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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La Traviata, Japanese Style - 2003 Acura RL
By Jolga - July 6 - 2:00 amWeve only had our 2003 for a month now but its been sublime! This car was not built nor manufactured it was DESIGNED and ENGINEERED!
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All-Around Awesome Vehicle - 2005 Acura RL
By Matt Carmody - July 2 - 5:33 pmThis car really has the best of everything. Luxurious and roomy, yet responsive and fast. Quiet, yet possessing an unbelievable sound system. Simple to operate, yet loaded with features such as handsfree Bluetooth telephone, real-time satellite traffic and XM radio. And best of all - its all standard. There is no other car in this class - not BMW, not Mercedes, not Lexus, not Audi - where you get what the RL offers for $50K. When you get done with all the upgrades needed on other models to even come close to matching the RL, youve already moved into a whole different price range. You just simply cannot go wrong with this car, and its a pleasure to drive.
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My 4th Acura, and by far the best - 2005 Acura RL
By Bill - June 26 - 3:43 amI bought the RL one month ago after doing some research on the new GS300 AWD, the M35 AWD, and having test driven for extended times the A8, E500 4-matic, etc. I must say that the performance times in the Edmunds review could be misleading. In a month, Ive noticed the engine start to "free up." Owned 7 Acura/Hondas, and every one starts out really tight. My acceleration seems to improve every day. The handling-cornering is incredible. The SH-AWD system actually allows the car to overstear slightly right a RWD car, although not nearly as pronounced when you get on the gas. I could not imagine considering any other luxury AWD car. I traded by 04 TL for this car-and the RL is far superior
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Amazing - 2004 Acura RL
By jdk122 - June 21 - 2:00 amThis car is great, you get more for your money, especially because, almost all the latest popular technology comes standard, for a resonable price.
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Best car ever! - 2004 Acura RL
By Massboy92 - June 17 - 2:00 amDriving the car was a delight.This car is the greatest.
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Best Sedan - Acura RL - 1998 Acura RL
By Mikel3 - June 15 - 2:00 amPurchased for daily commuting (all highway 110 miles RT). Solid and exceptionally reliable over last 6 years. Only standard scheduled maintenance and no breakdowns experienced. Three different Acura dealerships provided service and loaner cars without question - a welcome service from past experiences with american manufactures. Thanks Acura..
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MY RL - 2005 Acura RL
By mark esswein - June 11 - 4:33 amthe vehicle is incredibly a lot of fun to drive, handles well, excellent in all all driving conditions, had alot of fun driving in the snow this winter. it is just a great car to drive,
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Well Built Luxury Car at a Great Price - 2004 Acura RL
By lovethisrl - June 9 - 2:00 amBuilt in Japan, the RL has great build quality and is extremely reliable. Standard Onstar, XM satellite radio, navigation, heated seats, Bose, and all the stuff that other manufacturers cream you for as add-ons. A very reasonable price for all that you get.
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Classy and reliable - 1998 Acura RL
By Billacura - June 8 - 2:00 amThis car has that quiet luxery and quality that makes it easy to live with year after year. Performance is more than sufficient and the transmission is flawless in it smooth shifts up or down. I have the navigator GPS system and will get it again in my next acura, which will be an RL or MDX. Drivers seat is the most confortable Ive ever used. And the seating in the back seat is very confortable as well. The guys at work are always wanting to go to lunch in this car, and remarking on how good this car look after 4 years. Its reliable and maintence is reasonable for a luxery car. The paint is superior to anything Ive seen.
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Acura RL w/ NAV - 2004 Acura RL
By supt319 - May 31 - 2:00 amI find this a great car to drive. Its comfortable and afford many luxury features found on the higher priced automobiles.
