Background: First unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show this past February, the 2004 mid-size, front-wheel drive Acura 3.5 RL becomes the first performance luxury sedan to feature both XM satellite radio and an in-dash GPS navigation system standard. Acura is the luxury division of Honda Motors and the 3.5 RL represents the opulent division's top-notch (and most expensive) sedan. The Acura division debuted in the United States back in 1986 and was the first "luxury" division to debut in the United States from a Japanese automaker; the Lexus division of Toyota and Infiniti division from Nissan soon followed. Acura has carved out a reputation of being the "value" leader with competitive pricing, in many cases, below comparably-equipped Infiniti or Lexus offerings. Also in the 2004 model year, Acura unveils the all-new TSX sedan that measures a bit shorter than the 3.5 RL. Rounding out the line up is the popular MDX (a "crossover" vehicle merging the traits of an SUV and traditional station wagon), the two-seat, sporty NSX coupe, TL sedan and RSX hatchback. Acura announced this week it will discontinue the slow-selling CL coupe at the end of this summer.
Engine/trim level: The trim level and engine schemes are easy to remember; one well-equipped model works along side a 24-valve, 3.5-liter, V-6 delivering 225 horsepower (it's the only engine available in the 3.5 RL). The powertrain works in tandum with a computer control four-speed automatic transmission. The RL's 3.5 prefix is a direct reference to the 3.5-liter engine. The fuel tank holds 18 gallons of 91 octane premium unleaded fuel. Mileage estimates check in at 18 miles per gallon city and 24 m.p.g. highway.
Standard equipment: This luxury edition comes very well equipped with 6-disc in-dash CD changer with Bose music system, automatic climate control with air conditioning, power sunroof, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, fog lights, rear window defroster, heated front seats, intermittent windshield wipers, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and locks. Options are generally left to the dealer-installed variety (floor mats, detailing, etc).
Pricing: The 2004 3.5 RL has a starting price of $45,600; $46,100 with the $500 destination charge added. Other luxury mid-size competitors include the 2003 Cadillac Seville with a beginning price of $45,435 while the 2003 Audi A6 starts at $35,850. The 2003 Lexus GS 300 sedan checks in at $39,300. Keep in mind the RL's GPS navigation systems, XM Radio and OnStar satellite links are not standard in most rivals.
Inside: Leather seating comes standard. The driver's seat includes eight power adjustments while the passenger seat boasts four power settings. The instrument panel features three separate, deep set circular analog gauges. Honda conveniently includes a secondary gear shift indicator in the right-side fuel gauge. Dark burled-camphor highlights adorn the central console featuring the in-dash navigation screen on top and the sound system with compact disc player and satellite radio below. Acura's in-dash navigation system continually ranks as one of the most user-friendly in the business. A vertical column of side buttons allows the driver to easily summon commands, including the useful aerial map with roadways, with the push of a button. A dual cupholder template also retracts into the center console. The steering wheel features secondary radio sound and station pre-set controls on the left side. On the right are most cruse control operations except for the on-off switch which is located on the dashboard's far right side. The parking brake is foot operated while the fuel-door release lever is on the floor left of the driver's seat. The turn signal stalk controls headlight operation while front windshield wipers activate from a right-side steering column stalk. Next to the floor-mounted automatic gearshift (with new wood shift knob) are buttons for activating heating sensors for both front bucket seats. In front is a retractable square door hiding an ash tray and lighter. In back, ash trays fold out of both rear doors. The standard sunroof doesn't detract from generous headroom in front. The driver's door is home to power windows, locks and mirrors. In back, an armrest folds down revealing more beverage holders and a trunk pass-through for carting long items such as snow skis. Trunk volume measures in at 14.8 cubic feet, average in this segment.
Exterior: No doubt the 3.5 RL is part of the Honda family. The sedan shares many exterior cues of the mid-size Accord; which is not so bad considering Accord was the best-selling car in America last year. The Accord's narrower, band-like headlights and taillamps are one of the more noticeable differences between the two. Strap-like door handles and fold-in side view mirrors share color with the rest of the body. The square, locking fuel door is on the rear fender. Headlights reach to the side fenders while the "A" logo is centered in the front grille among horizontal slats. A temporary spare tire and jack stow under the trunk's flat floor. The lid utilizes inside hinges rather than side-mounted shock-type hinges. The inside variety can crunch boxes if positioned in the wrong spot. Sixteen-inch all-season performance tires come standard and are attached to aluminum alloy wheels.
Exterior dimensions:
Wheelbase: 114.6 inches
Overall length: 196.6 inches
Overall width: 71.6 inches
Overall height: 54.5 inches
Curb weight: 3,893 pounds
Warranty: As with all Acura models, the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain limited warranties are good for four-years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first). Rust and corrosion is covered for five years with no mileage restrictions. Roadside assistance is covered for four-years/50,000 miles.
Safety: The 3.5 RL includes many popular safety features standard including dual-stage front air bags, driver and front passenger side air bags, four-channel anti-lock brakes, side impact door beams, front and rear crumple zones, child proof rear door locks, theft-deterrent system, traction control and keyless remote entry. In addition, the OnStar satellite-linked security system comes standard. OnStar connects occupants with a 24-hour-a-day manned center for directions, general information or emergency situations. Owner can choose from three service plans.
Final thoughts: Competition in this import, mid-size sedan field includes the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Lexus ES 300. The 3.5 RL exterior styling is probably the most conservative of the bunch and could use more pizzazz. Independent double-wishbone suspension worked well, enhancing handling characteristics. Extra insulation under the hood and throughout the engine keeps the driving compartment quieter than in year's past. During a three hour drive through southern Wisconsin, the navigation system and satellite radio helped make the plowed corn fields seem a little less bland. Many competitors in the performance luxury sedan categories have stronger performing V-6 engines or V-8 engines for more punch from zero to 60 miles per hour. The well-equipped RL is great for those who enjoy a comfortable, luxury ride with a V-6 engine, but detest deciding on which extras to order. It's a competitively-priced product with a friendly, comfortable interior. |