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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  Acura RL 2005 Model - 2005 Acura RL
  By John Owings - January 17 - 6:23 pm

  The 05 RL is a fine automobile. The main complaint I have is on the transmission. The car does not downshift when slowing down to corner. As a result, the car will shudder at low speeds until you begin to accelerate and the transmission and the engine finally get back in sync. I have taken the car back to the dealer several times for the problem, they have installed the new software patch to solve the problem. But it does not work any better. I have called Acuras national service organization and had them review it and they say it is working per "specifications". It was a nice way to say they have blown it on the spec.

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  06 Acura RL - 2006 Acura RL
  By Greg - January 15 - 6:47 pm

  We have owned our 06 RL for about 60 days. What a great car to drive. The driving experience is wonderful, great handling, cornering, performance. The technology continues to amaze me. Navigation system is probably the most extensive on the market. AWD system is great in the snow and rain. Very comfortable seats and ride quality. Only negatives are city fuel economy (highway economy is good) and backseat legroom is a little tight. All the magazines say it needs a V8, but for 90% of everyday driving the 300 HP V6 is plenty of power. Much more comfortable and more features for the money than BMW.

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  More for your money - 1997 Acura RL
  By Russ - January 15 - 6:46 am

  After comparing other vehicles in this class, I found I could get more amenities for my money. This car has remarkable power with the 3.5 liter 6 cylinder 210hp engine. I have driven this car up and down the state of California numerous times and fatique was minimal. This year my son recieved his drivers license and the 1997 Acura with 110000 miles on it. I trust it completely with his safety. It is truly a pleasure to drive! The only problem Ive had all these years has been the power window motor/linkage on all the windows have broke. They are very expensive to replace. Approximately $140.00 each w/o installation! If you want a fun, reliable, stylish, powerful, comfortable car this is it!

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  No Competition - 2006 Acura RL
  By Pawan - January 14 - 11:58 pm

  Awesome Vehicle, best value of ANY car out there. Gives the enthusiast what they need and also gives the family what it needs. NEver leaves anyone wanting for more

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  Great car. - 2006 Acura RL
  By Woody - January 10 - 5:17 pm

  The Acura RL handles like a sports car and rides like a luxury sedan. Great looking and the voice activated naviagation system is easy to use.

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  Best in class - 2006 Acura RL
  By Randy Bunney - January 9 - 9:03 pm

  Acura made it simple for me to buy the RL. It comes completely loaded with all the bells and whistles. Two months of test driving everything the competition had to offer and nothing compared to the RL.

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  absolutely love this car - 2005 Acura RL
  By els - January 8 - 8:45 am

  extremely well handling and fun to drive car---super GPS. No problems thus far but still bought the 100,000 mile warranty---would hate to think something would go wrong with this complicated system after the regular warr. expires. Get 18MPG combined city/highway---but worth it.

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  Best of the best - 2005 Acura RL
  By Black05RL - January 6 - 3:50 pm

  This car has lived up to my expectations, and I am happy with my choice after narrrowing down to RL, A6 and 530i. Ride quality, interior features and quality and overall drivability are tops.

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  luxory car forless - 2005 Acura RL
  By Gus - January 4 - 1:27 am

  Drives great, Hard to make this car get out of track. I enjoy it, sporty, and sleek.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Acura RL
  By pappy164 - December 26 - 10:59 am

  I may not have as much pull as other owners in here because this is my first mid luxury sedan. I can tell you I did drive almost every other vehicle in this class. Although the power of the M seemed to be a little more it didnt have the finese of this vehicle. The Acura RL has some of the most comfortable seats in the class and with the AWD you can really shoot around corners. With the VTEC you dont get that low end torque (altough its not wimpy at all),but you do get great mid range power (30-70 MPH range) this is where this car really performs. Although a vehicle with this much technology is kinda intimidating at first, Acura seems to be easier to leanr than the other brands. Great car!