Who Makes Acura? | Luxury Heritage & Manufacturing

If you’re shopping for a luxury vehicle near Salt Lake City, you’ve probably wondered where Acura vehicles are built and what sets the brand apart. 2026 marks Acura’s 40th anniversary as America’s original Japanese luxury automaker. Read on for a look at Acura’s history as a pioneer in Japanese luxury, and where popular West Jordan models like the Integra, RDX, MDX, and ADX are assembled today.

The History Behind the Acura Name

Acura is a dedicated luxury and performance automotive brand built around a philosophy of precision engineering and refined design.

Planning for a premium sedan began in 1981, aimed at drivers seeking elevated comfort and high-performance driving dynamics. Rather than adding this flagship vehicle to an existing lineup, the goal was to launch it under an entirely new brand focused on the luxury market. The name “Acura” was developed by the branding firm NameLab and derived from the Latin root “acu,” meaning sharp or precise. Acura officially launched on March 27, 1986, as the first Japanese luxury car brand sold in America, introducing two vehicles: the Legend sedan and the Integra sport compact. By the end of that year, 60 dedicated Acura dealerships had opened across North America, quickly expanding to 150 retail locations and selling more than 50,000 vehicles in its first year.

Acura’s rapid market adoption reshaped the luxury segment. Over the decades, Acura has led the industry in technical achievements—from developing the iconic, all-aluminum NSX supercar in 1990 to introducing the first U.S.-designed luxury import model (the 1997 CL) and pioneering Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Forty years later, Acura remains at the forefront of the luxury segment, pushing boundaries with advanced technology, electrification, and dynamic performance under its “Precision Crafted Performance” philosophy.

Where Are Acura Vehicles Made?

Most Acura models sold in North America—including the Integra, RDX, and MDX—are assembled right here in North America, primarily across four Honda manufacturing facilities in Ohio, alongside newer investments supporting electrification:

• Marysville Auto Plant (Marysville, Ohio): Assembles the Acura Integra liftback and high-performance Integra Type S. Marysville also houses the specialized Performance Manufacturing Center, which produced the handcrafted Acura NSX.
• East Liberty Auto Plant (East Liberty, Ohio): Assembles Acura’s crossover and SUV lineup, including the versatile Acura RDX and the three-row Acura MDX. Explore these models further in our guide to the Acura SUV lineup.
• Anna Engine Plant (Anna, Ohio): Manufactures high-performance engines and key drivetrain components.
• Russells Point Plant (Russells Point, Ohio): Produces advanced transmissions and related components, including parts used for Acura’s signature four-wheel drive systems.
• Celaya, Guanajuato (Mexico): Builds the compact Acura ADX crossover, the first Acura model ever assembled outside the United States, Japan, or Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acura

What does the name “Acura” mean?

“Acura” comes from the Latin root “acu,” meaning sharp or precise—a nod to the brand’s engineering-first, “Precision Crafted Performance” philosophy.

Is Acura considered a luxury brand?

Yes. Acura was the first Japanese luxury car brand sold in America and continues to compete with other premium marques through refined interiors, advanced technology, and performance-oriented engineering like SH-AWD.

Are all Acura models built in the United States?

Most are. The Integra, RDX, and MDX are assembled at Honda’s Ohio manufacturing plants. The compact ADX crossover is the exception, built in Celaya, Mexico.

Is the Acura TLX still available?

The TLX sedan was discontinued after the 2025 model year as Acura shifted its focus toward SUVs and electrified models. Contact our team to check current TLX availability or ask about comparable options like the Integra Type S.

Explore the Acura Lineup at Mike Hale Acura

To learn more about Acura’s history and manufacturing, or to experience “Precision Crafted Performance” firsthand, stop by our showroom in Murray, near South Jordan. We would love to introduce you to the current lineup and put you behind the wheel for a test drive. If you’re preparing for your next vehicle, you can explore whether to buy or lease, check out our current Acura finance options, or simply contact us with any questions.