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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  2006 Acura RL with Tech Package - 2006 Acura RL
  By Marc G. - April 3 - 4:55 pm

  OK, so we just bought the RL with the Tech pkg. Leasing was not an option since we were told that the Tech Package is too new to have a calculated residual. Anyway, the financing was sweet at 2.9% for 36 months. It’s only been four days, but soon enough to say this is sweet. We didn’t want a car with high *bling* so we opted for this over the Mercedes E, Infiniti M, or Cadillac. It ultimately came down to this RL, another MDX, or a Range Rover. The Rover was just a nicely appointed Ford truck. The MDX is undergoing re-design in 2007, and it was too big this time around. The RTL is just right – not flashy but humble and understated. Only you, the car, an another RL owner actually k

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  2005 Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By John Ryan - April 3 - 9:11 am

  Just purchased the 2005 RL. What a great car. Had a Lexus GS, looked at the Audi A6, and new Lexus GS. Really no comparison. Liked the no options idea. The others had too many option packages. The car rides great, has great interior and is quick for a V6. This car by far had the best value for what you get. Would recommend it over the others no problem. If youre thinking of buying one, do it!

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  wheres the money - 1996 Acura RL
  By white ghost - April 2 - 7:14 pm

  Simply the best vehicle Ive ever owned. An oil change every thousand miles followed by scheduled maintainece. Never a major problem, but, hes getting old and its time for something alittle newer.

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  Great car - 2006 Acura RL
  By hmseminole - April 2 - 10:45 am

  This is a great car. I looked at the BMW 525 and the Lexus LS430, but with all the options the RL offers, you can not beat the value. The car is a rocket and the handling can not be touched by any other makes. Sound system is the best I have seen in any car. High tech in the car takes a little time to figure it all out, but once you do, you will love it. This is a fun sports car to drive.

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  Lovin my RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By Manuel Marquez - March 26 - 6:06 am

  Overall, I think the car is wonderful. I have been impressed with the combination of technology and creature comforts. The Bose sound system is top- notch. I am enamored of the keyless access remote, the design of the dashboard and steering wheel, and the quality of the exterior finish. Less satisfying have been my experiences linking my new Bluetooth Treo 650 to the HandsFree Link System and the changeover to a new DVD for the Navigation system which "lost" my ability to get real-time traffic reports. My dealer will address the latter as soon as I get the car in for a review. Acura sent me an updated DVD disc, which I loaded. That was when the trouble with the traffic updates began.

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  Simple & dependable - 1998 Acura RL
  By pzrogers - March 19 - 5:36 pm

  I have owned my RL for over four years and have been very pleased with its dependability and comfort. Like most cars made by Honda/Acura, it has an understated, timeless style and is very dependable mechanically. Its only performance issue is its limited acceleration ability, which is sufficient for normal driving but not for those days or situations where you prefer a sporty feel. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle and would definitely consider buying another Acura for my next purchase.

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  Nightmare - 2002 Acura RL
  By David Bishop - March 19 - 10:07 am

  This car has been in the shop no less than 10 times since I bought it less than 1 year ago. They cant fix it. After being in the shop for 49 the block is being replaced. I knew I wanted the 03 that they had just sold. O well.

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  Luxury car that isnt ostentatious - 2006 Acura RL
  By Bobink - March 15 - 11:20 pm

  I drive a lot, so I treated myself to the RL. For a little less than I paid I could have gotten a comparably equipped 325, but not a 330. But this car is definitely in the 5-series, or E-class field and, comparably equipped, either one would have been $15,000 more than the price I paid for the RL. Plus, I genuinely liked the RL better. I also drove the M35 which in the sport version has a comfortable seat but a harsh ride, and in the non-sport version the seat was mushy soft and uncomfortable. My RL car is very satisfying to drive. Plenty of acceleration. Great headlights. Fantastic stereo. Intuitive electronics. The real-time taffic is useful. And I think it is gorgeous.

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  Happy owner of 2006 RL - 2006 Acura RL
  By CWD - March 15 - 2:57 pm

  I picked the 2006 RL after driving Audis (1998 A4 2.8, 2002 A6 4.2) for the past 8 years. Performance is comparable to my A6 4.2 with better gas mileage. SH-AWD does offer superior handling compared to my A6 4.2. Car corners flatter with a quicker and more solid turn-in feel. Suspension is firm, but not harsh. This car is a real value in its class. Loaded with features and technology for the price when compared to other 6-cyl. cars in its class (A6 3.2, 530i, GS300, etc.). Interior design is very nice. I like it better than the new A6 and the GS. Exterior is sleek and clean. I hate what BMW did to the 5-series. Seats are very comfortable. Back seat big enough for adults.

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  So far, just worries - 2005 Acura RL
  By AcuraRLBlue - March 13 - 3:03 pm

  My 2005 RL came with diagnostic codes indicating problems with the AWD and emission systems. The dealership just deleted the codes and explained that it was just "temporary codes" for other issues. This is hardly assuring, and further inquiries to the sales person/his service manager are being ignored. No one should be expected to have to worry about a $50K+ car. To be fair, the car is fun to drive, and my rating is "temporary" in nature until I get to the bottom of what it really means to have these diagnostic codes. If there were real problems with my car that were ignored by the dealership before handing the car over to me, I expect the dealership and Acura to make it right.