- sedan 173,884
- Hayward, CA
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- autoshopper.com
- sedan 173,884 gasoline automatic
1997 acura rl review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Exquisitely refined luxury. introductionacura's new alphanumeric nomenclature is starting to feel familiar. When the honda's luxury division first proposed dropping a name full of history and meaning like legend for a series of letters and numbers, it seemed lunacy. but familiarity breeds recognition. As the new names sweep through the acura lineup, they have begun to create their own identities. The vigor has become the tl, the cl coupes have arrived, and when the integra is redesigned for '98, the cycle will be complete. one defense of 3. 5rl versus legend is that the 3. 5rl is a thoroughly different car. The legend had a sporty edginess under a layer of luxury, while the 3. 5rl takes its name very seriously. The initials stand for refined luxury, and the car is an exquisitely refined piece of work--smooth, cossetting, and deeply luxurious rather than sporting. Introduced in mid-'96 as an all-new model, it continues into 1997 unchanged. walkaroundin appearance, the rl aims for an upright, conservative look. The low lines and sharp edges of the legend have been replaced by a more formal profile, and the extra inch and a half in height yields a more traditional shape reflecting a sober elegance. the new front-drive sedan is about the length of a lexus ls 400, with a little more headroom and a little less legroom in the rear. The average-sized trunk has a packable square shape, with a handy niche molded into the side to keep briefcases from skidding. The exceptionally rigid body helps reduce noise and vibration, and several clever exterior bits do the same. The side mirrors have tiny spoilers that deflect air downward, reducing wind noise. A power moonroof is standard. the leather seats are soft on first contact, and remain supportive over the long haul. Extra kneeroom has been carved into the front seatbacks, and the broad track under the front seat leaves plenty of foot room. The undersides of the front seats are even carpeted to prevent shoe scuffs. Rear-seat passengers can adjust the temperature with controls at the back of the center console. acura claims its climate control system has the quickest draw in the west, or at least in its class, with an air conditioning system that can cool the car from 100 degrees to 70 degrees in 15 minutes flat, faster than any of its competitors. The speed-sensitive windshield wipers adjust their rate to the car's speed. The headlights turn on automatically. The wood trim could have been laid on a little more generously. And the center dash console, with its high-tech trapezoidal shape and materials, looks a little hard-edged in this otherwise soft environment. on the other hand, that high-tech look seems exactly right when the optional satellite navigation system is installed. The six-inch screen is linked to gps satellites and a database of maps. The map database covers california and las vegas, and (as of april 1997) the eastern seaboard from maine to florida. the standard audio setup includes an eight-speaker am/fm/cassette system with a rear-window in-glass antenna. The premium model is fitted with a bose audio system that has an extraodinarily rich, full sound. It includes a six-disc cd changer that can be mounted in the trunk or in the center storage console--a location that eats up some storage space but that we find more convenient than the trunk. driving impressionthe rl's performance matches its interior appointments: exquisitely well-executed in an unobtrusive way. the rl is powered by a smooth and silent 210-horsepower 3. 5-liter v6, the largest engine acura has ever produced. Even more impressive is its torque: 224 pound-feet at an unusually low 2800 rpm. The transmission incorporates honda's grade logic control, which tells the transmission to stay in lower gears on hilly roads. This reduces hunting among gears while climbing hills and makes the most of engine braking on downhills. the rl's ride and handling are fully in step with its luxury goals. The ride is silky, without the slightest harshness or wallow. The speed-sensitive power steering provides good road feel at higher speeds and plenty of assist at low speeds. safety is a high priority at acura, as seen in the lengthy list of safety equipment. Dual airbags, big disc brakes with abs, seatbelt tensioners, side-impact protection (although not side airbags), and innovative padding to increase head protection are all standard. The rl doesn't have the firm ride and taut handling of a classic german sport sedan, but it provides an effortless driving experience. On the other hand, compared to cars like the cadillac seville (from $44,660), lexus ls 400 53,395), infiniti q45 48,890) and mercedes e320 45,395), it's a bargain. And acura's reliability and excellent service organization help make the rl as easy to own as to drive. assembled in4 years/50,000 miles. model tested3. 5rl premium. Climate Control✔ AM/FM✔ Heated Seats✔ CD Changer✔ Air Conditioning✔ Leather Seats✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Navigation System
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