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The Acura Vigor is a model of automobile produced by Acura, the luxury vehicle division of Honda.

Overview:

  • Brand: Acura (Honda’s luxury division)
  • Model Name: Vigor
  • Production Years: 1981-1995 (in Japan), 1991-1994 (in North America)
  • Vehicle Type: Compact luxury sedan

Historical Context:

  • Introduction in Japan: The Honda Vigor was initially introduced in Japan in 1981. It started as a higher-end version of the Honda Accord and evolved into a distinct model over time.
  • Introduction in North America: The Acura Vigor was introduced to the North American market in 1991 as a luxury sedan positioned between the Acura Integra and the Acura Legend.

Design and Features:

  • Design: The Vigor featured a sleek, aerodynamic design with a focus on luxury and performance. It had a long hood and short rear deck, giving it a sporty appearance.
  • Engine: The North American Acura Vigor was powered by a 2.5-liter inline-five engine, known for its smooth performance and reliability. This engine produced around 176 horsepower.
  • Transmission: It offered both a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic transmission, catering to different driving preferences.
  • Interior: The Vigor’s interior was designed with luxury in mind, featuring high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a range of advanced (for the time) features like power accessories, leather upholstery, and a premium sound system.

Market and Legacy:

  • Target Market: The Acura Vigor targeted buyers looking for a compact luxury sedan with a blend of performance, reliability, and upscale features. It appealed to those seeking a step up from mainstream sedans without moving into the full-size luxury segment.
  • Popularity: While the Vigor had a relatively short production run in North America, it garnered a following for its unique combination of attributes. It was appreciated for its sporty handling, robust engine, and the overall quality typical of Honda/Acura vehicles.
  • Replacement: The Acura Vigor was eventually replaced by the Acura TL in 1995, which continued to build on the Vigor’s strengths and further established Acura’s reputation in the luxury sedan market.

Summary:

The Acura Vigor was a compact luxury sedan produced by Acura between 1991 and 1994 in North America. Known for its distinctive design, powerful inline-five engine, and luxurious features, it occupied a unique spot in the market and laid the groundwork for future Acura models like the TL. Despite its brief production run, the Vigor remains a noteworthy model in Acura’s history, appreciated for its blend of performance and refinement.

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