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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  Great Car At A Great Price - 2005 Acura RL
  By R - May 11 - 3:47 pm

  I moved from an 02 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro w/ sport package into an Acura RL. All I can say is that I love this car. Its loaded with just about every option you would expect from a luxury car. It handles great considering the size of this car and sharp turns arent dramatic and feels well planted. The ride quality is great although some might consider it a bit harsh, as for me, its a huge improvement compared to the A4. Coming from an Audi, Im used to expecting good material and build quality and this car doesnt disappoint. Just drive the cars you are considering and see which you like better. Theres not much to complain about the RL, its a fine automobile and you can bargain on price.

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  love the car - 2005 Acura RL
  By john smith - May 3 - 5:43 pm

  Comfort on the road is outstanding. Visuals as far as instrument panel are perfect. Room in back seat is outstanding. Also love the gps and the voice activation system. Also the best sound system ive heard, better than my 430 mzb.

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  Awesome car - 2007 Acura RL
  By Jim Cogan - April 17 - 7:41 am

  This car is just an incredible vehicle, very high tech, but easy to figure out. The stereo is awesome, love the subwoofer. Controls are very accessible. Voice command system works great. Smooth ride, dont even know you are going as fast as you are (yikes). Gas mileage not as good as I hoped, but it is all wheel drive. This car has many options that you would pay 10k more for vehicle. handling is incredible and steering response is nice

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  Great Car - 1996 Acura RL
  By goemct - April 15 - 1:51 pm

  This is my first RL. My last Acura was a 97 CL which I was very pleased with. It was going up on 212,000 mile so it was getting close to the time to get another Acura . The RL with 118k is not even broken in yet, its a great car like new in and out.

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  Great car... but - 2005 Acura RL
  By Clip616 - April 10 - 9:17 am

  Leg room drivers side needs improvement. Large foot block left side prevents extending left leg unless you are less than 5 feet tall. Mileage not good in city driving. Highway mileage is good. Needs more insulation. Hard to carry conversation with back seat riders due to road noise.

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  Still Nice - 1999 Acura RL
  By edouble73 - April 8 - 11:57 am

  I just bought this car and it is in excellent condition for a car close to eight years old. It still drives smooth, the power is exceptional for a v6. And people think its a 2005 because the look did not change for a few years. I am totally happy with this car. And it still turns heads!

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  Lot of value for the money - 2007 Acura RL
  By dalien - April 8 - 12:53 am

  Drove high end MBZ and Lexus for decades. Bought the RL for the seat (bad back) and took what came with it. For 20K+ difference Im more than pleased with the result. The RL is a dream to drive, and the cornering is amazing. The engine has all the power I need. I concur with all the positive comments seen here and have only one big squawk. I HATE THE STEERING WHEEL! Its not the wheel thats so bad even if it is too slippery, its that its loaded with so much stuff it looks like a game controller. The shift paddles are right in the way for a clean grip as are the telephone buttons which I dont use either. Remove that crap and sticky up the wheel and Id give "fun to drive" a 10 also.

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  Electronics are a problem - 2005 Acura RL
  By Darren - April 3 - 4:06 am

  Drives great, but watch out for too many gadgets. Battery drain is a common problem, especially since awkward 2nd key position issue leads to frequent battery drains. Make sure you carry a jump box, Ive owned the car for about 1.5 years and have had to jump it 20+ times.

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  Dream Machine - 2007 Acura RL
  By Artie - April 2 - 9:11 pm

  The Acura RL w/Tech Pkg. is truly a dream machine. Dynamically engineered, superb build quality, fit and finish, quality materials and technically ahead of its competition. The RL is the best kept secret of ’07. It goes beyond the “Best Bang for the Buck” this well crafted automobile has exceeded my expectations in every way.

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  Super car and an amazing value - 2007 Acura RL
  By Dave S - March 28 - 4:22 am

  The RL is a magnificent machine, and far and away the best value in its class. It is cram packed with cool technology and the AWD delivers amazing handling in all kinds of weather. Fit and finish are supurb. This car puts a smile on my face every day on the way to work each morning and tempts me to take the "long way" home each night. Highly recommended.