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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  MY SECOND R L - 2004 Acura RL
  By DUFF - May 15 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE. VERY FAVORABLE COMMENTS FROM PEOPLE WHO SEE AND RIDE IN IT. ADAQUATE TRUNK ROOM. THE SATALITE RADIO IS A PLUS. I HAVE USED THE MAP FEATURE AND LIKE IT

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  Satisfied owner of Acura - 2004 Acura RL
  By ydnic - May 15 - 2:00 am

  4th Acura that I have owned. I have been a satisfied Acura owner for over 15 years.

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  a great car for thr price - 2004 Acura RL
  By kal4 - May 15 - 2:00 am

  1 year after leasing a rl 3.5,i have all praise for this luxary car.i have leased lincoln.caddys,lexas.they dont compair to the acura.the 3.5 is comfortable,.easy to drive,super turning ratio.the on-star-xm radio-map guidance are all a joy to have.1 radio station from nj to florida....

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  Dans Review - 2004 Acura RL
  By Dan Hartley - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful driving experience...I look forward to getting in this car and taking off....Solid, reliable, and comfortable.....

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  Great Value - 2004 Acura RL
  By joep4542 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I think the RL is a really well built vehicle. It is very smooth and the interior quality is incredible. The engine is a little weak, and I would have enjoyed it a bit more in all wheel drive, but overall this car is comfortable and fun to drive.

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  one happy customer - 2005 Acura RL
  By lance boswell - May 7 - 8:20 am

  Not only does the Acura RL do what I expected but it exceeds my expectations in just about every catagory. It accelerates faster, corners better, is more striking inside and out than I ever imagined. With all these pluses, after putting in synthetic oil, I now get nearly 28 mpg highway. Not bad for a car that goes from 0-60 in 6 seconds. Also, just wait until you get to Dallas/Ft Worth or one of 20 or so more covered metro areas and the nav system interacts with XM radio to reroute you around bottlenecks on the major highways. Out of sight!!!!!

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  Great used vehicle - 1998 Acura RL
  By acuhins - April 23 - 2:00 am

  The car is very nice inside and out. Drives quietly and responsively. Mine has a very nice CD changer conveniently in console. With gas prices and high- test requirement, it can eat some fuel costs. Also, the tank is rather small (14 gallons) limiting the range per tank.

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  Acura RL Special Edition - 1998 Acura RL
  By GTCC - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new in 1998. This has to be one of the reliable cars ever built. Routine maintenance and one window motor replacement is all this car has ever needed. Its very comfortable on long trips and easy to maneuver in the city. Build quality is outstanding. Inside and out it looks like the day it bought it. Acura has earned my loyalty.

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  Like driving a Music Room - 2005 Acura RL
  By stevie b - April 17 - 3:56 am

  I moved from a 2000 A6 to the RL. The A6 may be a little tighter in handling but this is the best car I have ever owned in terms of value, handling, safety features, power, and above all the interior. The music system is like none I have ever heard. I think I may sleep in the seats and just listen to DVD-As all night. Handling in the snow in New Hampshire was fabulous with the standard all season tires.

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  A SATISFIED CUSTOMER - 2004 Acura RL
  By Dave in Oregon - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Hi everyone - I leased my latest Acura on Feb. 29, 2004. After searching and driving many cars, and considering the fantastic deal Acura was offering, I made the decision to go with the 2004 RL. I drove the Lexus ES300, the BMW 5 series, and looked at Audi. The RL has a wonderful feel, the instruments are well placed, and with the optional chrome wheels, its quite a handsome vehicle. I do wish it was abit more thrifty with the gas, but its getting a solid 18-22 and still has less than 2000 miles. Hopefully, it will get better.