Acura RL sales have tanked

[Brown Chaos]

I like the 06 RL. It's a car that does in fact get second looks. I get looks by 7series owners. Not bad looks like "eww" but good ones, of like "wow, what's that!".

However, put the Aspec kit and wheels on. and you've got a WHOLE new car. That just looks better, but not only does it get respect. It Demands it and gets it. Wow. You want an ugly car, check the Yaris Horrible looking thing.

[91sedan]

Originally Posted by RL A-Spec

I'm reading a forum for 2nd Gen RL devotees, and I am seeing responses from primarily 1st Gen RL owners who complain that the current RL is a lousy car - ??? What is your basis of comparison? Yes, the styling of the RL is understated - it wasn't meant to be a bling machine. One could wish for a V8, certainly, but the car doesn't really need more power - it needs more torque, which is something else again. Overall, the current RL is a wonderful car to drive and to ride in. With the A-Spec suspension, it will outhandle any MB, Lexus or Infiniti, and do it quietly and comfortably. For the money, I don't see anything out there that is in its class. The 2nd Gen is so far ahead of the 1st Gen there isn't really any comparison, so don't put it down until you experience the difference.

I never said the car is lousy. I just said it looks like a bar of soap. It is indeed a fine piece of machinery, but they're aren't selling the car like they hoped.

Some dealers are marking the RL up to 57k and for 57k people will walk off a Lexus lot with a new GS.

The RL is a great car, but for 50k people are buying less-equipped higher prestige vehicles. Doesn't mean the car is lousy, it means people are gonna pay for brand image and thats something that, compared to its competition, Acura doesn't have right now.

Acura doesn't know what segment the RL is in nor do they market the car effectively. When's the last time you've seen an RL commercial? A 40-45k RL is a BAD idea because people will still snag the TL, which accounts for a lot of Acura's sales.

Acura can't move the RL up market because people STILL won't buy it. Is the answer a ultra-lux Acura that can really compete with an S-class/7 series/Infiniti Q/ LS 430 (soon to be 460)? probably not. Again, because brand image plays a role into this.

Acura still needs to build its rep in the smaller segments. If people want more car and more luxury they'll scream for it. This is evident when people wanted more car and a softer ride from the Legend, and the 2nd Gen is the closest they've come to the old flagship Legend. The 1st Gen wasn't a bad car, it was just boring looking (I personally like that because it doesn't have that curb appeal and is less likely to get fucked with, but I don't hold my breath).

Take VW, they built the Phaeton a 66k car with the V8 and over 100k with the W12 and did they make a profit off that car? HELL NO. for one reason and one reason only, who is gonna pay that kind of grip for a VW? not anyone I know.

The RL is not a terrible car, the situation the RL is in is terrible.

[Brown Chaos]

Well said.


As for the small market, or lower level cars, Acura's destroyed the competition. RSX-S, TSX and TL are all the hottest sellers in their respecitive classes. Until the new NSX is out, Acura can't expect anything at the moment. Once again the new NSX has to put Acura on the map. Only then, can Acura's game change.


I saw some guy driving a Phaeton..it boggled my mind why he would get it...

[91sedan]

three reasons...

1.) he wanted a bentley contenental GT (the phaeton was the basis for the GT) but that depends on if it had the V8 or the W12 in it.

2.) he knows he has grip, but didnt want to flaunt it and attract attention.

3.) he liked the car

[Acurite]

YOu see that picture under "fabvsix"'s signature; to me that is a picture of a beautiful luxury car that outwardly was designed to compete with the 7 series beamers, lexus Ls430, the higher side of the c class benz, and the audi A8. It has a very classy undertone. I think that acura was going in the right direction with that design. Since the price was so much lower than its competition it was such a great value. THe only thing that would detour potential luxury buyers was the V6 engine. But it was such a GREAT value plus Acura really stands behinds their cars. Some would be german buyers may actually fall for the RL. It was a true flag ship.

This new design on the outside, to me, actually lowers its class competiton to puts it in the same class with the A6, 5series BMW, the lower side of the C class benz, Lex Es330 and quite honestly a navi TL + or - ASPEC(shot them selves in the foot). Now the RL is the same price and in some cases higher than these popular moderately priced german vehicles. Now consumers are saying," Well hell......... for that price, I can just buy an A6 or a 535......." and that is just what they do apparently.

Me personally, I think that I would just buy an 06' TL.

DOn't mean to be redundant.

