AUTO SPIES EXCLUSIVE: Houston, we've got a BIG problem in Acura RL land!

If you're one of those with the mindset that the Japanese car manufacturer's never make the bonehead moves that the American companies do, just look at how Acura flubbed the RL.

As you know, we predicted the Acura RL would bomb and here is the proof in black and white.



Sales down a whopping 43.6% compared to last January...and it's only a year and a half into the lifecycle!

Overpriced, too small, ugly exterior design, sloppy handling and terrible suspension are just some of the gripes at the top of our list.

After a couple extended drives in the car, even though the interior layout and finish was quite good, we were convinced it was a stinker!

Just ask all ten people who bought one!

OK, that was un-called for but we just had to!

AUTO SPIES PERSPECTIVE: When the Spies call it, you can take it to the bank.

If you want an Acura, save your money and buy the best car in their stable, the TL.

phantom330 - 2/2/2006 5:50:16 PM

+1 Boost

I've never driven the RL but I don't think the styling is bad, for the price I'm not sure I'd buy it. Like somebody else stated drop the price 10k (which is sales numbers are that bad they will eventually anyways) then I think they've got a winner.

DiamondJim - 2/2/2006 8:46:21 PM

+1 Boost

great call 001

make another one.....

Spoonie_G - 2/2/2006 10:15:45 PM

+1 Boost

You know what RL stands for?
Really Lame

I used to call the TL Totally Lame but that was the last generation. The only thing that saves this generation TL is the exterior design, decent upscale’ish interior, nice acceleration all for a really nice price. The driving experience and handing is where the TL falls short Big Time.

Maybe it's me but for the most part Acura are "Dull" cars. The RL displays the height Acura's Dullness.

Spoonie_G - 2/3/2006 10:35:10 AM

+1 Boost

You sound bitter dude. What does your reply have to do with the RL being a failure? BMW has been passed in "price/performance/features"? What planet are you living on? The RL really has BMW shaking in its boots. LOL! Just because you like a specific vehicle doesn't mean that the car cannot be lame. The public has voted, and they have said “Hell no” to the Acura RL. You are beginning to realize that your taste sucks so now you lash out at BMW. Time to lick your wounds and move on.

Spoonie_G - 2/3/2006 10:42:09 AM

+1 Boost

Yes, 300hp can be weak.

300 hp doesn’t always equate to quick acceleration. Doesn’t the Hummer H2 have like over 300hp? Case and point, your underpowered 225hp 530i is quicker and faster than the 300hp Acura RL. The 530i isn’t a barnstormer so you can only imagine how weak the 300hp Acura RL actually is.300 hp doesn’t always equate to quick acceleration. Doesn’t the Hummer H2 have like over 300hp? Case and point, your underpowered 225hp 530i is quicker and faster than the 300hp Acura RL. The 530i isn’t a barnstormer so you can only imagine how weak the 300hp Acura RL actually is.

JMd71 - 2/3/2006 12:03:35 PM

+1 Boost

If Acura seriously wants to compete in this field, they need a V8 and a distinct exterior to match thier interiors. I see a lot of M45s in SoCal, GS430s in NorCal, and a ton of TLs all over. My local dealer has a ton of RLs collecting dust... The Japanese has the tech and reliability, not get some passion into the design language!

lewissalem - 2/3/2006 1:23:35 PM

+1 Boost

...Is destroying Acura. The car is vastly superior. They must switch to rear wheel drive. They must increase rear leg-room.

Agent63 - 2/4/2006 7:11:55 AM

+1 Boost

I live in Canada and the RL here is around high 60K! near 70!. for that price I'd much rather look into a BMW, Mercedes, or Lexus. I don't know why Acura hasn't already produced a V8 engine for it's 'flagship vehicle'. If Acura wants to have a chance in the luxury market they need to change their strategy completely.

Don't get me wrong the TL, RSX, TSX are good sellers. They're luxury in their own market but like someone said before, their company is a near-luxury brand. The price their putting the RL in is basically the 'luxury' sector which includes the S-class, Lexus LS, Q45, etc. RL gets slaughtered in that no matter what.

I always wondered why Acura isn't the same as Lexus or Infiniti market-wise. Since Acura, Lexus, and Infiniti are the 'luxury' brands of their parent companies why aren't they all in the same competition range... hmmm