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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  Solid - 2005 Acura RL
  By osc - April 15 - 11:10 am

  Car feels very solid. Power is adequate. Would like to see a hybrid version. This is my third Acura and this one is definitely the best.

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  Love my RL. - 2001 Acura RL
  By RiceOwl - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Great drive if comfort is your primary concern. Very reliable and handles like a charm. As a medium size luxury car it is a great value and is probably one of the more underappreciated cars in this class. People get in my car and sometimes mistake it for a Mercedes. Must be the black on black.

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  fun car - 2003 Acura RL
  By charlie covey - April 12 - 2:00 am

  very attractive car that handles well is very comfortable and the fit and finish of the car seems impeccable. I would recommend it to anyone looking at this class of car

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  Love it!!! - 1996 Acura RL
  By bpddaddy - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Hesitantly purchased the car with 99K on it. Its been great ever since. The ABS hum is questionable, however, the ride is unreal at the age. The wife and I fight over whos going to drive it. Repair parts are very high. Spark plugs ($11), Coils ($75), but I can tell the parts last forever.

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  Excellence for the money - 1997 Acura RL
  By joepcrowley - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had it a few years and with the exception of a blown fuse one time. I have not had to do a thing to it. But it is almost brake time. What a fun comfortable car.

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  Reliability and Value - 2000 Acura RL
  By D, Biernacki - March 30 - 2:00 am

  One of the most reliable cars on the road today. Cant believe how reliable this car can be. Great experience with all previous Acuras. Dealership should be a model for any manufactures service standard to beat.

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  2000 ACURA RL REVIEW-W/ NAG SYS - 2001 Acura RL
  By MIKER - March 24 - 2:00 am

  To make this short this is one sweet auto. The refined ride, controls access, view of the road, adaptable seat position, and fit and finish are better than cars costing much more. I bought this one used but it feels, smells, and acts like new. The navigations system is pretty good but all computer programs have there inherent weaknesses unless you design it yourself for your own likes. My home street address is not in the database yet I still got good computer tracking one street away

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  Japanese, but still best overall - 1996 Acura RL
  By BostonMatt - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Well Folks. Have driven prety much every vehicle under the sun. Owned Jaguar, Saab, BMW, Mercedes, Nissan, and Mitsu...While the Rl may not excel in any one area, not a 740il in overall elegance and performance, nor have a ridiculously solid build, like the XJ6, for most car buyers, by far one of thebest vehicles on the road today. Just bought a 1996 with VERY low miles, and couldnt be happier. Plush, quiet, just right...try one for a couple weeks, youll see, trust me.

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  smooth lux - 2000 Acura RL
  By bdnault - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the comfort and smooth ride. I hear the engine isnt powerful enough, but find it much more than adiquate in all situations The interior is high-end... very well equiped and positioned features. The exterior design is strong yet eligant...

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  Took A Chance On High Mileage - 1996 Acura RL
  By Bongotoo - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I took a serious chance on a 1996 RL with 89,000 miles. I had planned to buy a 1999 RL but the prices were too much. The only problems so far include 1. The AC compressor went out while I was 200 miles from home. I cut the belt off and drove home without a problem. The dealer replaced it. 2. My ABS goes out intermittently. I havenÂ’t had it checked yet but it has me scared. This could be a big one. 3. The Bose CD player didnÂ’t work. IÂ’ve been waiting since December for the dealer to have it repaired. I hope they arenÂ’t jerking me around. In summary, the jury is still out on this car.