2005 Acura RL

The 2005 RL was a big deal for Acura. It was to be the year its flagship was transformed from a car for older drivers to a sport sedan. Not only did it represent a dramatic change in the luxury sedan's styling-it went from being nondescript to one with angles and more attitude-but it was by far the most revolutionary redesign since the RL replaced the Legend. That, plus the addition of 75 horsepower, steering-wheel-mounted paddles, and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), made this a no-brainer for the Motor Trend long-term fleet.

The new RL was slightly scaled down from the previous year. The wheelbase decreased by 4.4 inches, and the sedan 3.0 inches shorter overall. Combined with the wider track and overall width, though, this gives the Acura the potential for being sporty, at the expense of interior space. And though horsepower went from 225 to 300 and torque from 231 to 260, the peak rpm of both also increased (horsepower from 5200 to 6200 rpm, torque from 2800 to 5000), it led us to question the accuracy of the resulting power numbers. It certainly never felt like 300 horses-entries in our logbook described the V-6 as being somewhat lethargic and just adequate. Regardless, behind the updated 3.5-liter engine is a five-speed manumatic automatic transmission with paddles, a setup that combines smooth shifting with quick response.

The biggest news for the 2005 model was the addition of SH-AWD, Acura's all-new all-wheel-drive system, which made its debut in the RL and later found its way into other vehicles in the line. The system, which sends torque to the front and rear when needed as well as between the left and right wheels, is designed to improve handling on twisty roads and inclement weather. The setup also helps offset the engine's shortcomings. Many staffers were impressed by the amount of grip the Acura had in switchbacks and enjoyed flicking the paddles while the AWD went to work.

The all-new styling for 2005-which some on our staff claimed their Dads love-merges dark leather on the seats and real wood on the dash with a high-tech center stack that contains a navigation system with AcuraLink real-time traffic reporting. It also has a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system that plays CDs as well as DVD-audio discs. Other luxury touches: electronic tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, and XM Satellite Radio. Unfortunately, with the technology came glitches: the XM (and the real-time traffic updates) stopped working intermittently, the pop-open cigarette lighter failed to open, and the accessory fuse blew on at least three occasions, rendering the power ports useless. Minor issues, though surprising to experience in an Acura.

Still, the cushy interior, navigation, and terrific handling made this an ideal road-trip car, going to Las Vegas more than once and driven cross-country-well, from Los Angelesto Detroit, anyway. It became the chosen car for ski trips, holiday visits, and a couple of photo shoots.

At 5915 miles, it went in for its first service: the "A1," as Acura calls it. This included the oil and filter change, tire rotation, and the first fuse replacement, all under warranty. The second dealer service (the "B" service at 13,365 miles), also under warranty, was in Troy, Michigan, for its next oil/filter change, fluid-level check, and tire rotation, plus brake and suspension inspections. For the third and final service, done when the RL had 21,124 miles on it, the Acura was back in sunny California and returned to the local dealer for an oil and filter change, plus inspections of the hoses and belts, fluids, and replacement of another blown fuse.

The RL is an improvement over the previous-generation flagship, but still has a long way to go before it can be considered a true sport sedan. The all-wheel-drive system is excellent and the cabin comfortable, but for $50,000, it needs to have fewer technical glitches and more power to compete with the likes of BMW.