Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
jchan2,
With all the "stuff" on the new 04 TL the 05' RL should be a tech knockout. I'm pulling for at least a 300hp engine and awd, and some truly good looking styling, not just a larger TSX/TL theme.
M
M
While it's still "experimental", I wouldn't be surprised to see the Collision Mitigation System as either standard equipment or an option.
M
http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/2003/09/29/cx_mf_0929test.html
For example: the author cites the RSX and TSX as the way things should be done. With the TSX, I agree. However, the RSX is not meeting the competition head-on like the Integra once did. The RSX is a great car, but other cars have become just a good. Later in his own article, he states that the RSX is not selling well (this is an example of what is good?).
Meanwhile, the MDX gets dumped on. Yet, MDX sales are doing just fine. While there is more competition, the MDX is holding it's own. Even with a less expensive Honda clone on the market, MDX sales are fairly strong.
The author also seems to have forgotten that the TL was a powerful sales machine from 1999-2002. Sales have fallen off in 2003, only because it is an older design.
His take on Acura history appears to be good for only two years. I bet that next year, this guy will tell us that the TL, RL, and TSX are what Acura should have been doing, while the RSX is a car from when Acura lost their way.
The review is accurate for the RL, but short-sighted for the brand.
http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e_article000151480.cfm
It has a pic of the 2005 Honda Legend/Acura RL
--------------------------------------------
Acura works to move product mix upscale; V-8 power essential, critics say
By KATHY JACKSON | Automotive News
SEATTLE -- Tom Elliott is counting on the new Acura TL to help bring the division out of a sales slump.
Of the six largest luxury marques in this country, Acura was the only one to suffer a sales decline through the first nine months of the year. The TL, which goes on sale today, Oct. 6, can help.
Elliott, who is executive vice president of auto operations for American Honda Motor Co. Inc., predicts that the TL will help Acura set a sales record this year of 180,000 units. That would be an achievement. Acura's sales dropped 2.9 percent in 2002 and were down 2.2 percent through Sept. 30 of this year.
Some critics say Acura will never be a true luxury marque until it offers upscale rear-wheel-drive vehicles and V-8 engines. The TL runs counter to this theory - it's a front-wheel-drive car powered by a V-6 engine.
Critics argue that it will compete against vehicles such as the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Camry, rather than, say, the Lexus ES 300.
But Elliott says the market appeal of a V-8 is overblown. "I wouldn't say we won't do a V-8," he says. "It is one of the possibilities." But he admits that hybrids are the most likely route.
Elliott says Acura will decide how to increase power on each product in the next six months. "We're really close to making a decision on a hybrid," he says. Such a vehicle could be powered by a 300-hp engine in the front plus a 100-hp electric motor in back.
He also says the company is considering all-wheel drive, superchargers and turbochargers, but not rwd. But critics say a V-8 is essential.
Consider the slow-selling RL sedan, Acura's $50,000 flagship. RL sales were 7,557 through the end of September, down 27.8 percent from the same period in 2002.
The vehicle's 225-hp V-6 engine does not impress consumers, says Jim Wangers, president of Automotive Marketing Consultants Inc. in Vista, Calif.
"It's not so much the power but the image," Wangers says. "The price of entry in the luxury segment is a V-8, not a hybrid or a V-6. Hybrids are not accepted mainstream cars yet."
Says Daniel Gorrell, vice president for automotive of Strategic Vision in Tustin, Calif. "If they're going to be in competition with Mercedes and BMW, they need a flagship, and RL is not that. I don't see them being a serious luxury top-rung contender."
Undeterred by critics, Elliott is gradually moving Acura's product mix upscale. For example, the company is reducing production of its entry-level RSX, which debuted in 2001.
"The RSX is for young people, but we will limit the sales because we want to bring the brand up," Elliott says. "What we will do next is fix the RL. We want it to go upscale. It needs more power, more style. It will be totally redone, and part of that will be more power."
For the moment, Acura dealers are defending the company's product lineup. "There's no question that the TL is upscale and doesn't compete against Hondas," says Jerry Britain, general manager of Downey Acura in Downey, Calif.
Britain also doesn't think V-8s are necessary, saying that the Acura V-6s are reliable, reasonably priced and handle well.
"The other luxury brands are dramatically more expensive, and they don't really have more creature comforts," he says. "The only problem I have is that I don't have enough vehicles."
I await something truly spectacular to correct this for the 05' year.
M
IMHO, the RL is the perfect family sedan for the individuals with children but are still too young at heart for a volvo wagon and aren't ready to unload the cash for the nicer luxury SUVs yet.
I know I bought mine cause it looks stylish, roomy, has just enough luxury options and is VERY RELIABLE.
I'm not racing a 5 series BMW from the stoplight in the city or pacing lexus 400 on the highway(which it does quite nicely). I think those who worry about 200hp vs 240 should look at the TL which is a sport sedan while the RL is more a touring Sedan.
The RL is considered a Touring Sedan
The Infiniti I35/M45 are considered Touring Sedans
BMW 5-Series is a sport-sedan.
Too young for a Volvo wagon???? Audi will sell you an A6 or maybe an A4......
I'D BUY A HYBRID LUXURY SEDAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take a look at the LS430 owners out there. They have a 290hp but the majority of them get out-accelerated by Civics and Corollas and they don't seem to care. If your going to drive the car like that, a 4-cylinder engine is probably good enough. It seems they are more concerned about the ride comfort, interior quality, and space.
