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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  Acura RL is best buy - 2003 Acura RL
  By abettinger2 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Had a Legend 140,000 miles only one minor unscheduled mx (stuck brake caliper). The RL is the same. Bulletproof, excellent ride and comfort. For thousands less than BMW, LS430 and Q45 you get the same comfort and reliability.

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  Beautiful - 2002 Acura RL
  By chadwoodland - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car with a smooth refined engine. Perfect for motoring not suited for sports driving.

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  Acura RL Premium - 1997 Acura RL
  By magnusdalen - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought this new, expecting to put a lot of miles on it. Had a new 1991 Acura Legend LS that I put 300,000 miles on and it still looked and ran like new when I sold it. This has been a great car out on the road. Very comfortable on long drives. Always feels safe. Great power and handling--always feel in control. Paint stays glossy. Low maintenance--easy car to own. Very well designed & luxurious feel.

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  More Car for the Money - 2004 Acura RL
  By friedoyster - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely qualifies as an entry in the luxury car segment, but is not as technically current as its competitors (like the Lexus LS430), BUT it costs a lot less money. Since this should be the last model year for the existing design, rebates and incentives should be plentiful as well. It drives well, is extremely quiet, and has many cool creature comforts like XM sat, voice activated nav, on-star, etc. The engine is an old design and eats more gas than it should (similar MPG to the 8 cyl Lexus). Overall, its a good trade-off for value vs state-of-the-art luxury.

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  none - 2004 Acura RL
  By jon1234 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car for traveling to work. Then my work gave me a 2003 lexus es300. After 2 weeks of driving the lexus i returned it for a traveling expense and kept my acura. My RL is far better and more comfortable than the lexus.

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  MY BABY - 2003 Acura RL
  By MikeeP - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I tested the Lexus GS 430 and the BMW 540i, then the RL. The RL satisfied me ALL THE WAY. Not only because of the price, but also the exceptional comfort and enjoyment this Dream Machine offers.

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  Better than Mercedes - 2001 Acura RL
  By scox - May 6 - 2:00 am

  There is no doubt that the RL is far superior to the E class Mercedes. It has much more power and has a smoother ride than the E Class.

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  Better go for German cars. - 2003 Acura RL
  By Audi.VW,BMW,Mercedes - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage isnt great. Steering wheel feel is a little too soft. Put 6 disc changer in dash. Redesign moonroof close button (it takes two separate clicks to close it). Two zone heat/AC.

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  Great Car - 2004 Acura RL
  By FormyDad - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I look at my different full size sedans, and the acura was the one that stood out in style, performance, and most important price. The car is a great value for what it offers.

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  A must have - 2004 Acura RL
  By luvmyrl - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, XM radio, Voice activated navigational system. Better sounds system. I didnt think they could improve on the RL, I was wrong.