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In 1996, the Acura RL luxury sedan arrived on showroom floors, replacing the
Acura Legend. A reliable and aesthetically pleasing vehicle, the 3.5 L V6 engine
in the '96 RL provided 210 horsepower and was fuel efficient for its class, but
rear wheel drive and less than optimum handling prevented the vehicle from
making any best seller lists.
Between 1996 and 1998 there were few substantial changes made to the RL sedan.
The 1998 model included a refined suspension which allowed for better control of
the vehicle and enhanced the overall driving dynamics, while a new style of
wheels added a nice sporty touch to this 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.
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