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 love this car - 2000 Acura RL
  By Clarence - January 2 - 3:13 am

  I bought this car a year ago with 26000 miles on it. I have a 120 mile round trip commute to work and wanted something a little more comfortable than the Acura Integra I had (loved that car too and had no problems ever). I live in the DC metro area and you need to be able to get into traffic on the beltways and highways fast. This car has the power to do it. The comfort is nicer that some of the Mercedes Ive been in and when I test drove the Acura it was up against a Volvo and a Lexus. The Acura won hands down. There was no contest. My only complaint so far was a $650 repair bill for replacing the motor of a rear window. The parts were almost $400. Seems just a little excessive.

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  acura happy - 2004 Acura RL
  By natezin - December 30 - 4:04 am

  This is my 4th Acura. All are pleasant and reliable. Car has all features needed in a luxury car. Classy styling that tells the world you have something important, but you are not rubbing it in their faces. Sat radio not important to me, but On Star is valuable, as well as Nav system.

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  Former Lexus Owner - 2002 Acura RL
  By Perry P - December 17 - 9:22 pm

  We owned 2 Lexux prior to leasing the3.5 RL. Nice car. Rides smooth on the highway. No major problems. Pretty good mileage. Nice stereo system. Pretty comfortable on long trips. I think my wife prefers SUV and we will probably go back to the RX330 when lease is up.Only other disappointment is the selling price. Seems to be overpriced by $5.000.00

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  2005 Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By Waltermac - December 15 - 12:56 pm

  We had a bad accident in the rain in an FWD performance car (Volvo S60). The car spun out of control when the front weels hydroplaned. RWD and AWD had to be considered for the next purchase. I tried a number of all wheel drive alternatives (Audi, Volvo, BMW) and the RL was the only one that didnt plow around corners at speed. The responsiveness of the RL to driver input is terrific, and the handling is better than a BWW or Mercedes, IMHO. I think the cars exterior style is much better than you can you can see in photos. In person it has a wonderful agressive stance. The interior is beautiful, and well assembled: no rattles, very quiet, very Lexus like.

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  2005 Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By Ron Bowness - November 29 - 2:56 am

  I live in a very snow ridden area and this vehicle is amazing in the snow, my driveway is on a grade and I live on top of a big hill, no Problem.

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  Lovely Car for the money - 2004 Acura RL
  By Gardiner Westbound - November 28 - 9:47 am

  Refined, responsive, and nicely appointed. Intelligently designed and well executed. On Consumer Reports Most Reliable list.

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  Classy yes, Sporty no - 1998 Acura RL
  By SFRL - November 16 - 7:12 pm

  I owned a Legend before purchasing my 98 RL CPO in 11/02. Very different car. Legend was much sportier, the RL is positively laid back, with a classier ride. This is a large car that likes to cruise on the highway, not hustle through curvy back roads. Durability of Acura interior materials, leather especially, has always amazed me. Mine still looks new. This is great used car value given the high initial depreciation and excellent reliability.

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  Rock Solid - 2001 Acura RL
  By topoff - November 12 - 3:43 pm

  Excellent car - best car for long trips - quiet and easy to drive. Performance is adequate as is the mileage. Zero repairs other than normal oil changes etc. I do my own work and regular maintenance is easy. Deal visit (1-brake flush) was good - price and service. Special note - Acura paint is great it just doesnt get rock chips like other cars I own.

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  Honda build, Value Leader - 2005 Acura RL
  By j read - November 10 - 6:26 am

  The NEW RL 3.5 is a HUGE move in the right direction for Hondas premium line. When considering an E-350 M/B4-Matic, or the BMW-530, the RLs build and content wins, hands down. This car was a BEAR in the 10" snow we had in January. Who needs a gasguzzling SUV, when you can have this much performance and luxury for around 50 large. Sure it doesnt have the cachet that its German rivals have, but then again it doesnt have their "problems" either! For me, its not ALL about bang for thebuck, its about performance, quality,and luxury. To my mind the 05 RL 3.5 has it all. Did I mention "Japanese Build Quality" ??

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  Solid as Steel - 2004 Acura RL
  By atbeach - October 31 - 1:00 am

  This is my second RL in 3 years. It continues to reflect great quality and workmanship. The new 05 will provide the extra ponies needed. A very reliable car and the service is excellent. Continue to think Acura just makes a good product. Only negative is HP and placement of Nav screen which has a problem with sun relfection.