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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  Gets it Done - 2005 Acura RL
  By bbyrone - May 20 - 5:19 am

  Probably the best riding car Ive ever owned.

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  Great Car - 2006 Acura RL
  By Robert - May 19 - 10:22 pm

  I test drove the BMW 530 and Benz E320. The RL was far superior to both at much less price. The techno gadgets are amazing. I have had absolutely no problems with the car.

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  Best value in its class - 2005 Acura RL
  By RL in Chicago - May 16 - 2:32 pm

  Coming from a 1997 Mercedes E420, the Acura RL is a "downgrade" from a V8, but its an upgrade in every other way. I was sick of the repair bills on the Benz ($500 to fix a outside mirror motor!), and so far, the RL has been without fault. I miss the torque of a V8, but I appreciate the improved fuel-economy, and for 90% of driving, the RL has plenty of power. However, if they had offered a larger version of this car with a V8, I would have bought that. One of the biggest reasons I bought this car is price. I paid $44,100 for it, before taxes, which is a bargin for all the content the RL includes as standard. With the same features, BMW, Mercedes, and even Lexus are much more $$$.

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  Nice but not perfect - 2005 Acura RL
  By David - May 12 - 10:03 am

  This care is really comfortable and has some great technology that could use just a bit of tweaking. Love the sound system. Mine came with loose battery cable, sunroof & door gasket damage, and a problem with the starter switch that left me stranded in my garage and still is not resolved after 3 visits to dealer. Bluetooth phone is great but not fully functional with Verizon phones. Turning radius a bit wide. Rear visibility is not terrible compared to other new models, but overall visibility is still a bit restricted. Lots of the features (auto door lock, displays, etc) are easily programmed to suit your prefs. Overall I love this car -- its a pleasure to get in and drive somewhere!

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  Lovin It - 2005 Acura RL
  By Bert - May 11 - 8:59 pm

  I bought a certified preowned low mileage RL. The car was everything I thought and hoped it would be. I looked at Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and found this to be hands down the best value for the money. If you are considering this car, buy it, you wont be disappointed.

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  Love the RL - 2000 Acura RL
  By NC Acura Owner - May 5 - 7:19 am

  Just purchased this car with 100,000 miles on it. Love this body style and this car was extremely hard to find. I plan on driving it for several years. For those who have an RL with less miles, let me put your mind at ease that with 100,000 miles, the car is still top of the line.

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  Dont Be Fooled - 2005 Acura RL
  By tmedman - May 3 - 9:45 pm

  I bought this car a little over a year ago and within a month I started experiencing total electrical failure. This has happened about six times over the last 14 months. I brought it to two dealers and nothing seems to fix it permanently. Acura roadside assistance is a joke unless you liking waiting 3 to 4 hours for help. The car looks great and when it is working (which is rare), it performs well. Gas mileage is dismal.

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  2005 Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By Mary Ellen Gase - May 3 - 7:28 pm

  The RL is a wonderful car to drive as its very smooth riding and is extremely comfortable. It also has a beautiful design. Its a very quiet riding car. The AWD, navigation center, XM radio,and moonroof are all positive features of the RL. I bought it also for the many safety features. Love it!

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  Rating of the the RL - 2006 Acura RL
  By Nigel Crooks - May 1 - 3:59 pm

  this car is well built and has a lot of wonderful features to offer. i like the cornering capability and high tech functions. i dislike the seat as it is hard to exit and enter from the vehicle. i hope acura change the for the next year model.

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Acura RL
  By Steve - April 30 - 1:46 pm

  Just got this car after driving a TL for a few years, loved my TL. Love my RL even more. This car does almost everything. The handling is great, it is quick the stereo is awesome and it has all kinds of bells and whistles