[Fabvsix]

I've driven Honda's since 1984 to present. I did my homework, spoke to my connections and they ALL said grab that 04 RL because its the last of the good ones made by honda corporation. Remember, the acura RL in Japan is proudly a HONDA LEGEND ! This car is made with quality parts....the fit and finish doesn't come close to my 2005 MDX. It WAS Acura's best kept secret ! I wouldn't get rid of it for any car right now.....what bugs me is people still till this day ask me "is that a MB" or a Lexus (LS400) ? So marketing wise Acura did a lousy job with this generation RL and I feel they are continuing their lousy marketing with the new RL......
I bought the car in June of 2004. I've not had to bring it back but ONE time a week after I bought it to address an Onstar issue, other than that NOTHING NADA ZIP ! I change the oil every 5K, rotate tires and eye ball inspect fluid levels. When I call my dealership they say "you are fine" no need to bring it in........
I can't say that about my previously owned:
1998 Honda Accord Coupe (Transmission Failed at 78K) seals leaked two weeks after I bought it new....
2001 Acura CL Type Slush kaaboom (numberous issues and tranny failed at 74K)
2003 Acura MDX (rattles, drivers seat was loose which was a common issue)
My 2005 MDX has been so far an A-.........

[FTM-1]

I was at my ACURA dealer today for service on my 00TL.
You can see that stupid post of why I was at the dealer in the 2nd Gen TL title OBD PORT/Coin Tray. Anyway I was in the Show Room looking at an 06 RL. Now I can't afford a new car at this moment but the RL would be my next car. If they would make it a Hybrid gas electric powerful motor this would make my day. I would not by another new car untill this is done.
ACURA sent me the 05 RL book last year when it came out. I also went to the car show & gazed at the RL for awhile last year. Today they had it for 50K. Just like the post from Brown Chaos you put a underbody kit on this car & some 18" wheels & its a whole new car. They did not have a book for 06 RL but did have the accessories for all ACURA models. I saw the Deck lid spoiler. It was pretty good looking in the picture with the rear shot of the RL with a under body kit with 18" wheels. The front shot picture I could not of the underbody kit was not very good. The picture was just a small shot of a corner. All of the 05-06 RLs that I have seen in DC, Maryland are just plain Jane looking. If that underbody kit looks as good on the front as it does from the back you got a beast on your hands. If it looks anything like the 06 Chrysler 300 I saw with kit & big wheels the other day its a winner.
Does the website show a good picture of the under body kit.
Also what is this RL TV add they are showing with some kind of sensor that detects objects in front & can apply brake pressure if the driver does not react. They have the RL comming thru some fog on the road in that TV add.
I would buy the car if I could & it had a few more features like the night vision thats comming out on the ACURA.

[91sedan]

Originally Posted by FTM-1

I was at my ACURA dealer today for service on my 00TL.
You can see that stupid post of why I was at the dealer in the 2nd Gen TL title OBD PORT/Coin Tray. Anyway I was in the Show Room looking at an 06 RL. Now I can't afford a new car at this moment but the RL would be my next car. If they would make it a Hybrid gas electric powerful motor this would make my day. I would not by another new car untill this is done.
ACURA sent me the 05 RL book last year when it came out. I also went to the car show & gazed at the RL for awhile last year. Today they had it for 50K. Just like the post from Brown Chaos you put a underbody kit on this car & some 18" wheels & its a whole new car. They did not have a book for 06 RL but did have the accessories for all ACURA models. I saw the Deck lid spoiler. It was pretty good looking in the picture with the rear shot of the RL with a under body kit with 18" wheels. The front shot picture I could not of the underbody kit was not very good. The picture was just a small shot of a corner. All of the 05-06 RLs that I have seen in DC, Maryland are just plain Jane looking. If that underbody kit looks as good on the front as it does from the back you got a beast on your hands. If it looks anything like the 06 Chrysler 300 I saw with kit & big wheels the other day its a winner.
Does the website show a good picture of the under body kit.
Also what is this RL TV add they are showing with some kind of sensor that detects objects in front & can apply brake pressure if the driver does not react. They have the RL comming thru some fog on the road in that TV add.
I would buy the car if I could & it had a few more features like the night vision thats comming out on the ACURA.

the kitted RL won't look anything like a kitted 300C.

that sensor is the pre-collision system that is part of the technology package that pushes the RL to about 51k.

