2004 Acura 3.5 RL

We'd like to get one thing straight right up front about the Acura RL: We like it and have no problem admitting so. There are some media outlets that have tested the RL in recent years that have had some downright nasty things to say about the biggest and most expensive Acura sold. We do not fall into this category. Now, this isn't because we think the RL is perfect, because it's not. We think it's a pretty good car that unfortunately falls behind the competition in a couple of important areas. Let us explain.

Sheetmetal styling carries over from 2003 and features a prominent, pentagonal grille and high, wide shoulder lines for a distinctive Acura appearance.

The RL has come under fire in the past few years because as Acura's flagship model, many critics feel that it should come with a V-8 engine instead of the 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6. Acura says that the RL competes with cars such as the Audi A6, BMW 530i, Lexus GS 300 and Mercedes-Benz E320. However, while the 2004 RL with its base MSRP of $45,600 is priced about the same as these cars, the RL is larger than all of them. In fact, the RL is almost the exact same size as the largest Lexus, the LS430, which carries a base price of $54,925, or nearly $10,000 more than the RL.


Enter the engine controversy. The LS 430 comes with a 4.3-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 that pumps out 290 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. On the other hand, the 3.5-liter V-6 in the RL only puts out 225 horsepower and 231 lb.-ft. of torque. However, after driving an RL in all kinds of Los Angeles traffic where robust acceleration is not only desired, but a necessity of survival, we're happy to report that the RL performed quite well. The torque curve feels extremely flat, pulling well from throttle tip in all the way to the shift points of the four-speed automatic transmission. However, it's not a rocket ship and if Acura wants to play in this large-lux arena, it really needs to plunk a V-8 under the hood of the next RL, due out in a couple of years. Unfortunately, Rumor has it that the next RL will stick with V-6 power, but we're holding out hope.

For 2004, the RL receives a variety of interior enhancements that lengthen its list of standard features, which include XM(r) Satellite Radio.

Another area that the RL falls behind the competition is the fact that it's a front-wheel drive car. This marks the other major difference between the RL and the cars that Acura says that it competes with—the others are all or rear-wheel drive cars. It's widely believed that in order to be considered a serious luxury sedan, a car must be rear-wheel drive. While we do agree with this philosophy due to the more sophisticated handling feel offered by rear drive cars, the RL actually feels pretty good in the area of handling. It exhibits the kind of understeer during cornering that's common with most front-drivers, yet is more than able when the road becomes curvy. To help the driver maintain control, the RL is equipped with Acura's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, which provides both traction control and stability assistance.


On the inside, the 2004 RL comes standard with leather seating surfaces, a power moonroof, an Acura/Bose Music System, an Automatic Climate Control System, heated front seats and door mirrors, and a HomeLink remote control garage door-opener system. We found the interior simple, yet elegant. No hard to figure out controls. Just straightforward buttons and switches all within easy reach of the driver.