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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  Excellent auto - 2003 Acura RL
  By Boozer - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This care drives like a dream. Everything is beautifully layed out and the navigation system is fun and almost always accurate. The fuel economy, however, is nothing to write home about. Low to mid 20s per gallon for a combination of driving.

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  Pure Delight - 2004 Acura RL
  By First Time Acura Own - July 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a fabulous automobile. Its only downside, which you will read about, is that its performance is a wee bit sluggish. But this is really nothing more than a minor inconvenience from an otherwise flawless car!

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  Excellent Head Turner - 1998 Acura RL
  By Matma01 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with my RL. Although, I bought it Certified, so far its in excellent condition. I really enjoy driving this car and watching and hearing everyone gloat about it.

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  Great Value! - 1999 Acura RL
  By DEALINDAN - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Not a car on the market has more value for the money. Buy one about 2-3 years old. You will pay about $25,000-30,000 and you will think you stole it. Great ride and comfort. Adequate power and handling.

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  Great Car - 2005 Acura RL
  By justWayne - July 24 - 7:36 am

  I choose the RL over a 5 series BMW because of value & reliabilty. I priced a 530 BMW w/ the same options and its over $5k more. I love all the electronic gagets. The AWD allows to to drive the RL like a sports car with out all the road noise and bumps. Acura did a great job.

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  rl 3.5 - 2004 Acura RL
  By gary Lippman - July 20 - 2:00 am

  this automobile handles exceptionally well. Styling hasnt changed in 4 years, it is due for one. The interior should have a 6 cd changer inside the the car, on the dash, not in the trunk. Very roomy and comfortable for the long trip.

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  pleased - 2003 Acura RL
  By kato - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Brought this car after thinking about cars for a few months. Was really interested in buying the Lexus ES300. Have small children so I knew I would need a car that was roomy. When I arrived at the dealership I just looked for a while before asking for help. There where no ES or Volvos S80s on the lot. (The Volvo was another choice I was thinking about) Saw the RL in a distance and immediately loved the look of it. Even forgetting the look, (though Im a stickler for a luxury style car) the ride was a dream. Of course I listened to the sales pitch about its resale value and great reliablility. You wont be disappointed in this baby.

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  Love the car - 1996 Acura RL
  By dianejersey - July 16 - 2:00 am

  The Acura RL was my husbands corporate car. After driving a new BMW for 3 years (not the smoothest ride) I was thrilled to purchase the RL from his company. It is the most comfortable interior of any car with the smoothest ride.

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  RL - 2004 Acura RL
  By Welker - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive this car. I would not change a thing.

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  Very Classy - 2000 Acura RL
  By Eddiearms - July 10 - 2:00 am

  My wife owns a 1994 Legend, so i figured lets stay in the Acura family. I am satisfied not only with what i paid for this vehicle but also its quality, comfort and style. I have no problems with its acceleration.