Used 2005 Acura RL Consumer Reviews
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2005 Acura RL
I purchased my Acura RL two months ago and love it. I read the owner's manual twice to learn all the features of the car. Handles good and wonderful brakes.
super all round transportation
Much to like about this car. Sharp enough lines, classy look inside and out. Performance is nice. While not a "lincoln" ride, thats not what you expect here - but more than comfortable.. plenty of room..more than ample power and handles super. Computerized nav/climate/audio system 2nd to none and very intuitive and easy to learn and use. Love the level of driver customization available. Voice activation is terrific - 99% and is a must since this car can be distracting. NAV saved me many hours 3 days after buying when I was out of town and had a 1.5 hour trip .. highway was backed up and closed .. "detour" function steered my to alternate route. Quiet ride/int. Audio system SUPER
Acura RL review
This is an autombile that is a joy to drive and the comfort is unsurpassed. I will say that the RL experience from the day I purchased until today has truly been an enjoyable experience.
Best Car for the Money
Thsi is an excellent vehicle in every respect. It is loaded with electronics that make driving more enjoyable. All the standard features make this one of the best values in this class. Excellent all around performance and cabin comfort. Ideal on the highway and back roads. All wheel drive ahead of its time.
Like driving a Music Room
I moved from a 2000 A6 to the RL. The A6 may be a little tighter in handling but this is the best car I have ever owned in terms of value, handling, safety features, power, and above all the interior. The music system is like none I have ever heard. I think I may sleep in the seats and just listen to DVD-A's all night. Handling in the snow in New Hampshire was fabulous with the standard all season tires.
Best Value
Test drove most of the competition from MB, BMW and Lexus. I think the RL is the best value and best overall performer in its class. It may not have the best handling and road feel, nor the most horsepower or torque, but I feel it is close to being the best in all categories. I didn't find a perfect car in my test drive (with a budget of under $60,000) and the RL is as close as it gets.
Treat, no Tricks
Took delivery of Redondo Red Pearl RL on Halloween and have been in heaven for my commute ever since. Rock solid ride, quiet luxurious interior, PLENTY of power (looking forward to getting past initial break-in) and fantastic handling for such a heavy car. Nits being picked in some reviews should be taken as just that, everybody has an opinion. I'm sure that after a few months I won't know how I survived without Navi & Voice Command in the past; neat to find restaurants, ATMs, etc. Sound system is worthy of a large room; 5.1 Surround Sound Audio disc free with purchase is a feast for the ears. Co-workers and neighbors all want to know what it is.
05 Acura RL
This is the fourth Acura I have owned and each time I get a new one, every three years, I am thrilled with it. However, the new 05 RL has so many improvements that I do not know where to begin. The best feature with the biggest difference that I have found is the ALL - WHEEL drive; very necessary if you live in the New England area. Not having all wheel drive would have been my only reason for looking at another brand of automobile. I get approximately 19 to 20 miles per gallon average with the 300 hp engine. No need to look at another vehicle.
Has it ALL - best value on the road
Picked up my RL 2 weeks ago... first impressions - the SH 4WD is the real deal. I just came out of a C5 after 6 years of ownership.. this RL handles incredibly on the curves at high speeds. The build quality is superb. I've had 2 legend coupes in the 90's and an RL and this one is by far the best quality Acura has ever produced. The best combination of power, fun 4-wheel drive, super dependability, style and great dealer support. Seats are terrific and the car is as quiet as any Lexus I've ever been in - but this car doesn't isolate the driver - the steering gives you great feedback while being both quick and light. The stereo is THE BEST OEM UNIT I'VE EVER HEARD in a car.
I Love my Acura RL
I love my RL. I test drove the competitors and I bought the Acura because I loved the interior, the technology, and the SH-AWD system. I've had it for 3 weeks now, and it hasn't disappointed me in any respect. The technology all works, and the car handles great. For my money, a far better value than any of the others I test drove.
Acura RL
This car is awesome. It has all of the gadgets. It takes turns like a dream.
My First Luxury Performance Car
Driving the new RL almost from the moment of the first test drive for me was the culmination of an expectation that I have looked forward to over 20 plus years of Honda ownership. The 2005 RL represents the ultimate luxury performance car for me. I am satisfied. In some way it was like reaching a goal. (Now maybe my new goal will be moving beyond anything automotive related)
Best of the best
This car has lived up to my expectations, and I am happy with my choice after narrrowing down to RL, A6 and 530i. Ride quality, interior features and quality and overall drivability are tops.
Excellent Value; Give it a shot
Having test driven the competition, I feel the RL stands up to all comers. The car rides very well, is packed with features (the stereo is incredible) and, though lacking a bit in the excitement department, the car does everything very well. Dollar for dollar, the RL was by far the best value in the class. Thus far we are delighted by our purchase of the RL. Give the RL a shot if looking for a luxury sedan.
