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Acura RL
2008 Acura RL full-size luxury sedan2008 Acura RL - enlargeComplete Acura RL reviews listed below
The 2008 Acura RL full-size luxury sedan is available in three trim levels - Base (MSRP $46,280), Base with Technology Package (MSRP $49,900), and Base with CMBS/PAX Packages (MSRP $53,700). It competes with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS, Chrysler 300, Honda Accord V6, Infiniti M35, Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E Class, Jaguar S-Type, Saab 9-5, Volkswagen Passat and Volvo S80. It is available with a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine, five-person seating capacity, five-speed shiftable automatic transmission, mechanical center differential, all-wheel drive system, and center and rear limited slip differential.
The Acura RL is currently in its third generation, and is considered the top-of-the-line sedan of the automaker. It was first introduced in 1996, as a replacement for the Acura Legend. Its third-generation version was included in Car and Driver's Ten Best list in 2005.
All trim levels for the Acura RL can be customized with accessories but include basic features such as alloy wheels, all-season tires, steel spare wheel, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, manual sunshades for rear side windows, power glass sunroof, power rear sunshade, remote sunroof operation, external temperature display, compass, trip computer, clock, tachometer, low fuel level warning, and suspension features such as four-wheel independent suspension, double wishbone front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars.
Seating and power features in the RL include leather upholstery, bucket front seats, eight-way power driver seat, four-way power passenger seat, driver and passenger seats with adjustable lumbar support, multi-level heating driver and passenger seats, height-adjustable driver seat, rear bench seat, folding with storage and pass-thru center armrest, rear ventilation ducts with fan control, remote power door locks, power windows and mirrors, four one-touch power windows, heated mirrors, and reverse tilt dual mirrors (provides curb view when vehicle in reverse).
Acura RL comfort and convenience features include retained accessory power, keyless ignition, universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.), remote window operation, a front console with storage, a cargo net, front seat back storage, cruise and audio controls on the steering wheel, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, front and rear cup holders, electric speed-proportional power steering, cruise control, dual zone climate controls for driver and front passenger, leather and wood trims on center console and doors, leather trim on the shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel, memorized settings for two drivers (includes settings for the driver's seat, exterior mirrors, and steering wheel), front and rear reading lights, interior air filtration, electrochromatic inside rear view mirror, and dual-illuminating vanity mirrors.
Entertainment and telematics features in the Acura RL include a Bose premium brand stereo system, Bose premium brand speakers, ten speakers, speed-sensitive volume control, AM/FM in-dash 6 CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo, 260 watts stereo output, auxiliary MP3 audio input, radio data system, 5.1 discrete surround audio, element antenna, one subwoofer, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone, and pre-wiring for a phone.
Additional features for the Acura RL Base with Technology Package trim levels include XM with NavTraffic satellite radio, satellite communications telecommunications service, DVD navigation system with voice activation, real time traffic, and Bluetooth wireless data link for the navigation system.
Additional features for the Acura RL Base with CMBS, PAX Packages trim level include adaptive cruise control, XM with NavTraffic satellite radio, DVD navigation system with voice activation, satellite communications telecommunications service, Bluetooth wireless data link for the navigation system, and real time traffic reporting.
Acura RL safety and security features include front and rear ventilated disc brakes, 4-wheel Antilock Braking System, traction control, emergency braking assist, stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, passenger airbag occupant-sensing deactivation, front seatbelt pretensioners, rear door child safety locks, child seat anchors, emergency interior trunk release, rear center 3-point seatbelt, two front and rear headrests, multi- and height-adjustable headrests, remote anti-theft alarm system, engine immobilizer, xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, dusk-sensing headlamps, tire pressure monitoring, front fog and driving lights, electronic brake-force distribution, and turn signal mirrors.
A safety report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that the 2008 Acura RL sedan received five stars out of five in frontal, side crash, and rollover tests.[1]
A reliability history report from ConsumerReports.org showed how the Acura RL sedan held up mechanically. The Acura RL sedan received the following ratings for the year 2007 (major redesign year was 2005): excellent ratings for its engine, transmission, drive, fuel, and climate systems, suspension, brakes, body hardware, exhaust, and paint and trim, very good ratings for its electrical system and power equipment, and good ratings for its audio system and squeaks and rattles trouble spots.[2]
Click here for more information on 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Acura RL car prices, auto insurance, auto loans, car dealers, and car leases.
The RL is Acura's top model, a lavishly equipped full-size sedan, packs a powerful engine and an intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system which can disburses the engine's torque not only to wheels fore and aft but the left or right ones too. RL's aluminum V6 plant, displacing 3.5 liters with drive-by-wire throttle and VTEC (Variable valve Timing and lift Electronic Control) system, nets 290 hp for 2006.
•2005 Acura 3.5 RL Premium Mid-Size Sedan
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•2004 ACURA RL Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Acura's full-size flagship sedan matches European machines with sophisticated yet understated exterior styling.
•2004 Acura 3.5 RL Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
When it comes to refinement, precision, and balance, Acura's 3.5RL is so close to perfection it's hard to imagine any better car.
