2003 Acura RL: Road Test
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2003 Acura RL ▼
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- MSRP: $43,150 -$45,150
- Invoice: $38,420 -$40,200
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Our road test for the 2003 Acura RL includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Acura RL from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Acura RL, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Acura RL help you decide if a 2003 Acura RL is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
Class-competitive power, lacking only V8-style midrange punch. Test car did 0-60 in 8.1 sec.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Test RL averaged 15.9 mpg including fuel-eating performance tests. Acura recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 7.1 |
Firm yet supple despite fairly taut chassis and higher-speed tires. Feels impressively solid over bad roads, too.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Quite agile for a luxury sedan, but it's no BMW 5-Series. Still, RL belies its size and mass with minimal body lean, responsive steering. Great brakes, too.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 6.8 |
Little noise from any source at most any speed, save a pleasant but muted V6 growl in full-throttle acceleration.
CONTROLS
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
Handsome, intelligent dashboard design; only a few minor switches are not ideally placed. Optional navigation system does not absorb climate controls and thus does not complicate routine adjustments.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
Well-planned, easily tailored driving position and clear all-around visibility. Ample space for adults. Comfortable seats.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Roomy enough for the class but not vast. Leg and knee room just OK with a front seat pushed right back, and head room limited for 6-footers.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Sets no class standard, but trunk is usefully shaped, easy to load.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 5.7 |
The RL deserves a 5-speed automatic transmission, but its road manners are class competitive and its V6 acceleration is fine, if not up to that of V8 rivals. Styling isn't cutting-edge, but this worthy car offers impressive refinement, quality, and value, plus a strong reliability record.
Total Score
| Base | Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 69 | 69 | 60.5 |
Total Score: 69
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