2005-2007 Acura RL Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Acura RL. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Acura RL.

2005-2007 Acura RL Review

Acura redesigned its flagship sedan for 2005. The '05 RL was four inches shorter in wheelbase and overall length than its 1996-2004 predecessor, but gained standard all-wheel drive, more power, fresh styling, and additional safety and convenience features. It came in one trim level with no options. The sole engine was a 3.5-liter V6 with 300 hp. The only transmission was a 5-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual operation. Acura called the RL's AWD system Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). It was designed to transfer power to the outside rear wheel in turns to help rotate the car around a corner. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags were standard. So were antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid control, steering-linked xenon headlights, navigation system, and keyless access and ignition. Also included was the AcuraLink system, which displayed maintenance reminders, operating tips, diagnostic information, and vehicle recalls on a dashboard screen. It also alerted the driver to traffic conditions and accidents in major urban areas.

Year to Year Changes

2006 Acura RL: For 2006, the RL gained an optional Technology Package that included run-flat tires and adaptive cruise control, plus Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System, which signaled of approaching objects and applied the brakes and tightened the front seat belts if it determined a collision was unavoidable. The engine's horsepower rating dropped by 10, to 290.

2007 Acura RL: Acura's flagship sedan shuffles a few features for 2007. For 2007, steering-linked xenon headlamps and a voice-activated navigation system move from standard equipment to an available Technology Package. The option introduces a rearview camera and includes the AcuraLink system providing OnStar assistance, real-time traffic conditions, and vehicle maintenance data. A second Technology Package, priced as a separate model, adds run-flat tires, adaptive cruise control, and Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System, which signals of approaching objects and applies the brakes and tightens the front seatbelts if it determines a collision is unavoidable.

2005-2007 Acura RL Road Test

Pros	Cons

Standard all-wheel drive	Rear-seat room

Ride/handling	Keyless locking/starting akward

Quietness

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

The RL's powerful V6 provides ample acceleration. We timed 0-60 mph at a brisk 7.0 sec. That's almost on par with some V8 rivals, but RL can't quite match their highway passing punch. Transmission shifts smoothly, responds quickly to convenient manual-shift paddles. Test RLs averaged 17.0 mpg in mixed city/highway use that included gas-eating performance tests, 21.0 mpg with more highway driving. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel. Ride quality is remarkably supple even for a sports-luxury sedan. Only the sharpest bumps filter through. Handling is confidence-inspiring, with accurate steering, firm suspension, strong brakes, and traction-enhancing SH-AWD. The last behaves like other AWD setups in normal driving, but feels a touch more stable in aggressive maneuvers. The 2006 Technology Package's radar-based cruise control and auto-braking systems impressed us in brief demo runs and seem to be worthy safety aids. Inside, there are legible gauges and mostly sensible controls. But the center dash is awash in buttons, many duplicating functions accessible from a "master" knob for display on the large, clear dashboard screen; sorting it all out takes patience. At least the responsive, accurate voice control simplifies navigation use. Real time accident/traffic info is a boon for commuting, and the stereo can play DVD Audio discs. Cabin decor and assembly are top-notch. The RL is one of the quietest cars around--engine, road and wind noise are all impressively hushed. There is ample head and leg room in front. Seats are all-day comfortable and supportive in spirited cornering. Some shorter drivers may feel a bit "buried," but ample seat adjustments, tilt/telescope steering wheel help compensate. The rear seat area has enough head clearance for all but the very tall. Rear knee room and toe space are fine unless front seats are moved well aft. The bench seat is unusually supportive, but center floor hump compromises three-abreast comfort. The RL's overall cargo space is average. The wide trunk extends well forward, but lacks height for really big cargo. Sickle-shape trunklid hinges are covered, but eat up space; most rivals have compact strut-type hinges. The rear seatback has small pass-through but doesn't fold.

Value for the Money
The 2005-06 RL boasts a sporty demeanor, smart engineering, standard all-wheel drive, and Acura's reputation for reliability and resale value. Other premium midsize rivals offer V8 power and higher nameplate prestige, but the RL is still an excellent value.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acura RL	Rating

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	7

Steering/Handling/Braking	8

Quietness	8

Controls/Materials	8

Interior Room	8

Room/Comfort (rear)	7

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	7

Total:	67

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

2005-2007 Acura RL Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Audio system: The audio system may quit working requiring a "reboot" by removing the No. 2 fuse for at least one minute. (2005)

Check-engine light: The check engine light may illuminate and the trouble code points to a problem with the oxygen sensor, but may actually be only low battery state of charge. (2005)

Information stickers/paperwork: Some vehicles had problems shifting into fourth gear and/or engine shudder for which the company was updating the computer program. If so, a punch mark appears above the 11th character on the VIN plate in the engine compartment.

Suspension noise: Rattling noise from the front on rough roads and/or squeal when applying the brakes may be due to bad anti-rattle springs and/or brake pad material. (2005)

Transmission leak: Over time, transmission fluid leaks may develop at the banjo bolt fittings requiring replacement of the sealing washers. (2005-2005)

Valve cover leaks: Aluminum tire valve caps (on pressure monitors) corrode to the valve, especially in states where salt is used on the road. (2006)

Water leak: Speakers in front door have gaskets that could cause water to enter the interior. The company issued a product update campaign, but power locks may continually cycle after the fix unless re-initialized. (2005)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$1,320

Alternator	$780

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$3,460

Brakes	$1,320

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,450

Exhaust System	$890

Radiator	$920

Shocks and/or Struts	$2,300

Timing Chain or Belt	$1,050

NHTSA Recall History

2005: A coil wire inside the fuel pump relay may break, causing the fuel pump to lose power and the engine not to start. Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump relay free of charge.

2005-2007 Acura RL Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2005
RL	$31,000-33,000	$28,800-30,700	$21,700-23,100

2006
RL	$35,000-37,500	$32,600-34,900	$24,900-26,600

2007
RL	$40,000-43,000	$37,200-40,000	$28,800-31,000

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

2005-2007 Acura RL Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	110.2

Overall Length, in.	193.6

Overall Width, in.	72.7

Overall Height, in.	51.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3984

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	19.4

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	37.2

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.3

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

Powertrain Options and Availability

Only one powertrain was available in 2005-06 RLs: a 3.5-liter V6 that was rated at 300 HP for 2005, and 290 for 2006. The sole transmission was a 5-speed automatic.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc V6	3.5 / 212	295	258	5-speed automatic: 18/26	5-speed automatic: 19.5

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

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	2005 RL

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

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%.

Built In: Japan

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/all-wheel drive

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Also in the 2005-2007 Acura RL Review:

Acura RL

Acura RL Road Test

Acura RL Reliability

Acura RL Prices

Acura RL Specs & Safety

Acura RL Photos

Acura RL Full Review