Review: 2006 Acura RL
#16
Lexus Test Driver
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Originally Posted by Och
T
Also, since you've mentioned you were impressed by the wood trim, was the wood real? There was not a single Acura in the past that used real wood trim, and the plastic trim in new TS and TL looks great, but its not real, so I'm wondering if the RL actually used the real stuff.
Also, since you've mentioned you were impressed by the wood trim, was the wood real? There was not a single Acura in the past that used real wood trim, and the plastic trim in new TS and TL looks great, but its not real, so I'm wondering if the RL actually used the real stuff.
Also, Acura has used real wood in past Acura vehicles before, so I'm not sure where you heard that they have never used real wood before. That rumor was probably created by anti Acura people who never drove any of the Acura products before.
#17
Rookie
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Originally Posted by Och
Also, since you've mentioned you were impressed by the wood trim, was the wood real? There was not a single Acura in the past that used real wood trim, and the plastic trim in new TS and TL looks great, but its not real, so I'm wondering if the RL actually used the real stuff.
The older RL and Acura Legends used real wood trim. All other Acuras that I know of had fake wood. I guess its only the flagship line that gets it.
#18
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
Great review mmarshall. Every time I see an RL on the road, I do a double take and think 'wow that's a nice looking car'. I also REALLY like the circular LED tail lights.
I've not been in a new RL but would like to some day.
And Och, my '94 Legend 4 door GS had the most beautiful REAL burled walnut I've seen on any car. Certainly many models since then have lacked real wood.
We are all very lucky to have luxury sporty sedan choices like the GS, RL, M, E and 5 series.
I've not been in a new RL but would like to some day.
And Och, my '94 Legend 4 door GS had the most beautiful REAL burled walnut I've seen on any car. Certainly many models since then have lacked real wood.
We are all very lucky to have luxury sporty sedan choices like the GS, RL, M, E and 5 series.
#19
Lexus Champion
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I drove almost every frigging acura, except the new RL, including the TL, MDX, old RL, old Legends, integras, RSX, and the old RL, TL and MDX have exactly the same looking wood, and I can bet pretty much anything its fake. Maybe the optional shiftknob and steering wheel on the RL used real wood, but the center console was certainly fake.
But in any case, I dont care whether the wood is fake or real, as long as its good looking, and the old Acuras had some ugly looking wood.
But in any case, I dont care whether the wood is fake or real, as long as its good looking, and the old Acuras had some ugly looking wood.
#20
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
Originally Posted by Och
I drove almost every frigging acura, except the new RL, including the TL, MDX, old RL, old Legends, integras, RSX, and the old RL, TL and MDX have exactly the same looking wood, and I can bet pretty much anything its fake. Maybe the optional shiftknob and steering wheel on the RL used real wood, but the center console was certainly fake.
But in any case, I dont care whether the wood is fake or real, as long as its good looking, and the old Acuras had some ugly looking wood.
But in any case, I dont care whether the wood is fake or real, as long as its good looking, and the old Acuras had some ugly looking wood.
#21
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Glad you liked the review guys, but this excellent car is about a lot more things than just wood paneling....that's why it costs $50,000 (and may be worth it ).
#22
RE: The new RL
Originally Posted by mmarshall
Glad you liked the review guys, but this excellent car is about a lot more things than just wood paneling....that's why it costs $50,000 (and may be worth it ).
If the key fob you're using is not set to your settings, you have to sit in the car for 5 minutes before leaving to get all of your seat settings and audio settings to your liking. There are so many buttons in the car, it gets confusing. The audio system is so complex, it takes a few minutes to set everything for your personal tastes. EVERY setting is stored within the key fob..... But, once you've got everything set, it's an awesome experience...
#23
Lexus Champion
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And so I went and test drove one (it's so easy to get a test drive when you pull up in GS430). I have to say - holy crap I'm impressed, it's not like any Acura I drove before. Truly a masterpiece, now get rid of half the electronics and give me a V8 instead for the same price!
#24
Re:
Originally Posted by Och
And so I went and test drove one (it's so easy to get a test drive when you pull up in GS430). I have to say - holy crap I'm impressed, it's not like any Acura I drove before. Truly a masterpiece, now get rid of half the electronics and give me a V8 instead for the same price!
#25
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Why would you have a problem with getting test drives no matter what car or bicycle you pull up in?
#26
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RL vs. GS
Well, I would also like to thank mmarshall on such an informative series of posts on the RL. I doubt that I can add much to the level of detail presented here, but here is my take on the RL.
I spent a lot of time in the Gold RL this weekend at the NY Auto Show at the Javits center. Mind you, I was only mildly interested in the RL before buying my 06 GS300 RWD. I have yet to drive one. This was my first experience sitting in one and bonding with all the electronics, Nav, etc.
What I liked...and having my GS as a baseline point of reference --
The RL doesn't have the touch sensitive screen! But it was very inutuitve to use. Why do I consider this a plus over Lexus' more expensive interface? Your screen doesn't end up in fingerprint city, and since nobody has to touch -- it probably will look great over time with no scratches! Sometimes hitting the small POIs, and other buttons on the Lexus Nav, you miss the mark. I really liked the difference using the RL joystick button. It was a nice experience.
