My 2004 Acura RL Review
07-22-2006, 12:21 AM
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My 2004 Acura RL Review
Earlier today I test drove a white 2004 RL. It was in immaculate condition though with 80,000 miles. Previously it had been a company car and was obviously well taken care of. During this review, please keep in mind that it is a comfortable highway cruiser and was never intended to be a sports sedan.
Seating: I fit in the car perfectly. The seating was excellent with 10 way power adjustment and power adjustable steering. The leather was soft yet firm enough to retain the seat's shape. The leather still had the new car smell. Gauges were crisp and clean, in fact they're my favorite so far out of the Acura line-up. Visibility was excellent with no blind spots or thick pillars. Door sill was low enough to open the window and put your arm on the edge. The door lock knob however might interfere with your elbow in doing so.
Seating in the rear was excellent with enough legroom for an average adult male to be comfortable. The underside of the front seats are carpeted and there is plenty of footroom for the rear passengers. Headroom and shoulder room were adequate. Trunk was quite large with a nice long lid that allows good access and larger objects to be stored.
Driving Impressions: Driving the car I immediately noticed that the steering was a bit light at parking lot speeds. While I welcome lighter steering at slower speeds, it was a bit too much for my taste. Once on the road I went on the roughest parts I could think of in the area, the RL soaked them up without any complaint nor without feeling floaty. Body felt very strong with no flex or rattles. Road noise was not noticeable at all, very quiet. Steering become a bit heavier though still the lightest of any Honda I've driven. It was communicative and still inspired confidence.
Body roll was kept under control and braking feel was excellent. I didnt not make any crazy corners but I will say that most commuting drivers wont mind the handling. Transmission was just like any standard mid 90's Honda or Acura automatic with quick but slightly firm shifts. Power was a bit disappointing and seemed to be only in the first 3000 RPMs. I might be a bit biased as I have a modified '97 TL and the '05 TL both of which are far quicker and deliver their power in the higher RPM range.
Interior: Later, I tested the stereo and found it to be excellent with no distortion at higher volume levels and the standard XM was a nice bonus. Navigation worked quite well and the screen didnt have too much glare. Controls were excellent and the A/C was very cold and cooled the car immediately during the 100 degree heat.
Conclusion:
An excellent used car for someone who wishes to have a comfortable and reliable point A to B ride.
Seating: I fit in the car perfectly. The seating was excellent with 10 way power adjustment and power adjustable steering. The leather was soft yet firm enough to retain the seat's shape. The leather still had the new car smell. Gauges were crisp and clean, in fact they're my favorite so far out of the Acura line-up. Visibility was excellent with no blind spots or thick pillars. Door sill was low enough to open the window and put your arm on the edge. The door lock knob however might interfere with your elbow in doing so.
Seating in the rear was excellent with enough legroom for an average adult male to be comfortable. The underside of the front seats are carpeted and there is plenty of footroom for the rear passengers. Headroom and shoulder room were adequate. Trunk was quite large with a nice long lid that allows good access and larger objects to be stored.
Driving Impressions: Driving the car I immediately noticed that the steering was a bit light at parking lot speeds. While I welcome lighter steering at slower speeds, it was a bit too much for my taste. Once on the road I went on the roughest parts I could think of in the area, the RL soaked them up without any complaint nor without feeling floaty. Body felt very strong with no flex or rattles. Road noise was not noticeable at all, very quiet. Steering become a bit heavier though still the lightest of any Honda I've driven. It was communicative and still inspired confidence.
Body roll was kept under control and braking feel was excellent. I didnt not make any crazy corners but I will say that most commuting drivers wont mind the handling. Transmission was just like any standard mid 90's Honda or Acura automatic with quick but slightly firm shifts. Power was a bit disappointing and seemed to be only in the first 3000 RPMs. I might be a bit biased as I have a modified '97 TL and the '05 TL both of which are far quicker and deliver their power in the higher RPM range.
Interior: Later, I tested the stereo and found it to be excellent with no distortion at higher volume levels and the standard XM was a nice bonus. Navigation worked quite well and the screen didnt have too much glare. Controls were excellent and the A/C was very cold and cooled the car immediately during the 100 degree heat.
Conclusion:
An excellent used car for someone who wishes to have a comfortable and reliable point A to B ride.
