It’s hard to argue about a vehicle that delivers comfort, loads of amenities and dependability like Acura RL. Year after year, Acura’s flagship luxury sedan remains a popular automobile. Our only complaint is that it isn’t exactly a head turner. But when you offer quality, craftsmanship and the ultimate in refinement, maybe it doesn’t matter. What appeals to buyers about this sedan may very well be its traditional shape.

For 2003, the luxury 3.5 RL receives refinements outside and in. Three new colors have been added to the 3.5 RL lineup, including Carbon Gray Pearl, the color of our test vehicle, Polar Blue Metallic and Champagne Mist Pearl. The alloy wheels have been redesigned, as well as the taillight, featuring clear turn signal lenses. On the inside, RL gets a new Slate color and three new wood trim colors: Auburn Camphor, Golden Camphor and Black Camphor.

Room abounds inside the RL. Legroom and headroom in both rear and front are more than adequate, making the ride for rear seat passengers very enjoyable. The seats are plush leather, and the list of standard comfort and convenience features is plentiful. Our test RL came equipped with such standard goodies as a Bose 6-disc CD changer, Automatic Climate Control System and HomeLink built into the visor. Heated front seats and power glass moonrrof and engine immobilizer are also standard faire.

The RL offers plenty of power under the hood. The 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 engine is a pleasure to drive, and handling in the RL is better than ever. Finding myself caught in a couple of tight places, I had no trouble maneuvering the RL around with one finger. It’s a pleasure to drive, so easy and clean. Outfitted with such technology as platinum-tipped spark plugs, long-lif

e timing belt, a three-stage Variable Induction System and Programmed Fuel Injection system, RL is a low-emission vehicle with an engine designed to go 105,000 miles before a tune-up is required.

Acura’s four-speed Grade Logic Control automatic transmission shifts effortlessly. Computer-controlled, this system comes into play especially noticeably when climbing hills. The Grade Logic Control system automatically holds the transmission in the right gear eliminating any shifting or gear hunting.

As expected in a high-end vehicle, the 3.5 RL comes equipped with lots of safety features, including dual front airbags and automatic seat pretensioners. The passenger side bag is dual-stage that automatically selects one of two inflation rates in the event of a crash. Side air bags are standard equipment, as are rear seat lower anchors and tethers for child safety seats. The RL is also equipped with On-Star, the 24-hour communication and assistance service that provides emergency roadside assistance, route and location guidance and concierge service.

On the RL’s steering wheel are controls for the radio; the driver’s seat is an 8-way power seat with memory, and the steering column tilts and telescopes upon entering the key in the ignition The rearview mirror is automatic day/night. For driving on slippery pavement, snow and ice, the RL is equipped with standard anti-lock brakes and vehicle stability assist system. With over 3,000 pounds of weight underneath you, there is no need to worry about driving in inclement weather.

Our test RL came equipped with Acura’s navigation system, one of the easiest in the industry to use. This factory-installed DVD-based Satellite Linked system provides mapping of the United States and includes, according to Acura, 3.7 million points of interest! Unlike other manufacturers’ navigation systems, we enjoy using Acura’s and find it to be pretty accurate.

Acura RL’s competition in the marketplace includes such formidable vehicles as Mercedes E320, BMW 530I, Audi 3.0 A6 and Lexus GS 300. We think it can hold its own, however. RL’s ride is better than most and although firm, its enthusiast-oriented suspension is not like that in the BMW 530i. Noise levels are low and the ride very quiet. After driving the RL and climbing back into my family van, I thought maybe something was amiss with my van. Not so. It’s just that Acura’s ride and comfort is second to very few, if any.

The 3.5 RL is a vehicle that’s easy to adapt to and enjoy driving. It’s a simple choice when looking for a luxury sedan you can trust to be consistently good.