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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  RL Rocks - 2004 Acura RL
  By LMcKevitt - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I had looked at just about every brand there is, but once I saw and drove the 2004 RL, it was no contest. The quietness of it, the features, and all at a reasonable price for what you are getting. Its a pleasure just getting into this car.

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  Hard to believe!!! - 1996 Acura RL
  By Dan Klug - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I would never consider a car with so many miles on it... however. I drove it home. Looked at the Volvo, C Series Mercedes, Lexus 300. This car is outstanding. The quietest car I have ever drove. Simple yet luxurious styling. excellent seats. I cant believe I waited so long to consider an Acura.

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  My RL 3.5 (V6) Great Value for Price - 2004 Acura RL
  By vfccel - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I paid $36,000 for my RL 3.5 (V6) and it is well worth it. Really great ride, with no issues at all. In fact I actually enjoy driving it and I am someone who really doesnt like to drive a car. My previous cars have been a 2002 4 door, Honda Accord (V6) and 1993 4 door, Honda Accord. Great cars in the Honda family. The Acura RL 3.5 is a big step up in terms of comfort when compared to the Honda Accord V6. I cant wait for the 2005 RL.

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  RL3.5 - 2000 Acura RL
  By RLC - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle especially with the navigation system.

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  Excellent Value - 1999 Acura RL
  By MonsterSmash - September 1 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my 99RL for nearly 2 years. The primary reason I bought the car was for ride comfort as my commute is 85 miles a day. I bought the car with 67K miles on it and have 110K+ on it with only two minor problems during that time. I had one of the rear windows stop operating properly and found a plastic broken. Second problem was one of the O2 sensors had failed. The V6 has more than enough power to merge or pass and it does so quietly. Front and rear seats are extremely comfortable as is the total ride regardless of road surface. The AC cools the interior quickly and the heater waiting until the engine warms up is a nice touch.

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  Nelsons Point of View - 2004 Acura RL
  By Nelson Kaesberg - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I visited a dear friend in southern CA that has a 2002 RL. I was truly impressed with the ride, handling and comfort. When the lease on my Seville expired, I test drove the RL and had to have one. Although it is much different than the Seville, its effortless response, comfort and overall good looks have not disappointed.

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  Best lux. sedan for the dough!!! - 1997 Acura RL
  By A is for Acura - August 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Arura Product. (1st=91 Legend),(2nd=93 Legend), both of which I put over 175K miles on. I stepped up to a used (always buy used) 97 RL and am very proud of its ability and style. Wife wants to get a MB ML320, but after reading the reviews it is out of the question. I also looked at the Lexus LS400, but felt this matched it in features, but was much less in price. We currently have 85K on it and absolutely no problems, other than small repair to the ABS.

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  Acura RL - Hidden Gem! - 2005 Acura RL
  By SoCalCarDude - August 11 - 6:10 am

  I think that the Acura RL is a hidden gem amongst the $50k luxury sedans and thats all right by me! I like the exclusivity of driving my RL in the "OC".....the land of MB, BMW, Lexus and Audis. I test drove the RL and the MB back-to-back and felt more at home with the RL. It had the right blend of luxury and sport, a solid reputation for quality, the highest ranking for safety, and a laundry list of techno- features to keep me entertained during my commute to work. As for the looks, it has a conservative, classy style which I have grown to appreciate, especially after upgrading the wheels to the 18in Acura chromes and adding the deck-lid spoiler...my RL is looking mighty fine now!

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  Great Car - 2004 Acura RL
  By kleeco - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Car is excellent in all areas except head room! Im 63 and just cant get a comfortable seat adjustment that keeps my hair off the roof. My wife loves it, so I guess Ill just recline in the passenger seat and relax:) Otherwise, Great car and very "user friendly."

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  Waynes Wheels - 2003 Acura RL
  By peegunn1 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  A very good automobile for the value,could use a few more horses. If this one stands uo Ill purchase myself another one.