Acura has developed some show-stopping automotive technology, not to mention truly remarkable cars like the 1991 NSX and the 1997 Integra. Here are even more of the best old Acura cars you should know. 
Learn everything you need to know about the 10 best old cars that Acura ever produced in our comprehensive guide. Whether you’re looking to buy a used Acura, want to find low
Acura insurance costs
, or are just curious about the brand’s best models, you’ve come to the right place.
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What makes an old car great? 

There are pros and cons to buying an older car, even with a trustworthy brand like Acura. So what separates the best of the best from the worst of the worst when it comes to old Acuras? 
The cars we’ve included on our list are powerful, fuel-efficient, luxurious, and mark mold-breaking moments in Acura’s automotive history. Our favorite old Acuras range from sports wagons to luxury SUVs and beyond, all decked out with state-of-the-art technology and design features that have stood the test of time.

10. 2016 Acura ILX

The 2016
Acura ILX
sports sedan is one of the newest old cars on our list, but it stands out in terms of safety and performance. The ILX’s 2.4-liter I-4 engine and impressive eight-speed automatic transmission offer smooth handling and 201 horsepower to this otherwise unassuming car. 
In addition to a fuel-efficient powertrain offering 35 mpg in highway driving conditions, the ILX was also named a
2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick
, speaking to its reliable nature. 

9. 2016 Acura RDX

Another recent model on our list is the 2016
Acura RDX
. While the RDX was introduced all the way back in 2006, the 2016 model year stands out for its spacious cabin, excellent safety ratings, and poised handling. 
The RDX racked up a series of accolades in 2016 when it was named #6 in the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Luxury Compact SUVs of 2016. The RDX also brought home the title of Top Safety Pick + from the International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as well as a perfect five-out-of-five star
NHTSA safety rating
A 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission power the 2016 RDX to a maximum 279 horsepower. An All-Wheel drivetrain is also available on this luxurious SUV. 

8. 2014 Acura RLX

The only hybrid Acura on our list, the 2014
Acura RLX
sport hybrid boasts a fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V-6 engine combined with an electric motor to offer 370 horsepower and a 30 mpg combined fuel efficiency rating. 
 All-Wheel Drive comes standard on the RLX, as well as all-speed adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and a lane departure warning system. Throw in a spacious cabin and sharp handling, and the 2014 RLX is sure to be a classic in years to come. 

7. 2014 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Another pick from Acura’s 2014 lineup, the
Acura TSX
Sport Wagon makes our list due to its sheer uniqueness. Offering the best parts of sedans and SUVs alike, the Sport Wagon build type boasts a generous 66 cubic feet of cargo capacity and sporty handling side-by-side. 
Powered by a 2.4-liter I-4 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission, the TSX sport wagon boasts 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque as well as an 8.8 second 0 to 60 mph start time. 

6. 2011 Acura ZDX

The 2011
Acura ZDX
features Acura’s powerful 3.7-liter V-6 VTEC engine alongside a six-speed automatic transmission with Overdrive and SportShift technology. Combined, these powertrain features offer the ZDX 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque
What really makes the ZDX special though, is its styling. The first-ever female-designed Acura, the ZDX blends the stylish features and driving dynamics of a coupe with the versatility of an SUV. Its all-glass panoramic roof was said to be the longest continuous glass surface in the automotive industry when it was released in 2011. 
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5. 2007 Acura TL Type S

The 2007
Acura TL Type S
3.5-liter V-6 SOHC engine and 5+1 automatic Sequential ShortShift transmission come alongside Grade Logic Control and F-1-style paddle shifters. And all of this powers the Acura with 286 horsepower and 256 lb-ft of torque. 
Reaching top speeds of 136 mph and kicking up from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, the TL Type S also features a re-tuned suspension and a 225-watt Acura/ELS Surround Premium eight-speaker sound system. 

4. 2006 Acura RSX Type S

Yet another Acura Type S, the 2006
Acura RSX Type S
boasts a high-revving 2.0-liter I-4 engine, nimble handling, and sharp steering in addition to a clean interior design and plenty of standard tech and safety features. 
Unlike the base
Acura RSX
, the Type S features an exclusive six-speed manual transmission and standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. This two-door sport hatchback also received a perfect five-out-of-five star safety rating from the NHTSA. 

3. 2003 Acura 3.2CL Type S

One of the first Acura models to feature the upgraded Type S engine, the 2003
Acura 3.2CL Type S
is the only model year in which a six-speed manual transmission was offered on the 3.2CL. Under the hood, you’ll find a powerful 3.2-liter V-6 engine packing 260 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. 
Other stand-out features on the 3.2CL include leather upholstery, an electric sunroof, sharp rack-and-pinion power steering, and an optional DVD-based navigation system with General Motors’ OnStar communication service. 

2. 1997 Acura Integra Type R

Moving back into Acura’s 1990s era, the 1997
Acura Integra
Type R made a name for itself with its exhilarating engine performance and sound, keen steering, and nimble handling. The Integra’s 1.8-liter I-4 VTEC engine offers 195 horsepower @ 8,000 rpm! Those piston speeds are on par with Formula 1 and Indy-car engines!

1. 1991 Acura NSX

Going all the way back to Acura’s roots, our favorite old Acura car is the 1991 NSX sports car. With plenty of interior space and a simple and attractive control layout, the NSX beat out comparable models like the
Porsche 911 Carrera
4, the Chevy Corvette ZR-1, the Ferrari 348, and the Lotus Esprit Turbo in a
1990 comparison test
conducted by U.S. News and World Report. 
Pop-up headlights and an enduring aesthetic appeal join a 3.0-liter V-6 270 horsepower engine in our all-time favorite Acura model!

How to find affordable Acura car insurance

While not every Acura made their way into our top 10, every car deserves a reliable and affordable
car insurance
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