Suspension is based around a terrifically sturdy platform with high-tensile
steel and lightweight aluminum components anchoring the independent front double-wishbone and independent multi-link rear. The wide stance of the RL makes for massive resistance to rollover and the brakes are very good, but need more feel.
Although we spent a lot of quality family time in the RL visiting for Thanksgiving and traveling for hours in heavy traffic, the Acura never proved us a reason not to like it. This might be damming it with faint praise, but in reality it reminded me of watching a great baseball pitcher who makes it all look so easy. That is what the Acura does, makes traveling so effortless you wonder if you are really needed.
Young working woman's view: I really wish it looked more exciting. As for driving, the RL is comfortable and compliant, but never overwhelming. It carries a six-year or 70,000 mile limited powertrain warranty in addition to the four-year or 50,000 mile standard bumper-to-bumper warranty and claims 100,000 miles or more tune-up intervals.
A feature we have seen before and that is always appreciated is the keyless entry system. You simply carry the key fob in your purse and the car recognizes the signal and unlocks the driver's door. All you do is slide inside and turn the steering column mounted switch to start the RL. Easy, safe, and a must for those of us with seriously purses that would make a key search untidy.
Acura's all wheel drive system is seamless. Most of the energy flows to the front wheels until there is significant need for acceleration when up to 70 percent of available torque is directed to the rear wheels and thus torque steer is avoided. The RL system also varies the amount of torque to the left and right rear wheels. When cornering the outer rear wheel gets up to 5 percent more power to improve handling. It reminded me a lot of the Audi S4 of the early 1990's which, to me, was the best family hotrod ever produced for those who live in the snow. High praise indeed.
College going male's view: The RL has the best stereo system I have heard from the manufacture. The RL BOSE 10-speaker surround sound system has MP3 and DTS capability and standard XM Satellite Radio. The system utilizes eight distinct channels and Centerpoint signal processing circuitry processes stereo recordings to five independent channels, and don't forget the AudioPilot noise compensation technology, which monitors interior noise and adjusts the sound balance accordingly. There are more potent components in other luxury vehicles and more elaborate set-ups but this is the finest. If you test drive this Acura bring along your favorite music, too. Of course you can always download my tunes at www.simple-thoughts.net.
The backseats are comfortable and you can direct the air or heat most anywhere using the center console mounted vents. The trunk is adequate, not particularly large and lacking the total rearseat fold down some vehicles offer. There is no spare so extra room is available under the trunk floor mat.
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| 2006 Acura RL (Photo: Acura) |
Although we spent a lot of quality family time in the RL visiting for Thanksgiving and traveling for hours in heavy traffic, the Acura never proved us a reason not to like it. This might be damming it with faint praise, but in reality it reminded me of watching a great baseball pitcher who makes it all look so easy. That is what the Acura does, makes traveling so effortless you wonder if you are really needed.
Young working woman's view: I really wish it looked more exciting. As for driving, the RL is comfortable and compliant, but never overwhelming. It carries a six-year or 70,000 mile limited powertrain warranty in addition to the four-year or 50,000 mile standard bumper-to-bumper warranty and claims 100,000 miles or more tune-up intervals.
A feature we have seen before and that is always appreciated is the keyless entry system. You simply carry the key fob in your purse and the car recognizes the signal and unlocks the driver's door. All you do is slide inside and turn the steering column mounted switch to start the RL. Easy, safe, and a must for those of us with seriously purses that would make a key search untidy.
Acura's all wheel drive system is seamless. Most of the energy flows to the front wheels until there is significant need for acceleration when up to 70 percent of available torque is directed to the rear wheels and thus torque steer is avoided. The RL system also varies the amount of torque to the left and right rear wheels. When cornering the outer rear wheel gets up to 5 percent more power to improve handling. It reminded me a lot of the Audi S4 of the early 1990's which, to me, was the best family hotrod ever produced for those who live in the snow. High praise indeed.
College going male's view: The RL has the best stereo system I have heard from the manufacture. The RL BOSE 10-speaker surround sound system has MP3 and DTS capability and standard XM Satellite Radio. The system utilizes eight distinct channels and Centerpoint signal processing circuitry processes stereo recordings to five independent channels, and don't forget the AudioPilot noise compensation technology, which monitors interior noise and adjusts the sound balance accordingly. There are more potent components in other luxury vehicles and more elaborate set-ups but this is the finest. If you test drive this Acura bring along your favorite music, too. Of course you can always download my tunes at www.simple-thoughts.net.
The backseats are comfortable and you can direct the air or heat most anywhere using the center console mounted vents. The trunk is adequate, not particularly large and lacking the total rearseat fold down some vehicles offer. There is no spare so extra room is available under the trunk floor mat.