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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  Better than ever - 2006 Acura RL
  By n mckinley - September 21 - 3:31 pm

  I have owned 2 Accords and 3 Acuras, this being the third, and I have never owned an auto I thought so much of. My friends call it the "rocketship" or the James Bond car, because of all the technology. It makes me proud every time I look at it and drive it.

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  Style/Value/Smart - 2001 Acura RL
  By Kevin - September 19 - 10:44 am

  Looks good, drives great, easy on your wallet. What more do you want from a large sedan? As with all Acura models, the features and controls are easy to find and operate. The leather seating is very comfortable and resilient. The Navigation system, although archaic compared to later model Acuras, is simple to operate and precise. Although the fuel economy isnt great, its very comparable to other sedans in its class. And besides, for what it lacks in saving you at the pump, it more than makes up for by saving on mechanical breakdowns/repairs. If youre looking for a sharp, comfortable and reliable luxury sedan, the Acura RL should be on your list to look at.

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  Perfect except for Drink Holders - 2006 Acura RL
  By Chip Jones - September 18 - 8:53 am

  I think this is the best Acura I have owned to date. The handling and braking are excellent. The ride is great and very comfortable. I am still getting use to the keyless system. The drink holders after all these years still are not in a position that make them useful. For them to be usable in my opinion it has to be able to be accessed by the driver without a concern of spilling or tipping. That is not possible in the RL. It is the only interior design flaw. It has been in all 5 Acuras I have owned. I hope I get an opportunity to buy one that has a good drinkholder before I stop buying them. Otherwise it is an excellent vehicle. I had found some aftermarket drinkholders that work no longer.

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  Acura RL Luxury Bargain - 2005 Acura RL
  By Sandra - September 14 - 12:35 pm

  My 2005 Acura RL is state-of-the-art with a superior navigation system, live traffic alerts, and terrific voice command design. All of my luxuries come standard. The ride is terrific and wow does it ever take corner well. I have owned Mercedes, Lexus, and BMW in the past - I am now a permanent convert to the Acura RL. Best buy for the money, and, sexiest car I have ever owned. If you want luxury and performance at a bargain price get an RL!

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  My Golden Chariot - 2005 Acura RL
  By Marjorie Nave - September 13 - 2:32 pm

  I am 82 years of age and I am the one who furnished rides to all my friends day and night. I appreciate the headlight turning feature. I am a golfer and often take three friends on out of town trips so appreciate the size of the trunk. Also the sun screens in the back area are great.

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  Acura RL 2006 - 2006 Acura RL
  By ff100 - September 11 - 4:13 pm

  Has all the gadgets one can imagine, very good quality of materials used.

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  Love the RL - 2006 Acura RL
  By Art - September 9 - 6:02 am

  The RL is my second Acura. I bought a CL Type-S in 2001, and was very pleased with its performance, reliability and fun-to-drive factor. The RL is awesome. With 3500 miles, everything has worked as advertised. Its roomy, plenty of power, every gadget imaginable... great technology, and it all works.

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  Everything I wanted and more... - 2006 Acura RL
  By cb - September 4 - 9:01 am

  This is the car Ive always wanted, and finally, someone built it. Its the most fun car Ive ever driven because it was so well designed. Every control is within my reach without stretching, voice recognition, although not perfect, is pretty close. My favorite part is the gas mileage. I just came back from a 150 mile trip, and got 31.6 mpg on the highway with the air conditioning on. I held to the speed limit (65 mph), and used cruise control. Long trips are a dream with the quiet cabin, smooth ride and excellent Bose stereo system. Ive heard people say it looks like an Accord, but I disagree. Certainly not from the front. I like the styling and the total quality of the car.

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  A BLAST TO DRIVE!!! - 2006 Acura RL
  By JAMES FOEGE - August 30 - 3:40 pm

  Great car, a real blast to drive. Nav. system works great on finding location from ind. homes to special restrauants. Sound system is second to none. No service problems at this time (8,000).The all wheel drive works great in the mountains.

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  Very Nice Car - 2006 Acura RL
  By Dave H - August 30 - 3:02 pm

  I bought the non-tech car for $40,000 after using the Edmunds site to get quotes from 3 different states. Then took that quote to the local shop and got it for 40 flat. Very nice car, wish it had more pwr and ventilated seats. Sterio is killer. Nav is very good. Have just over 1,000 miles on it, so really do not know about reliability yet. Im coming from 3 Lexus coupes into this car and that brand is awesome. Had the IS500 been available, Id be driving that. At $40 thou it is a bargin, so do your shopping.