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2006 Acura RL
Date Published: 11/25/08

2006 Acura RL
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MSRP:
$48,565 - 53,100

Invoice:
$43,253 - 47,288

Class:
Premium Midsize Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2006 Acura RL
Expert Rating Summary
Category Base Rating (See All
Ratings)
Premium Midsize Car Average Rating
Acceleration 7 6.7
Fuel Economy 4 4.6
Ride Quality 7 6.7
Steering/Handling/Braking 8 7.1
Quietness 8 6.8
Controls 8 6.7
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 8 7.4
Room/Comfort (rear) 7 5.5
Cargo Room 3 4
Value within Class 7 5.9
Total Score: 67 61.4
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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2006 Acura RL Review
A Technology Package of driving aids highlights 2006 for Acura's flagship sedan. The RL has a 290-hp V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel paddles for manual shifting. It also comes with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which apportions power between the rear wheels to enhance cornering stability. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard. So are ABS, traction/antiskid system, and steering-linked xenon headlamps. Keyless entry/ignition is included, as is a voice-activated navigation system that can display real-time traffic conditions. An integrated AcuraLink system provides OnStar assistance and other real-time vehicle status and maintenance information. The Technology Package includes run-flat tires and adaptive cruise control, plus Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System, which signals of approaching objects and applies the brakes and tightens the front seat belts if it determines a collision is unavoidable.

Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

News
We hear Acura may cut the RL's price for 2007 by moving some standard features to the options list. Apparently, many shoppers think $50,000 is too much for a V6 sedan, however well equipped. Another possible change is adding parent Honda's fuel-saving VCM cylinder-deactivation feature to the RL's V6 engine. It would be an easy and timely response to roaring gas prices, as the same basic engine with VCM already powers Honda's Odyssey minivan. Another possible mpg-booster is an all-new "clean diesel" V6 now being developed. Honda recently announced plans to sell 4-cyl and V6 diesel vehicles in America by 2009, so an "oil burner" RL can't be ruled out.
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