The four-door RL has room for five. All versions come with an impressive array of standard safety features including a full complement of airbags in the front and side position.

The Technology Package is apt to be a favorite with drivers who like their ride to have all the extra gizmos. Look for traction control, fog lamps, ABS, and an engine immobilizer standard. The combination audio unit includes a CD player, MP3 capability, and satellite radio with controls on the steering wheel. The leather seats are heated and powered (with eight levels of adjustment for the driver) on both front sides. All onboard communications are hands free with a navigation unit, trip computer, and auxiliary power outlets standard.

Elegant little touches like burled camphor wood trim, front and rear reading lamps, and a center arm rest to the rear firmly confirm that the RL is a luxury sedan. The vehicle competes more than favorably with the Jaguar S-Type, Audi A6, and Volvo S80. In addition to outstanding safety ratings, reviewers have found the RL to deliver a smooth, steady ride worthy of the sedan’s position as the maker’s flagship model.

Granted this is largely a carry over from 2007, but Acura didn’t let the dust settle on its finer touches. There’s little here to disappoint. While not as sporty in appearance as a high-performance coupe, the RL delivers the same level of power with the roominess of a sedan. A V8 engine choice would have been nice, but the V6 offers better than average reliability. Since no major re-design of the RL is expected until 2010 or later, there’s no point in waiting if you’re in the market for a well-conceived, top-level luxury sedan.

Interest in the RL increased in 1999 as enhancements were made to the handling and performance of the vehicle, and the subtle yet assertive body style changes updated the visual appearance. Safety also received greater attention with side airbags included as a standard feature for both driver and front passenger.

Throughout the years, the vehicle has been classified as a mid-size luxury sedan, and it has never failed to deliver the lavish comfort and convenience features expected in a luxury vehicle. The RL has also continually received honorable mention in many arenas for its mechanical reliability. The vehicles produced for 2004 included some fundamental technological upgrades, including the addition of the OnStar system and XM satellite radio. However, it was the complete re-design in 2005 that really stepped things up a notch.

The 2005 Acura RL represented a worthy competitor to similar European models manufactured by the likes of Mercedes, BMW and Audi. With a more powerful 300 horsepower V6 engine and all wheel drive integrated with superior handling, the sharply designed 2005 RL appealed greatly to those who had been longing for a new breed of functional, practical and sporty luxury sedan. Seemingly on the right track, few changes were made to the 2006 and 2007 models with the exception of the expanded optional technology packages. These changes made the Acura sedan even more attractive to prospective buyers.

V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission on the S model, which also has an optional upgrade to a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission. Either way, you get all-wheel drive, an anti-lock brake system, and a vehicle stability system with traction control.

Standard exterior features are typical of Acura’s 2007 line: high intensity xenon headlights, fog lights, heated outside mirrors that retain driver-specific settings, and timed windshield wipers with a velocity adjusting feature. Additionally, the TL is loaded with Acura’s usual safety features, including a distant unlock system with driver ID, security rear door locks, race car seatbelts in the front and rear seats, front, lateral-curtain airbags.

The TL’s interior features breathable leather-trimmed seats, and front seats that are not only heated, but also adjustable - motorized back support for the driver, and the front passenger. Both the front and rear seats have a center armrest - the rear one has a locking trunk pass-through, while the front is an adjustable console. Additional interior features standard to all trims are a power moon roof, an 8-speaker AM/FM/Cassette player and a 6-disc CD/DVD audio changer as well as an XM satellite radio and MP3 player jacks. Cruise control is wheel-mounted, and there is also a tilt steering column and a dual zone climate control system.

All the features of the 2007 Acura TL are wrapped up in a fresh, fun package, with fuel efficiency of 20 mpg (city) and 29 mpg on the open road, and a starting MSRP of $33,625

The exterior design of the TL is accentuated by the bold angular grille, whose lines continue on down the sides of the vehicle in clean, sharp lines. The headlights address the same lines as they flare up and back. The interior is clean and functional with logical placement of all gauges and controls. Tastefully elegant upholstery treatments contrast with a utilitarian Bauhaus feeling. A three-spoke steering wheel is a control center in itself with buttons for audio, navigation and phone inset.

Many owners purchase Acura TL accessories to individualize their sedans. Add the distinctive touch of wood grain or carbon fiber to the console and steering wheel. Imagine the difference a wing spoiler, nose mask or a moonroof visor would make to the outside of your 2008 TL. Nothing adds more style to a car that the look of 17 or 18-inch chrome wheels.

While many people are impressed with the performance of their TL, many more appreciate what Acura puts into the TL for the sake of safety. The Acura TL installs dual-stage dual-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger, side and curtain airbags, and child-proof door locks. With as much effort Acura puts into building a performance-oriented luxury sedan, there is no reason for them to skimp on safety.

