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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  RL and Star Wars - 2005 Acura RL
  By Bill Kowalski - March 23 - 10:26 am

  The quality and overall technology put into this vehicle is outstanding. The voice recognition features and use of technology is the best Ive seen in any vehicle. Ive owned BMWs, an Audi A6 (Quattro) and Mercedes. I and have test driven Infinitis M35. Based upon my experience the Acura is the most user friendly vehicle Ive encountered. While it is quick, the Acura could use more low end torque to get it off the line quicker and a little more responsive, such as Infiniti has done with the M35.

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  RL the new "Legend" - 2005 Acura RL
  By Terry Hemeyer - March 17 - 8:50 pm

  Ive been waiting for this car. I traded in my 94 Legend and couldnt be happier. My only wish is that they rename it and bring back the "Legend" name. Ive always liked the "no add ons" "all included" aspects of the RL. It drives great with more power than I need. Im still learning all the new high tech aspects and it is a challenge to not be distracted by the technology (messages, voice commands, etc) while driving. Since there arent a lot of new RLs on the road yet I get quite a lot of attention and questions from interested people. All are impressed with its looks. I also drive an X5. The X5 is great for a weekly commute I do (523 miles) because its higher and I feel safer in it.

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  RL - 2007 Acura RL
  By Ray T - March 16 - 9:56 am

  The RL has been everything it was made out to be. Interior styling is excellent and instruments easy to see and use. Exterior is sleek with the exception of the standard wheels, kind of boring. The upgrade they offer cost $3000 and you have to go to 18" rims. Only knock I have.

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  Great value - 2004 Acura RL
  By NickP - March 11 - 10:55 am

  This is our 5th used RL. All have been bullet proof. While it lacks the go of a V-8 it still has good performance with excellent comfort. Excellent sound system and navigation. Averages around 20 mpg. Is a great highway cruiser and is wifes favorite car. Its no wonder it is hard to find a low mileage one!

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  Love my RL - 2006 Acura RL
  By ssirl - March 2 - 10:29 pm

  Have had my Opulent Blue Pearl RL for 6 months & have just over 12,000 miles on it. No problems. This is my 4th Honda product. It replaced a Lexus GS 400. The RL has the best integration of tech on the market. Bluetooth, nav voice recognition all blow the comp away. Esp the nav that you can use while driving instead of just in park like the Lexus. The SHAWD is great I live in the south & did not think I needed it ut it works great. Car is a great highway cruiser.

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  Excellent Value, Quality and Performance - 2006 Acura RL
  By Michael - February 25 - 6:05 pm

  Great vehicle, had a Mercedes E320 nice car not as many features. Same 2006 E320 as Acura 10k more. Acura is a great car.

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  2005 Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By Bob Martel - February 22 - 3:10 pm

  An excellent four-wheel drive medium-sized luxury vehicle that will give BMW and Mercedes a run for their money.

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  Great car I never considered before test driving - 2007 Acura RL
  By Dame Irv - February 6 - 2:26 am

  I went to the dealer looking for an Infiniti G35 and decided to give this a test drive. The interior is luxurious. Leather, wood, voice operated control of the a/c, music, bluetooth, navigation, and more. The leather is great quality. I bought the car with 130k miles on it 3 years ago and ive driven it as if mileage didnt matter going from state to state. The only problems Ive had so far: I had to replace a pulley (which was really random!) and i recently had to replace the altenator. Other than that all ive had was routine maintenance that wasnt luxury car expensive.. it was honda accord expensive. I probably wouldnt buy another one but I am happy with my purchase. The Acura RL is a respectable car for any business person and for good reason.

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  My First Luxury Performance Car - 2005 Acura RL
  By JJAcura - February 5 - 8:36 pm

  Driving the new RL almost from the moment of the first test drive for me was the culmination of an expectation that I have looked forward to over 20 plus years of Honda ownership. The 2005 RL represents the ultimate luxury performance car for me. I am satisfied. In some way it was like reaching a goal. (Now maybe my new goal will be moving beyond anything automotive related)

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  What a Great Car - 2002 Acura RL
  By Mike - January 23 - 9:02 pm

  I just purchased my RL used recently. If I would have known what a great car it would have turned out to be I would have bought one sooner.