2005 Acura RL Review
Fuel Economy
19 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With tons of standard features, excellent road manners and premium cabin furnishings, the new RL is a worthy competitor to the respected players from Audi, BMW and Lexus.
Pros
Quiet cabin, handles well for a large sedan, excellent build and materials quality, unique all-wheel-drive system, innovative navigation system offers real-time traffic information.
Cons
Lacks the low-end grunt of a V8, still lacks the prestige of its European competition.
What's New for 2005
The RL is completely redesigned for 2005, and now sports a 300-horsepower V6 and standard all-wheel drive.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
185k and still going strong
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Ok so Ive had this car since 2005 and have taken it to hell and back. I drive it hard and floor it at least a couple times a day. I spend a ton of time in it and I don't think the drivers seat could be better. Also the audio system is great as is the whole interior. Issues To date: Both side mirrors wiggling (48k) Rear sunshade rattle (55k) HID Bulbs Replaced (110k) Replaced Bank 1 & 2 o2 sensors (140k) Other then that I've only done the scheduled maintenance as recommended by the maintenance minder system. I can honestly say I will definitely buy the new RL when it comes out I assume in 2011... I might just take this one to the 300000 mile mark!
Favorite Features
Honda Reliability with very close to MB/BMW luxury/performance, Keyless entry/starting, Interior, Audio System, SH-AWD (WOW IT'S GREAT). There are too many things to list...
Suggested Improvements
Exterior styling needs to set it apart from the pack a bit. Mine gets mistaken for a MB E class all the time... (not that it's a con).
A wise choice
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Drives like a Mercedes and has more features at a lower price point. It took me a while to adjust after years of driving BMWs but I have grown to appreciate this vehicle, its comfort and outstanding reliability.
Favorite Features
smooth, comfortable, reliable
Suggested Improvements
Tighter steering, please.
They Keep Getting Better
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This 2005 model replaced an earlier RL 3.5. It is roomier, faster, adds all wheel drive, adds all the electronics and voice commands you can imagine, the Bose 5 channel surround sound is the world's best. Nice car!
Favorite Features
300 HP is better than the previous 200, handling is great, stereo is great!
Suggested Improvements
Cabin noise may be a little higher than previous model?
The Best Car Ever Owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have owned 6 different cars including 2 Acuras and have driven at least 5 different types of cars owned by my husband. This is the best car I have owned or driven. I would highly recommend it because of its reliability, technology, and styling. Thank you.
Favorite Features
See above
Suggested Improvements
I wish it was seated a little higher from the ground and was maybe a foot longer.
Love this Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I love my RL. It gets better with age. I put RonJon Legend 19" wheels on my car and get many compliments. Celestial Silver and Taupe. Love it!
Favorite Features
Navigation, interior and build quality.
Suggested Improvements
A V8!
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