31 Votes

Why doesn't the Acura RL sell?

AUDIMAN4 submitted on 3/3/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 2:13:33 PM

52 user comments | Category: Spy Shots | Source: www.autospies.com

What's wrong with the RL? Sure, it may not be the most beautiful car, but it's got an excellent AWD system, lots of sophisticated equipment, good handling, and is priced fairly.

Last month, Acura sold a mere 395 RL's. Interesting to note is how well every other car does in the Acura lineup, minus the RL. If Acura can't sell a mid-level car, they definitely cannot sell a full size car.

Thoughts? Opinions?

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— AUDIMAN4 (View Profile)

User Comments

Why doesn't the Acura RL sell?

It is a mystery.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/3/2007 3:04:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

1) It was too expensive until the entry model 2007.
2) No V8.
2) The TL is better looking, and the only BIG difference with the RL is the Sh-AWD.
3) The RL with Tech pack is 53$. The Infiniti M35x is cheaper and drives better, the GS 350 AWD is 306 hp and look better.
3) A question: why the TL got the same 3.5 engine as the RL, but with 286 hp and not 290 as the RL? It's just funny.
— uforobot (View Profile)

Posted on 3/3/2007 3:32:42 PM | | Votes: 4

uforobot, your argument is so biased against RL. Here is why
- both Lexus GS and Infiniti M35X priced at $55K when fully loaded while RL at $53. Who is cheaper?
- V8 accounts for only 10% sales of M and GS. Can't expalin the poor sales figure.
- GS has more hp than RL, which has more hp than the M
- RL's engine has more subtle tuning in intake and exhsaut, that explains the 4hp again. $$$ at play here.

When RL first came out, I was #1 at my dealer's list to test-drive. I walked away with my old '98 540 (still has it). From a potential buyer's perspective, here is why:
- SH_AWD is sluggish for 300hp (then) now 290hp (SAE). The gear ratio is bad. It does not jump off line. It needs a 6-speed for better gear spread.
- RL is small inside. Long overhangs both front and back.
- At $49K fully loaded, no choice is disappointing. Acura CEO promised around $45K but came out at $49K.

Today, you can get an RL with deep deep discount (I heard of $7000 off MSRP). That would be a great value. But the resales value would be bad since it is not selling well. A double-edge sword.

RL needs a V8 and grow up in size. A 6-speed tranny and a pure RWD. 90% of American do not need AWD. Me included.
— ceric (View Profile)

Posted on 3/3/2007 4:20:49 PM | | Votes: 2

The Q to ask is: how many GSs and Ms sell for $55k full loaded, and it's probably a safe bet that those figures are close to the sales figures of the RL at that price.

Plus there's something prestigous about having a car that can be had with a V8, even if you don't check the box...it adds to its cache...if it's available with only a V6, it's chasis abilities will be suspect.
— SimonS (View Profile)

Posted on 3/3/2007 6:14:20 PM | | Votes: 2

I inspected the entire lineup at the showroom and left unimpressed also. Hard to put a finger on why, but here are some of my thoughts. The front end of the RL drops too suddenly - it is not 'stately', it just does not fit - almost like I am looking at two different cars. If I pay that much for a car, the front must say 'I am here, move over'. The RL just does not do it plain and simple. My first impression is the car is saying, " please don't smash my face more than it already is smashed". Websters definition of 'Timid' tim·id /'t?m?d/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[tim-id] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective, -er, -est. 1. lacking in self-assurance, courage, or bravery; easily alarmed; timorous; shy. Summs it up perfectly.
The lines are wrong and it is not pleasing to look at. I think MB has realized this in the new 2008 C class and returned to a larger front end, I like it. I miss the more upright front grills of elegance. In the end, most buyers buy based on that front end look, and the overall look second. This image sticks in people's mind-eye (even though you cannot see your car's front when you drive, sort of wierd huh? People are weird in that way). Imagine that same car with more of a larger Maserati Quattroport front end. We would'nt be having this conversation. The lines on the Maserati are wonderful and correct on that car IMO. (I think Buick must have copied with the Lucerne, maybe the other way around). (PS - the turning circle is unacceptable)
— Fallwater_blues (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 8:43:03 AM | | Votes: 1

NOTHING FROM ACURA EVER SELLS
— pacotacolol (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2007 8:24:04 PM | | Votes: -1

