Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The wallflower in the luxury sedan class.
Pros
Full load of equipment, DVD navigation system, reputation for quality and reliability.
Cons
Front-drive with a V6 in a sea of V8 RWD competitors, bland exterior styling.
What's New for 2001
Floor mats become standard, leaving the DVD-based navigation system alone on the factory options list. Also new is an emergency trunk release located on the inside of the cargo area.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Best Luxury
Vehicle
2001 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have owned many different luxury cars Lexus, Jag, etc., because I like to try out the different varieties and to say I have driven them, but my Acura has beat them all hands down. I went to buy a Mercedes and was disappointed in the test drive. For the heck of it I tried the Acura RL and bought it. I usually buy a new car every two years but I hated to let this one go. I am planning to buy another one though this year. The car I would buy beyond the Acura is a Bentley Cont. GTS.
Favorite Features
All around best in fast off the line, quick corners, get-up-and-go power in passing. Very comfortable to drive. Effortless and refreshing. Even my husband loves to drive it and it has plenty of leg room and head room for his tall frame.
Suggested Improvements
Complained about having the CD changer in the trunk and no compass, but I have waited long enough that it is now covered.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Style/Value/Smart
Vehicle
2001 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Looks good, drives great, easy on your wallet. What more do you want from a large sedan? As with all Acura models, the features and controls are easy to find and operate. The leather seating is very comfortable and resilient. The Navigation system, although archaic compared to later model Acuras, is simple to operate and precise. Although the fuel economy isn't great, it's very comparable to other sedans in it's class. And besides, for what it lacks in saving you at the pump, it more than makes up for by saving on mechanical breakdowns/repairs. If you're looking for a sharp, comfortable and reliable luxury sedan, the Acura RL should be on your list to look at.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Rock Solid
Vehicle
2001 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Excellent car - best car for long trips - quiet and easy to drive. Performance is adequate as is the mileage. Zero repairs other than normal oil changes etc. I do my own work and regular maintenance is easy. Deal visit (1-brake flush) was good - price and service. Special note - Acura paint is great; it just doesn't get rock chips like other cars I own.
Favorite Features
No gimmicks - just solid & reliable. Nice engine - smooth and deliberate. Predictable handling - and resale value is always great. (not selling)
Suggested Improvements
See 2004 TL - more power and 5 speed auto + more exciting styling. (4 speed auto seems very dated.) New RL seems to address issues. Always prefer 2 shift modes in auto -economy and sport. Mauual shift modes waste of time and energy.
I am a very happy owner!
Vehicle
2001 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
It's a car with safety in mind. no CD changer in dash to play with while driving! no extra horsepower to encourage you to "drive for fun"! And you can park it on street in NYC,JC,Newark since Acura is not a so- called 'prestige' brandname mostly target by car-thefts :-( And it's priced (both MSRP and dealer discount)much lower than LS430. And I love its slim figure and classic looks, comparing with the most other models that are "big-ass" impression.
Favorite Features
GPS is quick and easy to use ( comparing with BMW's). It is so much helpful for a city guy like me!
Suggested Improvements
Also GPS since it got itself confused near major airports like Newark. Hope the next generation will be able to "learn from previous mistakes, remember my driving routines and self- adjust a route based on speed limit not just simply distance". Am I asking too much here :-)
Excellant buy at used
Vehicle
2001 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Excellant built and solid vehicle. Very reliable car with minimal maintenance. Worth every penny if you buy a used vehicle
Favorite Features
Memory seat with power tilte steering rear heat\cold air outlet
Suggested Improvements
reduce the weight of vehicle to achieve better fuel consumption.
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