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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  Best Buy - 2006 Acura RL
  By Brian - August 28 - 8:46 pm

  Traded in my 2007 Trailblazer LT for this car. I love my trailblazer but the thing had so many problems from the brake lights going out to the check engine light coming on so when i saw one of my school teachers driving a Rl and i asked what kind of car it was and when she told me that it was an Acura RL I had to have one. I cried when i traded my trailblazer but when i drove this car off the lot the tears stoped flowing. I plan on keeping this car forever now if my chevy trailblazer was as good as my HHR LT is but i now have a good car.

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  Electrical Trouble - 2006 Acura RL
  By Help! - August 27 - 7:13 pm

  Had the car for 1 day drove 200 miles and had to drive it back to the dealer. The dealer has had it for over 2 weeks straight. The headlights do not work properly. They come on during the day when they are not on and they go off at night when they are supposed to be on. The internal lighting also comes on and off as they please and is always blinking a warning light for the adaptive lighting. The dealer has flown parts in but still cannot fix the cars lighting problem. Great car or atleast I thought so just cant drive it.

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  great value - 2006 Acura RL
  By wright - August 26 - 12:18 am

  The car has been everything I expected and more. Great ride and the power is there when needed. I have been very impressed with the navigation system. Its easy to use and has already saved my wife and I time while tring to find places in cities we were not familiar with. The gas mileage has avg 23 in the city and 27.5 at 75 miles per hour on the freeway. XM radio Bravo!

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  Good Value? Yes. Great Car? Hmmmmm... - 2005 Acura RL
  By Beltway Bandit - August 23 - 11:30 am

  I am a BMW 7-series and Benz S class owner. Also had Escalade previously. The RL looked unique in design and the interiro was impressive at first. Factory refuses to address design flaw...exhaust stains the rear fender and no response provided. Stereo system about the best Ive ever heard in a car...first-class. Like the 6- cylinder performance and road mileage. Tends to rumble in low gear early in the day. Dealer hasnt fixed yet. Lots of interiro rattle from rear window shade. Dealer has not fixed. With MSRP arounds 50 or a little less, a good value. But I dont know I would get another.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Acura RL
  By Mitch G - August 22 - 5:59 pm

  Traded a 2004 Mercedes 4matic E320 for the RL because I couldnt take the shifting lag any more. Have owned MB vehicles since 1973 and can say the RL is as good if not better than the recent MBs. My only complaint is the fact that the drivers seat is not adjustable otherwise this is a wonderful and fun car to drive

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  best yet - 2006 Acura RL
  By gascolator - August 22 - 11:38 am

  really like the car.bought it because of the price and the all wheel drive.also like the fact that it is a honda product.

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  My favorite car - 1998 Acura RL
  By my favorite car - August 9 - 9:02 am

  The car has been perfect except for a brake problem - rear brake on right is wearing faster than others - dealer has failed to fix so far.

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  Finally! - 2006 Acura RL
  By ED - August 8 - 6:12 pm

  I just Traded my manual tranny TL for a trch package RL. I loved my TL specially in the thrust department but boy this RL is a CAR! Although noticeably slower than the manual TL from a standstill, they are very comparable on the highway. In all other categories the RL wins hands down, quieter, better handling, more comfortable ride, much quieter, better nav, much improved voice recognition. The stereo is simply fabulous (big compliment from a B&W fan why cant bose make something anywhere this good for the home???). The adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation system are worth their money in gold.

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  Total Package - 2006 Acura RL
  By mouse - August 7 - 12:29 am

  Car has everything anybody could want on the inside and the power of most sports cars.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Acura RL
  By Vince - August 3 - 11:32 am

  Have been very pleasantly surprised with this vehicle. Some criticisms on the Acura RL forums lowered my expectations but my experience with the high maintenance and repair costs on BMW 530I nudged me back to Acura. I felt that the RL was marginal at $50K but at $42.8k it seemed to be good value. Have only had it for 2 weeks but it has been extremely solid, rattle free, and everything works. My second RL after an 88 Legend and they get better and better.