Launched in 1986, Acura was the first Japanese luxury car to hit the North American market. Just over 30 years later, the brand has become a household name. As one of the most trusted brands in the automotive business, Acura excels where others fail; by providing a quality product at a price that’s attractive to entry-level and veteran luxury car buyers. However, even some of the most avid fans may not know everything about this iconic brand. Here are just a few interesting facts about Acura.

2017 Acura NSX: A Hybrid of Firsts

After a 12-year hiatus from the market, the Acura NSX returned in 2017, earning universal acclaim from just about anyone who sees this beauty. The exotic looks of the first generation transformed it into a modern marvel, turning heads at every auto show and dealership that was lucky enough to get one. Read the rest of this entry »

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The affordability of the 2018 Acura ILX will appeal to you if you don’t have the budget for a high-end luxury vehicle but wish to enjoy the elegance and performance of a sleek-looking automobile. The 2018 Acura ILX is a front-wheel drive, premium compact sedan with four great reasons to make it worth driving.

Exterior Design

The tasteful modern exterior of the 2018 Acura ILX seems like a smaller version of the Acura TLX and the Acura RLX. Its distinctive feature is the LED headlamps with multiple lenses, which Acura calls the Jewel Eye. The LED brake lights shine faster than normal, giving quicker warning signals. The muscular contour of the vehicle is emphasized by the character line that runs along the side and pans out dramatically around the rear door handles. 17-inch wheels are part of the standard features, however, the A-Spec Package includes 18-inch wheels, side sills, fog lights, and a trunk spoiler. Read the rest of this entry »

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El Paso is a great area for hiking. With an average of 200 days of sunshine each year and a point near the city that reaches over 7,000 feet, there are plenty of options for both beginners and experienced hikers. The Franklin Mountains State Park offers several hiking trails, and Billy Rogers Arroyo Park also has some trails. Check out these hiking trails in El Paso, Texas for your next day out.

The Window on the Ron Coleman Trail

The Ron Coleman trail is the perfect length for a day hike, and The Window is a well-known rock formation. The trail runs for 7 miles round trip with an elevation of 3,000 feet, and even though it is one of the more challenging trails in the area, the views from The Window are well worth it. Many hikers think that it offers the best view of the Franklin Mountains.  Read the rest of this entry »

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It’s time to trade in your old car and upgrade to a new one, but how do you know what to get? With so many choices and all the new technology available, finding the right car can be a challenge. If you loved your old car, and it has been several years since you car-shopped, you’ll see some significant differences in what is available. Take some time to research and follow these tips for picking out a new car to help find the right one.

Think About Your Needs

Before going to the dealership, you want to think about what you need in a vehicle. Make a list of what you need to have, whether it is extra seating for the kids or all-wheel drive for snowy winters. You’ll also want to look at the type of driving you do. Will you need something fuel-efficient for a long commute to work, or do you need the power to tow a camper or boat on the weekends? If you have young kids, you’ll also want to take into consideration how car seats fit in the vehicle and the cargo capacity.

Think About What You Want

After you decide what you need in a vehicle, you can think about what you want. Have you always wanted to drive a hybrid, or do you want to have the latest entertainment technology? Maybe after years of driving a sedan or minivan, you are ready for something sportier. Depending on your budget, you might have to compromise on some of your wants, but it is important to take them into consideration.

Calculate Your Budget

Look at your financial situation and calculate what you can afford for a car payment. You’ll also want to consider what insurance will cost and how much it will cost you to register a new car. Keep in mind that all of this will depend on what type of vehicle you get and how much it is worth.

Go for a Test Drive

The best way to find out if you like a car and how it drives it to take it for a test drive. You should head down to your Acura dealership with some ideas of what you want, but keep an open mind, and take several models out for a drive. Make sure you test it on several types of roads, too. Head out on the highway to see how it accelerates and passes, and also drive it in town to get a feel for how it handles.

Where Do You Live

Your location is also a big factor in what you drive. If you live in the northeast, a convertible is not a good choice for your only vehicle, but if you live in sunny California, it is reasonable. If you live in the city, a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle is the better choice.

Follow these tips to make sure you make the right choice for your new car.

Image via Gamma Man | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

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In just over three decades, Acura has grown from the first Japanese luxury car to one of the most revered automakers in the world. The key to their success isn’t only design, ingenuity, and customer feedback, but also a proactive approach to research, development, and technology. The 2018 Acura fleet has more high-tech amenities than ever before, making your drive easier, better, and more entertaining.

1. Improved Entertainment and Convenience With AcuraLink

AcuraLink is perhaps the most comprehensive infotainment system ever created. Not only does it allow access to music and navigation, but it also has other services you won’t find in other luxury vehicles.

