2001 Acura RL: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The flagship sedan of Honda's luxury brand adds an in-trunk emergency opener and carpeted floormats as its only changes for 2001. Standard 3.5-liter V6, 4-speed auto. transmission, side airbags, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, antiskid/traction system, heated front seats. Also standard: a sensor system that deactivates both right front airbags if a child or out-of-position occupant is detected and deploys the dashboard airbag with normal or reduced force as appropriate. The one factory option is a satellite-linked navigation system with in-dash touch screen and digital video disc (DVD) database for the continental U.S. An updated 2002 RL debuts next spring with more power among various refinements.

COMPETITION

This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $34,000 Saab 9-5 to the $130,000 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. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a bit long in the tooth, also continues to impress with its impeccable road manners and luxurious comfort.

If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.