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Sedans Acura RL 2009 Acura RL
138 messages, Last post on May 14, 2009 at 12:42 PM
You are in the Acura RL Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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Replying to: ocim (Jul 22, 2008 7:06 pm) One could predict that Acura will remain stingy on rear seat accommodation if we accept that the brand is being developed to attract young (at heart at least) clientele that favors the Sporty set up of the vehicle. In pursuing such a philosophy of performance over comfort they are merely following leaders in this area of the automotive segment. I can speak more specifically about BMW because that is what I have tested when shopping recently. A series 5 has marginally more leg room than a series 3 as I found out. The reason for that is that for a car best enjoyed under a 'spirited' driving the fun is for those sitting in front so there is where the prize for this premium vehicles is placed. At least that is what I suspect is going on. Certainly Lexus plays by other standard (and benefits from a much larger offering) but I doubt that Acura will depart much from the current philosophy. Truly, Steveaccord P.S. due to a change in my garage lineup I should now change my nick to SteveBMW |
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I finally got the chance to test drive the new 09 RL. I was very impressed all the way around. Here are my comments: Exterior styling: I really liked it. From the pictures, I wasn't sure I'd like the grill, but it works. The rear styling is a marked improvement. One thing I never particular liked about my 05 was the "pushed-down" look of the front end. This has definitely been improved. Noise level: it's very hard to tell whether it's quieter than my 05, but I did feel it was somewhat quieter. Ride: I didn't feel it was any smoother than my 05. Turning radius: definitely much better than my 05. Rear legroom: definitely no better than my 05. Interior styling: mostly unchanged from 05 with the exception of the wood insets on the steering wheel and the shift knob. Back-up camera: definitely very nice and didn't have any significant delay like I've read about some models. I think I like my back-up sensors better, but some people (especially those with kids and things in the driveway) might really like the camera. Heated/cooled seats: I never felt the lack of cooled seats was a major deficiency like some on these boards. However, I have to admit I really liked this feature. Another improvement - electronic switch instead of rocker switch. I really like this since it turns off when you turn the car off instead of always being on until you turn it off (ever wondered why you were getting so warm, then realized you'd turned the seat warmer on that morning when it was cold and never turned it off). Verdict: if you have, and like, your 04 or earlier RL, I'd definitely give the 09 a serious look. If you have an 05 or newer, you might still want to give it a try. I think I'll stick with my 05 for now. I've always been very happy with it and I didn't see enough of an improvement to upgrade now.
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| Thanks Nebraska....nice review. | |
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| As the current owner of a 1994 Legend Coupe LS, 6 speed, take my feedback for what it is worth. The new Acura RL is an improvement, particularly over the Buick-like RL which preceded it, but it is does not inspire passion nor does it give you something that is built and engineered to a higher standard. Acura appears to have fallen victim to accountants and cost cutting. When Hyundai really gets on their game - the new Genesis is a fine vehicle for its price - Acura, Lexus, Toyota and Buick will be in deep trouble. I also feel obligated to comment on the "beak" that Acura has adopted as a front end styling cue. If that is the best that Acura can do, then I will never own another. | |
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Been comparing the RL with the E350 and the GS (I ruled out the BMW due to idrive) and went to test drive a RL.Seemed like a nice car a bit more road noise then the GS I thought and lacking a few things (multi position heated seats) but still a real possibility.After check the interior of the E350 and finding many to be vinyl( MB-Tex) I wanted to be sure the RL had real all leather.I called and aske Acura and it does,however when asking what "Simulated curly maple wood-grained trim" is. Its not wood !!! Wow. The RL does offer quite a bit for the money but one would think real wood would be a given.
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Replying to: nebraskaguy (Sep 19, 2008 7:01 am) JJAcura
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Replying to: jjacura (Sep 22, 2008 5:30 pm)
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Replying to: dandg (Sep 22, 2008 6:35 am) I'm not sure I understand correctly what you wrote, but my interpretation is that you're saying the RL does not have multi-position heated seats. If that's what you said, it's not correct. The RL does have multi-position heated and cooled seats.
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