[Acurite]

Originally Posted by Fabvsix

I've driven Honda's since 1984 to present. I did my homework, spoke to my connections and they ALL said grab that 04 RL because its the last of the good ones made by honda corporation. Remember, the acura RL in Japan is proudly a HONDA LEGEND ! This car is made with quality parts....the fit and finish doesn't come close to my 2005 MDX. It WAS Acura's best kept secret ! I wouldn't get rid of it for any car right now.....what bugs me is people still till this day ask me "is that a MB" or a Lexus (LS400) ? So marketing wise Acura did a lousy job with this generation RL and I feel they are continuing their lousy marketing with the new RL......
I bought the car in June of 2004. I've not had to bring it back but ONE time a week after I bought it to address an Onstar issue, other than that NOTHING NADA ZIP ! I change the oil every 5K, rotate tires and eye ball inspect fluid levels. When I call my dealership they say "you are fine" no need to bring it in........
I can't say that about my previously owned:
1998 Honda Accord Coupe (Transmission Failed at 78K) seals leaked two weeks after I bought it new....
2001 Acura CL Type Slush kaaboom (numberous issues and tranny failed at 74K)
2003 Acura MDX (rattles, drivers seat was loose which was a common issue)
My 2005 MDX has been so far an A-.........

I hear what you are saying about he quality of the RL in general. But honestly, for Acura I think that they needed the RL to be similar to the big boy cars like MB or BMW because the RL is supposed to be their flagship. Why not be compared to the best?

What confuses me is when people say that the RL is supposed to be a legend. When I look at Legends, body wise they looked like luxury accords. Overall body shape looked like Accords 90-93, but the Legend paid far more attention to details, FAR MORE. The 94 -95 Legends V6 engine matched the V6 engine of the more expensive accords of comparable years. So to me when the Legend name vanished it was the older more stylish brother of the accord. What car now overall mirrors the accord? The RL? no, not at all. The TL..... in the american sense....yes........... Same v6 engine (with the exception of type s and aspec), same overall exterior design, and same overall interior design(except with the TL, like the Legend, more painstaking attention to detail). I think that since 99, "TL = Accord." Think about it.

I know that TL is supposed to equal Vigor, but the VIgor is long gone. when was the last time anyone has seen that 5 cylinder? THe vigor was no where near as successful as the Legend or the TL. As a matter of fact, in terms of popularity in the cities (Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, and DC) the only acura that is nearly as popular as the Legend is the TL.

That is how i see it. However, I have accepted The RL as the Legend because every car company needs a flagship. It was the Legend and now it is the RL. Why not connect the dots?


But if you put out a car that is "supposed to be bigger and better than the Legend," just say that. It might actually work to their advantage.

[nastinupe1]

I own a TL and I believe that a scaled down version of the RL will be TOO close to the top of the line TL. Acura needs to head in the OTHER direction and make a true full size sedan for the same price.

I could have purchased an RL, but hated the styling and felt like its' size was too similar to the TL. The TL gave me all the options I wanted for about $13,000 less ( I Got the A Spec, chrome rims, etc).

The RL should have been larger than the LS with SH-AWD AND all of those technological goodies! That would have been a great car.

I almost got the IS350 but it was too small for me. Acura almost lost a customer. They better get it right in a few years or I'm getting an M5 or Range Rover Sport next.

[FTM-1]

I saw a pic of the RL at the SEMA show I would pass on the bodyKit but go with the wheels & deck lip spoiler. I would have to see the car with the Kit on it up close in person to make a better judgement. The size of the car looks pretty good to me. It should not be the lenghth of the large Buicks or the size of a Chry 300. I don't know what segment the RL is marketed to this has nothing to do with wealth. It is the age segment that Iam talking about.
The few RLs that I have seen have been driven by men in the 50yrs age range. The original RL TV add looked like a guy in his late 30s to 40. When the 2nd Gen TL first came out the TV adds had a guy in his 30s.

[Acurite]

Originally Posted by nastinupe1

I own a TL and I believe that a scaled down version of the RL will be TOO close to the top of the line TL. Acura needs to head in the OTHER direction and make a true full size sedan for the same price.

I could have purchased an RL, but hated the styling and felt like its' size was too similar to the TL. The TL gave me all the options I wanted for about $13,000 less ( I Got the A Spec, chrome rims, etc).

The RL should have been larger than the LS with SH-AWD AND all of those technological goodies! That would have been a great car.

I almost got the IS350 but it was too small for me. Acura almost lost a customer. They better get it right in a few years or I'm getting an M5 or Range Rover Sport next.

I agree...