It's a good car with alot of cool tech. toys. But it's not inspiring at all. And for $40K or so, you should get more "go" to offset the lack luster "show". Not impressed at all and SH has been around since the old(great cars)Prelude. Nothin new here folks.....move along.
— r_driver04 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2007 12:26:48 PM | | Votes: 1

I meant it should sell for around the $40K mark. Sorry for the double post.
— r_driver04 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2007 12:28:16 PM | | Votes: 1

Acura has maintained its unwritten rule with other Japanese brands not to exceed 300hp output. This tradition has been broken but Acura is late to the 300+ club.
— Terminal10 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/3/2007 3:50:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

it was the unwritten 270 HP rule for cars released in JAPAN. That too pre 1994. Case to point, the GTR34 also was sold with only a 270 HP tag , irrespective of the fact that it was dynoed at around 340 HP.

The Acura RL represented Honda's first mass production car with AWD. as it dis not have RWD platform ( NSX, S2k are hand built in very small runs) . That the Acura RL ( Hodna Legend elsewhere), TSX, TL and Honda Accord are all based on Honda's global mid size platform (Accord) gives you an inkling as to teh challenges involved.
— izfuney (View Profile)

Posted on 3/6/2007 2:59:48 PM | | Votes: 1

The source of this problem is that Honda/Acura, a company with some of the best technology, has not yet truly defined it's Acura brand lineup. Let's use BMW as the benchchmark. The TSX is Acura's lowest model car. Next up is the TL. But the TL and TSX are BOTH compared to BMW 3 series cars in many magazines. Then there is the Acura RL. If the Acura RL is compared to the BMW 5 series, then Acura lacks a flagship to build brand awareness.
The inconsistencies go on. The Acura RL has all wheel drive. But the TSX and TL both have front wheel drive, which we all know does not do well with performance enthusiasts. The TL looks good and appears to be a bigger looking TSX. The RL looks like a Honda Accord? from many angles. Compare that to BMW sedans which all seem related.
There are still other problems. Yes, the lack of a V-8 is obvious. You don't usually sell lots of V-8 powered midsize luxury sedans, but the fact is, just having a V-8 helps to sell your V-6 sedans. Acura vehicles also notoriously lack low end torque.
All of these problems are not difficult for Acura to solve, they easily have the technology to change these shortcomings and then some. The head honcho in Acura must be very conservative.
I keep hearing these statements made by both Acura salesman and customers......'it was too expensive' or 'Acura doesn't have the brand image to sell at that price point'
For crying out loud, how is that Lexus can get away with selling $70,000 sedans? Because they've done the right things with product development against the competition. Acura has to wake up and smell the coffee. Start developing VTEC 8 cylinder engines. Get away from front wheel drives forever. Don't make your $50k sedans look like Honda Accords.
Until Acura gets it's act together, the sales will no doubt continue to dwindle.
— Dave (View Profile)

Posted on 3/3/2007 4:06:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Front wheel drive for the TL, and even more for ther TSX with only 205 hp, hasn't been a real problem: the TL was one of the best selling car in the market 3 years in a row. Only the 2007 model is selling bed at the moment (-21%).
When the TL came out at the end of 2003 was the most powerful 3.2 engine on the market and great options, as the ELS Dolby S.
The TL is 4,81m long, as the BMW5 (4,83) and the Mercedes E (4,82m). However you are right, is considered a car from the BMW 3 class.
Acura is a brand that offer only 1 engine for model: when you guess THE RIGHT ENGINE, the RIGHT PRICE (as for the TL and TSX), you sell well.
When you miss it, you get the RL...

— uforobot (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 3:23:47 AM | | Votes: 0

Actually, I couldn't agree with you more. Too add a few thoughts-

The Honda Motor Co. should be able to stack up better with say Toyota when you compare their technology they are both capable of. I believe they are weak in marketing their product and are capable of so much more. Lets see their true potential with the technologies they are working on, whether they be robotic or environmental related. Another inconsistency is they seem to know how to go hybrid with Honda, why withold it from Acura- Toyota's GS450h as another example.

Some ideas/specifics of how they really missed the mark on the RL:

Let me start out by saying this: it is unclear whether the RL is trying to be a true sports sedan or a luxury sedan, and if its not the latter, they are being WAY too conservative, lets see a Type S or an all new car.

1. Lets get a height adjustable pass. seat, because that is rather rediculous
2 The cooling seats that area available in Canadian spec vehicles would be welcome, and cant believe that disparity is real
3. Lets not try to be trend setters with the rather unimpressive start and stop twist know type keyless access, seems they could have carried the trend from the S2000 or come up with something all together better.
4. Transmission isnt prorgrammed to blip the throttle, and the paddles look and feel unimpressive-desperately needs more gears
5. 290hp *after the new SAE ratings change* just doesnt sound as good as 300, besides, lets stay in the game here and compete with the competing manufacturers
6. Even though 2007 base RL has a fully capable LCD screen, or what appears to be one, no back up camera *scratching head*
7. i-Drive like dial operation is not intuitive enough
8. Middle seat in back seat is useless for anyone of any height
9. Back seats should be heated cosindering the price, can get them in a $46k MDX and the RL's start at $46k.
10. How about a trunk that is powered, if they can do it on a Odyssey and MDX, why not a light aluminum RL trunk, or at least make the thing pop all the way open when you release it.
11. Needs a better looking wheel, bigger selection would be nice to and to offer 18's with 19' upgrades.
12. Not sure the run-flats are that enticing, probably too expensive to replace and especially since you have only the 17' standard wheel as an option if you want them.

Lets just hope that the people at Acura are listening...
— CarCrazedinCali (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 3:40:56 AM | | Votes: 1

Acura has definitely gotten left behind. Look at Lexus and Infiniti, they make great luxury cars that perform well because they've focused on pushing their cars directly into the path of "would-be" MB and BMW buyers. An Acura to me is a hopped up Honda. I know Lexus and Infiniti are the same as Toyota and Nissan. But it's all in the presentation and execution. And that's wher Acura is coming up short.
— r_driver04 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/9/2007 3:13:12 PM | | Votes: 2

It's not only in presentation and package. Both Infiniti and Lexus have RWD platform and powerful engine, while ACURA has mostly FWD, and not very spectacular engines, both NA and turbo. Honda has always been relying on light weight to compensate the under-powered engine, but there's simply no way to save weight for luxury car, other than carbon fiber, which is not an option at all, not for cars under $100K. The Sh-AWD system has a 'super' in it, but it's not at all comparable to, say , the one of EVO.
— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 3/10/2007 6:19:00 PM | | Votes: 2

I think everyone here who disses Acura is just concerned about status. Acura is just as good as any other brand every brand has their flaws. Furthermore the Lexus jeeps don't come with leather standard. Porsche Cayenne have no auto mirrior just like the Mdx. The TL when it came out was the first with BlueTooth and Surround Sound Standard along with 270 horsepower. The RL was at 300 with traffic navigation and all- wheel- drive something Lexus took 2 years almost to get either. The competition has redisgned their cars and thus has caught up. Wait untill the new Acura vechicles come out and then lets talk. Lexus was stuck in the 225 horsepower league forever, they have the luxury over us but only because of one vechicle and that is the beast LS460. Every other Acura can seea Lexus anyday, rember you can have your cake, but not eat it so don't hate the player hate the game.
— mikeydred20 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 7:07:05 PM | | Votes: 1

The RL is the accord of Europe that's because Acura has not gone global yet, when they do you will see an adjustment. The RL is fine in its class, personally I think all those cars in the mid luxury class are overprice check consumer ratings for best buys. I drive an 04 TL and that is a fine product highest rated in consumer reports three years in a row 03-06. The new type s yes is only 286 but matches the is 350 and g 35 in 0-60 in 4.9 secs so its not all about the horsepower. Further more the RL had the paddleshifters before any other Japenese brand today the RDX, TLS & RL have them more than Lexus and Infiniti. Let me see another company from Japan top the nsx, I know Lexus is introducing a super car fairly soon, but guranteed it will lack the passion to make it a true racing car, because Lexus is Toyota and Toyota for sure is more conservative than Honda just look at their style direction prior to the new camry. Point blank the RL doesn't sell because the perception is if I'm going to spend 50k might as well be a Benz, which i think is stupid because I would take any Japenese brand before I did a Benz. If I'm spending 50k I want the reliability.
— mikeydred20 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 8:55:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I used to work at an acura dealership and can testify that the RL just fells uninspired. When you are looking for a car in that price range its easy to you're gonna begin to expect somthing that really pleases you. Its easy to imagine a RL diver watching a BMW, MB, Infitity, Lexus or Cadillac, drive by and feeling like he got the shaft and is now stuck with this car.
— SilverAero (View Profile)

Posted on 3/3/2007 4:19:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Why have we had articles about slow-selling Acuras for no reason?

