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Acura TSX

This article is about the North American model. For the Japan/Euro-spec model, see Honda Accord (Japan and Europe seventh generation) and Honda Accord (Japan and Europe eighth generation).

The Acura TSX is a compact executive car manufactured by Honda and sold through its Acura division from 2003 to 2014. The TSX spanned two generations, both derived from the corresponding Japanese/European versions of the Honda Accord, which were more compact and sporting-oriented than their larger North American counterpart. The latter Accord platform was also used for the Acura TL, which slotted above the TSX in Acura's lineup.[1] All TSXs were built in Sayama, Saitama, Japan.

Acura TSX
2009–2014 Acura TSX
Overview
ManufacturerHonda
Also calledHonda Accord (Japan and Europe) Honda Accord Euro (Australia and New Zealand)
Production2003–2014
Model years2004–2014
Body and chassis
ClassCompact executive car (D)
LayoutFF layout
Chronology
PredecessorAcura Integra (sedan, US only)
SuccessorAcura TLX
Acura ILX (as entry-level in the US)
Acura RDX (for station wagon)

The first-generation TSX was introduced as a 2004 model in April 2003[2] as a rebadged version of the Japanese domestic market (JDM) Honda Accord 2.4 Type-S, with the exception of its interior, borrowed from the JDM fourth-generation Honda Inspire. It was succeeded by the second-generation TSX, introduced in March 2008 as a 2009 model and based on the eighth-generation JDM Accord. Notably, the final generation of the TSX would introduce a V6 option for 2010, and a wagon for 2011.

It was sold in North America under the Acura luxury marque as the replacement for the Integra sedan which was discontinued in 2001 (1996 in Canada since the EL was the Integra sedan's replacement there), and would become Acura's entry-level vehicle after the Acura RSX got discontinued in 2006. From the 2007 model year until 2012, the TSX was the smallest vehicle in the Acura model line, other than the Civic-based CSX and the preceding Acura 1.6 and 1.7 EL sold only in Canada. In 2013, the smaller ILX was introduced in both the United States and Canada, based upon the Civic platform (replacing the CSX in Canada).

Honda discontinued the TSX and the larger TL during 2014 with the introduction of the TLX, which replaced both vehicles, although the TLX is close in size to the TL. The recently-introduced ILX succeeded the TSX as Acura's entry-level offering.[3]

First generation (CL9; 2003)

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First generation (CL9)
 
2006–2008 Acura TSX
Overview
Also calledHonda Accord (Japan and Europe)
ProductionMarch 2003 – January 2008
Model years2004–2008
AssemblySayama, Japan
DesignerKunihiko Tachibana, Hiroshi Ishibani (2000)[4]
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
Powertrain
EngineK24A2 200-205 hp [5] (153 kW) at 6800-7000 rpm and 164 lb⋅ft (222 N⋅m) at 4500 rpm I4
Transmission5-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase105.1 in (2,670 mm)
Length183.3 in (4,656 mm)
Width69.4 in (1,763 mm)
Height57.3 in (1,455 mm)
Curb weight3,318 lb (1,505 kg)
See also: Honda Accord (Japan and Europe seventh generation)

Overview

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2004-2005 Acura TSX

The Acura TSX was introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show as a production model. The 2004 model year TSX's powertrain consisted of a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder K24A2 engine which produced 200 horsepower, a six-speed manual transmission (which featured a magnesium casing, to reduce weight), and a front wheel drive layout.[6] A five-speed automatic transmission was a no-cost option in the U.S. based on MSRP;[7] however, such was not the case in Canada.

In 2006, the TSX was updated with slight tweaks to the engine (adding 5 hp with an increase from 200 hp to 205 hp); a sportier exterior styling featuring a slightly new front and rear treatment, standard side skirts, and standard, integral fog lights; and restyled wheels.[8]

In 2007, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and an improved electronic rear view mirror were added, and the 2008 model year brought a new color option.

