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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  High Tech Heaven - 2005 Acura RL
  By JOVI - April 25 - 4:46 am

  This car is everything I expected and more. Smooth silky performance, luxury feel at every touch, and as much fun as a sport sedan can offer. I was waiting for the M35 AWD to launch but saw my Redondo Red RL and fell in love.

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  Love it! - 2006 Acura RL
  By ed - April 21 - 11:13 pm

  I finally found the car I was looking for - initially the performance is great, the ride is smooth and wonderfully responsive, both on the highway and in the mountains the controls are not as complicated as some indicate, the noise level is the best (lowest) of all the cars I tested, and the interior is exquisite. The car loves to be driven and the driver feels alive and excited. There is plenty of power and plenty of luxury - combined with a sense of sportiness, makes this a competitive combination almost unbeatable. Perhaps a more expensive Lexus might be a better choice, but after hours of homework and many, many test drives, I think I found the perfect combination for what I wanted.

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  Very Satisfied + More - 2006 Acura RL
  By Jay Wolfe - April 21 - 4:22 pm

  Upgraded from a 2005 TL. Checked most others in this category and the RL just offered too much for much less cost. The handling is very good and excellent on wet and snowy payment......Interior well thought out and exterior a "not in your face" classy design. Slow off the mark, but I keep my pink slips in the glove box at my age. Great acceleration when needed to pass or when getting on the highway. After 6,000 miles have average 23.4 MPG. Navi easy to use, bluetooth great, Audio screen really helpful and with a large screen to display ball scores, golf leaderboard and programming. You can see all the words and data lines, not just a few ie Infiniti.

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  Nice car, but not perfect..... - 2006 Acura RL
  By braindrain - April 16 - 3:14 pm

  Traded an Audi A8L for this. Had Mercedes, Audi, Saab, etc, and decided to shop wide due to insane pricing on german cars, lousy residuals on nice american car leases. Ended up between the RL and Infiniti M35. The RL most certainly has the most features of anything in its class, although Im not sure what class it is. Sold as a full size Honda in Japan, thats sort of what it is. Nice materials, but whacky electronics, including the dumb keyless ignition that has stranded me 5 times. Bad gas mileage too, my Durango does better. VERY loud tires too, gnaws on my eardrums on concrete highways. Acura had a good 42 month lease, that I now regret. A nice 24 month car, but no more......

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  awesome vehicle - 2005 Acura RL
  By Brad - April 14 - 2:34 pm

  This is a phenominal car with all the extras you could ever want and the real time traffic is a must have in any big city in which you drive. The easiest nav system to use on the market.

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  RL Thoughts - 2005 Acura RL
  By Mike - April 12 - 10:13 am

  The car is a very nice blend of luxury and performance. While it lacks the handling of a BMW 5 series, it also has better real world driving characterisitcs. It has a very well integrated approach to technology and I love the features, all of which are standard; Navigation, XM radio, OnStar, All Wheel Drive. Add the beautiful interior, refinement and the fact they are willing to significantly reduce the price and you have a great combination.

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  Well Pleased - 2006 Acura RL
  By TOM H. - April 11 - 2:17 pm

  This car feels solid,handles like its on rails The interior is as nice as my 2003 lexus gs300 (just sold) You get all the possible "toys" you could imagine This car offers a great value for the $$ I thought i would replace my lexus with the new gs300 but i was disappointed with the power It just didnt feel any more powerful then my 2003 gs300 Lexus missed the boat on this one I am very please so far & sinc i have owned acuras before i am sure my satisfaction will continue

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  Love my RL - 1998 Acura RL
  By AM - April 6 - 12:50 pm

  I am very picky about vehicles. I have always loved this Accura. I have to trade it in now and hope I can find something that suits me as well!

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  Couldnt be happier - 2005 Acura RL
  By KWOH - April 6 - 11:08 am

  I have had my RL for about 9 months now. This is an amazing vehicle. It could use a little more low end torque, but I knew this when I bought the car (V6 cant give V8 torque). The ride is smooth and quick, but still with some "feel". The interior is incredible: comfortable seats, well laid out controls. Best of all everything!!! is adjustable, and retained in memory, for each driver: from seat and mirror positions, to when the auto headlights turn on, to auto door locks, to radio presets. Voice recognition is very good. Looks a little too much like the Accord but this is minor when all the rest is considered. This is the most tech. advanced car on the market.

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  New RL - Urban area - 2006 Acura RL
  By RCook - April 5 - 10:37 am

  This is a great car to drive, very responsive, navigation system is very cool, traffic moniter very useful. Not for the driver that is easily distracted or is uncomfortable with technology. AWD is very responsive and sure in wet weather