fredren

I was just thinking about the features fir the 05-08 models and am i wrong to assume that the 06 models were the best years? Not only had most of the bug fixes been addressed by then, but we also had the extended powertrain warranty take effect. The was also the first year that the camera accessory had been offered and probably the easiest year to attach that camera. 2006 models were also the last to have th navigation as standard equipment with the AFS function. I also believe we had better exterior color choices. This is my opinion guys so please no hate posts. thanks lol

Chas2

Of course I am biased, but I agree.

The 2007 was the slow march to deleting features by establishing three different models with cost cutting measures. So aside from things such as deleting AFS from the base model, which you could get by purchasing the up model Technology Package or CMBS, there is deleted OnStar, which you may never use, but if you want the option to unlock your doors or have emergency services called with SRS deployment, or want to add a 3 watt digital CDMA cell phone to your Verizon account, you can (so long as GM and OnStar are around!).

Oh, and you have genuine curly maple wood on the dash, regardless of the model

The best change, except for the body, may be the 2009, which fixes most everything that could be fixed in terms of performance without changing out the entire platform...the better engine, the better suspension, wheels, full iPod integration, XM weather, Traffic rerouting, ungraded Active Noise, updated bluetooth, updated voice recognition, easier AC control access, sound insulation, etc. I just can't get over the new body style which is also less slippery .30 Cd vs .29.

neuronbob

I agree, the 2009 adds all the features we have been begging for. Still don't care for the front, but at least Acura took our advice otherwise.

2006 was probably the peak for this car, though.

psheu

I agree with our fearless leader that's Y I got 2x '06 RLs in my family.... one for me and one for my dad.... However, I do admire the new "Platnum Frost" color that replaced the Celetial Silver Metalic..... I guess I can always have it re-painted later:P

one reason I love Acura is that they didn't go with the "option-this" "option-that" "package-this" "package-that" like the other dealers..... I mean, come on, we all like fully loaded stuff right? who wants to buy an half finished, incomplete car? A flag ship should have everything included and that's what the '06 RL have..... I did ask someone from the dealership why they are having so many trims on the newer RL, they gave me a weak reason that "some people" is afraid of all the technology RL offers..... wtf, just don't use them.....

well, if we like the '09 features, we can always wait for an unfortunate soul to donate their 09 parts.... but with the sales of the new RL have, it'll be a long time before we will c them.... so far, I only c the tail lights for sale.... what I want is the interior features (USB, door handles on the door arm rest, head unit, screen, newer SH-AWD computer, etc.).... they can keep the exterior:P

Derk's K24

So wait the 06's didnt have a tech package either just like the 05's? They came standard with navigation in 06' as well? Cuz that's the reason I was mainly looking at 05's so that I wouldn't have to sift through a bunch of cars that dont have what I'm looking for. Can someone confirm this for me?

fredren

the 06 did have a tech package but that year tech package was for the cmbs and pax run flats. all standard 05-06 rl came standard with navi and afs, but starting in 06 they came with the new 6yr/70k ext powertrain warranty

Ballinger

Consumer Reports lists the 07 as the most reliable.

Chas2

That is probably an artifact of the car being new. Generally, especially with Honda and Toyota family cars, the last year they have data for is always the most reliable. Next year, if they have enough data, the 2008 will be the most reliable.

fredren

hey hey you have an 06 also.. lol

Blazing GT

08

Chas2

If I understand the data gathering correctly, CR's 09 issues may not have 08 data yet gathered for the year, I think they may always be a year behind. I have not seen the 09 Car Issue yet, so I may be wrong.

Ballinger

The 09 CA car issue arrived at our home last week. They list better ratings for the '07 than they do the '06 except that they acknowledge owners of the '06 have much larger gonads than the owners of any other year, according to reliable government sources.

kssod

07 also picks up the rear camera standard with the nav package

Derk's K24

Ohhh ok. Thanks, that info is greatly appreciated. What is cmbs?

kirbyflorida

2006 with A-Spec suspension was the best.

psheu

CMBS = Collision Mitigation Braking System

Hell yeah!

rex.

the 06 is the best

Chas2

From the 2006 model year forward, the Acura RL features an optional Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), which can alert drivers of objects up to 330' ahead. If the driver gets dangerously close and doesn't take evasive action, the RL first provides visible and audible alerts. If the driver does not respond, the electronic pretensioning seatbelt system tugs on the shoulder belts. If the driver still doesn't react and the collision is deemed unavoidable, the RL retracts and locks seatbelts and brakes hard. Depending on the situation, all three stages may blend together as if one.

The same CMBS millimeter wave radar is also used to operate the optional Adaptive Cruse Control (ACC) feature. The driver selects a cruise speed and can set a timed following distance of 2.0, 1.5 and 1.0 seconds. When the cruising, and the ACC detects a target, up to 330' ahead, the engine throttle will be modulated to keep the selected timed following distance. If throttle modulation does not provide enough slowing, the car will also apply brakes to help keep the selected timed following distance.

This CMBS/ACC is a great feature in my book. I have gone into an early stage 3 and stood on the brakes, and collision was avoided. The CMBS allowed me that extra time by applying brakes faster and heavier than I could (especially when not looking).