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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  2004 Acura RL - 2004 Acura RL
  By RLinPGH - September 2 - 2:00 am

  A very solid car. I like the classic (others call is bland) styling. The 2004 does not have the acceleration of the TL, but the ride in the RL is nicer and quieter. The interior leather on the RL also is higher quality. I looked at a Lexus ES-330 for $33,000ish and a Toyota Avalon at $31,000. The RL at $37,000 was more than I wanted to spend, but I really am happy I did.

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  RL Lover - 2005 Acura RL
  By Bob Adair - August 27 - 8:13 am

  As a former Acura TL owner I leased a 2004 Mercedes when I was ready for a new car because I didnt like the new shorter TL style and hated the old boxy RL. When the redesigned RL hit the market, I feel in love with the new sleeker RL body style and all of Acuras technology. It wasnt long before I was saying goodbye to my Mercedes and hello to a new RL. Its a dream to drive, has all of the amenities a driver could ask for, and at a very reasonable price. Before getting my new RL I considered another Mercedes and looked at the Lexus GS and for my money the RL beats them both. As soon as I drove my RL home I felt as if I had just put back on an old pair of comfortable slippers.

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  Class Ride - 2002 Acura RL
  By RL Fan - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several Acuras over the last 10 years and this is easily the best of the bunch. Ive had the 02 RL for 3 years now and still LOVE it. It is a very classy car and compares very well to cars costing $10-$15K more. Test drove the BMW 530, Lexus GS 300 and Lincoln LS before buying. After 3 years of ownership, I am very confident I made the best choice by going with the Acura RL. Reliabilty is absolutely first-rate.

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  Aside from the rattly suspension..... - 2005 Acura RL
  By Raja Bhat - July 19 - 11:40 pm

  Sporty luxury sedan. Somewhat rough, choppy ride which perhaps is what it costs to get a tight, precise handling. Worrisome rattle from the suspension going over ruts and bumps, clearly audible at low speed. I have not heard of this problem from anyone else on this forum, however. Hope they can find the problem. Incredible array of electronic gadgetry; Onstars phone system wont accept incoming calls, yet to be fixed. Sound system is superb, but XM satellite radio suddenly loses its memory of its presets. Would I buy this car again...yes, but if they can fix the rattle in the suspension. It is not becoming of a $50K Acura flagship car! Id say this: always test drive car with radio off!

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  RL-Refined Luxury - 2004 Acura RL
  By Bucciarelli - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Last year for this body style for the 04 Acura RL so you can negotiate a great price on the flagship Acura car. It is fully loaded including navigation system, OnStar, heated seats, XM Radio and real wood trim. This car may not turn heads with its dated body style but it will provide you a luxurious, quiet, and spacious ride while providing years of quality and enjoyment from the precision craftsmanship.

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  Best car for the money - 2004 Acura RL
  By Douglas Don Carlos - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, luxo cruiser, built like a tank, excellent dealer service...I love this car..Great leather intirior, I beet the hell out of my cars...this think is tough...

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  The Acura 3.5RL is an excellent car - 2004 Acura RL
  By J. Paul - July 8 - 2:00 am

  The RL is an excellent car so many ways, number 1 its riliable, problem free, excellent ride.

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  Acuras Real Luxury - 2005 Acura RL
  By Jim Blazer - July 7 - 2:46 pm

  The RL (Real Luxury) is just that. A great auto to drive and beats all the competition in its price range. The Ulitmate Driving Machine isnt a Beemer. Its an RL!

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  RL style and comfort - 2004 Acura RL
  By peachkdm - July 3 - 2:00 am

  car rides and hanldes very well, fun to drive, nav system is great voice makes very easy when driving

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  Good Performance and Quality - 2000 Acura RL
  By X5ONIT - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Got this car from soon to be ex wife. I traded my 740iL for the RL. I like the RL better overall due to number of features. The BMW was more bullet proof but the RL is solid also and will last longer. Navigation system is great and its fully loaded. V6 power is actually suprisingly good. Love the car.