I have an 06RL and was considering a new one, but I heard that Acura no longer offers OnStar. Is this true?

 

True.

 

Ouch. that is a key safety feature. can anything be done?

 

The 2006 RL was the last model year to offer ONSTAR telematics. However, ONSTAR subscription service is still available to your RL.

It is expected that Acura / Honda is developing it's own ONSTAR-like interface to be integrated as part of AcuraLink. With the current AcuraLink configuration and HFL / Bluetooth phone linking, most of ONSTAR services are redundant. Not all, but many. Emergency response (if the airbags are deployed) and vehicle tracking, if stolen, are two primary features ONSTAR offers above other features redundant with AcuraLink & HFL.

ONSTAR is controlled by GM. GM's relationship with Acura occurred with the Acura SLX, which was a rebadged Isuzu Trooper. GM had controlling interest in Isuzu USA (and eventually lead to the death of the brand in the USA). As part of this model sharing agreement, ONSTAR was packaged into the joint venture to offer in the RL and SLX Acura models. This joint venture also included rebranding the Isuzu Rodeo as Honda Passport and Honda Odyssey as Isuzu Oasis.

Now to add to the redundancy, Honda / Acura have major interest in XM, which also is the medium for AcuraLink. See where they are heading? Now comes the XM & Sirius merger.....so who knows what is next!

Talk about 6 degrees of seperation. But ONSTAR in your RL is indirectly linked to an Isuzu Oasis minivan.

 

To clarify: your 2006 RL, like mine, will continue to be able to use OnStar. Later RLs have no OnStar. You just have to pay up. In fact, it's time for me to re-up my yearly investment in OnStar.

Got it?

 

What's OnStar cost and what's it "do"?

 

I called and after 9 minutes an adviser picked up. I inquired on the subscription plans and after giving her my VIN 5 times she kept saying that the VIN was not showing up for OnStar capable vehicle. Perhaps I will try again at a later time.

 

OnStar Safe and Sound plan features
Acura's OnStar pages

Cliff's: $199 a year

I pay it so my wife doesn't worry about me given the way I drive (ahum..."spirited"). I also value the stolen vehicle locator. Yes, it has its limits as it's cell-phone based, but it's better than no protection at all and works in more areas than LoJack.

All you have to do is go to www.onstar.com to get the info you need. I hope that nine-minute wait wasn't from your car!