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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  Great Luxury Vehicle - 2004 Acura RL
  By Miralee - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The Japanese have it together. They know how to take the best ideas, perfect them and the processes to build them, and make an unbeatable path to market. Unless US manufacturers can make a significant paradigm shift and radically change production methods and processes, we have given away one more card in the poker game of World Powers.

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  RL - 2004 Acura RL
  By Taha - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I have a RL. It is very good and very nice vehicle and I like it very much.

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  Experience an Acura RL - 2002 Acura RL
  By kayakkim - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving the Acura RL for 36 months and have not experienced a single mechanical failure. Power and pick up are important to me and the 3.5RLs hp and driving performance have exceeded my expectations. The exterior body style lends itself to a touch of sporty as well as luxury likeness. The interior is layed out nicely, feature rich and very comfortable especially on long trips. This is the third Acura I have owned and would definately consider buying a fourth.

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  Navigation System - 2004 Acura RL
  By Andy D - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Navigation system maps not current. Has business on opposite of street and list stores that have been closed for ten years. Dealer response excellent manufacturer remains unresponsive and ignores the problem.

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  acura - 2004 Acura RL
  By RODGERIC - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have own two acura cars.when i buy again it will be three.I LOVE THESE CARS.MY LEXUS IS NOT EVEN CLOSE!!!!!

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  Great car, fun to drive - 2004 Acura RL
  By pepe11 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Whats not to like about this car? Its comfortable and classy looking. Big enough for my family of five and it drives so beautifully. By the way, Open Road in East Brunswick, NJ is a great dealership - highly recommended.

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  I expected better from Honda - 1998 Acura RL
  By anaizi1 - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Several significant flaws: 1- Even with all widows tightly closed, the car is not quiet enough a great disappointment for me. 2 The car does not move quickly enough nor does it start off with umph. 3- The glove compartment is barely large enough to hold a pair of gloves.

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  Lovely car - 2004 Acura RL
  By Charles Chesler - September 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of the best cars ever made!

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  RL Review - 2004 Acura RL
  By NFB - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Need following for such a pricy car: compass and milage computer in standard model much larger HP engine luxery fetures inside like others in its class. Car does flow nice on open highway

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  Not worth the money - 2004 Acura RL
  By Al Greco - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Actually my lease is a 2002. This car simply is not worth the dollars for the lease. The ride is just OK, the handling is poor compared to the Toyota Avalon which was my previous auto. The performance again, not as good. The interior back seat is too small for the average size man. No leg room. The reliability I have no complaints about.