Overview & Reviews

As a flagship luxury sedan, the Acura RL was always a bit of an oddity. It was never notably large or roomy, and always offered a V6 as its sole engine choice. Nor was the RL a style or design standout, and it generally received little notice among more prestigious makes or even models within its own family. In recent years, for example, the TL sedan has offered more excitement and the same premium feel for less cost.

Acura hopes the RL's replacement, the RLX, can distinguish itself among the luxury pack in a way the RL never could. From a used-car standpoint, older first-generation Acura RLs are rather ho-hum. The newer generation is a better car for sure, though in general it was still outclassed by other luxury sedans such as the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series.

Most Recent Acura RL
The second-generation Acura RL was produced from 2005-'12. It sported a tighter, more athletic look than the frumpier stance of its predecessor. The new car also introduced a 290-horsepower V6, a five-speed automatic transmission, an advanced all-wheel-drive system and only one trim level.

Although it didn't offer the posh reputation of other luxury vehicles, the Acura RL nevertheless featured a classy, sumptuous interior adorned in high-quality materials, leather and real wood trim. The dash was awash in buttons, but they served as a welcome alternative to the navigation system's iDrive-like control knob and voice commands. The RL's 10-speaker surround-sound stereo with six-CD/DVD audio changer, satellite radio and standard iPod integration was one of the best in the business. An optional Technology package included a voice-activated navigation system.

In road tests, we found that the Acura RL got better the harder it was driven, thanks to its SH-AWD system that tenaciously maintained traction. The ride was tuned on the cushier side of the spectrum, so despite offering notable handling abilities, the RL was principally designed to be a comfortable cruiser. Though the V6 offered impressive peak output, it still couldn't match the refined low and midrange thrust of its competitors' V8s.

The RL changed incrementally through the first few years of this generation. For 2006, the RL gained the Technology package that included adaptive cruise control, run-flat tires and a collision-preventing radar-based active braking system. The next few years brought no significant changes until 2009, when Acura face-lifted the RL with its controversial design language. The front grille in particular was described in rather unflattering terms such as "bagel slicer." Better news was under the skin, where the 3.7-liter V6 gained 10 hp and a six-speed automatic transmission replaced the five-speed unit.

Past Acura RL Models
Buyers looking at used Acura RLs built before 2005 will be dealing with the first-generation Acura RL (known as the 3.5 RL) produced from 1996-2004. The 3.5 RL debuted as a replacement for the popular Acura Legend, but its unimaginative name demonstrated an unfortunate change in Acura's philosophy that saw it move in a more staid, Lexus-like direction. This generation also had a high level of standard equipment and typically cost less than its competition, but it couldn't overcome its anonymous styling, unexciting V6 engine and lax driving dynamics.

While front-wheel drive is beneficial in smaller cars, most luxury car buyers seem to prefer the extra performance and handling that come from rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. This wasn't such a big issue during the RL's early years, but as newer competing models debuted with more power and more features, the Acura RL became increasingly outclassed.

Acura didn't change the 3.5 RL much during its first generation. In 2000, it received a standard stability control system and an improved navigation system. The most significant changes were made in 2002, when it gained a bit more power and a more firmly tuned suspension.

The RL's predecessor was the Acura Legend. Available in coupe and sedan body styles, the Legend largely lived up to its name, being praised for its sporty nature, strong performance and impeccable fit and finish. As with most Acura/Honda products, reliability was very good.

User Reviews:

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  First Honda err, Acura but only here - 2007 Acura RL
  By DOneal - July 13 - 1:57 pm

  I love the car. It handles very well, a little sluggish compared to other car, MB CLK 430A, but is sufficient. I had a little bit of an initial quality problem, HID headlight on right side burned out first day or so. Car was due to go back for dealer add-ons, so no biggy. Was kinda shocked though. Key fob was nightmare for first two weeks. I made the mistake of initializing the car with driver 2s key rather than the #1 key, the car hated that. It would madly and incessantly lock/unlock and beep when I stood next to the car. Reinitialized the car to the driver 1 fob, and it hasnt happened since!

