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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  1998 Acura RL - 1998 Acura RL
  By tmcvickers - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Drive over 20,000 miles a year & this is a great road car. Except for an alternator & some routine brake work, never had any repairs except regular maintenance.

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  Noisy - 1999 Acura RL
  By Cwill - October 13 - 2:00 am

  After 3 years of driving this car I will be delighted to try something else. I have owned several Acuras and this is the first disappointment. For a car of this quality, the road noise has been a problem that has defied new tires and multiple trips to the dealer. My daughters TL is much quieter. The GPS system is fairly rudimentary and the mileage is <20 mpg highway.

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  Acura RL - 2004 Acura RL
  By laura25 - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I was waiting to make a left turn in a turn signal lane, when another car to the right of me decided to jump into my lane to also make the left turn. With my Acura, I was able to manuever my car out of his way with just a flick of my steering wheel. The other driver couldnt believe I got out of his way so Quickly. Thank God for my Acura.

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  The RL Experience - 1999 Acura RL
  By BigH - October 3 - 2:00 am

  The Acura 3.5RL is in the luxury cruiser class. The 3.5 is beautifully built and tight in the finish. My 3.5 has over 120,000 kilometers now and still drives without any rattles or strange noises. The car has plenty of power and drives fantastic at highway speed. When we go out my friends or co- workers want me to drive so they can ride in the Acura. This is one of the nicest cars I have ever owned. This car is a great value when compared to other cars of this caliber. The sound system (Bose) is very good for a car. The transmission shifts so smoothly between gears that you really appreciate the quality and design of this Japanese masterpiece.

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  VERY classy luxury vehicle! - 2004 Acura RL
  By Joe215 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Extremely pleased with this car!

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  Stupidly underrated by Edmunds!!! - 2000 Acura RL
  By gkisa - September 29 - 2:00 am

  We bought one at 49000miles pre-owned with extended warranty up to 3yr/85000miles and needed to change one of the seatbelts because the SRS light would not turn off, it was covered under the warranty. Nothing else malfunctioned since then and drives nicely (over a year now), a lot of comfort for the buck. Fuel economy could be improved, yet I disagree with the poor performance ratings, the engine is quite capable of responding to your needs and accelerating rapidly.

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  More than enough. - 1997 Acura RL
  By Glove - September 26 - 2:00 am

  After washing, the shine off the pearl white is priceless. this is truly a sexy automobile. Although the RL is a dog at the line, its acceleration while already moving is terrific. the 3.5 v6 is great for highway driving but lack a little from 0 mph+. The interior is durable and classy, enough wood enough leather. I do hear a clunking noise whenever i go over a bump but my mechanic doesnt seem to think its anything to worry about (he has no clue what it is). The sunroof has a problem with the electronic STOP mechanism adn the left fog light is out. i think for a car thats 6 yrs old this is a smart choice if you want luxury you can use!

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  Best 122k Mileage Car I Have Purchased - 1996 Acura RL
  By Gentle Ben - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this 1996 RL with 122K. Took it to McCall Acura to check it out before I purchased it and the car check out like it was new. I havent had one problem with it since I purchased it unlike my 2001 Infiniti Q45. If you are looking for a nice preowned luxury car then the Acura RL is the only ticket as far as I am concerned.

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  Buy it for quality and relibilty - 1999 Acura RL
  By Acura J - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the RL after researching all luxury Japanesse brands. Reliable, fun to drive, comfortable, and the price was right at $22 K with only 20 K mileage.

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  Reliable-Plus - 2003 Acura RL
  By pawbear - September 17 - 2:00 am

  After spending too much time at the dealership with previous luxury sedans the reliability was the prime mover to the RL. Many people mistake it for a Benz. My first 4 months behind the wheel have been a pleasure..and problem free.