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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  Superb car except for choppy ride - 2005 Acura RL
  By Raja Bhat - February 23 - 6:50 am

  Ive got 2000 miles in now. Great car overall, AWD gives confidence on wet roads. Handling is very precise. But tight handling comes at a price: a rough, choppy ride, disappointing for Acuras flagship car. Electronics including GPS navigation, superb Bose sound system with fully integrated satellite radio, are grand. Has a disconcerting rattle in potholes.

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  Daves Review - 2003 Acura RL
  By Dave12 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I tested the Lexus LS 430 - hard to find, very expensive, the Mercedez E300 - no leg room, BMW 5 series - CHEAP INTERIOR, Infiniti Q45 - overpriced, ACURA RL - Sweet Car!! Great Price, nice style, excellent.

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  How Fast is Fast Enough? - 1999 Acura RL
  By Dr. Wu - February 17 - 2:00 am

  From Mercedes to BMW to Audi to Cadillac, this is the most reliable, comfortable, easy to drive, predictable and stylish car weve ever owned. Fit and finish top my Benz. The sound system is adequate for even my kids demands. The vehicle will easily top 120mph if requested upon. I dont understand the fuss over a bigger engine everyone keeps talking about.

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  Best Value in a Luxury Car - 2003 Acura RL
  By GregSkie - February 16 - 2:00 am

  There is no car in this price range with the quality and comfort of the Acura 3.5 RL. The engine is smaller than other cars in its class, but otherwise there are no appreciable differences between the RL 3.5 and cars costing $10-15,000 more (Lexus, BMW, Mercedes)

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  positive response - 2003 Acura RL
  By caodart - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car about one year and it is about as perfict as a car can be made I have found nothing wrong with this car. Exellent quality and excellent performance. It is as good as it gets. Also, it has all the bells and whistles, I especially like the phone system. It is cheep for the service and covers ev

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  Good smooth ride, less acceleration - 2000 Acura RL
  By Gill, I - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Its almost 2 months since I bought this car from an auction. Paid 16.5K for 2000 model with 60K miles on it. So far no problem what so ever, dont know about future. The ride is very smooth, very good gas milage about 21.5 miles/gallon in city and highway. If you are looking for luxary car and want to drive smooth with fun this is the car, but if you want to accelerate this car like BMW you will not be satisfied. This care really lacks acceleration as compared to other comparative cars in its class. Not very popular car.. people still call it Honda.

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  Extremely Pleased Acura Owner - 2000 Acura RL
  By Orig. Acura Driver - January 29 - 2:00 am

  We enjoyed our 1986 Acura Legend so much that when our son stole it (thats the only way we would let it go) to go off to college we immediately purchased the 2000 RL and have been even more pleased with its performance. The 5.6 Edmunds Editors Rating must be a typo, this RL Owner gives it a perfect 10.0 overall (& no, I dont work for Honda)!

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  Love It!!!!! - 1997 Acura RL
  By Prettyklassy - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I brought an older car because I wanted something decent. Im so glad I didnt go with the Infinity Q45, I love this car! The wheel is soft but I see no other flaws. Wonderful!

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  A good all around car. - 2003 Acura RL
  By jrender - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great Japanese luxury sedan for the price. I was looking at the 5 series Bimmers and the lexus ls 430. This car was much less than both, after the rebates. Extremely reliable and fun to drive.

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  Boring and Stale - 2002 Acura RL
  By ref - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Car is well build, reliable, and sound. But a bore to drive try to rent one for a week before driving, Deal discounts abound, but dont fall in love of the deal (I did) OPPS! With deep discounts and an overload of lease returns, your 10,000 mile value will devistate you. Bearly in the black after $11,000 down at purchase and after $9,000. discount of sticker.OUCH! Working hard to trade for BMW or Benz.....REAL HARD