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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  Excellent overall value - 2005 Acura RL
  By acusacto - August 21 - 8:37 pm

  I went back and forth between the 2005 RL and the 2006 Lexus GS300. The GS300 had a better feel for the road, but you are paying a few thousand dollars just for the name. The RL ride may be a little more boring, but it is much more spacious feeling than the GS300, and the seating position is better to see the road. The RLs standard nav, awesome sound system system, and XM radio represent much better value. Getting around 19 mpg city.

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  Best Value in the Market - 2005 Acura RL
  By Lamar - August 18 - 9:42 am

  I looked at the Lexus & Infiniti, and by far nothing compared to the RL. The Acura is so loaded with stuff I couldnt ask for anything else! The all-wheel drive is seamless and absolutely incredible around turns. I love the Voice-Activated Nav system, I can say "temperature 57 degrees", its crazy. If you want the best bang for the buck go with the Acura.

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  One Outstanding Ride - 1999 Acura RL
  By Mark M - August 14 - 2:11 pm

  I purchased this car 6 months ago and have absolutely loved it. As soon as you get behind the wheel you instantly recognize the quality that was put into this car. The ride is very smooth. I replaced the tires with Bridgestone Turanza LS-Vs which greatly improved the ride and reduced road noise. I have not had to put a penny into the car other than normal maintenance (and the tires). At 79,000 miles there isnt a squeak or rattle, it as tight as it was new. The engine is powerful enough for the car but not as powerful as its competition in this class. Gas mileage is not great. If your looking for a great quality used car I would strongly recommend the Acura RL.

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  Great, but needs improvements - 2005 Acura RL
  By taitando - August 10 - 9:44 pm

  The Good: The RL is a technological marvel that offers a superb value in its segment. Most of the options that you would pay extra for in other makes are standard in this car. Keyless Access, Navigation, Surround Sound, Hands Free Link, Xenon Adaptive Front lights, Rear Sunshade, Onstar, XM Satellite Radio & Real Time Traffic, etc... The list goes on and is quite extensive. The ride is quiet and smooth. Complemented with the superb SH-AWD system with 290HP, the RL is fun to drive. This is not a sports car, but it has plenty of go to help you pass other people in the left lane. The Bad: The paint is thin and chips easily. Others have posted problems with the battery.

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  Love it, recommend it - 2005 Acura RL
  By Petemc - August 10 - 2:54 am

  Nice luxury vehicle. Tested against most competition (BMW, Audi, Infinity) and was best overall. Technically advanced...do not purchase if you are technically challenged. Interior is outstanding, 5.1 surround sound is excellent. Exterior paint quality is best out there. Drives like a smaller car, SH-AWD does work and enables advanced performance around corners. I would definitely buy it again. Pete

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  Superb! - 2005 Acura RL
  By ziggy - August 9 - 1:34 pm

  I had a 2000 TL for 5 years and 134000 miles. I hated to part with it but now that I have, OH BOY ! Love this car ! Powerful, excelent handling, loads of toys that for the most part are intuitive. The hard part of driving this car will be avoiding tickets.

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  Keep this car in mind - 2005 Acura RL
  By CJL - August 7 - 12:29 am

  Acura may have been easily overlooked in the past for the over conservative styling and mediocre performance when it came to a luxury sedan - no more! This car is packed with everything you could need - and then some. It could be a generational thing, but Im 39 and found the technology smart, easy and fun to use. Well thought out and with so many ways to do things, you can pick your style - voice, direct or a combination of both. It really feels like a luxury sedan when you want it to be, but steps up to the plate for some fun, sporty driving when you need it to be. The technology, sound system (wow!), fit and finish will blow you away. Look out Lexus, Acura has come a knocking.

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  AWD vehicle but not a SUV. - 2005 Acura RL
  By HenryW - August 6 - 5:47 pm

  I purchased my car back in march after test driving numerous vehicles. The RL is by far dollar for dollar better than leading competitors.The only thing that still puzzles me is this rattling noise that comes either from the front brakes because of the mounting or underneath the body while going over cobble stone roads or just cracks on the road, but the SH-AWD is what sold me.

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  RL 2005 - 2005 Acura RL
  By donna graham elliott - August 6 - 12:09 pm

  I test drove it twice it is the second RL that I have purchased. That is because the first one was so reliable. I still have it. I have never owned two of the very same vehicle. I thought that did not make sense when people did that. Now I understand why.

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  Great but not Perfect Car - 2005 Acura RL
  By wmhipps - August 5 - 1:08 am

  I have had my RL about 6 weeks. Love all the tech toys and no one seems to get ergonomics better. Usually too many bells and whistles is a bad sign of a thrown together product, but this car is great. I got the 18" chrome wheels with blue exterior and I get lots of compliments.