Acura is a luxury vehicle brand owned and marketed by Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company, Ltd. Since its launch in 1986 as the first Japanese luxury brand, Acura has been consistently successful in the U.S. and other markets around the world. It all began in 1982 when Honda began to develop the Acura brand. The goal of the brand was to create a premium nameplate for Honda's vehicles and bring them into the luxury auto market. Two years later, the Acura Legend and Integra were introduced to the public in the United States. The introduction of these vehicles marked a milestone for the Japanese auto industry; Honda was the first Japanese car company to have a dedicated luxury brand. The success of Acura was immediate, as the two vehicles sold well and were praised for their performance and reliability. Subsequent generations of the Legend and Integra continued to do well in sales and reviews, and in 2000, Acura launched its first SUV, the MDX. This model was an instant hit and helped solidify Acura's place in the luxury market. Since then, Acura has offered a full lineup of vehicles, from small sedans to large SUVs. The brand has also strived to create innovative technologies for its vehicles, such as its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system and its lane-keeping assist system. Additionally, Acura has developed unique designs for its cars and SUVs, such as its sleek Jewel Eye LED headlights and its bold Diamond Pentagon grille. Acura has continually evolved since its inception in 1986, and today it is recognized as one of the leading luxury automakers in the world. Its vehicles are known for their reliable performance and cutting-edge technology, and they remain popular with both drivers and critics alike.