Nuts & Bolts
2005 Acura RL
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Downside: Near the end of the weeklong test drive, the "Engine Service Needed Soon" warning message illuminated and remained lit whenever I drove the car. This was annoying. I would have preferred an intermittent warning, maybe something that blinked or buzzed several times and then shut up and disappeared for the rest of the drive.
Ride, acceleration and handling: The Acura RL is one of the best all-wheel-drive cars I've driven. It either matches or, in some instances, exceeds the performance of its toughest rivals in all three categories.
Head-turning quotient: Strong, muscular, elegant--and all with a decidedly Japanese, thoroughly Honda personality.
Body style/layout: The RL is a front-engine, all-wheel-drive full-size sedan featuring a differential that allows power transfers between the left and right rear wheels.
Engine/transmission: The car is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, 24-valve VTEC (variable valve timing and lift electronic control) V-6 engine that develops 300 horsepower at 6,200 revolutions per minute and 260 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000 rpm. The VTEC technology uses computer sensors to precisely open and close air/fuel intake and exhaust valves, thus providing maximum power with minimum fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The engine is linked to a five-speed automatic transmission that also can be operated manually.
Cargo and fuel capacities: The Acura RL has seating for five people. Cargo capacity is 13.1 cubic feet. The fuel tank holds 19.4 gallons of recommended regular unleaded gasoline.
Mileage: I averaged 24 miles per gallon, mostly in highway driving.
Safety: Loaded! Side bags, head bags, traction and stability control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, rigid body construction designed to protect occupants in a crash but also engineered to minimize harm to pedestrians hit by the car.
Price: Base price is $49,100. Estimated dealer invoice on base model is $46,500. Price as tested is $49,670, including a $570 destination charge. These prices, obtained from Honda and Edmunds.com, are mere suggestions. Truth is, the RL is a high-demand, high-quality luxury car with a comparatively low suggested retail price. Some dealers will charge a premium.
Purse-strings note: Too high a premium would ruin the deal here. The RL's best selling point is its excellent value for dollar based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price. Bargain accordingly. Compare with Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac STS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS 430.
