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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  edmunds does not drive with a family - 2004 Acura RL
  By monie516 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Consider buying a lease turnin, less than 36,000 miles and mid to high 20s and it will outlast many other makes with 0 miles. Comfortable for male & female drivers. Not as fun to drive as BMW, but far more comfortable. And it continues to rate in the top five in reliability. It depends on what you are looking for. It is time for a redesign however and the repeat buyers will be a the dealerships waiting.

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  Acura RL Special Edition - 2002 Acura RL
  By mbfan7769 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Far and away the best, most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, and the most enjoyable driving vehicle I have ever been in. For a car its size, it handles very well in local, surface road traffic and is very comfortable on long Interstate highway trips. Very easy for full size adults to enter and exit the cockpit. So smooth and quiet on the highway that you dont realize you are going as fast as you are.

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  Excellent Value - 2004 Acura RL
  By safety - February 5 - 2:00 am

  The Acura RL possesses an excellent trim and an almost perfect exterior finish. The car has been extremly reliable.

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  My 2004 RL - 2004 Acura RL
  By kcmokid - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Great value compared to Mercedes, BMW, or Lexus. Looks similar to big Benz. Lots of luxury. Definitely not a sports-sedan. Luxo-cruiser at best. Ride can be jittery over challenging pavement as mentioned by another reviewer. Wont disappoint as luxury cruiser. Not the head-turner that 5 serious or GS is. Want a combo of fun, luxury, superior customer service? Go with Lexus!

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  Best Value / Best Luxury Sedan - 2004 Acura RL
  By Walter Flynn - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This is my second RL. A totally reliable luxury sedan which I rate best in class and price competitive (especially now with the dealer discount of $3,500). I like the traditional body style (unlike the car review critics) and believe it is a much better value purchase over the much pricier Lexus and Mercedes equivalents. Honda products are just clearly a better performing and more reliable car over any other make. Change the oil and rotate the tires and it will run like a clock for 100,000 + miles like my old RL. Please do not change the body style too radically in 2005!

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  A great value - 2002 Acura RL
  By Browniebeach - January 27 - 2:00 am

  With 45,000 miles on my 2002, I am trading in for a 2004. I have been very pleased with this car. The Honda quality in Acura products shows through in the fit and finish and the engine is superb. Could use about 15 more HP but otherwise it is the best car I have owned. Would recommend the RL to any one. I disagree with some critics the body style is outdated I think it has classy lines and Acura would be foolish to "dress it up" too much in the 2005 model.

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  Happy Consumer - 1999 Acura RL
  By dback - January 18 - 2:00 am

  The ride is exceptional, the styling great. After 4 years the exterior paint job still is in great condition. The interior is still clean. This is a great car for the money. Everyone that says its great fails to mention its front wheel drive. Great feature over other cars in its class. I had planned to buy another one but I am having to much fum with this one to give it up.

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  The Champaign of Beers - 2004 Acura RL
  By Warren Burns - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has provided us with a definite taste of luxury ... without the price. The 3.5 RS is not a sports sedan, but neither does it take a back seat in any kind of traffic. It definitely leads the pack most of the time. I am very satisfied with this vehicle so far.

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  2002 Acura 3.5 RL - 2002 Acura RL
  By Bill Buie - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Classy car with a sporty look. Tight handling more like the Legend. Powerful with refined appearance. Just the right mix of style & performance.

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  Dependable - 1997 Acura RL
  By Harriet - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased car with 30K on it. Now have 65K. Only problem was a transmission replaced under warranty and fair brakes. Excellent long distance cruiser with comforable ride, excellent seats amd Bose sound system.