Ask the Car People.SM


Acura RL

7385 messages,  Last post on Apr 18, 2013 at 12:02 PM

You are in the Acura RL Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura RL, Sedan

Messages Page 435 of 739

#4335 of 7385 First Impressions of my new RL. by readyformyrl

Oct 20, 2004 (7:42 pm)

I picked up my RL yesterday, Carbon Gray with Ebony interior, the car is gorgeous!
 
My first impression, I'm overwhelmed!
 
Exterior..
 
I think this car looks bold and beautiful. I guess it either works for you or not. I respect each person's opinion, but I've never been about having a "badge." I've always enjoyed how Acura packages the entire car. I've heard debates stacking the E Class, A6, or BMW up to the New RL. The bottom line is if you've seriously looked at options, not including the fact that none of these cars can match all of Acura's features accordingly, they're still more expensive! I would've loved this car at 47K as well, but I have a feeling I still love it where it's at. If you don't need the options, I would say the new A6 will be runner up.
 
I had an hour and forty-five minute drive back from the dealer. This gave me some great time to bond with the new car.....all I can say is WOW! My drive included some city driving and a good portion of a meandering two-lane highway for me to test the SH-AWD a bit. I've driven the 530I and the E320 4matic, and all opinions are subjective, but this car has what both of them offer and then some.
 
Where do I start? The ride is what you want it to be! Would you like to glide and ride or would you like to use "the paddles" while twisting and turning? The ride is so responsive and smooth it's incredible. Several posts have indicated this car is lacking power, in my opinion I believe the RL has adequate power. I'm also not looking to drag race while doing the 0-60 in 5.8 secs, but I found that when you touched the pedal, the car will fly. 85mph feels like 35-40mph.
 
The seats are form-fitting, amazingly plush, and luxurious. When you lay your head back on the head rest it feels like you've planted your head in a soft pillow.
 
The technology..
 
Keyless Entry and Start is an outstanding feature no fumbling with keys, quick and easy enough for my eight year old to learn how to use it in 10 seconds.
 
XM radio is absolutely great, especially with the quality of the sound system, it is flawless. You can turn the radio up full blast and it's just as clear as it would be at 20% of peak power.
 
The navigation system is brilliant! I did favor the touch screen in my 2002 TL, but I quickly adjusted to using the wheel. Unfortunately, I was so caught up in the ride that I didn't attempt to look at NavTraffic as I was leaving NYC, but I'm looking forward to all of it. The voice recognition is wonderful since you can speak the numbers as well as the street address and pick from a list without touching a thing.
 
CD Player..I was so caught up in the XM I didn't get a chance to use the CD player. I can't imagine what a DVD-A disc will sound like because the XM and radio quality was so superb.
 
I don't have a bluetooth phone yet and I'd like to change my service from Nextel to Verizon or Cingular. If anyone has any suggestions on the best cell phone or service to accomodate the RL, let me know.
 
Functions, Functions, Functions...It will take me some serious time to get into the car and really set up all of the configurations, but this is a good thing if you like toys like I do....the RL has plenty to keep you busy.
 
It's tough to summarize all the RL has to offer because I am just scratching the surface. If you're truly in the market for a luxury sedan you have to consider all that the new RL has to offer. If you're really serious and committed to getting a car in this segment, it would be tough to pass this baby up.

#4336 of 7385 by bodble2

Oct 20, 2004 (8:04 pm)

"Keyless Entry and Start is an outstanding feature no fumbling with keys, quick and easy enough for my eight year old to learn how to use it in 10 seconds."
 
How exactly does the system work? You keep key fob in pocket, work away from car and it locks automatically, work back and it unlocks?
 
That might take some getting used to for someone like me. In almost 25 years of car ownership, out of sheer force of habit, I almost always pull on the door handle to check that it's locked after locking it -- even when using key fob. So, if the RL's system works as described above, it means you just have to have faith that the system works!

#4337 of 7385 Re: [bodble2] by readyformyrl

Oct 20, 2004 (8:23 pm)

Replying to: bodble2 (Oct 20, 2004 8:04 pm)
Acura has a great demonstration on the US website, but it goes like this....
 
When you get out of or into the car, you can use the fob the old fashion way as you're probably familiar with today or when you're within two feet of the car, the car detects the fobs presence and if you place your hand inside the door handle it automatically unlocks, when exiting there is a slightly raised dimple on the outside of the door handle on the passenger and driver door handles, just touch the dimple and the doors are locked.

#4338 of 7385 Re: [bodble2] by nebraskaguy

Oct 21, 2004 (6:14 am)

Replying to: bodble2 (Oct 20, 2004 8:04 pm)
>>How exactly does the system work? You keep key fob in pocket, work away from car and it locks automatically, work back and it unlocks?
 
The car doesn't lock automatically when you walk away, which disappointed me. I'd read several things that implied it did, but it doesn't.
 
>>That might take some getting used to for someone like me. In almost 25 years of car ownership, out of sheer force of habit, I almost always pull on the door handle to check that it's locked after locking it -- even when using key fob. So, if the RL's system works as described above, it means you just have to have faith that the system works!
 