Reasons why the RL doesn't sell-

1. Styling. Incredibly bland. Only appeals to one demographic here- senior citizens
2. Engine. Why buy a 300hp Acura when you can buy a 380hp Mercedes, a 360hp BMW, a 350hp Audi, a 340hp Lexus, a 335hp Infiniti or choose between two more 300hp Lexi?
3. Price. Although it's been lowered somewhat over less standard kit, I think that in most prospective buyers' minds, the $50K pricetag lingers.
4. Interior. Well-built, but IMO Acura interiors are unattractive. Audi, Merc and Lexus beat it here.
5. Dealer backup. Honestly, I didn't have the best time with Acura dealers.
6. Overall drabness. It seems as if they built this car to depress you. Nothing about it is exciting.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/3/2007 6:19:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

One last reason? The TL Type-S, if you really want an Acura.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/3/2007 6:20:06 PM | | Votes: 0

Honda does well with it's product marketing but this I think is there one failure. The car itself is a nice vehicle but the size, equipment, engine choice put this in a "class by itself" - but not for good reasons. You can't directly compare it to anything - which leaves it "out in the cold". I'm usually not one to follow the crowd - but Honda/Acura has to decide on the competition it wants this car to compete with and then play by those parameters. Also - I agree with Dave. I've driven in the previous RL and it lacked low end torque. Likewise I've drive my friends current TL quite extensively - and to get anything out of it you have to keep the RPM's high (and suck out more fuel than you'd like to). That said I'm still suprised it doesn't do so well. This is just as suprising to me as the Audi A8. The A8 has fared quite well in all of it's comparison tests and it sells quite well overseas - yet Americans just but it. I didn't say they don't "like" the A8 - because in all of the polls that are taken it always does quite well also - twice winning AutoWeek's Readers Choice Award for its class (luxury).
— truecarlover (View Profile)

Posted on 3/3/2007 10:16:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

In talking about the A8 - I meant to say Americans "just don't buy it". I was typing too quickly.
— truecarlover (View Profile)

Posted on 3/3/2007 10:18:38 PM | | Votes: 1

The A8 is doing okay. Better than the last-gen, at least. But I like its exclusivity. It makes the car feel more special.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/3/2007 11:27:20 PM | | Votes: 1

At the end of the 2007 w'll see the restyling RL; at the end of the 2008 the all new TL.
The TL will get the SH-AWD and an engine about 300hp+, to be competitive with Lexus IS 350, BMW 3 3.0L Twin Turbo...
Which kind of engine we should see on the RL?
The same of the new TL? A 3.5, or a 3.7?
And than WHY I should buy an RL at all?

Acura has to determinate at the 100% the market categories (CLASSES) of its sedan's range:

BMW 3, Lexus IS - Acura TSX.
BMW 5, Lexus ES/GS - Acura TL.
BMW 7, Lexus LS - Acura RL.

For the RL 2009 we dream about a 100% LUXURY sedan like the LS, with an entry engine 3.5 with 300 hp, and a 4.2 or 4.5 with 360 hp...

And for the TL 2008 (like the BMW 5) an entry level 3.2 with 270 hp without SH-AWD (no growth in price), and a 3.7 with 310-320 h.p and SH-AWD (price about 40-41 $).

The TSX, (BMW 3 category), should get at the end of the year a 2.3T, with 240-250 hp. No SH-AWD, maybe only optional (too expensive).

— uforobot (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 10:00:40 AM | | Votes: 1

Are you making this up?

Because Acura isn't going to completely re-align its lineup any time soon. They're too conservative for that.

And, about the 2008 RL. How do you know it's going to get a re-skin? It's only been out for two years!

The TL just got a refresh. It has at least another two years.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 11:23:34 AM | | Votes: 1

It's been out for three year, came out in 2005.

