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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  AN ABSOLUTE TREASURE - 1999 Acura RL
  By John D. - March 18 - 6:07 pm

  My 90 Acura Legend has 243K miles. L.A. tomorrow? (2K miles)No problem. Sold 94 Legend for RL. Got the RL 2 yrs ago with 60K, just turned 100K. Features in this car are tremendous, comfortable, quiet, (with right tires for sound)awesome off the line listed at 0-60 in 7.5 seconds, highway accelleration, 7K top RPM, 210 HP V6 high compression. Needs V-8? Bah Humbug! Handling dry, snow and ice, super. Im a big guy, theres ample room, astounding comfort access & workmanship. Great Stereo. Friends 04 E-Class Mercedes, problems, 99 RL, no problems, go figure? Reliability and resale are among the best. I get constant compliments on look, ride, all of RL. Pleasure to drive. "I LOVE THIS CAR!

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  97 RL - 1997 Acura RL
  By LoveMy RL - March 12 - 3:04 am

  Bought the car with 80k, it now has 180k. What a car! Nothing similar in looks, quality, or drive. Quality all-over. Love this car, will probably buy a newer one. No major troubles after 180k. Interior is spaceous, great car. Cant say enough about it. Two items on wish list though, bigger engine, whats up with the EGR ports? Cleaning them evey 20k, what are they? Is it the lower gas quality? other then that, this car drives like a thoroughbred horse. Only suggestion to you--- buy one.

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  MG - 2005 Acura RL
  By MG - February 20 - 10:33 pm

  A very quiet car to drive and the Bose Stereo system is something to be heard. Incredible sound and with the quiet ride it makes the experience even more enjoyable. The navigation system, sat radio and other voice activated features are very easy to use and interface with. Cornering capability is tight and holds the road very well. At night the road is well eluminated by the adaptive headlight system.

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  Sold on RLs - 2002 Acura RL
  By ajaye - February 8 - 6:58 pm

  This is my second RL after 25 years of BMWs (still own one, convertible). After seven years of the RL model I have replaced one (thats 1) brake light. Nothing else except regular maintenance. I still like the body style, but will test drive a 2005 later this week. The difference in dollars with the BMW is simply not worth it., in fact, I would take the RL over the 5 series at the same price.

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  Best used car for price on market - 2000 Acura RL
  By Ron - January 19 - 9:38 pm

  The Acura RL is an outstanding used car. Youll usually find these it top shape as the owners take care of them and the car is really built well. I had no problems ever. And, most of the Acura dealers are really professional.I had to sell due to too many vehicles but it was a very hard decision to let it go.

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  What a car - How much fun!! - 2005 Acura RL
  By JMC - January 19 - 10:06 am

  First car I decided to buy brand new, got it with 11 miles. Im very fortunate to have gotten such a great car for my first buy. Its just a fun car to drive and I feel proud to own one. Dont miss out on this car - you wont regret it for a second!!!

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  A True Flagship - 2005 Acura RL
  By Travis - January 18 - 1:50 pm

  The 2005 RL is without a doubt the TRUE FLAGSHIP of the Acura Line..finally a competent successor to the Acura Legend ..since discontinued... Unbelievable sound system...wonderful handling..elegant cabin..and amendities which are endless.. Once you sit in this NEW RL...you wont want to get out...worth giving a spin for sure....

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  Acura RL at 500 miles - 2005 Acura RL
  By nyuboy23 - January 13 - 1:50 pm

  Great car, by far the best value in its class. Acceleration slow at start due to its low torque, but from 30-100mph it is comparable to the bmw 540 (my old car). Excellent interior design, all wheel drive system makes it turn like a European car... excellent handling at high speed... excellent design

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  Excellent car - 2004 Acura RL
  By acura rl - January 6 - 12:59 am

  Ive had my Acura for over a year now and enjoy it very much. Ive had no problems with it and love the navigational system, Onstar, and XM radio, all standard features. The Acura wont win a lot of races, but the power is adaquate for my driving, and the ride is smooth, quiet and enjoyable. Lots of people comment positively about the looks of the car when its parked.

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  RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By Mark Shedrofsky - January 5 - 1:20 am

  Great car. The interior is fabulous, the exterior could look a bit more elegant. With all wheel drive the car handles incredibly well. XM Radio and hands free Blue tooth phone capability is great. Using the voice commands to adjust almost anything is nice, especially in bad weather, when you dont want to take your eyes off the road to adjust a dial.