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:

• 

  Cool, Classy, and Fun - 2005 Acura RL
  By H. Zipper - December 19 - 11:10 am

  When I first picked my RL up I was a bit anxious about all the new technology, but after days of playing and asking questions I fell in love with my car. I feel like a female Bond in it. The handling is superior to my other vehicles including my Lexus. Its built strong but sleek. It gets lots of head turns at the gas pump.

• 

  Truly A Drivers Car - 2005 Acura RL
  By carlover - December 19 - 1:25 am

  Wow what an amazing car. This car has got everything and I mean everything from SH-AWD the only AWD that transfer torque from the front and the back and also right and left. From the sun sensors when you have your AC they sense where the sun is to make everyone equal temperature even when the suns beating down. Two sunshades one on each rear window and one power one on the rear that when you have the sunshade up and you pop it into reverse it lowers. From keyless entry to the voice activated DVD and when you want fast food you click the button and say "Nearest Fast Food" and it brings up the nearest fast food place to where you are. Very comfortable seats and very quiet inside. BEST CAR EVER

• 

  The ultimate automobile - 2006 Acura RL
  By doug preston - December 18 - 1:29 am

  I researched all of the luxury cars and found that none of them measured up. In order to come close to the features and performance of the RL, the others jumped to V8 engines and rear wheel drive and sacrificed any semblance of fuel economy. Every detail of this Automobile has been thoroughly considered and skillfully executed. Anyone who chooses to spend more than the cost of an RL is striving for ego satisfaction and not function.

• 

  Bad Exhaust Design - 2006 Acura RL
  By Brenda - December 12 - 3:27 am

  The dealer recalled our vehicle for some radio issue and as a result of that visit, we had to return it four time to finally fix the satellite radio. We have also made several trips to the dealer to fix the exhaust stain at the tail pipes. Starts appearing the day after the car wash and looks horrible. Dealer said the problem will be fixed with their 2007 redesign.

• 

  Happy buyer - 2006 Acura RL
  By Happy Buyer - December 7 - 6:13 pm

  New 2006 RL with Navigation system, Tech package and camera is the great combination of the quality, comfort, and fun. For $54K you get much more than BMW and Mercedes can offer. Voice activation system can recognize any accents. Electronic system is very complicated, but owner manual is very easy to read and understand. Rear view camera and automatically tilted outside mirrors are great addition to comfortable backing.

• 

  Great ride - 2006 Acura RL
  By hurls95 - December 5 - 6:37 pm

  This car does nothing perfectly but everything very well. the technology and ride are great. The gearing is interesting, I get the same MPG at 80 that I do at 45.

• 

  Acura Extrodinaire - 2007 Acura RL
  By K Thibodeau - December 2 - 3:41 pm

  The 2007 RL was everything I thought it should be. Fast, handles like a champ and close to zero maintenance issues.

• 

  A Japanese BMW - 2005 Acura RL
  By Philip - November 30 - 10:47 pm

  Acura has built a fine automobile with all the "bells and whistles", but unfortunately my car was delivered without the latest updates resulting in three dead batteries. Additionally, the upper information display is not visible in bright sunlight so a better design should be made so that feature can be useful.

• 

  Well Worth the Money - 2005 Acura RL
  By houston05rl - November 27 - 11:12 pm

  I looked seriously at Lexus and Mercedes and Infiniti. For the money there was no comparison. Very reliable, all the high tech items work (BlueTooth, XM, Navigation, Voice Commands, etc. Gas Mileage better than I had anticipated, 28 mpg at 75-80 mph. The ride and interior are first class with much more room than the E Class MB and Lexus GS. So far I have had no problems with the car. I had the Ground Effects added to the car and it greatly enhances its looks and gives it a much sportier stance. The only issues that I do have are: The trunk is too small and poorly shaped the auto on/off feature on the headlights rings a chime when you turn off the ignition and exit the car.

• 

  The Best Car I have ever owned! - 2005 Acura RL
  By Special K - November 24 - 2:36 pm

  The new Acura RL is the best car I have owned in every facet of your imagination. It is a Lxy Sdn when you want it too be and with in a moments notice, it is a Spts Sdn on demand. Cornering with this car is phenomenal, I feels as though it corners even better with your foot heavily down on the accel peddle. This one of kind SH-AWD (Super handling AWD) sys gives you confidence that you can never imagine with out actually driving the RL. I have taken in on road trips and was very impressed with the 28 mpg I got on the hwy cruising along at 80 mph. The sound sys makes you think that you are actually in a music hall but in reality you are in your RL. The ease of use the bluetooth cntrl.....