On March 27, 1986, Honda Motor Company officially announced its luxury division to the United States; and its name was Acura. Acura was the first Japanese luxury automobile to be sold in the U.S.

Debuting that year was the flagship Acura model, the Acura Legend 4 door sedan, and the Acura Integra 2 door. Each of which could be purchased at any Acura dealership in only 18 states.

1987 – The Legend Coupe is introduced—the first Acura equipped with single air bag. The Legend Coupe was named Motor Trend’s “Import Car of the Year”.

1988 – Only two years after its introduction, the Acura Legend became the best-selling luxury import model in the United States. Not to be outdone, the Legend’s smaller, sportier sibling; the Integra wins the International Sedan Championship; and Acura is the top-selling luxury import nameplate two years in a row.

1989 – The second-generation Integra 3-door and 4-door sports sedans are introduced.

1990 – The NSX is born. The NSX launches as the world’s first all-aluminum production car, featuring the first use of titanium connecting rods and the first variable valve timing and lift. It’s named one of Motor Trend’s “Top 10 Performance Cars” and Road & Track’s “Ten Best Cars in the World.”

1991 – The NSX is hailed the “best sports car ever built” by Motor Trend and receives the “Automobile of the Year” and “Design of the Year” awards from Automobile Magazine.

1992 – The sporty Vigor sedan is introduced, and Acura is named “Best Overall Car Line” in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Performance Index.

1993 – The next generation Integra is introduced in both Coupe and Sedan models and was added to Car & Drivers 10 Best list. The Legend continues its reign as the best-selling luxury import in the country for the sixth year in a row.

1994 – Acura adds Integra Coupe and Sedan Special Edition models to the LS, GS and sporty GS-R lineup.

1995 – The TL series debuts, and the stylistic CL concept car premieres at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

1996 – The RL is introduced as the flagship luxury sedan. The American-designed, engineered and manufactured 2-door CL luxury performance coupe also debuts.

1997 – The Limited-Edition Integra Type-R captures the imagination of serious enthusiasts with its numerous performance achievements, such as a high-revving 195-horsepower VTEC engine, for one.

1998 – The 3.2TL debuts with a 225-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 engine and is touted for its sophisticated design, luxury appointments and performance heritage that Acura is renowned for.

1999 – The Alex Zanardi edition NSX is built in a limited series of 50 cars. In addition to special styling features, it has a lighter rear spoiler, single pane rear glass, BBS wheels and a lighter battery—shedding 150 pounds off the production version.

2000 – Acura launches the MDX—its first midsize SUV, and the awards pour in: “Best Luxury SUV of the Year” by Car and Driver, “Sport Utility of the Year” from Motor Trend and the “2001 North American Truck of the Year.”

2001 – The RSX sports coupe debuts, replacing the Integra line with its race-bred i-VTEC™ technology, best-in-class performance and class-leading amenities. It earns a spot on Car and Driver’s “10 Best Cars” and Ward’s “10 Best Engines” lists.

2002 – The TL Type-S is introduced, causing a new wave of Acura driving excitement. Acura continues its legendary performance heritage by winning the SCCA Pro manufacturers’ World Challenge Touring Car Championship for the fourth time.

2003 – The dynamic, driver-tuned TSX sport sedan is introduced, and the all-new TL arrives—the first car to offer HandsFreeLink™ with Bluetooth wireless technology and ELS Surround Sound with DVD-Audio as standard equipment.

2004 – The all-new RL debuts, featuring the most powerful engine ever in an Acura. Breakthroughs include Super Handling All-Wheel Drive®, the AcuraLink™ satellite communication system with real-time traffic and the Zagat Restaurant Guide, as well as HandsFreeLink™, Bose® Surround Sound and keyless access.

2005 – The RDX Concept SUV is unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. It combines the performance of a sports sedan with the functionality of an SUV.

2006 – On March 27, 2006, Acura turns 20.

2007 – Acura enters the American LeMans Series, powering three teams. In its debut race at the Mobile 1 12 hour of Sebring, Acura wins 1st, 2nd and 4th place in the LMP2 class.

2008 – Acura introduces the AcuraLink® Real-Time Weather system that alerts you if a potential weather-related issue exists along your plotted route and provides current conditions, weather radar maps and forecasts.

2009 – The complete Acura line-up is refreshed introducing the new power-plenum grille and very distinctive styling of the new generations of the TSX and TL are introduced. The new Acura CUV / Sport Wagon (rumored to be called the MSX) will be introduced at the NY Auto Show. Whispers are still abound and fingers are crossed the Acura’s image car, the NSX will be reintroduced this year with a V10.

On behalf of AcuraBoard.com and Acura enthusiasts everywhere, we wish you a happy 23rd birthday Acura.

[Source: Acura]