I took a look at the new 05 rl and my initial reaction to it is that I think It looks very similar to an accord from the side and the rear. What does everyone think? I have seen the ads and the car looks fine, but in person the car looks more like an accord.

 

I think the car looks like a SPACE BUG, the lines are all over the place...i think the TL looks much more sleeker..

 

Along the same lines (no pun) also the older generation CLs too!

 

I like the new RL. Although I don't like the price, 50K+. HAHA

The rear bumper looks like it's been stolen from a Merc, which is good.

It does share a disgusting trend many Jap sedans are sporting in the past several years.

And it started with the current Nissan Altima. Look at it from the side. It's one bloated mofo. The Maxima is even more gigantic. And then this epidemic took hold of the current Accord. Somebody call a doctor.

And why is this happening? Because marketing says people like rear headroom. So the designers stretch the roof further back instead of gracefully arching them down to the trunk. Screw the passengers. I buy a car for me, not as a taxi.

It's not so bad on the RL though. I'd buy one, if doctors could slash off about $10K.

 

Buy it used.

 

I also had the opportunity to check the new RL out while having my car serviced. Definitely agree with the Accord profile, and DEFINITELY agree on it being overpriced. At it's price point, est $49k, that puts it right into the mix with the alot of tough competitors. The GS series, E class, 5 series, and the new anticipated M45 come to mind. Even with all it's standard techno-goodies I don't think it will compete well at that price class. Drop it down another $10k like mr.motoring suggested and it'll sell like hot cakes just the way the LS400 did in 1990. As Acura stands now, there is a gaping 16k price difference between the TL and RL while only about a $6500 difference between the TL and TSX. Acura should lower the cost of the RL and introduce a new flagship sedan that can truly compete with the GS430, E500, 545i or even the LS430. Just my .02.

 

I agree with what you ae saying and definately with the Accord profile as well.

 

I think the price point for the RL is right on target... for all the amenities that thing comes with, compared the cars mentioned, you would be way over the 50k mark comparably equipped. Its a great car for the price. And I've seen several in motion and they have an understated luxury abou them. If I had the money to burn, it would be at the top of my list... well maybe behind an FX 45

 

Just goes to show you can't please everyone all of the time. People rave about the Legend like it was a god and it looks more like an accord than this new RL. I like it, if I had that kind of money I would definately look at it. It does have rough competition at that price, though. Of course for that price I'd prolly get me a used NSX

 

People said the same thing about the Legend for years. It did well for its intended audience.

Honestly, how many of you in here can afford the RL right now with no payments?

 

Styling is a missed opportunity. With the TSX and the TL, they have a winning design and they should have stuck with the family resemblance.

For example, there's no doubt that a C class and an S class are from the same family of cars.

Feature set is impressive. If they offer an A-spec body kit it might look great with some 18 inch wheels and 1 inch drop.

On the price they are obviously trying to take the RL to a new league. Problem is, they have aimed the design at the same old buyers of a boring sedan. One is not consistent with the other and this is why it won't sell after the first year unless the price drops.

I'm going to test drive it anyways. If it puts a big smile on my face, then who cares!

Mind you, with an AWD GS and M45 around the corner, it's gonna be tough going.

And finally, the price difference from the TL seems a bit much.

In Canada, the TSX is $34k, the TL is $42k, the RL should have been around $60. At $70 it's a bit of a stretch.

I am now dreaming about an AWD TL for $45k CAD ($35k USD)

 

that dream will come true