The latest generation of AcuraLink allows you to connect your Android or iOS-based mobile device for instant access to communication, apps, music and more. Additionally, a personal concierge is available 24 hours a day to book a hotel or flight, set up dinner reservations, or help you navigate a new city. The AcuraLink app is a nice addition to the infotainment system, providing features such as remote start and stop, remote lock and unlock, odometer readings, how much gas is in the tank, and a stolen vehicle locator, all with the touch of a button. Read the rest of this entry »

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El Paso doesn’t get the same recognition as Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, or Houston, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not one of the best places in Texas to live or visit. With about 680,000 residents, it’s smaller than other cities, making it easy to explore on your own. However, a tour of El Paso is one of the best ways to experience everything the city has to offer. From food and drink to landmarks and attractions, these El Paso tours are worth the price of admission.

GeoBetty Tours

If fitness and exercise are an important part of your life, explore El Paso on foot or mountain bike with GeoBetty Tours. When you book a tour with GeoBetty, a guide will take you through the most beautiful parts of the Chihuahuan Desert and the Franklin Mountains. Both of these amazing geographic locations feature diverse ecosystems with a variety of flora and fauna such as mountain lions, mule deer, coyotes, cacti, and succulents.

GeoBetty offers packages or customized tours based on your interests, fitness level, skills, and times. Both hiking and mountain biking tours range from two to five hours with skill levels ranging from one to five. Prices start at $75 per person, $25 for each additional person, and $15 for youths (12-17).

A Taste of El Paso Dining Tours

A melting pot of cultures converges in El Paso, creating a diverse culinary scene unlike any other. With A Taste of El Paso Dining Tours, you can get your hands on some of the most delicious food in El Paso while learning about the culinary and historical influences of the city.

Choose from an authentic Mexican dining experience or the Trail Hands Tour, which provides a trip to a ranch, a delicious steak, and a view of both El Paso and Juarez, Mexico, from Scenic Drive. The tours are available by appointment every day from 4 to 9 p.m. The cost is $95 per person.

Self-Guided Downtown Walking Tour

Some travelers like to explore at their own pace. With the self-guided downtown walking tour, you can do just that. Created by the Visit El Paso tourism board, this self-guided tour takes you through some of the most important buildings, parks, and architectural marvels that are part of the city’s urban revitalization project. Just download the Visitor’s Guide app for directions on the 90-minute tour, and stop off at the other shops and restaurants to your heart’s content.

Paso Del Norte Paranormal Society Ghost Tours

One of the major cities in the Old West, El Paso has plenty of stories and secrets. Hop on board one of the Paso Del Norte Paranormal Society Ghost Tours to learn about some of the most ghastly, scandalous, and frightening events. This includes visits to haunted brothels and saloons, as well as places frequented by Billy the Kid, John Wesley Hardin, Doc Holiday, Wyatt Earp, and other Wild West lawmen and outlaws.

Whether you’re a fitness freak, a foodie, or just an adventurous explorer, you won’t find any better way to soak in El Paso than through these exciting tours. You might just love them enough to take them on your next visit to the city.

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Founded in 1986, Acura has become a force in the luxury car world in a mere 30 years. While the lineup has changed dramatically over the years, the Japanese automaker sticks to its design and innovation as the keys to sales and success. If you’re mulling over which luxury car to pull into the driveway, here are a few reasons your next vehicle should be an Acura.

1. A Car for Everyone

Acura has a car for everyone. That’s a bold statement, but with six vehicles of varying design and features, it holds true. The entry-level Acura ILX offers younger buyers or those on a budget with a chance to get into the luxury market for far less than its competitors. For seasoned luxury car buyers, the TLX and the flagship RLX are both options that make sense. Laden with features, you get more bang for your buck.

SUV enthusiasts get versatility and opulence in the form of the MDX and RDX, while the high-end NSX is a supercar that won’t cost six figures to obtain. Regardless of your needs and tastes, Acura has the car for you.

2. Safety

With a plethora of passive, active, and driver-assist safety features, Acura is in the upper echelon of safety in the automotive market. A comprehensive set of airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system highlight the passive and active safety specs, but the true star of the show is AcuraWatch.

AcuraWatch is a driver-assist safety suite that aims to forge a zero-collision society. To attain these goals, the safety system offers features intended to mitigate collisions and raise driver awareness. This includes a collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and more.

The NSX is exempt from crash tests, but all five other models received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The MDX, RDX, and RLX also garnered a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, solidifying Acura’s prominent name in automotive safety.

3. AcuraLink

AcuraLink is the virtual assistant you’ve always needed. As part of the Technology Package, it acts as a planner, entertainment system, and mechanic all wrapped up into one. At the touch of a button, you can make dinner reservations or navigate to a new music venue. It also allows you to monitor your car’s performance, while also sending service reminders when it’s time to take your car into the shop.

