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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  I Bought The Perfect Car - 2005 Acura RL
  By San Diego Bruce - September 10 - 4:30 pm

  After 7 months and 6k miles, the RL is still perfect. Took it back in for first service recently, oil change and tire rotation, and there is still nothing wrong, no squeaks, rattles, leaks, or problems of any kind. I compared it with MB E320, BMW 530, Lexus, and Audi, and now realize I definitely made the right purchase decision. I can recommend it to anyone who is looking for a luxury performance automobile.

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  Nroke down at 1200 miles sensor replaced - 2005 Acura RL
  By ron - September 7 - 7:29 pm

  Cannot see the fenders for parking, hard handling, feels like I am steering a truck. Doors in front much to heavy. Mileage is way off. Too many bells and whistles. This is my third Acura.

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  2005 Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By 2005 Acura RL - September 6 - 10:58 pm

  The RL is extremely smooth riding. I feel very safe with the size and weight of this car. Enjoy driving it. I get better mileage than expected. Very comfortable ride for someone with back problems. I tested multi cars and this was my favorite.

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  Luvin My Car - 2005 Acura RL
  By AcuraOwner - September 3 - 11:03 am

  This is one of the smoothest, most responsive vehicles I have ever driven.

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  Unreliable - 2005 Acura RL
  By Howard Kelley - September 2 - 7:16 pm

  This car has a computer glitch that discharges the battery when the car isnt driven for a few days. The car has been towed to the dealership twice and is currently sitting at the dealership waiting for a "fix" from Acura. This problem isnt peculiar to my car but is a significant problem that other Acura RL owners have encountered. I am currently going thru arbitration with the State of Ct to get a refund since Acura doesnt know when the fix will be available. The keyless feature to start the car can lead to problems if you let a valet park the car. Sometimes the ignition is left in the acces position. The GPS works better in the TL model. The transmission has a very long lag time.

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  The best of RLs yet! - 2005 Acura RL
  By Lessie - August 30 - 11:15 am

  This is the 6th Acura I have owned -- starting w/ Legends. This is the best yet. Love the bells and whistles, plenty of them. Quick movement from 300 horsepower. However, not a knock out in styling, too much like the TL. But performance, top of the line. Happy to be an owner. Sound system is the best ever, listen to the 5.1 surround sound music in this car, I need a chauffer. To the owners who have not learned the detail of this vehicle, you are missing out.

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  Best quality auto I have owned - 1996 Acura RL
  By J. ANDERSON - August 24 - 2:47 pm

  This vehicle is my first Honda product and I have been very pleased. The car is almost 10 years old and the paint looks awesome. The leather interior is the most durable I have ever had and currently looks to be must younger. These cars do not have the cheap plastic parts that seem to break on most other brands.

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  Why I continue to drive RLs - 2002 Acura RL
  By RLmonster - August 24 - 1:42 am

  In 1999, I leased the 99 RL. After three years, I was so happy with the vehicle, I repeated the experience and leased an 02. If you are looking for a classy luxury sedan, that is often mistaken for a Mercedes, that gives a 225hp burst off the line, this is your car. After 6 years (3 in the 99 and another 3 in the 02) I have had ZERO problems with the RL class. Now, to show you how committed this RL guy is, this evening (8/22/05) I leased a third RL, the redesigned 05 and parted with the 02. I compared the Avalon, M and G Infinitis, Mercedes, and Lexus. Hell, I even tried to get into the new Passat. In the end, the RL won on price, value, and the bonus of AWD (try that BMW!)

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  Not A Bad Car For the Price - 2004 Acura RL
  By Jag Lover - August 24 - 12:27 am

  Pretty Good Gas Mileage, Great for off the Line, Ok passing, when punching there is a large blank spot of no speed 3/4 of the pedal pushed. Tough Leather, I think it will last forever!! Love the STANDARD heated seats and Navigation!!!

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  My Acura - 2005 Acura RL
  By Acura RL SH-AWD - August 22 - 4:34 pm

  The Acura is a decent car. It should have rain-sensing wipers but hey, not every car is perfect.