07-27-2006, 11:37 PM
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94 views and no response? Is the 1st gen RL the unwanted bastard child of Honda?
07-27-2006, 11:44 PM
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I think it's a great car, especially for what it's going for. I should have steered my mom into an RL instead of the TL. Great car, but I think the RL's rock solid reliability, smooth operation, and simple yet luxurious cabin would have been great for her.
07-28-2006, 12:02 AM
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Originally Posted by joedokes28
It's a Honda Buick
07-28-2006, 12:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
94 views and no response? Is the 1st gen RL the unwanted bastard child of Honda?
Ken, never saw the original thread, don't shoot.I liked the RL exterior ever since it debuted. Couple of questions...
Was the steering feel light like an 80's Olds? I learned driving in an 83 Olds Cutlass Supreme. The steering was so light, I was paranoid that if I sneezed, the wheel would register my body vibration as steering input. Neutral on-center feel was non-existent, so I never really knew if I was pointed in the right direction. Bad learning car, very bad.
While I do agree that Honda trannies have firm shifts, my 96 Accord V6 definitely was not a quick shifter, maybe Acura one's were better.
So does the SH-AWD tame understeer to a certain extent? Does it turn better than other FWD cars, or did you pussy-foot it around corners?
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07-28-2006, 01:09 AM
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The steering was light for a Honda, about Lexus level but with far more communication as to what the tires were experiencing.
Oh and this is a 2004 RL, last of the FWD model. It has understeer, but is nothing excessive (cough cough Lexus ES) The 2005 RL was the SH-AWD debut
Oh and this is a 2004 RL, last of the FWD model. It has understeer, but is nothing excessive (cough cough Lexus ES) The 2005 RL was the SH-AWD debut
07-28-2006, 08:14 AM
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are you seriously considering this Ken? This is kind of an anemic car isn't it? Like someone said, a Honda Buick (LeSabre?)
07-28-2006, 09:19 AM
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Yes it is!
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I love the 04 RLs. I just love the styling of them. I test drove an 02 and also felt that the steering was light, but not twitchy, something I really liked. Also the interior is great. I can really tell a difference in the small details from the inside of my 2000 TL.
I'm pretty sure I might look for a good used 04 next time I need a car, in about two years or so.
I'm pretty sure I might look for a good used 04 next time I need a car, in about two years or so.
07-28-2006, 09:49 AM
#11
Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
94 views and no response? Is the 1st gen RL the unwanted bastard child of Honda?
Given the choice, I'd opt for a used Lexus LS/Infiniti Q45 over the RL.
07-28-2006, 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted by phile
Given the choice, I'd opt for a used Lexus LS/Infiniti Q45 over the RL.Resale isnt the same on all those. RL is much cheaper.
I mentioned this before many times but my dad is on his 3rd RL. Its such a great car and causes no issues. Its where i found out american made cars are totally different than Japanese made ones. My TLS didnt come close to the fit and finish the RL has.
He used to lease his RLs but he has an 02 now he bought and has 60k miles now. Still drives as if its brand new, no rattles or anything.
Last edited by Crazy Bimmer; 07-28-2006 at 10:01 AM.
07-28-2006, 12:02 PM
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The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
94 views and no response? Is the 1st gen RL the unwanted bastard child of Honda?
07-28-2006, 12:10 PM
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Yeah, I saw your carfax request (and the fleet stuff in the carfax), and when I googled for the vin, found the forsale ad... RL's look good in white 
Since you already have a couple of TL's, I was wondering what you were up to
So are you going to buy it ??
Since you already have a couple of TL's, I was wondering what you were up to
So are you going to buy it ??
07-28-2006, 12:30 PM
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Sticker price was $19,995. Considering the age, condition and features the car has, its a steal.
Not going to buy it, but originally I was thinking of giving my '97 TL to my brother ( there is no way I'm going to trade it to a dealer after the tasteful improvements I've done) and then getting the '04 RL to replace it. At this time, my brother doesnt want/need my car as his is doing just fine. I prefer to keep the '97 in the family.
As for the RL itself, I know its considered anemic, but its all I would need
I'm not out to win races, I mostly drive with the cruise control set at 75 mph on long freeway stretches across the northwest. Different cars for different needs.