This infotainment system doubles as a communication center, an infotainment system, and the perfect in-car jukebox to boot. Throw in the AcuraLink app which allows you to find your car or remotely lock and unlock your car, and the AcuraLink system is one that other luxury automakers envy.

While Europeans often get the lion’s share of attention for crafting the world’s best luxury cars, don’t sleep on Acura. Packed with sumptuous amenities, stunning looks, and a personality to match, Acura is perhaps the best luxury car for the money. Schedule a test drive today to see what gives Acura the upper hand in the marketplace.

*Disclaimer: NHTSA overall 5-Star Ratings for all Acura models first achieved in 2009. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (SaferCar.gov). Luxury brand designation based on ALG’s (Automotive Lease Guide) Brand Pricing Score segmentation.

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Are you on the hunt for a fun community race to get the family involved and fuel your passion for marathon running? El Paso residents are in for a treat. The city is hosting a variety of fun-themed 5Ks sure to excite everyone in town. Here are four upcoming events to keep in mind.

Color Vibe 5K Run

The Color Vibe 5K Run is a race like no other. Color stations are set up with paint launchers ready to douse runners in an airy mist of colored powder from head to toe. But don’t worry — the powder washes out easily and is non-toxic, so all ages are welcome to join the fun.

If interested, you can pre-register to secure your spot, enjoy discounted pricing, and enter an exclusive contest to win free goodies. Race packets are standard and include freebies like T-shirts, sunglasses, race bibs, and color packs.

The race starts at 8 a.m., and you can check the Color Vibe 5K Run website for date and location updates.

Date: TBD

Dragons Zombies Skulls Run 

Despite the fantasy-packed name, you won’t find any dragons or zombies at this El Paso race. However, you will find a Golden Sugar Skull, which will be given to top finishers in each age division. This glitzy reward goes hand in hand with the race’s Dio De Los Muertos theme.

The Dragons Zombies Skulls Run will offer everything from sideline entertainment like mariachis and traditional folk dancing to an after-party filled with children’s activities and authentic Mexican and Latin American cuisine. Events are expected to kick off in the evening, but a location has yet to be announced.

Date: Sept. 8

Downtown Running of the Bulls 5K

The Running of the Bulls 5K event is a great way to take in the exciting sights and sounds of bustling downtown El Paso. The course begins at Franklin and Oregon Streets and offers a refreshing 3.1-mile trek past the downtown area. Opening events begin at 8:15 a.m. with the 5K run scheduled to start 45 minutes later.

Awards will be given out to top finishers in each age group and teams of five or more. There will also be activity stations and door prizes available. Participants can opt to purchase a post-race meal ticket for $15, a single 5K run ticket for $25, or both for $30.

Date: Oct. 20

Flying Horse Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K

Head north of El Paso to Anthony for this next running event. The Flying Horse Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K will take place near the Henry Miramontes Memorial Park on Richard White and Franklin Street. From here you’ll embark on a double-loop course that stretches from the Texas border into New Mexico and back.

Admission ranges from $25 to $45 depending on date of registration, though all military members will receive a $5 discount. Included with that price are goodies such as a special race T-shirt, an athlete bag, snacks and beverages, a finisher medal, and more. The 5K portion kicks off at 8:10 a.m. with an award ceremony following at 9:15 a.m.

Date: Nov. 17

There’s nothing like a 5K to get your adrenaline pumping. Mark these El Paso runs on your calendar so you don’t miss out!

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August in El Paso, Texas, sets the stage for summer festivals and events. It’s also the perfect time of year to keep the kids entertained before they head back to school. No matter the occasion, you’ll find plenty of things to do this August in and around the El Paso area. Here are just four events we recommend adding to your summer to-do list.

Plaza Classic Film Festival

Classic films beckon movie aficionados everywhere and now’s your chance to explore these cinematic gems up close at the annual Plaza Classic Film Festival. Hosted at the Plaza Theatre from August 2-12, you and your guests can enjoy screenings of more than 90 films. These range from childhood favorites like Aladdin and Lady and the Tramp to others such as the 1970 romantic drama Love Story starring Ali MacGraw. In fact, the Golden Globe-winning actress, activist, and author is a special guest at this year’s festival and will be holding an exclusive autograph session for fans. Read the rest of this entry »

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The 2018 Acura TLX features all the characteristics that make up a luxuriously comfortable car. These are a few of the most appealing features of the 2018 TLX.

Sporty Exterior

You are sure to turn heads with the upgraded exterior design of the 2018 Acura TLX. The A-Spec model comes with an entirely updated grille on the front end that gives it an overall sportier look. The bumper is lower to the ground, and the 4-inch exhausts are visible, giving the impression of a sportier ride. The headlights and taillights are also updated with LED lighting for improved visibility. The entire design is completed with 19-inch aluminum wheels.  Read the rest of this entry »

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