2005 Best Buy 6 cylinder
The Acura may not be able to out perform European competitors such as Jaguar, Mercedes, and BMW, but remember it is only a V6. The Acura is really in need of a V8 that can offer much more performance as its competitors. For a V6 though it outperforms many cars.
luxory car forless
Drives great, Hard to make this car get out of track. I enjoy it, sporty, and sleek.
Aside from the rattly suspension.....
Sporty luxury sedan. Somewhat rough, choppy ride which perhaps is what it costs to get a tight, precise handling. Worrisome rattle from the suspension going over ruts and bumps, clearly audible at low speed. I have not heard of this problem from anyone else on this forum, however. Hope they can find the problem. Incredible array of electronic gadgetry; Onstar's phone system won't accept incoming calls, yet to be fixed. Sound system is superb, but XM satellite radio suddenly loses its memory of its presets. Would I buy this car again...yes, but if they can fix the rattle in the suspension. It is not becoming of a $50K Acura flagship car! I'd say this: always test drive car with radio off!
An all in one package
All the features you'd want at an affordable price. This car has overexceeded my expectancies with the technology of today. I was in the market for an Infiniti G35 but fell in love with the RL as soon as I sat in it. Very impressive!
Very Happy
Bought this car a year ago -- very pleased. Sound system is simply amazing. Front seats are comfortable and controls easy to reach. Smooth, solid ride. I'm not a car enthusiast, but love driving this car. Traffic integrated into nav system is nice and I've used the nav system more than I ever expected to. On the downside, keyless remote is not great for women (who don't always have pockets and have to find somplace to put it) and it is VERY easy not to turn the ignition off completely, resulting in a dead battery. Ride could be quieter at high speeds.
So far, just worries
My 2005 RL came with diagnostic codes indicating problems with the AWD and emission systems. The dealership just deleted the codes and explained that it was just "temporary codes" for other issues. This is hardly assuring, and further inquiries to the sales person/his service manager are being ignored. No one should be expected to have to worry about a $50K+ car. To be fair, the car is fun to drive, and my rating is "temporary" in nature until I get to the bottom of what it really means to have these diagnostic codes. If there were real problems with my car that were ignored by the dealership before handing the car over to me, I expect the dealership and Acura to make it right.
Acura RL - Hidden Gem!
I think that the Acura RL is a hidden gem amongst the $50k luxury sedans and that's all right by me! I like the exclusivity of driving my RL in the "OC".....the land of MB, BMW, Lexus and Audis. I test drove the RL and the MB back-to-back and felt more at home with the RL. It had the right blend of luxury and sport, a solid reputation for quality, the highest ranking for safety, and a laundry list of techno- features to keep me entertained during my commute to work. As for the looks, it has a conservative, classy style which I have grown to appreciate, especially after upgrading the wheels to the 18in Acura chromes and adding the deck-lid spoiler...my RL is looking mighty fine now!
time has told
We bought the car last summer and traded our 2001 E class because of the continuing Mercedes dying battery problem when the car was left unattended. We have always had Mercedes, Audis and BMW and hoped the reliability factor would be better with Acura/Honda...it is. The only issue was with the tire balance and Acura replaced the tires! Service has been wonderful and the car is far better in every way than the Mercedes. The Mercedes mileage was a little better, about one MPG, but we average 21 overall and 26 to 28 highway so it isn't bad and, of course, best of all, the reliabiliy factor after six months is great.
Great for road trips...
Just finished a 4000+ mile trip in this vehicle - performed great! Mostly interstate driving, but some dirt road travel for hiking, and through Vail pass during a major snow storm. Handling was great, no performance problems. The X-M radio and Nav package were really nice to have on a trip like this, although the Nav package got confused a couple of times with new construction - but I guess that is what updates are for.
Lovin' my RL
Overall, I think the car is wonderful. I have been impressed with the combination of technology and creature comforts. The Bose sound system is top- notch. I am enamored of the keyless access remote, the design of the dashboard and steering wheel, and the quality of the exterior finish. Less satisfying have been my experiences linking my new Bluetooth Treo 650 to the HandsFree Link System and the changeover to a new DVD for the Navigation system which "lost" my ability to get real-time traffic reports. My dealer will address the latter as soon as I get the car in for a review. Acura sent me an updated DVD disc, which I loaded. That was when the trouble with the traffic updates began.
Couldn't be happier
I have had my RL for about 9 months now. This is an amazing vehicle. It could use a little more low end torque, but I knew this when I bought the car (V6 can't give V8 torque). The ride is smooth and quick, but still with some "feel". The interior is incredible: comfortable seats, well laid out controls. Best of all everything!!! is adjustable, and retained in memory, for each driver: from seat and mirror positions, to when the auto headlights turn on, to auto door locks, to radio presets. Voice recognition is very good. Looks a little too much like the Accord but this is minor when all the rest is considered. This is the most tech. advanced car on the market.