Not going to buy it, but originally I was thinking of giving my '97 TL to my brother ( there is no way I'm going to trade it to a dealer after the tasteful improvements I've done) and then getting the '04 RL to replace it. At this time, my brother doesnt want/need my car as his is doing just fine. I prefer to keep the '97 in the family.
As for the RL itself, I know its considered anemic, but its all I would need
I'm not out to win races, I mostly drive with the cruise control set at 75 mph on long freeway stretches across the northwest. Different cars for different needs.
07-28-2006, 12:45 PM
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Yeah, the RL is definitely a grand touring type car... it's not going to win any races, but it'll get you to your destination in style and comfort...
The 1G RL continues the timeless classic styling of some of the old legends.... There was a early 1G RL owner in the warehouse here, and I always commented on how good the car looked even tho' it was several years old. I hope my CL ages that well
Even tho' I'll be 40 soon, My CLS is my first new car... I've got to get back to buying used... The 1st Gen RL's are a nice daily driver, and would compliment a weekend only car (like a s2000, porsche, elise, etc) nicely... Since the 2nd Gen RL's came out the prices on the 1G RL prices have started to look quite attractive...
Heck, if I hadn't bought my CL and was browsing AZ when Dallison sold his RL, I would have probably bought it of of him....
The 1G RL continues the timeless classic styling of some of the old legends.... There was a early 1G RL owner in the warehouse here, and I always commented on how good the car looked even tho' it was several years old. I hope my CL ages that well
Even tho' I'll be 40 soon, My CLS is my first new car... I've got to get back to buying used... The 1st Gen RL's are a nice daily driver, and would compliment a weekend only car (like a s2000, porsche, elise, etc) nicely... Since the 2nd Gen RL's came out the prices on the 1G RL prices have started to look quite attractive...
Heck, if I hadn't bought my CL and was browsing AZ when Dallison sold his RL, I would have probably bought it of of him....
07-28-2006, 01:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
Oh and this is a 2004 RL, last of the FWD model. It has understeer, but is nothing excessive (cough cough Lexus ES) The 2005 RL was the SH-AWD debut
07-29-2006, 01:30 PM
#21
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Also if you get different tires then the stock ones then the RL feels like a totally different car. Handling is really improved just by doing that.
Its too bad it doesnt get the respect that it deserves. Personally if i had a choice, i would actually get an RL over a TL.
Its too bad it doesnt get the respect that it deserves. Personally if i had a choice, i would actually get an RL over a TL.
07-29-2006, 01:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Also if you get different tires then the stock ones then the RL feels like a totally different car. Handling is really improved just by doing that.
Its too bad it doesnt get the respect that it deserves. Personally if i had a choice, i would actually get an RL over a TL.
Its too bad it doesnt get the respect that it deserves. Personally if i had a choice, i would actually get an RL over a TL.
Its far far more exciting to drive than a Buick or a Camry. Compared to those others, its the "driver's car"
08-12-2006, 05:03 PM
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Well well, I figured I'd add to this.
Today, I drove a 1996 RL and a 2000 RL.
To summarize, the '96 does feel like a Japanese Buick. The 2000 feels like an Avalon with sport tires and the '04 RL compared to them feels like a heavier, quiet Accord.
So for those of you who have ridiculed the RL for being a snooze, you may have been correct depending on the model year. The 2002 - 2004 RLs are the ones I'd go for, still retaining the excellent NVH characteristics, yet has a lot more life to it.
Today, I drove a 1996 RL and a 2000 RL.
To summarize, the '96 does feel like a Japanese Buick. The 2000 feels like an Avalon with sport tires and the '04 RL compared to them feels like a heavier, quiet Accord.
So for those of you who have ridiculed the RL for being a snooze, you may have been correct depending on the model year. The 2002 - 2004 RLs are the ones I'd go for, still retaining the excellent NVH characteristics, yet has a lot more life to it.
08-13-2006, 10:00 PM
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Originally Posted by youngTL
I absolutely love the 2002 and up RL's. If I was looking for a commuter car, this would be it. Especially at the awesome used prices!
I've seen some 2001's and 2002's with 60,000 miles and good condition going for around $15,000
08-13-2006, 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
I'd have to get the 04 model. i really love that blackwood they are using for it.
Plus thats when they had the blue gauges.
Plus thats when they had the blue gauges.
Plus the in-dash 6 disc, XM, power lumbar and 10 speakers
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