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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  Review - 2005 Acura RL
  By Lovin - October 14 - 12:47 pm

  I would rank this car in line with the Audi A6. It has absolutely everything you would ever want on a vehicle...the ultimate in luxury.

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  My RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By grimie09 - October 13 - 3:00 pm

  After driving most of the others in this group, the test drive of the RL was all it took to buy. Experiencing the combination of handling, killer sound system, build quality, technology & solidness was over the top. The car is fun.

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  Best Car for the Money - 2005 Acura RL
  By Emile Riendeau - October 11 - 9:55 pm

  Thsi is an excellent vehicle in every respect. It is loaded with electronics that make driving more enjoyable. All the standard features make this one of the best values in this class. Excellent all around performance and cabin comfort. Ideal on the highway and back roads. All wheel drive ahead of its time.

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  best car ive ever owned - 2005 Acura RL
  By Marc - October 11 - 4:22 pm

  Undoubtably the best car I have ever owned, and Ive been through quite a few. Great combination of performance and comfort. Recently drove 525 miles with one brief stop. Made great time and avergaed 27 mpg. Was not the least bit tired when I got home. I give the credit to the RL - driving is not work in this car. Technology is awesome. Navigation system has been on the mark 100% of the time. Have 10000 miles without a glich. Last car, 2003 Volvo XC70, had 3 visits to dealer by now. Trunk a bit small and kids (3) wish for a little more width in back seat. Highly recommend it.

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  05 Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By Richard N. - October 11 - 10:13 am

  This is the fourth Acura I have owned and each time I get a new one, every three years, I am thrilled with it. However, the new 05 RL has so many improvements that I do not know where to begin. The best feature with the biggest difference that I have found is the ALL - WHEEL drive very necessary if you live in the New England area. Not having all wheel drive would have been my only reason for looking at another brand of automobile. I get approximately 19 to 20 miles per gallon average with the 300 hp engine. No need to look at another vehicle.

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  Amazing Acura - 2005 Acura RL
  By acura fan - October 10 - 12:57 am

  This car has everything from the keyless entry, 4 auto windows, no keys needed to start, amazing interior and exterior, voice command, and bluetooth. Fresno Acura is a very good dealership to buy from no hassle, very knowledgeable and a lot of nice incentives to buy there.

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  It is what it is. - 2005 Acura RL
  By sharkcar - October 7 - 2:33 am

  I have read some reviews about a lack of performance, acceleration in particular. I come out of the sports car group of guys but I bought this for highway use and in town business use. Its a great sedan, not a great sports car. I was bolting through town tonight at about 65mph and the thing was surrealisticaly quiet. Beautiful, really good handling, tight, deliberate, but quiet. I like it. I bought the black. Its beautiful. The onboard system, if you like that kind of thing, and thats an important question, the systems are by far the best ever. When you get it new, just work out one system at a time or you will be overwhelmed. Today I put up the last one, the phone system. You gotta like it.

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  Great Car, Great Deal - 2005 Acura RL
  By Kupe15 - October 7 - 12:05 am

  Just got Black RL w/Tan interior. Got a great deal. Upgraded to wood trim steering wheel, shifter knob, 18in wheels and spoiler. Looks great, handles perfectly and is so fun to drive. Cant beat this car for value and performance.

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  2006 Acura RL review - 2005 Acura RL
  By Tom Browne - October 6 - 2:31 pm

  Many postives about the RL....ride, handling, looks, sound system. Would like to see quieter tires put on the car so that road noise would not come through as much.

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  Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By kgd_007 - October 5 - 4:37 pm

  Owned 92 Legend and a 2000 RL previously. This new RL is a great car. The interior is amazing, I love the wood and the leather. The exterior- the front could have been better, the rear is great. The 18" chome wheels made a huge difference as did the rear deck spoiler. One of the best stock audio systems I have heard, no need for an iPod connection as it will play MP3 CD-Rs (about 120 songs per disk) and they sound great. Navi voice commands work great, the traffic is sometimes not accurate, but I am sure will get better. The command knob for the Navi, audio and climate is much improved over the pointer and touch screen. Rear window sun shades are great. Handling with the AWD is awesome.