2000 Acura RL Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

After numerous modifications last year, the flagship sedan of Honda's luxury brand boasts a standard antiskid system as its major year-2000 news. The 3.5RL continues with a 3.5-liter V6 that now meets LEV (low-emissions-vehicle) standards. Automatic transmission, side airbags, antilock 4-wheel-disc brakes, traction control, heated front seats, and high-intensity-discharge headlamps remain standard too. Taking advantage of the ABS and traction control is the new Vehicle Stability Assist system, which Acura says is specially designed for maximum skid control with front-wheel drive. The only major factory option is an improved version of Acura's in-dash satellite-linked navigation system, which gets a larger, 7-inch touch screen with matte finish designed for better legibility, plus a digital-video-disc (DVD) database covering the entire continental U.S. Returning from last season is a side airbag sensor that determines the size and positioning of the right front passenger so the bag doesn't deploy unnecessarily. The same data is used to determine normal or reduced inflation rate for the right-side dashboard airbag.

Competition

This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $33,000 Saab 9-5 to the $128,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. In the same vein, the more-expensive Lexus LS 400 continues to impress, excelling in every way except for handling.

If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.

News

The 2002 model year will be a busy one for Honda's luxury division as it introduces three new products, including a replacement for the 3.5RL. Termed by Acura officials as a rival for the BMW 5-Series and Lexus LS 430, the new flagship sedan will reportedly switch from front drive to rear-wheel drive and from V6 power to a new V8 of either 3.5 or 4.0 liters; the larger size seems more probable. Also on tap are more expressive styling and larger dimensions inside and out. Little other information is currently available on the new RL, but expect prices to be somewhat higher than for the current V6 car, perhaps by as much as $5000.

One feature of the next RL may be an online assistance system similar to GM's OnStar. Acura officials say they want to offer such a service and hint that it could be available within the next three years.

2000 Acura RL Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Navigation system controls

Steering/handling	Steering feel

Ride

Build quality

Exterior finish

Interior materials

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6.2

Our test RL went 0-60 mph in 8 seconds. Impressive, though most V8 rivals are quicker.

Fuel Economy

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	4.6

Competitive but not exceptional, getting 16.4-19.8 mpg.

Ride Quality

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	6.5

Firm yet supple, rolling over most bumps without a shudder or rattle.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.3

Agile for a big sedan. Minimal body lean and quick reflexes, but the steering lacks road feel.

Quietness

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	6.8

Quiet engine snarls smoothly in hard acceleration. Minimal wind and tire noise.

Controls

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	8	6.2

Well-placed, simple, and intuitive, but the nav system's display smudges easily.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	6.9

Ample space all around. Comfortable seats, but the slippery leather allows lots of sliding in turns.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	5.1

Adequate leg room, but head room is tight for those over 6-feet tall.

Cargo Room

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	3.9

Flat-floor trunk is usefully shaped, but not unusually roomy. Cabin has plenty of nooks for bric-a-brac.

Value within Class

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	4.1

The solid, luxurious RL merits a look as an intelligently designed car backed by a fine reputation for reliability. Though it still lacks features found on some rivals, such as a five-speed automatic transmission, Acura keeps adding equipment without huge price hikes. And because sales remain sluggish, you should be able to work a good deal on a fine car that tends to be overlooked.

Total Score

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Class Average
67	68	56.6

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		41
Average Score		56
High Score		68

2000 Acura RL Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 10/22/1999

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$42,000	$36,972	$480

Base w/Navigation System 4-door sedan	$44,000	$38,732	$480

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side-airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/front and rear automatic climate controls, interior air filter, variable-assist power steering, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/memory, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat w/memory and lumbar support, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, rear-seat trunk pass-through, wood interior trim, power sunroof, heated power mirrors w/memory, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Bose AM/FM/cassette, Bose AM/FM/cassette w/6-disc CD changer, 6-disc CD changer, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger, automatic day/night rearview mirror, remote fuel-door and decklid releases, variable intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, universal garage door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, Xenon headlights, fog lights, 215/60VR16 tires, alloy wheels.

Base w/Navigation System adds to Base:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Global Positioning/Navigation System.

Optional Equipment

No factory options.

2000 Acura RL Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Acura RL 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	114.6

Overall Length, in.	196.6

Overall Width, in.	71.4

Overall Height, in.	56.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	3858

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.1

Rear Head Room, in.	36.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /212

Horsepower @ rpm.	210 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	224 @ 2800

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	18/24

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Acura RL 4-door sedan

Collision	3

Collision (HLDI)	114

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Injury	5

Injury (HLDI)	64

Theft	3

Theft (HLDI)	73

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

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Acura RL Specs & Safety

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