In recent years, however, sales have begun to dip for a number of reasons. In an effort to breathe some life into the model, they have decided on a substantial redesign for this year. The result is the 2009 Acura TL.

If you’re familiar with the brand, the first thing you will notice is the drastically redesigned exterior. At first glance, the TL has what can probably be described as a futuristic appearance. The most noticeable characteristic is the “beak” that comes down under the grille. This unique feature will probably be one of those “love it” or “hate it” things. This unusual design is carried through on the rear of the car as well. Overall, the car is actually larger than previous models. It’s also larger than its two top rivals, the Infiniti G and the Lexus ES. The TL comes standard with 17″ wheels, and 18″ and 19″ are available as options. The interior of the Acura TL also receives an upgrade this year. The styling and technology options give the car a more upscale feel than previous versions. Standard features include 8 disc CD changer, USB and iPod connectivity. If that’s not enough, you can upgrade to the Technology Package, which includes the voice activated navigation system and premium sound.

Under the hood, you have the choice of two different power plants, both of which are paired with a five speed automatic transmission. The first is a 280 HP 3.5L V6 and the other is a 308 HP 3.7L V6. Gas mileage is reasonable at 18/26 in the base model, and 17/24 in the all wheel drive version. On the road, drivers can expect the same quality and performance they have come to expect in the Acura TL. The safety features in the 2009 TL are comparable to those in the Jaguar XJ-Series and most other new cars.

Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather upholstered front seats, a savvy sound system and a large dashboard display screen that allows the driver and passengers to easily view audio and climate control information. The optional Technology Package includes a wireless cell phone link and a full featured navigation system.

Though RDX boasts an increased focus on technological conveniences, sport performance and luxury, there are a couple of drawbacks. As compared with traditional SUVs and even some comparable crossover models, the Acura RDX has limited cargo space. In addition, the turbo charged engine requires high octane fuel to perform optimally and fuel efficiency is not recognized as a high priority.

There are few differences between the introductory version and the new 2008 Acura RDX. Minor improvements for 2008 include a rear view mirror that will automatically dim and a driver seat memory positioning feature. Bluetooth connectivity is also now a standard feature as opposed to an option and represents Acura’s dedication to providing the technological conveniences that seem to be most important to the new younger generation of drivers.

Acura delivered an intriguing model to fulfill these desires with the introduction of the Acura RDX.

The 2007 RDX was Acura’s entry level crossover SUV. Unlike the Acura MDX, which is a larger, seven passenger SUV and geared more towards utility, the RDX is a compact, five passenger luxury crossover SUV and was first introduced at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The vehicle is a four door, all wheel drive with a 2.3L, four cylinder turbocharged engine. Receiving praise for both performance and style, it is also noteworthy to mention the vehicle also received the highest safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The tire pressure monitoring system includes a digital display in the instrument cluster that will alert drivers if a tire has too much or too little pressure. Also, the six airbag system provides protection for all five passengers in this four-door model. The three-point seatbelts allow owners with small children to customize a belt to fit every member of the family, as well as accommodate infant car seats.

Dual-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth accessibility, and leather seating are just some of 2009 TSX’s luxury features. The Bluetooth phone system allows drivers to take and make telephone calls completely hands free while driving. Also included in the Acura TSX is a standard security system that will disable the ignition in the event of a break in.

The wealth of safety features on the Acura TSX prompted the NHTSA to award the model with a five-star frontal and side-impact crash test rating, among the highest in its class. Overall, the 2009 TSX provides drivers with an unsurpassed driving experience with safety, performance, and convenience at the forefront.

Under the hood, buyers can expect a standard 201 horsepower 2.4L I4 with i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Timing and Lift Control). The i-VTEC feature allows the engine to keep the intake valves open for a prolonged amount of time, which improves the airflow at a high rpm. Not only that, because of the i-VTEC’s sophisticated timing system, it can both decrease emissions and improve fuel economy as well. Nevertheless, buyers might be disappointed with only one engine selection. The TSX comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, or buyers can upgrade to a five-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift. This feature allows drivers to have the convenience of an automatic transmission with the adaptability and control of a manual.

Reinforced door beams, deformable front and rear intrusion zones, shotgun-window defoggers, a timed rear window defroster, and race car-inspired seat belts. As well, there is an non-skid brake system, and a vehicle stability system with slip-spin control.

Outside, the TSX combines a sleek exterior with important features like a power moon roof, heat-proof tinted glass, fog lights, timed windshield wipers, and fog-proof mirrors with in-dwelling signals.

Terrifically technological, the 2007 Acura TSX is a sedan with the soul of a sports car.

Newer Posts »