There have been several award-winning cars from Acura over the years, including the Acura RL of 2008. There are one trim levels to the RL, including Base and Elite. The Base version is one of the more popular options, outselling other configurations. Like in 2007 the popular 3.5 liter VTEC has made this a popular choice for sedan buyers across the country.

Under the Hood

The restyled RL Base is equipped with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine that utilizes 24 valves. The VTEC engine is mated to a Honda five-speed transaxle. This has resulted in an increase in horsepower and torque over the 2007 version.

The RL uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.

Vehicle Statistics

The dimensions of the RL Base are 72.70 inches wide by 193.60 inches long. It sits 57.10 inches off the ground. It seats a standard five passengers, with 4 doors. The wheelbase of 110.20 allows for extra leg room for the rear passengers.

The listed retail price in 2008 (MSRP) was $46,280, with a dealer invoice cost of $41,560. This price is on target the industry average price for a four-door Sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel system for the 2008 RL is a PGM-FI system, running on gasoline . The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The 19.40-gallon tank provides the fuel storage for longer trips.

The 2008 RL gets 24 miles/gallon on the highway and only 16 in the city. This is subpar for a sedan car.

We Think...

The 2007 model began the promise of the Acura RL. The 2008 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Acura hopes that the RL Base will continue to be a profitable vehicle.

The 2005 RL is an important vehicle to Acura for the sedan market segment. The Base is a member of a series of one trim levels for the RL which include Base. The four-door car with its all-wheel drive is positioned to aggressively fill this niche for Acura. There is strong competition from vehicles from Nissan.

Performance

The RL Base is equipped with a Honda 3.5 liter six-cylinder engine that utilizes 24 valves. The VTEC engine is mated to a Honda 5-speed Transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Acura.

The RL uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.

Fuel is handled for the RL is a PGM-FI design, running on gasoline fuel. The gasoline is handled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The capacity of the fuel tank is 19.40 gallons.

RL Base Statistics

The dimensions of the RL Base are 72.70 inches wide by 193.60 inches long. It sits a comfortable 57.10 inches off the ground. It seats a standard five passengers, with 4 doors. The wheelbase of 110.20 allows for limited leg room for the backseat passengers.

There is a 50,000* mile, 60* month warranty with this vehicle, including a powertrain warranty of 50,000*/36* miles/months. This is normal for this price range.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $49,100 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $43,714. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 4-door Sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

The RL Base received a miles-per-gallon rating of eighteen in-city driving and twenty six when it came to long-distance. Being a gas-powered non-green car, this was subpar.

The vehicle is available in Carbon Gray Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic, Desert Mist Metallic, Lakeshore Silver Metallic, Meteor Silver Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Opulent Blue Pearl, Premium White Pearl, and Redondo Red Pearl.

In Summary

The 2005 model year was unsuccessful for the Acura RL. The introduction of several trim levels (along with the Base version) meant that buyers had several options to choose from..

The Acura RL is a 4-door car available at your Acura dealer. The RL came in one configurations: Base. The Base configuration is powered by the 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine, which makes 26 highway miles and 18 city. The RL competes in the Sedan market segment, in direct competition with Infiniti.

2006 Acura RL Base Specs

Standard equipment in the RL for 2005 and 2006 includes the 3.5 liter engine by Honda, weighing in at 6 cylinders and twenty four valves. A 5-speed Automatic Transaxle puts the power of the VTEC engine to the pavement. The has proven to be a popular configuration for the RL.

The RL uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.

The fuel system for the 2006 RL is a PGM-FI design, using gasoline fuel. The fuel flow is controlled by a electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The fuel capacity of the fuel tank is 19.40 gallons.

Statistics

The RL is 193.60 inches long, 72.70 inches wide, and 57.10 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 110.20 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

There is a 50,000 mile, 48 month warranty with this vehicle, including a powertrain warranty of 70,000/72 miles/months. This is normal for this price range.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $49,300 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $43,907. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 4-door Sedan.