Acura has the potential to realign its whoel sedan line-up. The TSX comes in March 2009, the TL in Sept 2009, and the RL in summer 2010. So in 1.5 years their whole sedan lineup would be changed.
— aznstuart (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 6:31:04 PM | | Votes: 1

this is NO mystery. Acura Legend was a one heck of a car. Anyone who drove it fell in love with it. One would think that the predecessor would be a one notch up. Instead Acure came out with RL which looks and feels like a glorified Honda Accord. Now why would someone pay such a hefty price for a glorified accord???
you could compare the Legend with the then Lexus LS. Yes the Lexus was better but the Legend felt like band for the buck. RL is no where close. All the Legend owners I knew were hoping that Acura will be coming out something which will once again make you think atleast once before you buy a LS. however RL came out and clearly you have to be someone who either has too much money and just a loyal customer or you have no idea about cars and a loyalcustomer either case you are willing to dump your $$$$ and don't care.
Acura needs to go back to the designing board and think hard how to come up with something which is luxurious in drive (since its the flagship) compares to the infiniti and lexus flagships and is considerably less $$$$ while not sacrificing the performance and technology... its that simple ..
— Samy (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 3:52:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

sorry successor not predecessor.. its a bit late and i am ready to hit the sack ..
— Samy (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 3:54:24 AM | | Votes: 1

It's NOT that simple. You think a company can dump all the latest technology and performance features into a new model and keep the price down? If you want to manufacture new Acura RLs, be my guest. But it's harder than it sounds, and you'd be losing money.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 11:25:22 AM | | Votes: 1

The legend was the number one selling luxury car for five years in a year. If the Legend didn't die their would be no LS.Just like the TL has been the number one selling luxury car three out of the last four years. Look it up if you don't believe me. I don't want to hate on Lexus, but Infiniti they suck, just like Nissan the only Infiniti I would consider is the M and I recieve motortrend and car and driver and the logs for car updates always shows infiniti's with problems.
— mikeydred20 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 7:14:28 PM | | Votes: 1

RL is a great car.I think it doesn't sell well only because of the image.Acura still is categorised by many as a tier 2 brand.(It should be however as they lack a flagship model.They don't have a Lexus LS or even a MB GL type of vehicle.)
I think Acura needs to do lot work in that area.
advertising,Promotion,publicity..etc

beside that,S4cabriofoxone which 340BHP Lexus u r talking about.There is no 340BHP Lexus LS460 avialable anywhere except Only the middle east gets the 342BHP LS460,which got a detuned 4.6 V8 that produces 380BHP everywhere else.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 5:11:51 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The GS450h. Isn't it about 339hp?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 11:25:49 AM | | Votes: 0

The Acura cars have a 5 years cycle.
The selling of the TL began on the october 2003. It means that, after the restyling 2007,
— uforobot (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 11:42:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

at the end of the 2008 we can wait for the new one.
The TSX is expected for the end of 2007.
For the RL this is the 3 year of selling. It began in october 2004 with the so called 2005 model. Than we had the 2006, and now the 2007. It means that the 2008 will be the restyling one...
— uforobot (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 11:45:13 AM | | Votes: 1

I'd say because the TL is a much better deal. It's also a little bit bigger too if I'm not mistaken.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 4:57:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Its actually smaller than the RL, but not by much
— CarCrazedinCali (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2007 9:36:40 PM | | Votes: 1

Acura needs a new flagship car. Or at least up market the RL. The options need to be better as well as well as quality and size. They need to be at rue contender in the JDM. Infiniti should be coming out with a new Q therefore Acura should be on creating a full size luxury car. Lexus will be a leader in the JDM for a long time to come but as long as Acura gets things started they have a chance. The only popular car that I see for Infiniti and Acura in my city is the G35 and TL. For a 'luxury' brand that is horrible. There should be flagships cruising around as well but both companies didn't even bother. They basically gave up on the competition. Horrible marketing as well. THey need a whole company restructuring with new marketing ideas as well as new products that offer great features.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2007 12:54:29 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

That's for every brand. Only the entry cars are truly popular.

For Acura it's the TL, for Audi it's the A4, for BMW it's the 3 Series, for Infiniti it's the G, for Lexus it's the ES/RX, for Mercedes it's the C (and the E350 is popular)...
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2007 9:27:00 PM | | Votes: 1

Well lets see how many of you drive a EX V6 Navi Honda Accord? Is that car worth $50k? Well then is a car that has barely any more interior room, the same acceleration if not even a little bit slower and an interior thats not much better worth $50k? I don't think so. If the A6 model that cost $55k was no bigger or nicer than a Passat it would have the same issue.
— germeezy2 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2007 11:09:10 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Oh and I forgot to mention the anonymous styling...even though the 5 series is no beauty its at least instantly noticeable.
— germeezy2 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2007 11:11:30 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Its sad why Honda still didn't figuer this out. NEVER make a lexury sedan that's a front wheel drive. True the new RL is AWD, but its still a front wheel layout. This car should've been bigger with a new V8 engine and rear drive. The TL and RL are very close to each other in size and performance yet the RL costs $10k+ more, it just doesn't add up. Erase this car and make it bigger and rear wheel already. Actually the TL needs to get rid of the front wheel layout too, if it needs to compete with the IS/G/BMW, then it needs to be a rear wheel otherwise it won't have the control that these cars do.
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2007 2:39:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Audi sedans still sell well, and many A4s are FWD.

