AUTO SPIES EXCLUSIVE: Acura RL black eye for otherwise strong Acura sales

I dont think that anyone who has purchased an RL has complained. Nor have they wished they bought something else. The fact that you can get all of the good stuff STANDARD, makes it a dog??? C'mon now. But I know the German freaks who plague this site will have drank a big glass of Hater-Ade before they post.

— mrgrooken (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2005 8:43:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

buster sometimes you are right, but on this one you are wrong, 001 has always said the RL drove, "like a turd" where exactly did he flip-flop. i see it out on the road, and it's hideous.

— DiamondJim (View Profile)

Posted on 12/1/2005 10:07:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

The RL is a HUGE disappointment for Honda fans. After the Honda S2000 and TL were introduced, all kinds of wonderful things were expected of Honda's flagship sedan -- RWD, 4.0 V8, fantastic off-the line performance, real competition to the BMW 530i, Honda style. All the toys are in place, and it is well built, but it was shortchanged in exterior styling, engine performance and drivetrain layout. I loved the interior, expecially the dash and nav system, the audio system was great, and I liked the seating position. I could live with everything about the RL, except for the lack of off-the-line torque and the transverse AWD system. I could even deal with the hack job AWD if the car drove like it actually had 300hp (290 revised). If the AWD was a longitudinal system like the one in the Audi A6, Cadillac STS, Infiniti G35/M35 or Lexus GS300, it would have been a good thing for sublime handling. If the engine performed at least as good as the Accord V6 instead of a Civic 4-cylinder, I would have bought it. My Accord V6 steps off the line much more satisfying than the RL. That is a shame for a $50,000 car. Honda needs to price the car at $40,000 to see acceptable sales.

— UYPeterson (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2005 2:04:29 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I actually own an 05 RL and love it. I have had nearly every model of Mercedes (SL, E, CL and 4 S class) and the RL is an all-around better quality car with more technology and superior paint. It drives great and has plenty of power...all at half the price of what I would have paid for a top end MB. If have to actually own an RL to appreciate it.

— dm070 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2005 8:35:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I actually own an 05 RL and love it. I have had nearly every model of Mercedes (SL, E, CL and 4 S class) and the RL is an all-around better quality car with more technology and superior paint. It drives great and has plenty of power...all at half the price of what I would have paid for a top end MB. If have to actually own an RL to appreciate it.

— dm070 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2005 8:35:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I actually own an 05 RL and love it. I have had nearly every model of Mercedes (SL, E, CL and 4 S class) and the RL is an all-around better quality car with more technology and superior paint. It drives great and has plenty of power...all at half the price of what I would have paid for a top end MB. If have to actually own an RL to appreciate it.

— dm070 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2005 8:35:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I like the RL as well, you don't see many of them on the road and I thought it would be a great seller. I haven't had the opportunity to drive one, but I would certainly love to. I think Acura has the most bang for the buck out of all the automakers right now.

— phantom330 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2005 10:13:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

with the options you get standard on the RL I'd say it would be hard to find a model that offers as much for the price. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather spend my 48k elsewhere, but it seems like a deal for the price.

— phantom330 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/2/2005 11:53:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1