Love it all ... but the lights.
Overall an extremely attractive, well built, fun to drive automobile. Thoughtful in its design, seamless in its execution. Has almost every feature you would expect (and then some) for a car at this price point. Honda pedigree ensures car will be reliable for years to come. May not have the road panache of an MB (we had previously owned 2 E-Class MBs) but the features/technology beats MB (and BMW) hands down. Purchased the Lakeshore silver exterior...really sharp.
2005 Acura RL
The RL is a wonderful car to drive as it's very smooth riding and is extremely comfortable. It also has a beautiful design. It's a very quiet riding car. The AWD, navigation center, XM radio,and moonroof are all positive features of the RL. I bought it also for the many safety features. Love it!
2005 RL
As Fun a car to drive as I have ever owned. The only issue with it was when I went on vacation and the car sat for 2 weeks, it did not start. I was originally told that due to the amount of computers in this car, the draw on the battery was causing the problem. I did not buy it. After the second time it happened, the dealer said they found the problem and fixed it. We will see if the next time I park it for an extended period it starts.
GREAT VALUE
I previosly owned an Infiniti and while I enjoyed that car for the price you just can't beat the RL. Very good ride quality and everything is standard including On Star and GPS. By comparison I would have had to spend $8,000 more for an M35 with the same equipment and not get On Star which is something I wanted ever since my wife has had it in her Mercedes. Everyone who has driven with me comments on the beautifull interior. I just wish the back seat had a little more room. No problems at all. When you compare features to features with other cars, it's a no brainer. hb
Extremely Satisfied
For over a year I've been evaluating luxury sedans. I've driven them all with the exception of the Infiniti M - personal distaste. I found that the RL's combo of aesthetics, features, reliability (yet unproved, but it's a Honda)and performance left the competition (530, E, new A6, GS) far, far behind. The throttle response is superior to that of any of those mentioned, and though I really liked the ride of the 530 w/ sport package, the RL's is very competitive. The interior is as plush and finished as the E, GS and A6, but better conceived than all. I didn't like the 5's inside. It's much more handsome in person than in any of the PR pics. 10 of 11 most unreliable cars are Euro.
First Acura
The RL is a fun car to drive. The handling of the car is fantastic. The ride is very smooth and the acceleration is very responsive.
Good Value? Yes. Great Car? Hmmmmm...
I am a BMW 7-series and Benz S class owner. Also had Escalade previously. The RL looked unique in design and the interiro was impressive at first. Factory refuses to address design flaw...exhaust stains the rear fender and no response provided. Stereo system about the best I've ever heard in a car...first-class. Like the 6- cylinder performance and road mileage. Tends to rumble in low gear early in the day. Dealer hasn't fixed yet. Lots of interiro rattle from rear window shade. Dealer has not fixed. With MSRP arounds 50 or a little less, a good value. But I don't know I would get another.
A Class Automobile
This car is like the all-around winner in Olympic gymnastics: it isn't the best in any give category (BWM: slightly more nimble, perhaps; Lexus: More plush; MB: more brawny), but it's the all-around winner in that it does doesn't nothing wrong, and almost every as right as any other car in its class. The fact that it's less than comparably equipped cars speaks to its value. There can be no buyer's remorse with this car.
The Realtors vehicle of choice
Excellent comfort for ALL passengers! Plenty of leg room, quite and wonderful handling. All the power you will ever need! Beautiful interior design with just about everything "voice actuated!" The only negative thing I can say about the new RL is that the trunk space is a little too small for my "for sale" signs.
Very Pleased
This is the first car I can really say is FANASTIC. I certainly did not have to settle for less this time as everything I could want is included&at a fair price! A winner for sure!
Replaced my BMW 528
I purchased a new 2005 TL (6 spd) in November to replace a '98 BMW 528 (5sp) (that had reached 125,000 miles with repair bills to match). The TL turned out too small with too much front wheel torque steer; thus, the new RL in December. Very impressed with fit and finish. Overall performance is just fine (I do a lot a higher speed open road driving); the handling is much better with none of the TL's torque steer. I spend about 3 hrs per day in the car. Only problem in first 1,000 miles is a non-performing CD player, and that's about to be repaired. The rest of the audio system is great. The mileage is less than I would like; about 5 mpg less than the old BMW.
A Mountain Climber
Quiet, smooth-running car with sufficient power. I drove it up a narrow, twisting, dirt road to the summit of a 1,750 ft. mountain (Mt. Riga, Salisbury, CT). Traction and stability were outstanding - even on the steepest grades. Highly recommended!
