Honda Car Forum

Acura sure missed the boat on their 'new RL'. As a current RL owner, I
can't express how disappointed I am with this car. I was really hoping
that they were going to create a true flagship for the Acura name
brand, one that could compete with the Audi A8's, BMW 7 series,
Mercedes S-Class and the Lexus LS430's of the world. Instead, they
shrink down the RL so it now is not even classified as a Large Sedan
anymore, it is a midsize car. That surely does not sould like a
flagship to me. The Accord keeps getting bigger and the RL gets
smaller? What gives? The RL is about the exact same size as the TL
but $15,000 more. Heck, the RL is only 3 inches longer than the
Accord. Looks like instead of buying a new RL, I'll be looking at
plunking down some cash on a real flagship, a used 2003 or 2004 Lexus
LS430.

On 29 Dec 2005 19:32:34 -0800, jeffs9000@comcast.net said:

>Acura sure missed the boat on their 'new RL'. As a current RL owner, I
>can't express how disappointed I am with this car. I was really hoping
>that they were going to create a true flagship for the Acura name
>brand, one that could compete with the Audi A8's, BMW 7 series,
>Mercedes S-Class and the Lexus LS430's of the world. Instead, they
>shrink down the RL so it now is not even classified as a Large Sedan
>anymore, it is a midsize car. That surely does not sould like a
>flagship to me. The Accord keeps getting bigger and the RL gets
>smaller? What gives? The RL is about the exact same size as the TL
>but $15,000 more. Heck, the RL is only 3 inches longer than the
>Accord. Looks like instead of buying a new RL, I'll be looking at
>plunking down some cash on a real flagship, a used 2003 or 2004 Lexus
>LS430.

You're disappointed because it's too small? 300HP with a fancy AWD and
this is all you can find to say about this car?

--
"I refuse to answer that question on the grounds
that I don't know the answer."
- Douglas Adams

Don't you think Honda corp makes enough midsize cars? A kick-ass large
sedan is not too much to ask for.

On 29 Dec 2005 19:50:23 -0800, jeffs9000@comcast.net said:

>Don't you think Honda corp makes enough midsize cars? A kick-ass large
>sedan is not too much to ask for.

Why'd you buy the car, then?

--
"I refuse to answer that question on the grounds
that I don't know the answer."
- Douglas Adams

The first generation RL is a large sedan, and I am very happy with it,
that's why I bought it. That being said, my next car will also be a
large sedan, not a midsize. I need the room, too many kids and stuff.

On 29 Dec 2005 19:32:34 -0800, jeffs9000@comcast.net wrote:

>Acura sure missed the boat on their 'new RL'. As a current RL owner, I
>can't express how disappointed I am with this car. I was really hoping
>that they were going to create a true flagship for the Acura name
>brand, one that could compete with the Audi A8's, BMW 7 series,
>Mercedes S-Class and the Lexus LS430's of the world. Instead, they
>shrink down the RL so it now is not even classified as a Large Sedan
>anymore, it is a midsize car. That surely does not sould like a
>flagship to me. The Accord keeps getting bigger and the RL gets
>smaller? What gives? The RL is about the exact same size as the TL
>but $15,000 more. Heck, the RL is only 3 inches longer than the
>Accord. Looks like instead of buying a new RL, I'll be looking at
>plunking down some cash on a real flagship, a used 2003 or 2004 Lexus
>LS430.


A flagship HAS to be a large car? The RL has more features that
are optional and extra on most other 'flagships'; it has a very,
very slick AWD system; it's a very well built car that has won or
come in second on several luxury car comparisons and all you can
say is that it's a bit smaller?

Lastly the 2005/06 RL is universally thought of as a huge
improvement over the very weak and disappointing 1st generation
RL's that you seem to like. I guess everyone has their own
opinions about stuff but I'm confused about yours.

On 29 Dec 2005 20:07:23 -0800, jeffs9000@comcast.net said:

>The first generation RL is a large sedan, and I am very happy with it,
>that's why I bought it. That being said, my next car will also be a
>large sedan, not a midsize. I need the room, too many kids and stuff.

I think I understand, now. In you original post, you say you are a
"current RL" owner. I took that to mean you own the new gen RL.

--
"I refuse to answer that question on the grounds
that I don't know the answer."
- Douglas Adams

On Fri, 30 Dec 2005 13:09:55 GMT, Lee Florack
<lflorack@rochester.rr.com> wrote:

>A flagship HAS to be a large car? The RL has more features that
>are optional and extra on most other 'flagships'; it has a very,
>very slick AWD system; it's a very well built car that has won or
>come in second on several luxury car comparisons and all you can
>say is that it's a bit smaller?
>
>Lastly the 2005/06 RL is universally thought of as a huge
>improvement over the very weak and disappointing 1st generation
>RL's that you seem to like. I guess everyone has their own
>opinions about stuff but I'm confused about yours.

To follow up on my own message, here's the opinion on the 2nd
Generation RL from one of the participants (static808) at the RL
forum at AcuraZine
(http://rl.acurazine.com/forums/showt...8593#post18593).

------------------------------------------------
I own a '05 RL and my wife has a '04 TL. TL vs. RL is no
comparison. The TL is sporty and faster but I can't wait to get
into my RL. The ride is smooooooth and I really enjoy the
gadgets. Its a luxury car and my wife agrees...Its the ultimate
road-trip car...

People can say the RL is not selling well, it looks like a Honda
Accord, etc...

In the end, get the car that fits your needs. I've owned BMW's,
Mercedes, Hondas & Acuras. My decision came down to Fit-n-Finish,
Interior, Gadgets, V6, AWD and Price.

On another note, I work for a financial firm and have people in
my parking lot who own some high-end German vehicles (E350's,
S500's, 745i's and lots of brand new 530xi's) and several of them
have stopped by to check out my Black Acura RL. They are very
impressed at high quality interior, overall exterior fit-n-finish
and high-tech gadgets in this car.

They also can't believe I can say XM Channel 80, Fan Speed Down,
AC On, Display Traffic List and never touch a button. They always
say, this is an Acura ?! Why didn't I hear about it.....I did,
enough said.

I've driven an LS430 and the main problem I had with the RL was that I don't
consider its six cylinder engine as realistically competing with a v8. That
opinion did not change, even after I drove both vehicles.

Personally, I think the TL is a much better buy and purchased one recently.
It's a great car.

<jeffs9000@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1135913554.026155.13840@o13g2000cwo.googlegro ups.com...
> Acura sure missed the boat on their 'new RL'. As a current RL owner, I
> can't express how disappointed I am with this car. I was really hoping
> that they were going to create a true flagship for the Acura name
> brand, one that could compete with the Audi A8's, BMW 7 series,
> Mercedes S-Class and the Lexus LS430's of the world. Instead, they
> shrink down the RL so it now is not even classified as a Large Sedan
> anymore, it is a midsize car. That surely does not sould like a
> flagship to me. The Accord keeps getting bigger and the RL gets
> smaller? What gives? The RL is about the exact same size as the TL
> but $15,000 more. Heck, the RL is only 3 inches longer than the
> Accord. Looks like instead of buying a new RL, I'll be looking at
> plunking down some cash on a real flagship, a used 2003 or 2004 Lexus
> LS430.
>

If you're looking for a flagship that is as good as an Acura and more
roomy for your family, check out the new third-generation Avalons.