[91sedan]

Originally Posted by FTM-1

I saw a pic of the RL at the SEMA show I would pass on the bodyKit but go with the wheels & deck lip spoiler. I would have to see the car with the Kit on it up close in person to make a better judgement. The size of the car looks pretty good to me. It should not be the lenghth of the large Buicks or the size of a Chry 300. I don't know what segment the RL is marketed to this has nothing to do with wealth. It is the age segment that Iam talking about.
The few RLs that I have seen have been driven by men in the 50yrs age range. The original RL TV add looked like a guy in his late 30s to 40. When the 2nd Gen TL first came out the TV adds had a guy in his 30s.

the current RL is positioned against the performance luxury category i.e.) GS 300/430 and bimmer 5 series. Acura, at this point, has no car positioned in the ultra-luxury segment that would include the LS430 (soon to be LS460), 7 series, q45, and the MB S-class.

[shepsan]

In January 2005 I drove away from Bell Acura in Phoenix, AZ with my new 2005 RL. It cost me $47,888 (this included fees, tax, license, Lojack and a number of freebees the dealer threw in such as Automate). For that amount of money I got a superb sedan equipped with every luxury and hi-tech feature I could have possibly wanted. If I had purchased an Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus or Mercedes similarly equipped six cylinder cars, it would have cost me a lot more. If one of those cars had been equipped with a V8, it would have been a great deal more. Thus, I felt then and still feel today that I had the finest luxury sedan that my $47K could buy.

I no longer have the RL. The reason is not because the RL failed to live up to my expectations. It is because I rarely keep a car more than two years. Usually, I am able to regain quite a bit of monetary value doing this. However, the manner in which my 2005 RL depreciated in my first year of ownership motivated me to accept an offer from a private party that I could not refuse.

So, with an excellent deal in hand, I began to search for a replacement. I found one and bought it March 9, 2006. I chose a 2006 Infiniti M45 Luxury model sedan.

Even though it has been just a bit over one month, I have driven my M45 long enough to form an opinion about it. Thus, I am able to make a preliminary comparison between it and the superb 2005 Acura RL it replaced.

Unequivocally I find each to be fine luxury sedans. Either is able to meet my driving needs with safety and comfort. Both are improved versions of immediate predecessors and as such are greater values then any previous car of their brand.

There are certain necessities that I consider to be paramount in a luxury sedan. In order of importance to me are safety, engine performance, ride, overall visual style, fit, finish, creature comforts and price. Both the RL and the M45 surpassed these criteria by exceeding my expectations.

There are no factory options available for the RL. All of its numerous features and high-tech bells and whistles are included in a single purchase price. The M45 is priced in the more traditional way. Its base price includes a vast number of standard features. However, in order to equip it with other features that catered to my desire for creature comforts, I purchase the Journey and Tech packages at additional cost. These packages matched in similarity those integral to the RL as well as three additional features not offered by Acura in the RL.

Thus, comparably equipped, I paid $47,888 for the six cylinders 300hp powered RL and $59,911.17 for the eight cylinders 335hp powered M45. These figures include the aforementioned taxes, fees and registration permits, etc.

A frequent criticism of the RL is that it does not match and is thus inferior to other luxury sedans simply because Acura does not offer an engine with eight cylinders. I reject this assertion as nonsense. It has been my experience having owned numerous high-powered European V8 and V12 engine equipped cars that the 2005 RL’s six cylinders 300hp engine produces enough power and acceleration to enter freeways at optimum speeds, safely pass other cars when required to do so and to cruise at interstate speeds with ease and comfort. I must add however, that the RL engine does not stimulate me with the same physical “rush” as generated the M45 V8 335hp engine when I put my foot to the pedal.

So, what are the differences in the engines? The RL has a pleasant punch of sedate power. The M45's engine propels with verve and muscle. Both take me to my destinations in the same amount time driving within posted speed limits. If I were driving on the autobahn, I would want to have my foot on the M45 pedal. Driving in the city, the RL is more then adequate.

There is a downside to exhilarating engine power and that is higher gasoline consumption. Of the two sedans, better gas economy was my reward as an RL owner. The M45 swallows gasoline at a higher rate and requires more frequent fill-ups at the pump.

There are cost benefits owning an RL vs. an M45. As previously mentioned, it begins first with purchase price and builds immediately at the gas pump because of the more frequent M45 fill-ups at the pump. There is also an unexpected cost that I failed to anticipate, maintenance. I drove the RL in excess of 10k before first oil and filter change was required. Unlike the RL, the M45 requires its first oil and filter change at 3,750 miles and for me driving in the desert environment of Arizona, the operator’s manual suggests that I change oil and filter thereafter at increments of 3,750 miles.

