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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  This Car Rocks! - 2005 Acura RL
  By dempanther - November 11 - 9:56 pm

  Smooth ride, beautiful and well designed interior, user friendly, wand entry, no key to start car, driver memory remembers XM channels as well as seat adjustment. ROCK ON.

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  Solid Buy - 2005 Acura RL
  By tom - November 8 - 12:53 pm

  First automatic in 35 years (last car was BMW 528). Shift paddles are good, but would prefer clutch and a good six-speed. That said, this is a fine, fine car. Handles very well at speed. Put 6500 miles on it in first two months without a complaint. Fit and finish are superb.

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  Acura Customer Support Is A Myth - 2004 Acura RL
  By Jack Watney - November 6 - 2:00 am

  The automobile, itself, is average in ride and comfort. Fit and finish are good but noise level, for this niche, and its gas mileage are poor. It can be jittery in ride and will sidestep at certain speeds and improved road conditions that it should handle well. Its distinctive attraction lies in its integrated cabin systems. The navigation system and XM radio work well but OnStar was delivered inoperative and continues to be partially so over a month later. GM and now Acura tell me that there is nothing to be done. There will be no operating telephone in this car. Its absurd.

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  Acura has All - 2004 Acura RL
  By chriscrab - November 3 - 2:00 am

  The one thing that I like about the Acura RL is that it has no options. You get everything. That makes it less likely that you get ripped on price. It has the navigational system ,disk player, satellite radio and on-star system. The upside everything comes included. The downside is less performance than I would like. The car is great.

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  Yet another Acura... - 2004 Acura RL
  By Dave4504 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I come from a 91 Legend with 367,000 miles on it. Priced and drove slightly used Lexus, Mercedes, and Infintiy, I bought another Acura, new, and for THOUSANDS less. I LOVE this car. Its sexy, fast, and it handles great. It really turns heads too. I enjoy that there arent that many on the road. The V8s from the competitors are over rated. Hey, at 40, I dont put my foot to the floor often, but when I do, the V6 really moves me. The engine has LOTS of torque in the lower RPM range so merging into traffic is a breeze. Compared to the others, this is a drivers car, not a luxo- boat. My last car was never in the shop. I doubt this one will be either.

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  almost a 10! - 2003 Acura RL
  By Misi - October 28 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR DRIVES LIKE A DREAM! THE STEREO FANTASTIC, THE FIT AND FINISH IS EXCELLENT, THE INTERIOR VERY USER FRIENDLY. LUXURY FOR EVERY DAY - ACURA RL.

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  Love my Acura - 2003 Acura RL
  By mitchellmtmwnm - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had 2 Acura RLs and have very good results with both. I would buy another one if the price is right.MTM

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  Great car for the price - 2001 Acura RL
  By FabianBG - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a true comfort to drive in at any speed. You can very easily accelerate onto the freeway and feel like you are floating at 65 MPH over the road. Very reliable and no major problems after 36,000 miles other than a fog-light going out.

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  nice car - 2004 Acura RL
  By C Jones - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car

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  Lease buyback - 1998 Acura RL
  By Jag - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought new in 1998 and comming from Jaguar VDP I was a little bias, but it did not take long for me to appreciate the vehical. The ride is very comfortable and handles very well on bends, I drop a gear and enjoy. Its axceleration is more that adequate to attain highway speeds to allow ease of entry. Have always received compliments especialy from male passengers on the ride and competance the car shows at high speed on the highways. When the lease ended I bought the car for my wife and I still enjoy driving it. A Great Car!