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:

• 

  Worth It - 2007 Acura RL
  By c5028 - December 7 - 7:18 pm

  I drive 120 miles per day R/T from Long Island to New Jersey. About 45 miles is on highways with traffic with about half during high traffic rush hour. Average speed about 40 mph. Gas mileage typically 22-23 mpg. On longer, non traffic trips 26 mpg. Never got less than 19 mpg. Car has 12,000 miles... no defects or repairs. Very comfortable, all the power you need, handles well, nothing to really complain about.

• 

  My acura - 2006 Acura RL
  By yol - December 4 - 8:19 pm

  Great car to drive,does require learning manual with dvd provided to learn extras. Not as easy as manual settings which is a downfall for more senior citizens. Runs very smooth and comfortable. Owned previous 3.5RL. Loved it and hated to part with my 2000 model. Trust the acura technology.

• 

  Top Notch Value - 2006 Acura RL
  By R. Tintinger - November 29 - 10:13 am

  I purchased my Acura back in July of 06. If I am shelling out $50,000 plus for an auto I do not want it stuck in the repair shop. This Acura met and exceeded my expectations in regards to handling, comfort, quality and according to a very popular consumers mag, reliability! To sum it up, this is the one of the best values for the money.

• 

  RL is a Class Act - 2006 Acura RL
  By Dave in Mass - November 29 - 8:02 am

  This is simply a fine, fine automobile. Wonderful ride, incredibly quiet, plenty of power when needed. Exceptional build quality. Went from a 2004 Acura TL to the RL and, contrary to what most "professional" reviewers say, that is a huge step up. The SH AWD is quite noticeable when rounding curves at speed. The car just wants to go where you point it - no hint of understeer. Nav & sound systems are excellent. Theres another upside to the RL - you dont see yourself coming and going all the time.

• 

  Needs more power - 2006 Acura RL
  By Scott - November 13 - 12:33 pm

  Ive had this car for about a week. I love styling of the car, it has all of the amenities I would expect from a luxury car, but is generally lacking in performance. This car replaced a 2001 M5 (396hp) and was not anticipated to provide the same performance, but at 300hp, I had higher expectations. I believe the weight of the car materially decreases performance. In general it is quite comfortable and handles well, but needs a bit more power to round out the driving experience.

• 

  No Regrets - 2006 Acura RL
  By tizer - November 11 - 8:42 pm

  Went back and forth between Lexus GS 350 and Infiniti M35. Then looked at the RL and after one drive realized it was better than both and the year end pricing was just the icing on the cake. The RL is a breath of fresh air compared to the Mercedes I drove for the last 5 years - no problems whatsoever with the Acura.

• 

  Great value - 2006 Acura RL
  By gdevine - November 7 - 12:39 am

  An excellent value. This car is so much fun to drive. Long trips seem short with the comfort and quality of the sound system. I drive slower or sometimes out of my way to relax in the vehicle.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2005 Acura RL
  By Houston 05 RL - November 6 - 10:06 pm

  This is an excellent car. Very well designed with all the features you need or want. Even better all the technology works and is easy to use. This is vastly different than so many of the other cars in its class. The BMW and Mercedes NAV Systems are hard to use and inferior, the Lexus GS has no back seat or trunk space, and the AWD puts all of them in the shade. It is a quality car for the real world, not a special use vehicle that can only be used part time for some things. The only thing I would add would be some additional torque since the AWD will allow it to be used effectively.

• 

  pimp ride! - 2005 Acura RL
  By love it - November 5 - 8:43 am

  Powerful and very stylish. The ride could be a little smoother, but for all of the standard features that come with this car, its worth it to feel a couple of bumps in the road. The interior finish is impeccable, and the seats are the most comfortable car seats that I have ever sat in. I test drove the RL, Audi A6, Lexus GS 400, and the Mercedes E-Class ... the RL was hands down the best value of the bunch, or else I wouldnt be driving it! It had all the same features of its competitors, yet the price is thousands less. I dont see this as a quality issue ... I think that since the car comes standard with everything, Acura can cut its costs by making just one car and get economies of scale. Bravo!

• 

  Great Retirement Car - 2006 Acura RL
  By MARY BREAUX - November 4 - 9:23 am

  This car is great for traveling. I retired in January 2006 & have taken several road trips this year. I usually get 28-30 mpg on the highway. I have had many positive comments on the interior design & sharp appearance of this vehicle. I previously owned 2 TLs before the RL. The TL is a great car too, but at this point in my life, I thought the RL is better suited for my needs. Overall, I love my car!