Another difference is that the M45 requires a structured break-in period of 1200 miles. With the exception of a brief few miles to properly set the brakes and to allow the car to properly seat, I drove the RL from the very beginning as I did on the last day I drove it; with gusto!

The RL has its unique SHAWD. I never drove the RL in snow or in really foul weather. Nevertheless, I liked the SHAWD very much. I found that the RL’s handling on sharp curves was sure and safe.

The M45 is a RWD vehicle. Its suspension and ability to stabilize on curves at fairly high speed is as good as it gets. So much power married with such good handling has given me a very great sense of pleasure.

Both of these sedans are outfitted with a wide variety of creature comfort electronics including Bluetooth. My favorite feature in both is the navigation system. Each is excellent and can be operated by the driver using mechanical hand controls or by using voice recognition or a combination of each. The systems differ from one another in complexity and in visual and audio features. I found the RL system to be simpler to learn and operate. The M45 system is more sophisticated. Neither, however, was difficult to learn nor to master. Of the two, I favor the M45 system mainly because of its voice prompts and text menus.

The audio system is good in the RL. It is exceptional in the M45. The range, timber and overall sound quality of the M45 system are superior to the RL. In many ways, I find it superior to my home theater system which costs a great deal more.

The M45 has a CD player in the dash, its GPS and Bluetooth systems in the glove compartment. Its DVD audio and movie player is located in the center console. Movies can be shown on the main video dash screen only when the car is not being driven. DVD audio discs can be played at any time.

The RL has the DVD GPS navigation unit in the trunk. Its CD player is located in the dash.

I previously mentioned that three features were integral to the M45 option packages I purchased. None are present in the 2005 RL. The M45 has a camera mounted near the rear trunk latch. It provides a view to the rear of the vehicle while backing up. There is also a lane departure warning when the car ventures over an adjacent lane line and an intelligent cruise control which protect against ramming a car in front of the M45 when on it is on cruise control.

The M45 has driver and front seat passenger heat and air-conditioned seats. The 2005 RL has only heat controlled front seats.

Both cars are of similar dimensions. However, the M45 has more inside passenger and trunk space then the RL. In my family, the definitive authority on style and visual beauty is my wife. She says, “The RL is more beautiful on the outside and more luxuriously appointed on the inside. She also says the RL has the more comfortable seats. “

Hmmmmmm, although I recognize that it is not wise to argue with one’s wife, her subjective statement is just that . . . subjective. Long ago I learned that beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. At first, I agreed with my wife. But, the longer I drive the M45, the more its looks have become better and better. I can only say that in my eyes, both cars are great to look at.

Here are my conclusions: The 2005 Acura RL provides a good, safe and comfortable ride. I got more then my monies worth for the price I paid for it. Best of all, I never had a single mechanical failure with the RL. It not only looked and felt like a luxury sedan, in my estimation, it was one in every sense of the word.

My 2006 Infiniti M45 is sleek and well-appointed. I think its electronic creature comfort technologies are superior to those in the RL. The most apparent difference between the two in my estimation is the power and thrust of the M45. The Infiniti engine is awesome. Its transmission is stellar. The car is quiet at speed limits and rockets with a purr on the edge of a growl at high speeds that is music to my ears.

Both automobiles handle very well. The RL with its SHAWD always gave me a sense of security. The way the M45 handles, I am always in control.

As of this writing, it is my opinion that the overall quality of the 2006 M45 Luxury Sedan equipped with the Journey and Tech packages is superior to the 2005 RL. In fact, I think it superior to other luxury sedans I test drove before choosing the M45. The cars I checked out were not the mid-levels of the name European and Japanese brands but the Audio A8, BMW 745I, Jaguar XJ8, Lexus L430 and Mercedes S. All of these cars (similarly equipped to the M45) cost considerably more then I paid for the M45 and much, much, much more then the RL.

The difference in cost between the M45 and my former 2005 RL is a nonissue to me. However, if price is the determining consideration, one cannot go wrong choosing the RL.
In closing, I am in absolute disagreement with those who find the style of the RL to be nondescript. I think it is a beautiful design both on the exterior and in the interior.

I do agree with those who suggest that Honda/Acura should decide what they want the RL to be and with whom to compete. The spiraling decline of RL values is cause for concern; especially with those like me who change cars every so many years.

[Acura_Kid]

Originally Posted by shepsan

Another difference is that the M45 requires a structured break-in period of 1200 miles. With the exception of a brief few miles to properly set the brakes and to allow the car to properly seat, I drove the RL from the very beginning as I did on the last day I drove it; with gusto!.

what is the break-in for a M45 ??