STOP SAYING LEXURY!!!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2007 9:28:04 PM | | Votes: 1

Why doesn't it sell?

#1 - The RL is up against flashier rivals with more-potent powertrains and more-prestigious pedigrees

#2 - The RL suffers from cylinder snobbery ("only" a V6)

#3 - At about $50k the RL is too dear a price
— Loki123 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2007 4:10:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

As I stated in a post before, the RL has been lowered to $42-45K or something, and some of the kit has been made optional.

But, as you just proved, the $50K pricetag lingers in most prospective buyers' minds.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2007 9:29:01 PM | | Votes: 1

the RL is a great car. it just dosent cost enough for the snobs on this site. I mean who in the hell would be seen driving an Acura in the OC. I say once again put money aside and compare apples to apples. please leave performance out of this for the money, because i will make you look stupid.
— ronnsscooby (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2007 10:17:16 PM | | Votes: 0

The RL has always sold bad and not been competive, why is it a mystery that it continues down this road? My old boss had an 03 RL and I will never forget the look on his face when he tried to get next to me one day going to work. My STS made quick work of him and soon after it was traded on a BMW!
— germeezy2 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/6/2007 2:22:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

The Infiniti M35x is most likely taking a lot of sales from it as it is a bit less expensive (at least MSRP), it also drives better, has more interior space, and in my opinion has a nicer interface. The RL has been selling at huge discounts though (I've heard some getting 42000 for a new one). I personally like the 5 Series, but that's probably not the main reason it is not selling so well. I'm sure there are a few other reasons I can think of. The RL is nice, but it needs to beef itself up and become sportier. Forget about the Lexus GS, that's not the issue, Lexus has its buyers (not me for sure).
— MObar (View Profile)

Posted on 3/6/2007 5:37:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The styling of the RL is just way to blah. Love the tech inside, just don't want to have to look at that exterior. Very uninspiring. I actually like the previous generation better than the current model, but nothing will ever top the Legend, especially the Legend Coupe--truly a classic.
— JTWJ (View Profile)

Posted on 3/8/2007 5:09:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Anyone else notice the RL looks an awful lot like the European Accord? I think it looks almost exactly the same minues the badges. Using that logic we are getting two Accords but different skins/badges. They need to just come out with a new one altogether. If they can make the TL look as awesome as they have, why couldn't they do the same for the RL?
— 2007Tahoe (View Profile)

Posted on 3/9/2007 12:19:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Ronnsscooby sounds like he bought an RL. Probably got it for low 30's though. Hey we all make mistakes.
— r_driver04 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/9/2007 3:17:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Some of US Americans are idiots. Acura has a product line in the US designed for people that don't research cars. We pay big money for a car just because it has a badge. Here is a rundown of the pulling the wool over the eyes Acura does.

1. Acura TSX (Japanese Narrow Body Accord)
2. MDX ( Honda Oddesey in drag) I bet most of you don't know the previous gens AWD only truly works under 18 mph.
3. Acura TL (Wide Body Accord) I was driving one yesterday and it drives no different than the Accord I was driving a few days earlier.
4. Acura RL less room in the backseat than anything in its class. A techno nuts Honda Accord.
— germeezy2 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/11/2007 2:01:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Just dumn comments what is a lexus or infiniti then. The MDX is a beast that is why I see it everywhere I go, even though they jack up the price a bit. Let see es (camry) gs (avalon) lx (landcruiser) gx (highlander) sc (solora). tell me what companies cars look more in disguised than Lexus. Infiniti fx ugly(marono ugly) qx (armada) m (maxima) I could go on and on I know my stuff. All who disagree I will be back in a few days.
— mikeydred20 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/13/2007 7:21:38 PM | | Votes: 1

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Why doesn't the Acura RL sell?

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