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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  Very Good, Close to Great - 2006 Acura RL
  By TGN - June 25 - 9:31 am

  I had two reqs. when looking for a car AWD and reliability. The RL seemed to be the best of a few options (M35,A6,Passat,500,Benz). The RL is expensive, but is a reasonable value. I moved to the RL from an Avalon and miss the rear-seat/trunk room. Many comments about lack of low-end torque/need for V8 I disagree, the RL has acceptable power but lack of road noise and handling give the impression you are traveling slower than you actually are. Easy to be going 80 mph and not realize it. The RL controls are confusing. The RL feels heavy (which it is) making the vehicle feel sluggish but solid. I fill the tank 75% to reduce veh weight which helps performance and MPG.

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  solid luxury - 2006 Acura RL
  By kentd - June 16 - 8:41 pm

  enjoy the tightness of build and sureness of handling. Bose stereo is the best ever. Easy for my wife to master and dealership is woman friendly, something just never seen!

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  Mikes Take - 2006 Acura RL
  By pxmike - June 15 - 8:21 pm

  Great car, no regrets. The technology embedded in the car is a bit intimidating, but once you figure it out, very cool. Having troubles with the Hands Free feature using the Palm 650. The dealership experience was exceptional. Kudos to Minh.

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  Excellent Auto - 2006 Acura RL
  By MM - June 15 - 7:55 pm

  Ive owned Mercedes, multiple Lexuss, Infinitis, and an earlier version of the RL (FWD) and this car is definitely the most fun to drive. The handling is unbelievable. The features are so extensive on the base model that it takes a while to learn them all, but its worth it...especially the navigation system.

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  Very comfortable car. - 2006 Acura RL
  By AcctProf - June 8 - 4:42 pm

  You can tell it is a heavy car, but the 290hp V6 moves it along fairly well. It cruises effortlessly at 80. The Voice Recognition is the best of the ones I tried (Lexus & Infiniti). And, you can change or cancel destinations on the fly. The seats are very comfortable with plenty of leg room for me (511"). I love the XM radio. I keep it on most of the time. The car is very quiet. I guess that is a combination of the Active Noise Cancellation and the sound deadening materials. The Bose stereo sounds great. Around town my mileage is 15-16, but I have a lot of traffic lights. I drive a lot of back roads at 65-70 and consistenly get 28 mpg. I have about 1,500 miles on mine so far.

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  06 with Tech Package Excels 05 - 2006 Acura RL
  By klister - June 7 - 8:05 pm

  Recently traded my 05 Acura RL for the 06 with Tech Package. What a great upgrade -- virtually all the bugs worked out and great new technology. Ride and handling seem to be improved with the stiffer, larger PAX tires. Little nits like a warning when lights left on auto and a warning when key leaves the car are fixed. No rattles and no squeaks so build quality seems solid. Navigation appears to be a release later with better graphics and more accuracy.

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  GREAT VALUE - 2005 Acura RL
  By harvey - June 3 - 11:11 am

  I previosly owned an Infiniti and while I enjoyed that car for the price you just cant beat the RL. Very good ride quality and everything is standard including On Star and GPS. By comparison I would have had to spend $8,000 more for an M35 with the same equipment and not get On Star which is something I wanted ever since my wife has had it in her Mercedes. Everyone who has driven with me comments on the beautifull interior. I just wish the back seat had a little more room. No problems at all. When you compare features to features with other cars, its a no brainer. hb

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  A Great Ride - 2006 Acura RL
  By Broker - May 28 - 1:25 am

  This car has everything I need. Sure it only has a v-6 but the power delivery is smooth and the ride is solid.

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  Best value for the dollars - 2006 Acura RL
  By Acura RL - May 23 - 5:20 pm

  A great value for the money. Technologically in par with German rivals. The real time traffic and the crispy LCD are in concert. The verbal commands & the Bluetooth functions are much more advanced than the 2004 TL that I own. Acura makes great cars this is my third one in 7 years. SH- AWD makes the car hug the road regardless of the weather condition.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Acura RL
  By Don Dreher - May 20 - 8:11 am

  Excellent value...period! Ive owned Acura for 15 years now and the new `06 RL will keep me coming back!