I like the layout of the RL dash, maybe slightly better than the GS. It was more upscale, somewhat. The Nav screen was higher up and easier to read than the sloped, lower screen on the GS....mmarshal, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the 7" lexus screen to be larger.
SO...if I had to rate the two cars: Exterior: GS comes out on top / Interior: RL comes in as a close second.
Question...DVD player ... does the RL play DVDs? I never inquired.
Also, no backup camera on the RL -- or is it an option?
Looking back, if I could have landed a loaded RL for $45K, it would have been worth it. I do see that some owners are having problems with the RL transmission...not sure if it's systemic.
But. in summary * * * I LOVE my GS * * * and do not regret the purchase for one minute. I'm just commenting that I enjoyed my closer look with the RL and maybe down the road I'd buy one if a good deal becomes available.
I spent a lot of time in the Gold RL this weekend at the NY Auto Show at the Javits center. Mind you, I was only mildly interested in the RL before buying my 06 GS300 RWD. I have yet to drive one. This was my first experience sitting in one and bonding with all the electronics, Nav, etc.
What I liked...and having my GS as a baseline point of reference --
The RL doesn't have the touch sensitive screen! But it was very inutuitve to use. Why do I consider this a plus over Lexus' more expensive interface? Your screen doesn't end up in fingerprint city, and since nobody has to touch -- it probably will look great over time with no scratches! Sometimes hitting the small POIs, and other buttons on the Lexus Nav, you miss the mark. I really liked the difference using the RL joystick button. It was a nice experience.
I like the layout of the RL dash, maybe slightly better than the GS. It was more upscale, somewhat. The Nav screen was higher up and easier to read than the sloped, lower screen on the GS....mmarshal, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the 7" lexus screen to be larger.
SO...if I had to rate the two cars: Exterior: GS comes out on top / Interior: RL comes in as a close second.
Question...DVD player ... does the RL play DVDs? I never inquired.
Also, no backup camera on the RL -- or is it an option?
Looking back, if I could have landed a loaded RL for $45K, it would have been worth it. I do see that some owners are having problems with the RL transmission...not sure if it's systemic.
But. in summary * * * I LOVE my GS * * * and do not regret the purchase for one minute. I'm just commenting that I enjoyed my closer look with the RL and maybe down the road I'd buy one if a good deal becomes available.
#27
Originally Posted by Och
Cool, I guess Acura can do it when they want to. I guess the reason it's not selling is because of the bad reputation the old RL had, it wasnt competitive in its class and lost value rather quickly. I guess it is suffering the same fate as the Q45, which in my opinion is an awesome machine, but because the old Q45 was so terrible its not selling at all.
My friend works at an acura dealership and she said the comments she hears from customers looking at the RL is "whats the difference between this car and the TL? They seem to have the same interior room and the TL looks bigger from outside." People cant justify spending over 10k more on the RL for a slightly better interior and AWD. This was acuras shot in getting back in the game, but based on sales, it seems they've failed.
#28
Guest
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Originally Posted by Hypnotik
I dont think its necessarily the fact that the RL has a bad reputation. I mean, the former M45 was pretty much a sales flop but now it is among the top 3 best sellers in its class. The problem with the RL is that is it the same size as the TL and its exterior design lacks presence. The M45 and G430 are cars with exterior designs that are noticeable. I personally think the M45 has more presence than a GS, but i guess thats my opinion. As for the Q45, it doesnt sell alot at all. Its design is old and isnt on the same level of new designs by infiniti. Once its redesigned, it should sell alot better when it gets some of the new infiniti treatment.
My friend works at an acura dealership and she said the comments she hears from customers looking at the RL is "whats the difference between this car and the TL? They seem to have the same interior room and the TL looks bigger from outside." People cant justify spending over 10k more on the RL for a slightly better interior and AWD. This was acuras shot in getting back in the game, but based on sales, it seems they've failed.
My friend works at an acura dealership and she said the comments she hears from customers looking at the RL is "whats the difference between this car and the TL? They seem to have the same interior room and the TL looks bigger from outside." People cant justify spending over 10k more on the RL for a slightly better interior and AWD. This was acuras shot in getting back in the game, but based on sales, it seems they've failed.
That cars success is based on the fact it is a huge improvement over the previous car and pricing.
That is one of the main RLs problems. Yes, it comes with all the bells and whistles but people cringe at seeing $50,000 for an Acura, no matter how good it is.
#29
Guest
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And I am not trying to argue here. But we need to look at ALL Factors.
Also, this segment maybe even tougher than the 30-40k segment. You have established cars like the 5/E/GS and awesome revamped cars like the A6/M35/45 and then others, Jag S-type, Volvo S80, Lincoln LS (about to be discontinued), Caddy CTS/STS.
Its a very tough segment.
Also, this segment maybe even tougher than the 30-40k segment. You have established cars like the 5/E/GS and awesome revamped cars like the A6/M35/45 and then others, Jag S-type, Volvo S80, Lincoln LS (about to be discontinued), Caddy CTS/STS.
Its a very tough segment.
#30
Lexus Test Driver
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Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
That is one of the main RLs problems. Yes, it comes with all the bells and whistles but people cringe at seeing $50,000 for an Acura, no matter how good it is.
We all know that just because you have a good car doesn't mean it will sell. Also, just because the car iss junk, it doesn't mean it wont be a sales success.