Outside North America, Acuras are just Hondas! All three Japanese car makers created these luxury brands to compete in the North American luxury market and overcome the “economy” image.
Consumer Reports states that a Toyota Camry is a much better value than an equivalent Lexus model and is also cheaper to repair.
Of course a Lincoln Town Car was just a jazzed up Ford Crown Victoria.
Perception is in the eye and mind of the beholder. A few years ago my wife bought a $135 “luxury brand” toaster. It lasted 7 days beyond the expiration of the 1 year warranty. We are currently suing a $45 model from a grocery chain’s house brand and it has been going strong for 4 years now.