Acura RL

The RL replaced the Legend in 1996 and ran for two generations until being killed in 2012. First generation (1996-2004) used a 3.5L V6 with output rising from 210 to 225 hp over its run, paired with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It was a soft, comfortable luxury car aimed at Lexus LS shoppers but consistently outsold by them. Second generation (2005-2012) introduced something genuinely important: SH-AWD, the world's first all-wheel-drive system with active rear torque vectoring. Powered by the J35 V6 making 290-300 hp depending on year. Despite the technology, the RL never broke through commercially — Acura executives admitted the brand needed a stronger flagship, and the RL was eventually replaced by the RLX. Both generations are reliable but feel dated against German rivals from the same era.