Overview & Reviews

The 3.5-liter RL now makes a generous 225 horsepower (up 15 from last year), and 231 pound-feet of torque, but a V8 engine still isn't available. The luxury sedan's double-wishbone suspension has been tuned for sportier handling characteristics this year, and wider, low-profile Michelins shoe the redesigned 16-inch alloy wheels. Noise and vibration should be quelled better by additional insulation material under the hood and dashboard, and the OnStar communications system makes its debut. Outside, the 2002 RL is freshened by new body-colored lower side sills, splash guards and roof strips.

• Full load of equipment, optional DVD navigation system, reputation for quality and reliability.

• Front-drive with a V6 in a sea of V8 RWD competitors, bland exterior styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 61.00

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  My third one... - 2002 Acura RL
  By Mike - August 14 - 9:19 pm

  I owned a Legend, then a 97 RL, and now the 02 RL which I bought in 06 with about 38000 miles on it. It now has 122,000 miles and has been trouble free except for the alarm actuator. It has been maintained according to the manual, mostly by the dealer, whose prices are competitive but whose service is better. He is not competitive on major expenses like timing belt changes. The car is comfortable to ride in, is quiet, and feels safe. It handles most of Ohios snow and ice as long as the tires are newer. The navigation system is helpful. I use mid-range gas with no problem. (Its what the dealer uses.) I prefer this body style over the 05 and would have replaced this car but for the style.

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  A good, comfortable car - 2002 Acura RL
  By BlueJay - December 9 - 9:18 am

  I have enjoyed this comfortable car. It always starts and has never conked out on me while driving on the road. I noticed that holding to the speed limit, especially 55 mph the gas mileage approaches 30 mpg. In the winter, around town I expect 20-25 mpg. I drive with a light foot. I didnt think I wanted a sunroof, but have come to enjoy it, even in winter--opening it on a sunny day with the seat heat and feet heat set high. The antilock brakes have saved me from fender benders when I didnt even realize it was slippery. It handles a bit loose, like a boat, not a bullet, but feels very solid and the engine never feels strained.

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  Why I continue to drive RLs - 2002 Acura RL
  By RLmonster - August 24 - 1:42 am

  In 1999, I leased the 99 RL. After three years, I was so happy with the vehicle, I repeated the experience and leased an 02. If you are looking for a classy luxury sedan, that is often mistaken for a Mercedes, that gives a 225hp burst off the line, this is your car. After 6 years (3 in the 99 and another 3 in the 02) I have had ZERO problems with the RL class. Now, to show you how committed this RL guy is, this evening (8/22/05) I leased a third RL, the redesigned 05 and parted with the 02. I compared the Avalon, M and G Infinitis, Mercedes, and Lexus. Hell, I even tried to get into the new Passat. In the end, the RL won on price, value, and the bonus of AWD (try that BMW!)

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  EXPENSIVE HONDA - 2002 Acura RL
  By RLK - July 25 - 1:57 pm

  Vehicle has many impressive points but sitting position still reminds me of my Honda. Lexus has better driver visibility. Its time for Honda to give these cars their own chassis. Lexus designs their cars for American size drivers but Honda/Acura designs their cars for Japanese size drivers. A lot of car for the money.

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  Nice Reliable but not cushy for luxury sedan - 2002 Acura RL
  By JDM - April 12 - 12:12 am

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  A great value - 2002 Acura RL
  By Browniebeach - January 27 - 2:00 am

  With 45,000 miles on my 2002, I am trading in for a 2004. I have been very pleased with this car. The Honda quality in Acura products shows through in the fit and finish and the engine is superb. Could use about 15 more HP but otherwise it is the best car I have owned. Would recommend the RL to any one. I disagree with some critics the body style is outdated I think it has classy lines and Acura would be foolish to "dress it up" too much in the 2005 model.

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  Beautiful - 2002 Acura RL
  By chadwoodland - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car with a smooth refined engine. Perfect for motoring not suited for sports driving.

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  Boring and Stale - 2002 Acura RL
  By ref - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Car is well build, reliable, and sound. But a bore to drive try to rent one for a week before driving, Deal discounts abound, but dont fall in love of the deal (I did) OPPS! With deep discounts and an overload of lease returns, your 10,000 mile value will devistate you. Bearly in the black after $11,000 down at purchase and after $9,000. discount of sticker.OUCH! Working hard to trade for BMW or Benz.....REAL HARD

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  For the price, nothing better - 2002 Acura RL
  By RickC - December 5 - 2:00 am

  For a 6 cylinder, this car drives great. I always feel like a million dollars when I drive it. No way that anyone should buy a Lexus, Mercedes or Infiniti for thousands more. This car measures up nicely.

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  Marks Review - 2002 Acura RL
  By medison - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Car has plenty of power in most circumstances. Indecision of the automatic transmission is partly to blame. Gas pedal placement is slightly encroached by the center console. Some compartments are too small (sun glasses, change) and the seat controls are hard to reach. There was one very small dent that I noticed that seemed to have occurred at the factory. Reliablity has been top notch. Overall I am very pleased with this car. It is very comfortable and I enjoy driving it as well as being seen in it. I was originally going to buy a TL-S but opted for the larger size vs. performance. I am 40.