The 5-series and TL have similar dimensions. In fact Acura admits using the 5-series as their benchmark for the TL on their website.
If Acura follows the same trend that they did with the TL. That is, offer a car with value that is several thousand less then their competitors, then the RL will probably still stay in the mid-40k range but offer the ride comfort, interior quality and space offered in the 50-55k range. That would pretty much be the Lexus LS430.
Keeping the car in the mid-40k range lets them keep the V6 but they must bump up the power to 300hp since your paying more than a TL.
They will probably keep the dimensions on the RL similar to the current model since the TL has shrunk about 5 inches. The current dimensions still keeps the exterior size about the same at those of the LS.
One thing I would like to see is an 3.5 RL-L. Stretch the wheel base from 114 inches to 121 inches for those who think the RL is too short.
That's why a four cyl engine won't do. It's probably why Acura kept the 3.5 in the RL rather than going to the 3.2 with a higher output. I suspect the 3.5 was easy to make docile and just as torquey.
http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0310/22/b01-304424.htm
I am looking for advise about buying a '98 RL SE. The car is pearl white and gray. The car I am looking at has 32k miles on it, it is with the original owner, never wrecked and clean CARFAX report, he has all the service records, and is in showroom condition. He is asking $19,500. Is this a good deal? How many white SEs did they make? Is there any significant difference in the '99 up models? Should I be concerned about buying one not from the Acura certified program?
Any help is appreciated.
A couple of suggestions to help you make your mind: Search out the TMV for your model/miles here at Edmund's. ON a car like the RL, Edmund's does a very good job of approximating wholesale/retail/private value of a car for your zip area.
Second: Invest a couple of bucks at your local Acura dealer for a complete PPI, a stem to stern exam of everything by a competent Acura mechanic. In a car with 5000 mi/yr. you may have a creampuff, or you could have a car that has dried seals and neglected maintenance -- the Acura mechanic can tell you.
Third, an Acura is one of the few cars I would be perfectly happy driving without an extended warranty. If you're especially cautious, perhaps you can get one through AAA -- expensive but reliable.
Hope this helps. JW
I have driven several '00 RLs in the past few days and agree that these cars score a ZERO for sport/fun factor. I drove my sister's '03 Accord EXV6 again today (she's had it just over a year now) and although I'm not crazy about the looks, it's much more fun, much faster, and it almost equals the RL in interior amenities/luxury.
Also, I am 6'2" and my hair rubs against the headliner in the RL (I did not exect this since the Accords are smaller and have ample headroom). I may try to find a '95 Legend to play around with since these cars have a more sporty look and feel (and more headroom from what I can remember).
M
It has no strengths to speak of. Either pick on it because it has no engine or no looks.
Six of one, half-dozen..
drfill
AWD would cater to those living in Northern Climates, yet need or want a roomier car than the A4, 325Xi, and X-Type, yet can't afford the Audi A6 and don't want a Volkswagen Passat.
As for horsepower, try bumping it up to 285 Horsepower from the Odyssey's 3.5. (tweak here and there, or add IMA)
And, for a stretch RL, not a bad idea but 3.5 RL-L doesn't sound good. 3.5 RL-X sounds better. (to me)
IMA- hoping it has it, because that WILL set it apart from the competition, which don't have IMA. (or any sort of Hybrid power)
Pricing- how about $47K-$50K? That seems fair. You're paying less than if you bought an LS430 and if equipped with IMA, you can be more eco-friendly than the LS430 sitting in the lane next to you.
Just my 2 cents.....
Anyone had the same problem?
Btw, what's an "SA"?
SA is a special addition that was made in 98 & I think 97 models. They are 2 tone exterior; black with dark gray or white & light gray. We had a very good deal on it at that time (we have a white one). All SA had the same package. Thanks again.
I am a Realtor and like the car's size, the ride, wish it had more power, wish it was sportier but considering its use I think it will work well. I would definately never buy a new one because I can depreciate a car faster than anyone.
I'd like to know what's the most amount of mileage you have on your RL? A few years back, I had a Honda Civic with a half million trouble free miles and hope for similar success with the new car.
My own '02 has only 32000 miles on it but this engine is noted for 150000+. I sure wouldn't worry about its durability, unless you tend to neglect your cars .... if you tend to drive them for high mileage I can't believe you wouldn't be careful about the maintenance!
Yeah, I agree with you about its being boring, but after I've driven it for 6-8 hours (I bought it because my job then required me to do a lot on the highway) I'm not tired. And on I84 through Hartford or I95 around DC, I'm not looking for entertainment ,,,, just a decent stereo, a comfortable seat, and not too much noise from the road.
I don't know what you've had before, but to me this sounds like a pretty good car for your needs. What's the '02 selling for now? JW
Purchased in October 2000 with 36.8K miles. At present, 88K miles.
Other than the normal service schedule every 7.5K miles, these are the other repairs:
1) front brake pads @45K;
2) original battery @53K;
3) rear brake pads and oxygen sensor @67K;
4) timing belt and water pump @75K (6 yr.);
5) radiator/hoses @82K (top tank leaking).
Car already had new tires (Bridgestone Turanzas) when purchased. Still has a lot of tread left, but I expect to replace all four tires sometime in 2004.
In my opinion, I haven't been "nicked" with excessive costs. It has been a throughly enjoyable driving experience and I paid less than 1/2 the original MSRP - the first owner took the depreciation hit.
You should do well with a certified '02. You could fare less well with almost anything else.
They make a great car and they are not viewed as a snobs car