Interior

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2004-2005 Acura TSX

2005 was the second year of the TSX and Acura updated it with XM Satellite Radio, a four-way power passenger seat and illuminated the steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.[9] Along with the slight tweaks to the engine in 2006, interior tech features were also added, including a Multi-information Display (MID) in the instrument panel, and luxury features such as a two-position memory for the driver's seat adjustments which adjusted according to which of two keys were being used, auxiliary MP3 player input and Bluetooth-compatible HandsFreeLink (for cellular phones).[10] The Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system operates through voice control, where the user speaks when the HandsFreeLink button is pressed. Six different phones can be paired up to the HandsFreeLink system.[11]

Safety

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In testing conducted by the United States-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Acura TSX received an overall rating of "Good" for frontal offset testing,[12] an overall rating of "Poor" rear crash protection,[13] and an overall rating of "Acceptable" for side impact testing.[14]

Engine

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The K24A2 engine used in the TSX was related to the engine in the Honda Accord (7th generation), the Honda CR-V, and the Honda Element. The K24A2 featured intelligent variable valve timing (i-VTEC) and produced 200 hp (149 kW) in this iteration. Another feature of the i-VTEC system on the TSX and RSX-s was that, unlike other Honda K-series motors, variable timing was used on both the intake and exhaust cams in its three rocker design.

For the 2006 model year, the K24A2 was updated to produce 205 hp (153 kW). The diameter of the throttle body and intake valves were slightly increased, along with the cam duration and valve lift.

Second generation (CU2; 2008)

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Second generation (CU2, CU4 V6 Only, CW2 Station Wagon Only)
 
2009 Acura TSX
Overview
Also calledHonda Accord (Japan and Europe)
Honda Spirior (first generation)
Production2008–2014
Model years2009–2014
AssemblySayama, Japan
DesignerJarad Hall (2006)
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
RelatedHonda Accord (North America)
Acura TL
Powertrain
Engine2.4 L K24Z3 201 hp (150 kW) and 172 lb⋅ft (233 N⋅m) I4
3.5 L J35Z6 280 hp V6 (2010-2014) CU4 chassis code
Transmission5-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase106.5 in (2,705 mm)
LengthSedan: 185.6 in (4,714 mm)
Wagon: 189.4 in (4,811 mm)
Width72.4 in (1,839 mm)
HeightSedan: 56.7 in (1,440 mm)
Wagon: 57.9 in (1,471 mm)
Curb weight3,470 lb (1,574 kg) AT
3,400 lb (1,542 kg) MT
See also: Honda Accord (Japan and Europe eighth generation)

Overview

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2011 Acura TSX 2.4L sedan

The redesigned 2009 Acura TSX made its debut at the New York International Auto Show on March 20, 2008 before going on sale on April 24.[15] In terms of size, the TSX was larger than its predecessor with 3.0-inch (76 mm) greater width, a 2.6-inch (66 mm) wider track and a 1.3-inch (33 mm) longer wheelbase, and the length grew by 2.4 inches (61 mm). Curb weight increased by approximately 100 to 150 lb (45 to 68 kg).[16]

Making its debut on the new TSX was Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, which was designed to reduce accident impact on occupants. In the United States, the TSX came standard with luxury features like leather seat upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power driver's seat with memory, sunroof, Xenon headlights, and added a USB port music interface;[17] in Canada this configuration was known as the "Premium Package" as there was a base trim available with the four-cylinder TSX that has cloth seats and halogen headlights, and without the USB connector, memory seat function, and fog lamps. The TSX had an optional technology package, which included a navigation system, real-time traffic and weather, and a 10-speaker premium sound system with DVD-audio capabilities.

For the United States, Acura also added a "Sport Wagon" body style of the TSX in fall 2010 as a 2011 model.[18] The wagon was available with the I4 engine and 5-speed automatic.[19]

The 2010 model year TSX added an optional 3.5L 280 hp V6 engine, shared with the Acura TL, and which was not available for the CL-series Accord sold in Europe.[20] It came standard with the five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and 18-inch alloy wheels, and was available in either Premium or Technology trims.[21]

For the 2011 model year, the TSX received a facelifted upper grille with horizontal slots, a thin chrome molding surround replaced the wide silver surround, a redesigned front bumper cover with body-colored sections between the upper grille and each headlight, wider body-colored "verticals" in the lower grille separating revised foglamp areas, and a chrome trim piece added to the trunk lid between updated taillights. Inside included more LED lighting, new LED/VGA navigation screen and system functions with Technology Package, center console HVAC vents for rear occupants, and new trim colors, woodgrain, and metal finishes[22]

For the 2012 model year, Acura introduced an all new Special Edition model. The exterior featured a more aggressive front spoiler giving it a sporty look, reminiscent of their old sports coupe, the RSX. Other cosmetic upgrades included a rear bumper fascia, side sills, and a "Special Edition" badge on the trunklid. In the cabin, Acura made sport-minded appointments including suede seat inserts with red backing. There was red stitching on the shift knob, seats, and steering wheel, along with red ambient lighting featured on the gauge cluster, overhead lighting, and footwell lighting. The pedals were also upgraded to aluminum.

In late 2013 Honda announced that the TSX would be replaced with the Acura TLX sedan and that they would discontinue sales of the TSX model in 2014.[23][24]

Engine

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The second-generation TSX uses a base engine similar to that of the first-generation TSX. The engine is a 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine reaching 201 hp (150 kW) and 172 lb⋅ft (233 N⋅m) torque.[25] While the rated power of the new TSX engine is 4 hp (3.0 kW) lower than that of the 2008 model, Acura says the new engine distributes power across a much wider rpm range, which along with the increased torque, provides an increased feeling of power for the driver. The transmission choices remain 5-speed automatic and 6-speed manual, though the automatic version now comes with steering-wheel paddle shifters for optional manual shifting.

For the 2010 model year the Acura TSX has an optional 280 hp 3.5-liter V6, shared with the larger Acura TL, and which was not available for the CL-series Accord sold in Europe.[26] The V6 engine is only available with the 5-speed automatic transmission.[27]

The Acura TSX was slated to receive a high-performance 2.2-liter i-DTEC clean turbodiesel engine in the 2010 model year, after having already offered it for the CL-series Accord sold in Europe. However, it was later announced that Honda had abandoned its plans to bring diesel engines to the U.S. and Japan in favor of hybrid gasoline-electric powertrains.[28]

2011 TSX Sport Wagon

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Acura TSX Sportwagon

The Acura TSX Sport Wagon is a badge-engineered version of CL-series Honda Accord Tourer station wagon.[29] The Sport Wagon was unveiled in the 2010 New York Auto Show.[30] The TSX Sportwagon is mechanically identical to the TSX Sedan, sharing the 201-horsepower Honda K engine 2.4L DOHC inline four-cylinder engine, Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel independent sports suspension, however unlike the sedan the Sport Wagon is not offered with the 6-speed manual transmission nor the V6 engine. [31][32] The Sport Wagon offers 60.5 cu-ft of rear cargo area (with rear seats folded down; 25.8 cu-ft with the seats up), rear seats with 60/40 fold-down design.

For the United States market, the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon went on sale starting on December 21, 2010 with a base price of US$30,960 (US$34,610 with Technology Package). Acura Canada said that they would eventually sell the TSX Sport Wagon, citing market conditions as the reason for the delay, but ultimately never marketed it there.[33] While the CL-series Honda Accord Tourer was quite successful in its market of Europe, station wagons were less popular in the United States. The competing Volkswagen Passat wagon and Mercedes C-Class wagons were withdrawn around the same time the TSX Sport Wagon was unveiled, leaving the BMW 3 Series Touring as the only wagon available in the entry-level luxury car category.[34][35][29]

Changes to 2012 TSX Sport Wagon include a compact tire repair kit that allows for a significantly larger underfloor storage area.

2012 TSX Special Edition

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The 2012 TSX Special Edition is a version of the TSX commemorating the 25th anniversary of Acura, with a 6-speed manual or Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, a more aggressive front spoiler, rear bumper fascia and side sills, 17x7.5-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with a dark grey finish, a "Special Edition" badge on the trunklid, perforated black Lux Suede inserts and red backing upholstery, unique red stitching and red-lighting throughout the interior, aluminum pedal covers and a black headliner material replaces the standard grey headliner used on other TSX models.[36]

The Technology package includes ELS audio system and hard-drive based navigation system.

The TSX Special Edition was unveiled in 2011 Orange County International Auto Show.[37]

In Canada, a very similar model to the US model SE, was also released. It shared the same features as the American model, but was officially called an A Spec trim. It had an A Spec badge on each fender, and came with unique 18” multi spoke alloy wheels were both silver and dark grey

Safety

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found the 2009-11 TSX to have an overall driver death of 7 deaths per million registered years, the 2nd lowest of midsize four-door cars, and both single-vehicle crash death rate and rollover death rate of 0.[38][39]

IIHS scores[40]
Moderate overlap frontal offset Good
Small overlap frontal offset Marginal
Side impact Good
Roof strength (2012–14) Good

Awards and recognition

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  • 2008 Wheels Car of the Year award winner.[41][42]
  • 2009 Car of the Year Finalist, Motor Trend.[43]
  • Ranked best resale value in the Sedan category in CNN's "Best Resale Value Cars" article on November 29, 2006.[44]
  • The Acura TSX was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list in its first three years of production (2004–2006).
  • Top-Value Car of 2004 in the Category: Sedan under $35,000 from SmartMoney.com.
  • It has received the "Frontal Five Star Rating" from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's frontal crash tests.
  • "Best Pick" in a Frontal Impact from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
  • In November 2004, the TSX earned Consumer Reports' "Recommended" mark; in addition they named the car "Best Overall" in tests of four sporty sedans.[45][46] In April 2007, the magazine rated the used TSX a "Good Bet."
  • In the IIHS crash tests, the 2nd generation TSX received Good overall marks in both front and side impact crash tests and the Good score in all 14 measured categories.[47][48] The IIHS gave the TSX its "Best Pick" accolade.
  • Best upscale small car for families 2011, U.S. News & World Report.
  • AutoPacific's most ideal midsized luxury car, 2012

Racing

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Realtime Racing prepares a factory TSX to compete in the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge GTS class. The factory TSX is refashioned to be stiffer and lighter, and includes motor work with raised compression, and a custom built sequential transmission. Acura won the Manufacturer's Championship for the Touring class in 2005 with the RTR TSX, as well as the Driver's Championship for Peter Cunningham. Acura returned in 2006 and won the Manufacturers' Championship of the Speed World Challenge Touring Car class for the second year in a row, running both RSXs and TSXs. TSX drivers finished in 3rd and 4th in the Drivers' Championship.[49] More success followed as Pierre Kleinubing won the Championship in 2007, and Peter Cunningham took it in 2008. Driving for RTR in 2009 was Peter Cunningham, Pierre Kleinubing, Toby Grahovic, Kuno Wittmer, and Jeff Courtney.[50]

Sales

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Calendar year US sales (sedan) US sales (wagon)
2003 18,932[51] N/A
2004 30,365 N/A
2005 34,856[52] N/A
2006 38,035 N/A
2007 33,037[53] N/A
2008 31,998[53] N/A
2009 28,650 N/A
2010 31,950 126[54]
2011 27,725 3,210
2012 24,631 4,234[55]
2013 15,508 1,976[56]
2014 5,647 640[57]
2015 33 2[58]

