2004 ACURA RL
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
With an overdue redesign on the way, the RL is hard to recommend against equally priced but considerably more modern competitors.
Pros
Quiet cabin, smooth ride, standardized features list, excellent build quality.
Cons
Lackadaisical acceleration, some luxury features not available, little inclination for sport, costs as much as more modern European sedans.
What''s New for 2004
The RL receives only minor changes for the 2004 model year. The dash has been slightly revised to accommodate a newly available XM radio. To accompany the digital-quality sound from XM radio, there''s a new Bose audio system with two additional speakers and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. The previously optional navigation system is now standard on the RL, as is driver-side power lumbar adjustment.
Overview
Introduction:
The RL is supposed to be the company''s flagship sedan, yet when compared to other luxury cars in its class, it comes up short in just about every category. The RL''s two main problems are a lack of luxury and a lack of performance. There''s nothing really special about its features, and its 225-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine is the only one in Honda and Acura''s lineup to not have VTEC, Honda''s variable valve timing and lift system. The new Accord''s V6, in contrast, is quite modern and boasts 240 hp despite being smaller in displacement. When one considers that the RL hasn''t had a major redesign since 1996, the car still looks modern. It''s competent for smooth cruising, and its price is less than that of cars like the Lexus LS 430 and Infiniti Q45. But the Q and LS have more features, performance and prestige. If price weren''t a primary concern, those cars would likely serve you better, as would our favorite midsize luxury sedan, the BMW 5 Series. The Cadillac Seville and the Lincoln LS should also be considered. And for those with budget constraints, loaded versions of the Acura TL, Lexus ES 300 and Infiniti I35 would likely satisfy. These cars are a bit smaller, but they do offer better performance and just as much luxury for less money. In the RL''s case, its upcoming redesign can''t arrive soon enough.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The RL is a four-door luxury sedan that seats five. Nearly everything is standard, and even last year''s optional navigation system is now part of the standard package. In terms of features, the basics are covered, including leather seating, a sunroof, high-intensity discharge headlights, power and heated front seats, a memory feature for the driver seat and automatic climate control. Thankfully, the CD changer is now mounted in the dash where it belongs.
Powertrains and Performance:
The RL''s 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 225 horsepower and 231 pound-feet of torque. Along with a curb weight of 3,920 pounds, the modest power contributes to slower-than-expected acceleration times for this class. The RL doesn''t necessarily feel slow; around town and up freeway entrance ramps it has sufficient thrust to deal with most situations. But considering that most entry-level luxury sedans are faster, there is plenty of room for improvement. The RL is front-wheel drive and comes with a four-speed automatic transmission. Though the four-speed is smooth and possesses programming to help improve shifting on hills, most other luxury sedans now have five-speed automatics (having an additional gear helps acceleration and fuel economy), including the less expensive Acura TL. It earns an EPA fuel-economy rating of 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Safety:
Antilock brakes, side airbags for front occupants and the VSA stability control system are all standard equipment. OnStar, the in-vehicle communications and emergency assistance service, also comes standard. The RL received four stars (out of a possible five) for its performance in the NHTSA''s frontal impact crash tests.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Interior materials are mostly of high quality, with supple leather on the seats and soft-touch plastic for the dash. Overall, the cabin is functional but lacks inspiration. Some of the controls are inconveniently located and have a cheap feel to them. Rear passengers are treated to plenty of headroom and legroom, but thigh support and foot room are lacking. Trunk capacity is 15 cubic feet.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
In the spectrum from luxury to sport, the RL falls toward the former. The suspension is softy tuned, and the front-drive layout will likely have spirited drivers wanting a more entertaining drive. The RL''s best attribute is straight-line motoring. The ride is smooth on freeways thanks to a suspension that soaks up most road irregularities. The engine, too, is free of noise, vibration and harshness. Need a place to relax after a long day? The RL has you covered.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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