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2009 Acura RL Review

July 17, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the RL falls on its buck-toothed face
Edmunds

The overall effect is elegant, strong and serious-looking
MotherProof

well appointed, comfortable, and well crafted
Automobile Magazine

While the interior of the 2009 Acura RL meets with general praise, the restyled exterior offends the aesthetic palate of most reviewers.

Edmunds is vociferous in its condemnation of the new RL's exterior appearance: “In the luxury segment, styling more than anything is what moves cars off the showroom floor, and that's where the RL falls on its buck-toothed face. …the whole big-and-bold grille thing has done the new RL no favors. Fang-face is not exactly an endearing descriptor.” Autoblog is just as damning: “Acura has implemented a new front end design for its sedans that has seemingly gone over with pundits like the proverbial lead balloon.”

Automobile Magazine's reviewer offers some perspective on the RL's design woes, stating, “'I'm not crazy on the new corporate face Acura is attaching to the new vehicles, but I think it looks best on the RL.”

The majority of the derision is focused on the RL's front end. From the side, MotherProof says, “It has a strong profile and seems to lean forward due to a couple of chrome strips lining the windows and the lower part of the body. The overall effect is elegant, strong and serious-looking, but not somber.” And from the rear, Automobile Magazine comments, “The taillights look like something from the Mercury parts bin—but I think they'd look better on a Mercury.”

The good news is the 2009 Acura RL's unsightliness ends with the sheetmetal. Edmunds notes, “There's a pleasing symmetry to the 2009 Acura RL's interior. It's plush without being ostentatious and much of it comes off like quality home furnishings.” MotherProof describes the RL's interior as “a subtle blend of neutral colors and textures that creates a peaceful haven.” According to Automobile Magazine, the 2009 RL's interior is “well appointed, comfortable, and well crafted.”

Overall, Edmunds sums up the 2009 Acura RL, saying, “The new RL is a Super Accord no more, yet it still lacks style, which is the very thing its competition does best.”

Conclusion

The restyled 2009 Acura RL is polarizing at best. The new exterior doesn't garner enthusiastic applause, but the RL's interior is up to Acura's standards.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:the RL falls on its buck-toothed faceEdmundsThe overall effect is elegant, strong and serious-lookingMotherProofwell appointed, comfortable, and well craftedAutomobile Magazine While the interior of the 2009 Acura RL meets with general praise, the restyled exterior offends the aesthetic palate of most reviewers. Edmunds is vociferous in its condemnation of the new RL's exterior appearance: “In the luxury segment, styling more than anything is what moves cars off the showroom floor, and that's where the RL falls on its buck-toothed face. …the whole big-and-bold grille thing has done the new RL no favors. Fang-face is not exactly an endearing descriptor.” Autoblog is just as damning: “Acura has implemented a new front end design for its sedans that has seemingly gone over with pundits like the proverbial lead balloon.” Automobile Magazine's reviewer offers some perspective on the RL's design woes, stating, “'I'm not crazy on the new corporate face Acura is attaching to the new vehicles, but I think it looks best on the RL.” The majority of the derision is focused on the RL's front end. From the side, MotherProof says, “It has a strong profile and seems to lean forward due to a couple of chrome strips lining the windows and the lower part of the body. The overall effect is elegant, strong and serious-looking, but not somber.” And from the rear, Automobile Magazine comments, “The taillights look like something from the Mercury parts bin—but I think they'd look better on a Mercury.” The good news is the 2009 Acura RL's unsightliness ends with the sheetmetal. Edmunds notes, “There's a pleasing symmetry to the 2009 Acura RL's interior. It's plush without being ostentatious and much of it comes off like quality home furnishings.” MotherProof describes the RL's interior as “a subtle blend of neutral colors and textures that creates a peaceful haven.” According to Automobile Magazine, the 2009 RL's interior is “well appointed, comfortable, and well crafted.” Overall, Edmunds sums up the 2009 Acura RL, saying, “The new RL is a Super Accord no more, yet it still lacks style, which is the very thing its competition does best.” ConclusionThe restyled 2009 Acura RL is polarizing at best. The new exterior doesn't garner enthusiastic applause, but the RL's interior is up to Acura's standards. 2009 ACURA RL STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "the RL falls on its buck-toothed face" MotherProof: "The overall effect is elegant, strong and serious-looking" Automobile Magazine: "well appointed, comfortable, and well crafted" While the interior of the 2009 Acura RL meets with ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

When it's time for you to step out of the smaller entry-level premium sedans, the 2009 Acura RL doesn't really stand out among the excellent competitors it faces. It's probably because the Acura RL is V-6 powered and uses all-wheel drive. There are some sedans that match its drivetrain; the Cadillac STS is more crisply styled, but its rear seat is truly cramped. The Volvo S80 is light and airy inside, with a Scandinavian look to the cabin and a light touch to the controls. The Audi A6 suffers from the same overwrought styling up front as the Acura RL, but its backseat seems roomier.

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See the Acura RL in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Greenpedals #1, Posted: 7/22/2009

    My husband William Eversole was hooked when he test drove his first Acura. This beauty was the Ledgen. His words described this car perfectly. " it drives like it's on rails" those were his first words he spoke after Robert Greely who continues to work for Supierior Acura in Johnson County Kansas. 913-648-5888. After that we continued to but acuras from Becky Hernandaz who has helped Acura receive I belive 6 awards for best service out of all the Acuras. Their service is absoutely outstanding. I would put Supeior up against any car dealer ship. Give them a try and you will find out not only why to purchase an Acura, they will show you what old fashion costumer service use to be . Ginny Eversole

  2. By  Acura rl #2, Posted: 8/28/2009

    Yes Acura RL is a stylish and high performing luxury car

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