Thank you Acura
Wow, what a car this is. Acura nailed the midize luxury sedan market on the head. Exterior is nicely sculpted, especially the mid and rear quarters-- the front is classic Honda. The interior materials are solid and of high quality. Ergonomics and comfort are great. A tremendously vast computer system is programmed EASILY thanks to smart design. The ride is solid, pickup and power to pass and just plain feel acceleration are great. Reliability is unknown yet as its so new but given HONDA/ACURA reliability, it should be first rate!
Black on black - what a ride!
This is the third RL/Legend I have owned from new. I owned my previous RL for 7 years and didn't even replace a lightbulb; my previous Legend had a similar track record. If you are looking for a European style, throw you back in your seat acceleration along with significant tail pipe effect, this car isn't for you - it is silky smooth and it out performs my wife's 2004 Volvo T5 Wagon automatic (barely) - you just don't know it until you look at the speedo and realize the scenery is moving by very quickly, thank you. Quiet! When you push it the unique all wheel drive that transfers torque from left to right almost feels like you are being sucked around a corner. Great ride! Enjoy.
VERY HAPPY WITH NEW ACURA
This Acura RL replaced my BMW 745i. The ride in the Acura is comparable to the BMW---only the Acura is MUCH more reliable. I have had the Acura for 3 months. My BMW had been towed twice in the first three months!
Best of the Best
This is nothing short of a dream cara dream car that you can buy. It's performance is well above the comparable V6 Mercedes, Audi, and BMW competition and it exudes quality all around. The interior is spectacular and the exterior draws looks and questions from strangers everywhere I go. No one builds cars better than Acura these days, at least not for this kind of money. Thrilled with my purchase!
Options of a Benz at half the price!
Overall this car is an excellent upgrade to the old dog RL. The all wheel drive is spectacular! We just got a foot of snow in NE PA and this car went through drifts like an SUV. The stability control makes winter driving less worrisome! The 300 hp is not the aggressive hp you will find in sports cars, however, it will acceletare you off the stop light well ahead if it's competitors. At highway speeds, the 300 hp is at its best. Just push the throttle and you are doing 90 MPH before you know it. The interior has all of the technological equipment needed to keep you ammused. The nav system and audio controls are very easy to use and feel natural.
2005 rl
Very well designed and excellent quality. Best factory sound system in the industry
This RL rocks!
If you're technically challenged, this is not the car for you. But if you love technology and use it, you're gonna love the voice activated technological advances this car offers. By voice one can control the gps system, bluetooth phone, temperature control, audio control and OnStar. Once you figure out how to work everything you never need take your hands from the wheel or your eyes from the road. It corners like the BMW I test drove - maybe better. I think I'm in love!
Cool, Classy, and Fun
When I first picked my RL up I was a bit anxious about all the new technology, but after days of playing and asking questions I fell in love with my car. I feel like a female Bond in it. The handling is superior to my other vehicles including my Lexus. It's built strong but sleek. It gets lots of head turns at the gas pump.
Worth your money
1) All wheel drive. Handles great in curves. 2)Amazing sound system 3)Terrific real time traffic 4)Luxurious interior 5)AMazingly quite ride Acura has a car that is safe and relible in the winter. With all the luxuries I want in a sedan
Thumbs up (pretty much)
If you are looking for a 50,000 car that won't turn heads, the new RL is for you. even in the dealers lot you'll have a hard time telling the Rl from acura's lineup. Get inside though and the fun begins, actually even before I got into the car the keyless entry thing is way cool (no more fumbling for keys). the interior design is very sensible and pleasing to the eye, the nav is great (i'm coming from a 01 mdx) and this rl nav blows it away. The power and confidence of this machine is awesome, pull away from a traffic light and watch people on the side shaking their head asking each other "what was that". my only problem is finding a comfortable position,(coming from a suv)
High Tech Heaven
This car is everything I expected and more. Smooth silky performance, luxury feel at every touch, and as much fun as a sport sedan can offer. I was waiting for the M35 AWD to launch but saw my Redondo Red RL and fell in love.
Great Car with some problems
I read up a lot about this car before I bought and have generally been very happy with it. However, about 2 mos after purchase, a rattle developed in the driver side dash. I have taken it to the dealership three times to have this corrected and they have yet to fix it permanently. They freely admit that this is a common problem with this new model and that the factory has no good fix for it. A $50K car should not have a problem like this. I like the way it handles and the overall comfort level. The voice activated system is "over the top" and generally unnecessary (there are more that 4 ways to adjust radio volume alone, why not just turn the knob?). The all wheel drive is great.
It has set a new Standard for Luxury
It has set a new standard for Luxury. When you look at the price of any of the cars in its class and the price tag that goes along with them, why spend more when everything is standard in the RL and it has so many more amazing features like the Real time traffic, DVD Audio, Active Front Lighting system and especially Super Handlind Rear Wheel drive..nothing else touches it! There is so much value here, and talk about fun to drive!