For quite some time, my parents had been starting to think about a new midsize lux sedan. Their 2000 Acura RL has been great; it's simply time for a new vehicle, as this is the longest they have ever kept a vehicle. It's been such a great car, I've been given the opportunity to take ownership of it.

Last week I had been anxiously awaiting the debut of the 2009 Acura RL. Having been a fan of the RL, though not completely sold on it, I thought the debut at the Chicago Autoshow would seal the deal. The RL was missing some of features of the other midsizers and needed an updated rear end to make it a bit less anonymous.

Unfortunately, Acura changed the exterior design of the 2009 RL for the worse. The front end now has a discordant grille with Accord headlights. And while the rear end has been pleasantly updated (for the most part), it looks overdone. The added interior features inside are not enough to redeem this car, and because of it, I believe they will lose many Acura faithful.

On the flipside, this change has made it lot easier to decide on the GS350 AWD. After a quick drive through the Lexus lot today, it seems to be that a GS350 AWD will fit the bill perfectly (and having previously driven the GS). We had been looking at the GS along side the RL (along with the M, and A6), but the GS seems to be the best fit now that we know what the '09 RL looks like.

I honestly wish the RL would have been made a looker--I had liked this car for quite some time, and really wanted to like the updated version. I had high hopes for the new car and for the brand as a whole. Brand loyalty can only go so far, however, when the product does not deliver. Like other members have said, the '09 is an embarassment, unfortunately.

Anyway, I have high hopes for the next iteration of the RL--I certainly hope I will not be disappointed this next time.

To all of the current RL owners--enjoy your cars! They are beautifully engineered, excellent, all-around performers.

 

Are you putting any value in the SH-AWD? In my opinion, that trumps the looks. I've never driven a GS, but in following this forum, it seems others claim the handling is not as good.

 

I can put value in the SH-AWD--my father can, as well. However, my mother, the primary driver, does not fully appreciate a well driving car. The AWD is desired for its all-weather purpose and not handling. Beyond this, she wants a cush, feature laden vehicle (living in the Northwest, she is really impressed by rain-sensing wipers), which is the primary focus of the GS.

My father is keen on Lexus reliability and Lexus service, which is superior to our Acura dealer. Add to the list the resale of the GS and its looks, and it seems like overall a better fit for their situation.

If it were to be my father's or my personal vehicle, I do not think we'd choose the GS; the M or A6 (or even an A8) would likely be the choice. Heck, we might even toy with the idea of an '08 RL. I'm just embarassed by the '09. I'm sorry, but in this price range, it's gotta be a looker.