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:

• 

  Nice step up from the TL - 2006 Acura RL
  By acurat - January 10 - 11:53 pm

  I really agonized over the decision to trade up from my 2004 TL - I loved the technology, styling, acceleration and fuel economy. The "killer app" on the RL was navigation with real-time traffic. The first time I drove the RL it felt "floaty" to me. Now that Ive driven it for a month, it feels serene. Interior amenities are much nicer than the TL - I dont ache anymore after an hour and a half on the road. The sound system ROCKS and technology is nicely integrated. The real-time navi saves some time, though mainly it gives a sense of mastery over the environment. Handling is secure, especially in the curves. Gas mileage is so-so, around 20. I love that there are no options.

• 

  2005 Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By boston - January 6 - 1:43 pm

  Car has performed much better than expected in all categories. Dependability has been especially good.

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  Not a bad choice for the price - 2006 Acura RL
  By hondabob - December 31 - 7:52 am

  I purchased a leftover 2006 RL w/o tech in September. I got a car with stately design and that, once I added A-Spec suspension and 18" wheels, handles well in the twisties while maintaining excellent composure on local bumpy streets. The interior is nearly perfect except for small buttons. Luckily, voice activation works for all the common controls. I have owned Hondas previously and so am used to having to stomp on the gas to get adequate power and when you do, this car really does accelerate fast. In 50/50 city/highway mileage I am getting about 17.5 mpg, not so great especially when gas is so expensive. Overall, a good deal on a gorgeous ride!

• 

  Okay - 2007 Acura RL
  By fred - December 28 - 8:51 pm

  I enjoy owning the RL. It is very comfortable and easy to handle. Acceleration is mild for horsepower rating. It behaves as though it has turbo lag. Entry is awkward, seat and steering wheel take position when I get in the car rather than waiting until door is closed or car is started. Standard battery capacity is low. Have had to charge battery twice from sitting car with engine off trying to learn/program the computer navigation system. Fuel economy is good.

• 

  Acura RL - Best of the Best - 2005 Acura RL
  By Mjustice - December 25 - 9:30 pm

  Awesome car, I love it. The RL is fast, luxurious, roomy. Its the best purchase for me and my family.

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  My experiences - 2006 Acura RL
  By herbeand - December 25 - 3:46 pm

  Performance is really good. Power, handling, ride quality, interior comfort are all good. Tire noise is a little high. The headlights that turn when cornering is just high tech for the sake of it, not really useful. The Navi system is really difficult to use and dangerous when driving alone. The voice activation is hit and miss, especially with a window open, sometimes works, other times does the wrong thing. The electrochromatic mirror is garbage, the old fashioned flip types for night mode work much better.

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  Its an Acura - 2004 Acura RL
  By joan - December 22 - 4:08 pm

  Since I have been driving Acuras since 1996, all I can say is that they are very reliable cars. All the bells and whistles one could wish for come standard with the exception of a navigation system. Your mother would love it as well as your child.

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  2005 rl - 2005 Acura RL
  By russo - December 18 - 5:40 am

  Very well designed and excellent quality. Best factory sound system in the industry

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  Great Car Overall - 2006 Acura RL
  By Don in VA - December 16 - 9:20 pm

  Smooth ride, great handling, beautiful interior and comes loaded with everything. Nav system is nice & easy to use. Interior is much nicer than my 530i, build quality is about same, but the paint finish is poor. Paint chips easily and is very thin vs BMWs. My wife has commented its much easier to drive than her BMW. RL looks great from the front, but looks too much like a Honda Accord from side view. The Acura rides and handles like a luxury car and the AWD gives you an added sense of security on wet and snowy roads. RL is an excellent value if discounted.

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  2006 RL - 2006 Acura RL
  By ff100 - December 8 - 3:51 pm

  One year so far. I like most of the features, a lot of electronic gadgets ahead of competition.