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  RL.... MEANS - RIGHTEOUS LUXURY. .. - 2002 Acura RL
  By Roger Priest - July 2 - 5:35 pm

  For a 2002 model and purchased used with 79000 miles, this car has been FANTASTIC, period. Ride is very nice, a bit soft but handles well. Road noise is minimal most of the time unless you are running snow tires. At 113,700 miles she is still running very nice and is for sale. #acurarlforsale

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  Has it ALL - best value on the road - 2005 Acura RL
  By Bob D - June 7 - 10:56 pm

  Picked up my RL 2 weeks ago... first impressions - the SH 4WD is the real deal. I just came out of a C5 after 6 years of ownership.. this RL handles incredibly on the curves at high speeds. The build quality is superb. Ive had 2 legend coupes in the 90s and an RL and this one is by far the best quality Acura has ever produced. The best combination of power, fun 4-wheel drive, super dependability, style and great dealer support. Seats are terrific and the car is as quiet as any Lexus Ive ever been in - but this car doesnt isolate the driver - the steering gives you great feedback while being both quick and light. The stereo is THE BEST OEM UNIT IVE EVER HEARD in a car.

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  GREAT car - 2007 Acura RL
  By Watson - June 7 - 1:42 pm

  I drove a BMW prior to this, and loved it, but I am thrilled with my Acura RL. It is so smooth, very responsive, comfortable as it could possibly be, and has every possible bell and whistle for thousands less than its Teutonic competition. I chose it over Infiniti M35 because, in my test, it handled better, and I much prefer the looks. GREAT car so far.

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  Classy, conservative, luxury Acura 3.5 RL - 2004 Acura RL
  By Mike - June 5 - 9:19 pm

  I recently purchased the 2004 Acura 3.5 RL and I love it! It has a very smooth ride and all the luxury features you could want including an awesome sounding 10 speaker Bose system, Alpine/Acura navigation system, and real burled camphor wood interior. I bought the car with 80,000 miles on it and didnt think twice. I am a Honda man and know this car will be very reliable. I have already put 4,000 miles on it and it runs like a car with 10,000 miles on it. Previously, I have owned 3 Accords. I wanted something more luxurious and bigger... this car is perfect! I love the Acuras classy, conservative stance that remains tasteful and luxurious looking. The RL has more than adequate power.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Acura RL
  By Gearheadded - May 29 - 10:22 am

  If not the best vehicle for under $40K it has to be in the top five. Exceptional build quality, great performance, just a great vehicle. First time Ive had strangers compliment my vehicle. Would definitely buy again.

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  Trouble Free - 2000 Acura RL
  By G. Lay - May 27 - 8:35 pm

  The RL has been a dream to own and drive. With regular dealer maintenance it has performed flawlessly. If youre looking for quality and reliability dont overlook Acura.

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  Options of a Benz at half the price! - 2005 Acura RL
  By Dr Julian Greco - May 23 - 9:30 am

  Overall this car is an excellent upgrade to the old dog RL. The all wheel drive is spectacular! We just got a foot of snow in NE PA and this car went through drifts like an SUV. The stability control makes winter driving less worrisome! The 300 hp is not the aggressive hp you will find in sports cars, however, it will acceletare you off the stop light well ahead if its competitors. At highway speeds, the 300 hp is at its best. Just push the throttle and you are doing 90 MPH before you know it. The interior has all of the technological equipment needed to keep you ammused. The nav system and audio controls are very easy to use and feel natural.

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  Acura RL review - 2005 Acura RL
  By TOMMIE - May 15 - 1:00 pm

  This is an autombile that is a joy to drive and the comfort is unsurpassed. I will say that the RL experience from the day I purchased until today has truly been an enjoyable experience.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2007 Acura RL
  By veritas7 - May 14 - 11:25 am

  I love this car! I havent had it long but I am very impressed with how well it handles the road. The RL is a solid vehicle and is equipped with just about everything for less money than its competitors.