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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  3.5RL Nice Car - 1999 Acura RL
  By daddyo - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car used after doing a lot of research. For the price this car is a great value. Outstanding build quality. I traded in a Mercedes C240 and find the RL to be superior.

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  3.5RL Nice Car - 1999 Acura RL
  By Daddyo - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car used after doing a lot of research. For the price this car is a great value. Outstanding build quality. I traded in a Mercedes C240 and find the RL to be superior.

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  best car for your dollar - 1997 Acura RL
  By corey - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Acura RL 97 has served me well. Never had any real problems. As long as you maintain (oil changes and proper servicing) you will have no problems. Had for 2 yrs and just bought 740iL but RL was better car believe ir or not. Cd changer in center console RL has, front wheel drive, smooth ride, good fuel efficiency, V6 engine is sufficient unless youre Mario Andretti

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  Acura RL special edition - 1998 Acura RL
  By tomlu - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Its been a very fine car, no matter on long-distance highway ride or every day city commute. Very impressive acceleration and braking, ever after 4 years of services, it still feels like in its first year, and still want to beat all the beamers.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Acura RL
  By Mike in Jacksonville - December 8 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best car that I have ever owned. I love it and look forward to driving to work every morning.

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  Great Value Luxury Car - 1997 Acura RL
  By ssiew - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great value for a luxury car. Smooth ride and reasonably powerful V6 engine are quiet and efficient. It is a subtle car that does everything right. It is very reliable and feels very secure. Suspension is a bit soft in 1997 model but made stiffer in subsequent years. Depreciation makes it a great used car buy.

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  This is one of the most underrated cars! - 2000 Acura RL
  By btan - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for a little over 3 years now with 60,000 miles on the clock, and I am definitely purchasing the car when the lease expires in a months time. This car is supremely comfortable with a well designed interior and exterior. It has a very high standard of finish, has good safety features, the ride is excellent, the steering feel is great, and the engine is very reliable and never lets you down.

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  For the price, nothing better - 2002 Acura RL
  By RickC - December 5 - 2:00 am

  For a 6 cylinder, this car drives great. I always feel like a million dollars when I drive it. No way that anyone should buy a Lexus, Mercedes or Infiniti for thousands more. This car measures up nicely.

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  Poor Reliability - 1996 Acura RL
  By MikeFulmer - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Dropped a transmission at 70K. Needed a new AC compressor at 80K. Window off the tracks at 95K. ABS sendsor needed to be replaced. I must have got a lemon.

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  3.5 RL with Nav Review - 2003 Acura RL
  By CB-VA - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the price. Picked up 3.5RL with NAV for $36K plus 4.9% Honda financing. Exterior design isnt terribly exciting but its a classic style that will never be dated. Had a 2002 TL before this and traded it in after racking up 25K miles in 10 months for work. This car was priced only a few thousand dollars more than the TL so I couldnt not buy it. The New Infiniti GS35 has a much more exciting design but once you add a steering wheel and tires(nothing is standard on that car) youll be approaching $38K. Acura pricing strategy makes it difficlut to consider any other car.