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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  2005 Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By Melvin DenWiddie - November 22 - 12:08 pm

  This car is just amazing!! The super handling is great and features like the keyless access, hands free use of the navigational system and cell phone are the greatest. The ride is extremely comfortable and cabin is very quite which allows complete enjoyment of the sound system.

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  Treat, no Tricks - 2005 Acura RL
  By bydand - November 17 - 12:52 pm

  Took delivery of Redondo Red Pearl RL on Halloween and have been in heaven for my commute ever since. Rock solid ride, quiet luxurious interior, PLENTY of power (looking forward to getting past initial break-in) and fantastic handling for such a heavy car. Nits being picked in some reviews should be taken as just that, everybody has an opinion. Im sure that after a few months I wont know how I survived without Navi & Voice Command in the past neat to find restaurants, ATMs, etc. Sound system is worthy of a large room 5.1 Surround Sound Audio disc free with purchase is a feast for the ears. Co-workers and neighbors all want to know what it is.

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  Very nice car - 2005 Acura RL
  By Doug in NYC - November 16 - 12:36 am

  This is a wonderful car. However, prior to accepting it, please ensure that the dealer handles all service bulletins, because otherwise several things may not work as well as you wish. Definitely sit in the drivers seat and try to get comfortable. I was never able to get completely comfortable, but close enough to be happy. After 1,000 miles, Im still happy.

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  Great Acura - 2005 Acura RL
  By Bill Gimby - November 13 - 12:45 pm

  Last 3 cars, 2 MBs and a G35 the Acura tops them all. Drove all the competition and found the Acura the most solid on the road. Absolutely no problems for the Acura in first 7000 miles, delivers fair city mileage and excellent highway mileage, driving an even 70 on interstate have achieved 30 MPG but more often about 27 to 28.

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  My Silver Bullet - 2005 Acura RL
  By Deborah - November 12 - 3:12 pm

  I have been driving my RL for the last two months and I am very pleased with the vehicle. As the owner of a 2002 TL Type-S, I find the difference in the two cars to be everything I expected it to be. While I enjoy the sporty ride I get from my TL, when I get into the RL I can still appreciate sporty but I get a hugh dose of luxury. The comfort of the interior is beyond what you would expect from a car that on the surface appears so sporty. The handling is also excellent. Very quick and responsive.

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  Excellent Value Give it a shot - 2005 Acura RL
  By snrub1 - November 8 - 6:19 pm

  Having test driven the competition, I feel the RL stands up to all comers. The car rides very well, is packed with features (the stereo is incredible) and, though lacking a bit in the excitement department, the car does everything very well. Dollar for dollar, the RL was by far the best value in the class. Thus far we are delighted by our purchase of the RL. Give the RL a shot if looking for a luxury sedan.

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  Best Value - 2005 Acura RL
  By CGPRL - November 7 - 9:59 pm

  Test drove most of the competition from MB, BMW and Lexus. I think the RL is the best value and best overall performer in its class. It may not have the best handling and road feel, nor the most horsepower or torque, but I feel it is close to being the best in all categories. I didnt find a perfect car in my test drive (with a budget of under $60,000) and the RL is as close as it gets.

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  Top Performance - 2006 Acura RL
  By Don - November 5 - 2:56 pm

  This is my 4th Acura experience. It seemed the prior models always lacked something the other luxury sedans had, i.e., horsepower. The new RL has it all horsepower, design, performance, electronics, and very good fuel economy. What a pleasure to drive, especially on mountain highways.

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  Unique Luxury Sleeper - 2005 Acura RL
  By Bruce Bolen - November 2 - 8:22 pm

  Have owned five Mercedes, four BMW, two Saab. Acura RL is the best of the bunch because it has has modern, timeless styling that grows on you with time. The interior is totally modern and a pleasing, comfortable, friendly environment. Performance is more than adequate and 28 mpg at 80 mph on the highway is good for a 300 hp 4x4 luxury sedan. What I like most is you have something modern, enduring and unique with long term durability, and you dont see yourself coming and going in upscale locations. Mercedes has too many models and is no longer unique and their quality is sagging. BMW is too flashy and yuppie and has durability problems. GM has ruined Saab and it may never recover.

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  I Love my Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By HenryTD - October 25 - 7:13 pm

  I love my RL. I test drove the competitors and I bought the Acura because I loved the interior, the technology, and the SH-AWD system. Ive had it for 3 weeks now, and it hasnt disappointed me in any respect. The technology all works, and the car handles great. For my money, a far better value than any of the others I test drove.