2007 Acura RL Review
The RL is a midsize luxury sedan that first debuted in 1996. In 1999, Acura addressed driver concerns by improving on its original weaknesses with a new look and firmer ride. The navigation screen was enlarged in 2000, OnStar was tacked on in 2002, and XM came the following year. After a sales dip in 2004, the second generation debuted for 2005, adding an all-wheel drive system, a 300-hp engine, and five-speed automatic with shift paddles. It was featured in Car and Driver's "Ten Best" list in 2005.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Acura RL has grown from its rather humble origins into the biggest threat Germany's faced since George S. Patton. Simply put, it blows BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz out of the water in performance, price, and value. While the Acura name probably won't impress your neighbors as much as those three, its reliability and quality will surely leave you satisfied.
What's New For 2007:
$46,680
no
5
16/22
3.7L V6
300@6300RPM
271@5000RPM
5 Speed Automatic
FR/AWD
19
gasoline
48/50000
72/70000
60/Unlimit
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the RL 5 stars in overall mechanical quality and 2 stars in overall design quality. The original RL had issues with failing transmissions, rocking driver seats, breaking seatbelt buttons, inaccurate speedometers, and knocking noises. It was recalled four times. The new RL has had issues with valve cover leaks, problematic shifting, and water leaks. No recalls have been issued yet. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The RL earned perfect government crash test scores. The IIHS gave it a "Good" in frontal tests and "Marginal" in rear tests. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, full side airbags, and stability and traction control come standard. Collision-preventing radar is optional. The radar system is particularly impressive, as it will first warn the driver. Failing that, it will deploy the brakes. If it determines that it cannot avoid a crash, it will tighten seatbelts and slow down the car as much as possible.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Excellent initial reliability
+ Better value than the German alternatives
+ Cool optional radar
Cons
- Somewhat bland styling
- Mediocre rear crash test scores
- Radar system optional
Head-To-Head Competition:
You can buy a Audi A6 for about $700 less and get a six-speed automatic, but you'll miss out on traction control, a moonroof, and about 35 hp. The RL easily beats out the 2008 BMW 5 Series 528xi at $720 less, a standard automatic, CD changer, leather seats, moonroof, and 60 more hp. The RL costs $5,000 less than Mercedes Benz E-Class 350, and adds AWD, leather seats, and 20 more hp.
What Others Are Saying:
"I have to applaud Acura. The flagship RL represents a real alternative to the heavyweights in the field, the BMW 530i and the Mercedes-Benz E320. By offering a truly full-featured car that's built to the highest standards of mass-production, Acura has carved an identity for the RL." - About.com
"While the Acura RL hasn't gained a super-luxury reputation, I feel it's still among the best. It's also smaller and sprightlier, or at least it feels so. It's also less expensive, and that's a good thing." - The Auto Channel
"We drove a small fleet of RLs in conditions from Washington, D.C., rush-hour traffic to wide-open laps on the Summit Point circuit. For our three-hour sojourn at Summit Point, we also had access to an Audi A6, a BMW 530i, and a Mercedes-Benz E320-all with automatic transmissions-for comparison purposes. It is impossible to get a perfect match from among the competitors, but these cars came fairly close. The Acura RL more than held its own and felt absolutely terrific at speed." - Automobile Magazine
Read more about the 2007 Acura RL at the Acura manufacturer web site.
Published on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 - Email to a friend
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