MPG Ratings

The RL Base received a miles-per-gallon rating of eighteen in-city driving and twenty six when it came to highway driving. Being a gas-powered non-hybrid car, this was within normal parameters.

In 2005 and 2006 the RL Base was availble in the exterior colors of Carbon Gray Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic, Desert Mist Metallic, Lakeshore Silver Metallic, Meteor Silver Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Opulent Blue Pearl, Premium White Pearl, and Redondo Red Pearl.

What We Think of the Acura RL

The 2005 model began the promise of the Acura RL. The 2006 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Acura hopes that the RL Base will continue to be a profitable vehicle.

The RL uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.

Vehicle Statistics

The RL is 195.10 inches long, 71.30 inches wide, and 54.50 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 114.60 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

The standard warranty period for the RL is 60* months, or 50,000* miles, whichever comes first. This is standard in the sedan market.

The listed retail price in 1996 (MSRP) was $41,000, with an invoice cost of an industry-low price. This price is above average of the industry average price for a four-door Sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel system for the 1996 RL is a PGM-FI design, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel flow is regulated by a electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The storage capacity of the fuel tank is 18.00 gallons.

The 1996 RL gets 25 miles/gallon on the highway and only 19 in the city. This is exceptional for a sedan car.

We Think...

There are several reasons why the Acura RL Base sold well in 1996. Mainly the increase in availability and a marked improvement in quality meant the buying public was more apt to choose a Acura, specifically a RL.

Under the Hood

Standard equipment in the RL for 1995 and 1996 includes the 3.5 liter engine by Honda, weighing in at 6 cylinders and twenty four valves. A 4-speed Automatic Transaxle puts the power of the VTEC engine to the pavement. This is a long-standing favorite for buyers in the Sedan arena.

The RL uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.

Vehicle Statistics

The RL is 195.10 inches long, 71.30 inches wide, and 54.50 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 114.60 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $41,000 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of an industry-average price. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 4-door Sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel system for the 1996 RL is a PGM-FI design, using gasoline fuel. The fuel flow is controlled by a electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The fuel capacity of the fuel tank is 18.00 gallons.

The 1996 RL gets 25 miles/gallon on the highway and only 19 in the city. This is subpar for a sedan car.

What We Think of the Acura RL

The 1995 model began the promise of the Acura RL. The 1996 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Acura hopes that the RL Premium will continue to be a profitable vehicle.

Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The RL comes equipped with power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. The car uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.

Statistics

The RL is 195.10 inches long, 71.30 inches wide, and 54.50 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 114.60 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

The standard warranty period for the RL is 60* months, or 50,000* miles, whichever comes first. This is standard in the sedan market.

The listed retail price in 1996 (MSRP) was $41,000, with a dealer invoice cost of an industry-average price. This price is in line with the industry average price for a four-door Sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel system for the 1996 RL is a PGM-FI system, running on gasoline . The fuel is regulated by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design.

The RL Premium received a miles-per-gallon rating of nineteen in-city driving and twenty five when it came to highway driving. Being a gas-powered non-hybrid car, this was within normal parameters.

In Summary

The 1996 model year was unsuccessful for the Acura RL. The introduction of several trim levels (along with the Premium version) meant that buyers had several options to choose from..

The restyled RL Premium is equipped with a Honda 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine that utilizes a total of 24 valves. The VTEC engine is paired with a Honda 4-speed transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Acura.

Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The RL has power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. The car uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.

RL Premium Statistics

The dimensions of the RL Premium are 71.70 inches wide by 196.70 inches long. It sits a comfortable 54.50 inches off the ground. It seats a standard five passengers, with 4 doors. The wheelbase of 114.60 allows for limited leg room for the backseat passengers.

The standard warranty period for the RL is 48 months, or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is standard in the sedan market.

The listed retail price in 2004 (MSRP) was $45,600, with an invoice cost of $40,600. This price is slightly higher than the industry average price for a four-door Sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel system for the 2004 RL is a traditional PGM-FI, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The capacity of the fuel tank is 18.00 gallons.

