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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  Cant get any better! - 1997 Acura RL
  By wshouse - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used and it is the best I have owned. The ride is incredible. The fit and finish is outstanding. With Acura reliability you cant lose!

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  Great Car - 2002 Acura RL
  By Shin Woong Kim - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car about year ago and it still feel like new. I had Lexus GS300 before this car. But I like 3.5RL much better, its much smoother, quite, and better for value.

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  Hot Vehicle - 2002 Acura RL
  By PrimeTime - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Excellent, Plan to purchase another Acura within next 2 years.

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  The best car on the market - 2005 Acura RL
  By Dean Primavera - October 12 - 6:06 pm

  I personally cant find a thing wrong with it. I would say its the best car purchase I have ever made. everything from the handling to the keyless entry is phenomenal!

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  What a Car - 2002 Acura RL
  By jaru - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I still have my Legend that is now 10 years old. Not a dime on repairs. Now this new 3.5 RL seems even nicer. Less than a thousand miles, but already in love with the car. Its quiet, smooth, and very much a luxury car. The build is quality and the handling is quick and stable. Not one thing that I can find as yet a negative. And most of all a steal at $35.500.00. That is only 5600.00 more than I paid 10 years ago for my Legend. What else can I say, oh yeh who needs a V/8? Power galore. Hurry go get one, and youll love yourself forever.

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  Acura RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By jacks - October 9 - 9:50 pm

  A fun car to drive. Electronics great. Car handles very well with all wheel drive. Would not trade it for any other comparable car.

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  Great Car - 1997 Acura RL
  By LStone - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased mine last year with 30K miles (now it has 40). Its a fantastic vehicle. Its my 2nd Acura and I have loved them both. The guy giving the poor rating may need to check recalls -- if he meant upper control arms, they are typically replaced with the ball joints (covered by a recall for 1997 RLs). I had mine replaced at no charge, and since then, its been great.

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  Great Car - 2005 Acura RL
  By TB - September 20 - 7:46 am

  Very good sedan. For the money there is no better value. The DVD audio XM radio navigation system etc make this car the best value in its class.

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  Boring but great care - 1996 Acura RL
  By nicke1 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  It looks kinda boring to me (mines a 96) but the performance and reliability are outstanding. I have become an Acura person. Now the car has 95,000 and looks and runs like new. Really, most people think its a year or two old.

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  Great Deal - 2002 Acura RL
  By mdbrad - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Acura had a $4,000 dealer rebate thru Labor Day which I got the dealer to give to me. Thus, I "stole" my 02 RL for $34,225. That is truly an extraordinary price for such a finely built car. While I wish the mileage as better, the car is quite an upgrade from my 98 Accord EX with V-6. While the Accords engine was more responsive, the RL can certainly get out of it s own way on the road. The day after I bought it, I drove it 5 hours on a trip, and it is truly wonderful. An in-dash CD Player is a must for the next edition of the car, as is dual climate control and improved mileage. Just added the VTEC engine to this car would suffice.