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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  Bobs Car - 2005 Acura RL
  By bobb - October 31 - 9:54 am

  After much research and thinking between Toyota and Acura plus several test drives I decided on the Acura. I must say I am very happy. I have taken several trips from Chicago to Florida with no issues. I have navigation and it is a help and comfort. I once got lost in Milwaukee and the navigation system got me right out of trouble. I highly recommend this automobile.

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  06 RL - 2006 Acura RL
  By rjmevans - October 29 - 7:25 am

  After looking at this and several others (for over a year), I finally broke down and got one of the last 06s. I had an 01 CL and never had a problem. This is a good reference site and after readimg all of the reviews I bought the base model for $40K. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on the site.

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  2006 Nighthawk Black/Black - 2006 Acura RL
  By Michael Dee - October 25 - 9:56 pm

  This perpective from trade in of a beloved 530i..New RL is tight & high build quality. Impressive ride comfort, great handling & power. Nav and other tech interface is intuitive. End of yr incentives added to strong value equation. Other: good view of road, clear displays day & night,good driver position & cockpit orientation. Many plus comments from passengers and wife (who drives an Audi A6 quattro). Now for winter drivin & more time to wash & wax it! Looked at GS350,530xi but Acura best perf/value/quality solution. Dealer contact in NH A++

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  Best cae I ever owned - 2007 Acura RL
  By Ben - October 25 - 4:03 pm

  Quality, perfect never back to dealer for anything except for free car washes. I owned Porsche and BMW, quality can not compare - great value and better overall perfomance.

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  Great value luxury - 2006 Acura RL
  By cls1 - October 21 - 9:18 am

  2006 RL Tech package, great car. Very comfortable quiet ride. I have looked at Lexus, BMW, Infiniti, this is the greatest car for the value and standard options which are optional on the other vehicles. The options on this car compared to the other vehicles would cost 10-15K more. The ride is second to none. Build quality is excellent. Highly recommended.

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  Acura RL -- ultimate intelligence - 2007 Acura RL
  By Daryl Miller - October 20 - 1:14 pm

  Truly have fallen in love with this car, because of its intelligence. The german offerings do not have the creature sensitivity the Japanese can create. The driving experience includes more than just speed or performance. Integrated with its performance is driver comfort and assistance. If you appreciate deep intelligence in design.....get this car and you wont want to ride in any other car when you go places.

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  Great Value - 2006 Acura RL
  By JP-Naples - October 18 - 11:56 am

  Just picked this up a couple days ago. Was looking at many others. I always went back to Acura RL. Has every option one could ask for in the best price. Looks great, sound system rocks, nav looks good. Need to spend some time on learning how to voice activate all options.

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  2006 Acura RL - 2006 Acura RL
  By Dave in Mass - October 10 - 5:50 pm

  Considered 3 and 5 Series BMW. 3 too small, 5 OK - both too expensive with the options I wanted. RL has them all. Acura nav system is exceptionally easy to use. Plenty of power from 6 cyl. All I need. Handling just excellent, SH-AWD is as advertised. Excellent. And, most of all, I really like the fact that I dont see myself coming and going every day. The RL is a fantastic automobile, built in Japan with all the features and handling I wanted.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Acura RL
  By nobotako - October 6 - 1:12 am

  Just fun to drive. Accelarate on the curve the you will know what I mean. Stability is outstanding. Powerful and smooth drive is really. Voice activated navigation, handsfree phone is excellent and on star satellite service is really first notch. Quiet inside but when put on gas pedal, racing Honda sound awakes. Braking is superb. Inside is roomy with enough leg room for rear seat. Voice activated temperature and audio controls are handy. Auto cruise control will keep the distance with the car in front of you, and the seat belt will rattle when you get too close to the front car. Nice safety feature.

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  First Acura, Not the Last - 2002 Acura RL
  By Buford - September 25 - 11:50 pm

  Purchased 11/05 and have loved this vehicle since. Test drove 2002 Lexus 300 ES and 2003 Infiniti I35 same day. The RL ride was outstanding, precise, solid, but not harsh. White Pearl finish is outstanding, like new. Interior fit is great. The only nuisance so far is the SRS light comes on periodically and appears related to the driver seatbelt. Easy to reset. I have read that this is a common complaint. Overall, a great, underrated vehicle with outstanding features.