The RL Premium received a miles-per-gallon rating of eighteen in-city driving and twenty four when it came to long-distance. Being a gas-powered non-green car, this was subpar.

In Summary

The 2003 model began the promise of the Acura RL. The 2004 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Acura hopes that the RL Premium will continue to be a profitable vehicle.

The restyled RL SE is equipped with a Honda 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine that utilizes a total of 24 valves. The VTEC engine is paired with a Honda 4-speed transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Acura.

Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The RL has power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. The car uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.

RL SE Statistics

The RL is 195.10 inches long, 71.30 inches wide, and 54.50 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 114.60 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

The standard warranty period for the RL is 60* months, or 50,000* miles, whichever comes first. The warranty also includes a warranty on the drivetrain for 36* months or 50,000* miles respectively. This is standard in the sedan market. Extended warranties are also available through the dealer.

The listed retail price in 1998 (MSRP) was $41,200, with an invoice cost of $35,980. This price is slightly higher than the industry average price for a four-door Sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel system for the 1998 RL is a traditional PGM-FI, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The capacity of the fuel tank is 18.00 gallons.

The 1998 RL gets 25 miles/gallon on the highway and only 19 in the city. This is average for a sedan car.

In Summary

There are several reasons why the Acura RL SE sold well in 1998. Mainly the increase in availability and a marked improvement in quality meant the buying public was more apt to choose a Acura, specifically a RL.

As time has gone by several things can be said about the Acura RL series: including the strong reaction most buyers have towards their car. The 6-cylinder engine is at the core of the strong emotions, it is reliable for its class and delivers a huge amount of torque.

Performance

The RL Base is equipped with a Honda 3.5 liter six-cylinder engine that utilizes 24 valves. The VTEC engine is mated to a Honda 5-speed Transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Acura.

Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The RL has power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. The car uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.

The fuel system for the 2008 RL is a PGM-FI design, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel flow is regulated by a electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The storage capacity of the fuel tank is 19.40 gallons.

RL Base Statistics

The dimensions of the RL Base are 72.70 inches wide by 193.60 inches long. It sits a comfortable 57.10 inches off the ground. It seats a standard five passengers, with 4 doors. The wheelbase of 110.20 allows for limited leg room for the backseat passengers.

The standard warranty period for the RL is 48 months, or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. The warranty also includes a warranty on the drivetrain for 72 months or 70,000 miles respectively. This is standard in the sedan market. Extended warranties are also available through the dealer.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $46,280 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $41,560. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 4-door Sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

The RL Base received a miles-per-gallon rating of sixteen in-city driving and twenty four when it came to long-distance. Being a gas-powered non-green car, this was subpar.

The vehicle is available in Carbon Gray Pearl, Desert Mist Metallic, Lakeshore Silver Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl, Opulent Blue Pearl, Platinum Frost Metallic, Premium White Pearl, and Redondo Red Pearl.

In Summary

The 2007 model began the promise of the Acura RL. The 2008 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Acura hopes that the RL Base will continue to be a profitable vehicle.

The RL Premium is equipped with a Honda 3.5 liter six-cylinder engine that utilizes 24 valves. The VTEC engine is mated to a Honda 4-speed Transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Acura.

The RL uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.

RL Premium Statistics

The RL is 195.10 inches long, 71.30 inches wide, and 54.50 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 114.60 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.

The standard warranty period for the RL is 48 months, or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. The warranty also includes a warranty on the drivetrain for 48 months or 50,000 miles respectively. This is standard in the sedan market. Extended warranties are also available through the dealer.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $41,000 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $35,190. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 4-door Sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel system for the 1997 RL is a traditional PGM-FI, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The capacity of the fuel tank is 18.00 gallons.

The 1997 RL gets 25 miles/gallon on the highway and only 19 in the city. This is average for a sedan car.

In Summary

The 1997 model year was unsuccessful for the Acura RL. The introduction of several trim levels (along with the Premium version) meant that buyers had several options to choose from..