The Acura RL A Real Legend

The Acura RL -- voted among the top 10 by Car and Driver magazine -- is truly the stuff of legends. In 1996, the RL replaced the Honda Legend as the company's top-of-the-line sedan.

Exactly what "RL" stands for is the stuff of legends. Some in the company say it's short for "real luxury." Others say it was an internal name standing for "Replaces Legend."

But any Acura RL owner will tell you, it's definitely the luxury. The 290 horsepower V6 VTECH engine with super-handling, all-wheel drive gives you power and precision.

Inside, you'll be warmed and indulged by the Acura RL's two-level heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate controls, integrated sunshades and the Acura/Bose premium 10-speaker surround sound stereo with DVD-Audio and active noise cancellation.

The Acura RL's optional navigation system is equipped with real-time traffic through XM Satellite Radio, voice recognition, a destination database, Zagat reviews, AcuraLink and HandsFree link systems.

The safety systems are legendary, too. Last year, Forbes.auto.com rated the Acura RL number one in its list of top 10 safest vehicles, beating out the likes of the Volvo, Honda Odyssey and over 230 other passenger vehicles.

One of the Acura RL's most high-tech features is the Collision Mitigation Braking System, which alerts you to objects ahead. If you get too close, you'll feel a pull on the brakes and a tug on the seatbelt. If you still don't react, the Acura RL locks the seatbelts and brakes hard to avoid a crash.

Drivers describe the Acura RL as a well-designed, well-mannered vehicle that gives the driver a serene, smooth and silky ride, the best in new technology and the utmost in luxury.