References and footnotes

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  1. ^ "2011 Buick Regal vs 2010 Acura TSX". Auto Rivals.
  2. ^ "Acura TSX Reviews & News". JB car pages. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  3. ^ "Acura Media Newsroom - Headlines - 2015 Acura TLX Prototype to Debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show". Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  4. ^ "Automobile".
  5. ^ "2008 Acura TSX Base Sedan". Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  6. ^ "2004 Acura TSX Review". JB car pages. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  7. ^ "Acura web site". Acura.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  8. ^ "2006 Acura TSX Review". JB car pages. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  9. ^ "2005 Acura TSX Review". JB car pages. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  10. ^ "2006 Acura Lineup Summary of Changes". Temple of VTEC. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved August 22, 2007.
  11. ^ "2008 Acura TSX Interior". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
  12. ^ "IIHS ratings". Iihs.org. October 24, 2007. Archived from the original on November 6, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  13. ^ "Head restraints: Acura". Iihs.org. Archived from the original on November 4, 2010. Retrieved October 9, 2010.
  14. ^ "IIHS ratings". Iihs.org. October 24, 2007. Archived from the original on November 6, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  15. ^ Garrett, Jerry (March 20, 2008). "A Techno-Nerd's Dream Come True". The New York Times.
  16. ^ "2009 Acura TSX Specs & Features". JB car pages. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  17. ^ "2009 Acura TSX Review". JB car pages. Archived from the original on July 5, 2008. Retrieved June 12, 2008.
  18. ^ Hellwig, Ed (October 28, 2009). "2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon To Join Lineup Next Fall". Blogs.insideline.com. Archived from the original on November 29, 2009. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
  19. ^ "Car News: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Priced from $30,960". JB car pages. Archived from the original on May 30, 2011. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  20. ^ "2010 Acura TSX Review". JB car pages. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  21. ^ "2010 Acura TSX V6 vs. 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo, 2010 Volkswagen CC 2.0T R-Line - Comparison Testspublisher=JB car pages".
  22. ^ "2011 Acura TSX Press Kit". acuranews.com. November 15, 2010.
  23. ^ 2015 Acura TLX Prototype to Debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show Archived December 20, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  24. ^ Steven J. Ewing. "2015 Acura TLX prototype to debut in Detroit, TSX to be discontinued". Autoblog.
  25. ^ "All-new 2009 TSX". Acura Media Newsroom. Archived from the original on February 6, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2008.
  26. ^ Korzeniewski, Jeremy (February 11, 2009). "Chicago 2009: Acura unveils TSX V6 for 2010 — Autoblog". Autoblog.com. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
  27. ^ "2010 Acura TSX V6: 2009 Chicago Auto—Modern Muscle, 280 HP in Acura's Smallest Sedan". Popular Mechanics. February 11, 2009. Archived from the original on January 17, 2010. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
  28. ^ "Honda abandons diesels in favor of hybrids". Leftlanenews.com. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
  29. ^ a b "How Acura Ruined the TSX Sport Wagon".
  30. ^ "All-New Acura TSX Sport Wagon to Debut at New York International Auto Show". Acura.com. March 31, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  31. ^ "Autotrader - page unavailable".
  32. ^ "Acura Prices 2011 TSX Sport Wagon". Automoblog.net. December 8, 2010. Retrieved December 8, 2010.
  33. ^ "TSX wagon will not be coming to town". auto123.com. October 18, 2010. Retrieved December 24, 2010.
  34. ^ "2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Long Term Verdict - Motor Trend". April 12, 2012.
  35. ^ "Review: 2012 Acura TSX Sport Wagon - The Truth About Cars".
  36. ^ "Acura". Acura.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  37. ^ "Acura". Acura.com. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  38. ^ "Death rates fall as vehicles improve". Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  39. ^ "Driver death rates". Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  40. ^ "Vehicle details". iihs.org.
  41. ^ "AutoWeb article on Euro 2008". Autoweb.com.au. Archived from the original on September 13, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  42. ^ "article on 2008 Car of the Year award". Honda.com.au. September 28, 2010. Archived from the original on February 1, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  43. ^ "2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year: The Contenders are revealed, what's your pick?". Motor Trend Blog. Motor Trend. September 25, 2008. Archived from the original on September 29, 2008. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  44. ^ "Best resale value cars". Money.cnn.com. November 29, 2006. Archived from the original on October 29, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2010.
  45. ^ "Consumer Reports rates Acura TSX Best Overall In Tests of Four Sport Sedans". Consumer Reports. October 2004. Archived from the original on October 18, 2007. Retrieved August 6, 2007.
  46. ^ "Family Cars With Zoom". Consumer Reports. November 2004. Retrieved August 6, 2007. (may require online subscription)
  47. ^ "Iihs-Hldi: Acura Tsx". Iihs.org. November 18, 2009. Archived from the original on November 23, 2009. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
  48. ^ "Iihs-Hldi: Acura Tsx". Iihs.org. November 18, 2009. Archived from the original on November 23, 2009. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
  49. ^ Laguna Seca press release Archived September 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  50. ^ 2009 57th Annual Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring Entry List Archived March 24, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  51. ^ "Honda Media Newsroom Release: American Honda Sets New All-Time Sales Record". Hondanews.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2009. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
  52. ^ "Honda Media Newsroom Release: American Honda Posts 10th Consecutive Year of Record Sales in 2006". Hondanews.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2009. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
  53. ^ a b "Honda Media Newsroom Release: American Honda Reports 2008 Annual and December Monthly Sales". Hondanews.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2010. Retrieved November 27, 2009.
  54. ^ "Acura Announces December and Year-End Sales Results - TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/". California: Prnewswire.com. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  55. ^ "Acura Sales 2012 - Acura Connected". acuraconnected.com.
  56. ^ "Acura Media Newsroom - Headlines - Honda Sets All-Time December Sales Record to Earn 2nd Best Annual Sales Total for American Honda; Acura Light Trucks Post Best Year in Brand History". Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
  57. ^ "Honda Division Breaks Annual Auto Sales Record as Honda and Acura Brands Set Numerous New Sales Marks". Honda Newsroom. January 5, 2015.
  58. ^ "American Honda Sets New All-Time Annual Sales Record".
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