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:

• 

  First rate car - fun to drive - 2005 Acura RL
  By ADLEY CLARKE - July 1 - 3:13 am

  Audio is first class with superior sound. Speed, cornering, braking is excellent. Comfortable seating with ease of locating dials and knobs to operate this vehicle. Hands free phone linking along with a superb GPS system. Overall this is the car of the year. Well done Acura, you guys have exceeded my highest expectations.

• 

  classic car - 2004 Acura RL
  By Glen Olson - July 1 - 2:00 am

  The car looks great, a classic look. Very comfortable and quiet. Handles very well. The acura dealers make the car buying fun.

• 

  2005 Best Buy 6 cylinder - 2005 Acura RL
  By Sohan - June 27 - 11:20 am

  The Acura may not be able to out perform European competitors such as Jaguar, Mercedes, and BMW, but remember it is only a V6. The Acura is really in need of a V8 that can offer much more performance as its competitors. For a V6 though it outperforms many cars.

• 

  My favorite Car - 2004 Acura RL
  By Todd Scherer - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Although the styling is subdued, it still is a bit wolf in sheeps clothing. I am interested in what Acura chose to improve on in 2005. This version is a great car after 100,000 miles. I still enjoy it every day. I put spoty TL wheel on the car and it looks great.

• 

  Lux-ride - 2005 Acura RL
  By Merrit - June 16 - 11:53 pm

  I picked up the car and at once felt comfortable and secure. On the highway home was at 80 MPH and didnt feel a thing. Handles like a dream and on curves the SHAWD is GREAT. Learning the voice commands takes a little time but worht it . Best car in the market segment for the money.

• 

  Best Acura Yet - 2005 Acura RL
  By kwaidoi - June 9 - 9:06 am

  This is what the flagship of the brand should be like. Great car to ride or drive. Great traffic information and sound system. An A+++. Cannot say enough.

• 

  Love it - 2005 Acura RL
  By Grenouille - June 3 - 5:20 am

  Love everything, the car is not perfect - but it is very close. It is not super sporty - but then it is not meant to be. It is a well-rounded, safe, comfortable luxury sedan with an excellent stereo. (Not a kid’s boom box – instead high quality sound is stressed.) Love the AWD in the winter, can do amazing things with the VSA turned off, or ultra safe with it on.

• 

  I am a very happy owner! - 2001 Acura RL
  By jamesh - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Its a car with safety in mind. no CD changer in dash to play with while driving! no extra horsepower to encourage you to "drive for fun"! And you can park it on street in NYC,JC,Newark since Acura is not a so- called prestige brandname mostly target by car-thefts :-( And its priced (both MSRP and dealer discount)much lower than LS430. And I love its slim figure and classic looks, comparing with the most other models that are "big-ass" impression.

• 

  So close, but still great - 2005 Acura RL
  By spclst - May 17 - 5:13 pm

  A great overall car. Trunk is a bit small and I wish the rear seat folded down since space is already limited, but it is what it is. I cant understand why the radio cant display the CD (especially a DVD-A) info with song names, etc. And the FM RDS which is pretty standard nowadays is also missing....hmmmm? Oh, and why the heck did Acura change the lug and hub pattern of this car so that I cant get any aftermarket rims until the wheel manufacturers catch up to the new layout.... But, overall, I love the car. I guess nothing is perfect.

• 

  The True Flagship - 2004 Acura RL
  By Ozz - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Its the best built and reliable car!! Less maintenance then a bmw or benz!!