You can hear the doors lock and the lights blink (and I believe you have the option to set the system so it makes a sound, as well). That is your confirmation the doors are locked.

#4339 of 7385 Just a question? by courtney11

Oct 21, 2004 (6:28 am)

I have read alot about the fact is is a 6 and not an 8. If you can go form 0-60 in about 6.5, do you really need a 8? Isn't quality an issue? I own a 2001 TL and the 0-60 is quite adequate. The RL I'm sure is better yet. I personally think the quality is very good. As for the ride and comfort I have yet to drive it. I am a bit dissappointed that the price came in at 49K, I was hoping for about 46-47K. With all the electronic stuff and the all new AWD I think the extended warranty is a must if you consider keeping it awhile. Does anyone know kow much this is? One last point, I live in Florida and am very dissappointed that climate seats are not standard as in Canada. I believe they will be available on the new M or GS. Think I will wait and compare all of them or hope it becomes standard next year. I also want to wait and see what the reliability of the AWD is over a year of driving. Guess I will wait for 2006 model and drive my 01' TL, considering it only has 28K.
 
Just My Opinion !!!

#4340 of 7385 by kirstie_h HOST

Oct 21, 2004 (6:39 am)

In order to keep this topic open for another week or so, we need to post purchasing experiences in the Acura RL: Prices Paid & Buying Experiences discussion. We can talk about driving impressions and features in here, but posting pricing & buying experiences in the other topic ensures that others will be able to find it once this topic is closed.

#4341 of 7385 Re: Just a question? [courtney11] by gbabaluk

Aug 25, 2004 (9:59 am)

Replying to: courtney11 (Oct 21, 2004 6:28 am)
Hi Courtney11;
The V6 versus V8 is not about the 0-60 times but the RL will be lucky to do 7.5 seconds at best because of it's weight. It's almost 800 pounds heavier than your TL.
The V8 is all about "torgue" in a "luxury" car. When you have 4 adults in it, you will miss the low end pull that a V8 gives the car.
Again, the new RL is a great car but for us Canadians,eh, way over priced.
Babs

#4342 of 7385 Re: Just a question? [gbabaluk] by courtney11

Oct 21, 2004 (9:56 am)

Replying to: gbabaluk (Aug 25, 2004 9:59 am)
I agreee torgue is very important. Low end is ofcourse what is needed and yes the 300 h.p. is nice but not totally understood. I would be very surprised if the RL only does 7.5 0-60. I have heard it will do anywhere from 6- 6.5. Guess the official numbers will tell. If it does do about 6.5 I would be personally be very satisfied. It seems that would be more than adequate. As I get older i realize speed is nice but comfort and features to be more important. Just my opinion.

#4343 of 7385 Re: First Impressions of my new RL. [readyformyrl] by steveaccord

Oct 21, 2004 (10:20 am)

Replying to: readyformyrl (Oct 20, 2004 7:42 pm)
Thank you for sharing with the rest of us your impressions and congratulations on your new RL.
I had the hunch (and posted comments) that it would exactly come down to what you said: Drive the car. At the time a few weeks back (June or July) I was getting a bit bored of the obsession with the spec discussions that were ensuing and the obvious perennial debates on the V8 vs. non V8, and styling (as we had the glimpse at the NY motor show). I rebutted to the great guys that were compiling the numbers tables (engine power, torque etc, they have been the best posters in this forum) that I was under the impression that the new tranny could not be described by numbers because added a dimension that was missing in so far.
Your comments seem to corrobarate those early predictions entirely a realization that on side pleases me (because I am an enthusiast Honda/Acura owner and love to have such a pick available) and on the other saddens me (because I will not be on the larket until the '07 model).
Going back to the car technical specifications may I ask everyone and above all our tech gurus Shotgun, Markcincinnati, robertsmx etc if now they have a comprehensive list of the spec that they feel posting here (I admit this may be a bit of a Flip/Flop from the june saturation I had on such items but presently I have not seen yet any magazine giving a full test to this vehicle and I am really looking forward to be able to look under the 'beautiful' skin of the new RL).
Again, congratulations to you and to all people that have snatched one of these beauties from dealerships across the country.
Truly,
 
Steve

#4344 of 7385 Re: Test Drove and have one on order White [had] by jjacura

Oct 21, 2004 (10:31 am)

Replying to: had (Oct 20, 2004 7:24 pm)
I'm anxious to see the white with parchment too...have a similar combination on our TL and it works for us. Just returned from Houston where we viewed a Meteor Silver RL on the back lot which was unsold. They also had one in black on black which was sold. All I have to say is...We loved the car. The sales rep was about as laid back as I have ever seen and this dealership. seemed ho hum about the RL period...nothing on the floor and no demo ready...this was on the 14th. Apparently they will be ready to show the car on Nov. 1st. Now that we are home it's time to get moving forward with a test drive here. Also it's good to be back reading this forum again and the contributions from the many knowledgeable contributers. Cheers!

Messages Page 435 of 739

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement