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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  Great for road trips... - 2005 Acura RL
  By Woods46 - March 11 - 6:17 pm

  Just finished a 4000+ mile trip in this vehicle - performed great! Mostly interstate driving, but some dirt road travel for hiking, and through Vail pass during a major snow storm. Handling was great, no performance problems. The X-M radio and Nav package were really nice to have on a trip like this, although the Nav package got confused a couple of times with new construction - but I guess that is what updates are for.

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  awsome - 2003 Acura RL
  By salvador padilla - March 11 - 1:27 am

  i love my acura and hope fully this year or next i will trade it for a brand spanking new one,from now on only this type of vehicles i will buy,no matter what i have to do to get it.

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  time has told - 2005 Acura RL
  By ewelker - March 9 - 5:41 pm

  We bought the car last summer and traded our 2001 E class because of the continuing Mercedes dying battery problem when the car was left unattended. We have always had Mercedes, Audis and BMW and hoped the reliability factor would be better with Acura/Honda...it is. The only issue was with the tire balance and Acura replaced the tires! Service has been wonderful and the car is far better in every way than the Mercedes. The Mercedes mileage was a little better, about one MPG, but we average 21 overall and 26 to 28 highway so it isnt bad and, of course, best of all, the reliabiliy factor after six months is great.

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  2 months - 2005 Acura RL
  By almost new - March 3 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this vehicle with about 2000 miles on it. Apparently the person who owned it before me could not master its array of controls and turned it in early. I find the controls very intuitive and love everything about this car except the shifts which seem leisurely. Handling is great, acceleration is smooth and more than adequate, and the climate control system is quite effective. This car offers much more than a comparably priced BMW which I test drove.

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  Bobs Review - 2005 Acura RL
  By bob - March 3 - 11:00 am

  Great car, have done a couple of trips to Fla from Il and no issues. Used nav all the way and do so frequently. Zero problems with the car and abot 22-25 mpg depending on my habits. Will buy another.

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  Love it all ... but the lights. - 2005 Acura RL
  By New Acura Owner - March 1 - 4:43 pm

  Overall an extremely attractive, well built, fun to drive automobile. Thoughtful in its design, seamless in its execution. Has almost every feature you would expect (and then some) for a car at this price point. Honda pedigree ensures car will be reliable for years to come. May not have the road panache of an MB (we had previously owned 2 E-Class MBs) but the features/technology beats MB (and BMW) hands down. Purchased the Lakeshore silver exterior...really sharp.

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  Very Happy - 2005 Acura RL
  By GL - February 27 - 2:34 pm

  Bought this car a year ago -- very pleased. Sound system is simply amazing. Front seats are comfortable and controls easy to reach. Smooth, solid ride. Im not a car enthusiast, but love driving this car. Traffic integrated into nav system is nice and Ive used the nav system more than I ever expected to. On the downside, keyless remote is not great for women (who dont always have pockets and have to find somplace to put it) and it is VERY easy not to turn the ignition off completely, resulting in a dead battery. Ride could be quieter at high speeds.

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  The Zen Master - 2006 Acura RL
  By Rich D. - February 21 - 4:40 am

  Having owned about every brand of car on the market and currently owning a 2004 BMW 545i, which was $15,000 more than the Acura, I have to say this is the best car I have ever owned. If you are looking for exceptional balance in design, ergonomics, luxury, comfort, performance and, oh yeah, if you care about the environment and global warming (300 hp engine that is ultra low emissions) there is no better choice on the market. Bimmer is faster, but Acura has plenty of power and kills the Bimmer in every other measure of performance. Awesome car, built in Japan - truly the Zen Master!

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  Great Left Brain Car!!! - 1997 Acura RL
  By Joe - February 17 - 2:09 am

  This car is very Reliable,comfortable,roomy,and did I mention reliable, but that is pretty much it.The window regulator in the rear driver window went out and some bulbs in the dash, but thats it!The car is built well enough and is Reliable!NO soul stirring emotion though.You could take it home to meet mom but is a lousy date!!!This has got to be the most boring car I have ever owned.The engine is slow off the line and it corners like a hearse,but its reliable!I recommend it for the reliability but thats it.It screams HONDA and is not worth the original sticker.Good thing I bought it used and only for business.It is a passionless yet reliable car!!!

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  RL full of electrical gremlins - 2006 Acura RL
  By NewRL - February 16 - 4:19 pm

  My RL has proven to be a myriad of gadget glitches. No doubt the RL is a quality constructed vehicle, however this does not extend to the electronic gizmos of Acura’s flagship. The voice recognition does not work properly it is a cumbersome and time consuming system, frequented by voice interpretation errors. The 300hp VTEC is sluggish, and has a very annoying 2- 3 second mid-range acceleration lag. Dealer service says “they all do that.” It is sluggish and lacks torque. Self adjusting headlights cause some serious safety concerns. Acura missed the target here, and RL sales are showing it. Look to the Infinity M for a true sports-luxury car.