viberation,, rumble noise, mineral smell,, off engine
viberation felt thru steering wheel. rumbleing noise. mineral smmell off engine, fan seems to run and run. Thermostat goes from cold to medium. sound can be heard outside of the car.
234 views
2008 Acura RL Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewThe RL cruises at the top of the Acura lineup, representing the summit of Honda-produced automobiles. The Acura definition of luxury involves a heavy dose of technology - of the microprocessor kind.
A 3.5-liter, SOHC, 24-valve, 290-hp V6 equipped with VTEC variable valve timing provides seamless, smooth power. Some reviewers, however, feel it's just a bit underwhelming in a two-ton luxury cruiser. Accordingly, while the five-speed adaptive automatic transmission flawlessly provides power transitions through its paddle-shifters, the competition employs six and even seven-speed transmissions.
Acura's "Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive" system, an engineering tour de force, intelligently directs power to the RL's four wheels. This system not only distributes power between the front and rear wheels, but also evaluates the situation at each wheel in order to direct torque accordingly. This makes for great traction control. Add Acura's stability control system into the mix, and the RL virtually locks onto the safest course.
Top-of-the-line Acura luxury envelops the interior with fine leather and wood trim in tasteful abundance. Generous legroom and a quiet environment add to the comfort. Some reviewers, however, found fault with seat support and the overflow of buttons and controls on the dash.
The optional $3,620 "technology package" includes the "Collision Mitigation Braking System." This incorporates a radar system to warn a driver of an approaching frontal collision. Once the system determines a crash is impending, it activates a warning system. At the third stage, sensing an unavoidable crash, the system tightens the front seatbelts and applies the brakes to reduce impact.
Acura technology rewards the driver with smooth, safe, competent handling under all conditions. The RL receives very high scores in the various crash tests. Some criticize its steering numbness, but the car provides precise directional control. Acura's top-of-the-line luxury car embodies all the fine engineering synonymous with that marque.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Acura RL
Write a reviewUser rating:
by cargado x
Sep 26, 2023
Rides amazing, well built. Great fuel economy for the power delivery Sep 26, 2023
by Michael S
Feb 22, 2023
average styling, old tech, a bit dated and expensive tiresFeb 22, 2023
by Lily H
Jun 18, 2022
I’m in love with this car. Definitely highly recommend it!Jun 18, 2022
User rating:
by cargado x
Sep 26, 2023
Rides amazing, well built. Great fuel economy for the power delivery Sep 26, 2023
by Michael S
Feb 22, 2023
average styling, old tech, a bit dated and expensive tiresFeb 22, 2023
by Lily H
Jun 18, 2022
I’m in love with this car. Definitely highly recommend it!Jun 18, 2022
by Jason S
Jun 24, 2021
Ahead of its time... I will not buy anything other than an Acura Jun 24, 2021
by John C
Feb 19, 2014
Love the SH-AWD, car is fun to drive and very reliable - it's time for a newer model RL! The new RLX only offers 4 wheel steering, but I understand they will be making the AWD version. So maybe stay with a newer 09 or 10 model.Feb 19, 2014
by Curtis A
Jun 30, 2010
Acura's Flagship....nuff said. Bought it new and have loved it since day
one, I has a GS300 before this and I like my RL much better. I also like the
fact that they are not real popular, people always ask me about it when I
go places..Jun 30, 2010
by Mike U
Dec 24, 2008
a good, solid car, it feels very sturdy. the v6 has a little trouble in the low range, yet has ample power to chirp all 4 tires when pressed hard. of course when you do you will be lurched by the gearbox, as it shifts rather unsmoothly for such a pricey car. it feels a little heavy when cornering hard, to the point of noticeable tire squeal where less quick cars hold their own. in compensation for the lack of V8-like power, the car returns a generous 26 mpg highway, albeit on 93 octane. the car appears smooth and solid from the outside, and comes generously equipped with all the latest toys inside as well, with soft, perforated leather seats. the car may have it's shortcomings in power and identity, but it makes its own statement, and one of individuality.Dec 24, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 26, 2008
Sleeping Beauty, looks stock, but shes a beastMar 26, 2008
by Christian B
Mar 05, 2008
It feels very good, and it has loads of stuff to play with, but I'd have a BMW 5-series any day.Mar 05, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 05, 2007
Great car for the moneyDec 05, 2007
What users have asked
Pax tire repair
My Pax tire had a nail. Dealer pluged it. Repair lasted for a while and now the tire leaks. Pax dealer will not patch it and wants me to buy a new tire. Any suggestions? Can I re-plug the leak? Will Slime work on PAX?
384 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 Acura RL?Compare this car
2008 Acura RL Pricing
Original MSRP
$46,280 to $53,700Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 260 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.60 · Limited slip differential: center
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 260 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.60 · Limited slip differential: center
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation
Safety
Camera system: rearview
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 260 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.60 · Limited slip differential: rear
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: cornering
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 29 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation