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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  Really Good Car! - 2000 Acura RL
  By RKRKAR - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Really Good Car! No bad habits. Good freeway cruiser. Quiet. Not exactly snappy performance, but adequate. Great Quality!

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  RL3.5 a winner - 1997 Acura RL
  By cbsimike - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my 3.5RL Premium (includes heated seats) for 1 1/2 years. My wife and I love the looks, comfort, and driveability of this car. It was purchased as a certified vehicle and drove as new when I purchased. I currently have 75xxx miles and it still drives like new. I got a great car at 1/2 price of new one.

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  Quality - 1999 Acura RL
  By 1911mojo - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used and have only had it for a few months, but for the money you cant beat it. It provides an exceptional ride and comfort level and is in a complicated bracket. Very good low end pulling power

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  Love My RL - 2002 Acura RL
  By Karin Diaz - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I tasted various Flagship Models but Acura RL offers the best value for my money.

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  Luxury for less $ - 2002 Acura RL
  By Giovanni Perlloni - July 8 - 2:00 am

  More reliable than Mercedes E320 and BMW 530i, for less money. Acura RL offer the same power ride of the V8 and the smooth ride of the others luxury cars. The standard package is ok.

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  Nothing comes close for the price - 2002 Acura RL
  By Satire - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my fifth Honda product (just gave up a 99 TL, had a 97 CL, 93 Accord Coupe & a 1985 Accord hatchback). Couldnt make up my mind between the RL, TL Type-S or wait for months for an MDX. Looked at several others. Got mine (w/o navi) for $35,500. The smoothness & the handling is surprisingly better than expected. Price & value won out. But am disappointed in a few things (see below). I must bring this up now as its the most amazingly stupid thing Ive ever seen......just what the heck is this push the close button twice on the sunroof thing all about?!?!? Love the one touch open but not the hold, release & hold again to get it fully closed. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

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  Acuras Away - 2002 Acura RL
  By D. Garrison - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the beast. Its much sleeker looking than the Lexus and for my dollar is a better buy. But yes it could use a V-8 and adjustable shock system.

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  power shortage - 2002 Acura RL
  By dtcom - June 25 - 2:00 am

  It is a nice comfy ride,but it is surely missing some character like a little more horsepower would be nice,,it lacks a solid pickup but once you drive at 40 mph it kicks in pretty nicely...the ride quality is great so is the looks of it,,, hope Acura realy recharges the new models ,perhaps something like a TYPE-S version.....and a triptronic trans.

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  Acura 3.5RL, - 1996 Acura RL
  By Acura RL lover - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Got the vehicle with 50,000 miles on it. still drives like new with 89,000 miles on the odometer. very nice car. why buy new when you can get a used one for much less, but with almost the same performance as a new? no one is going to notice if your car was bought new after a few years. save yourself money and buy used.

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  No Comparo - 2002 Acura RL
  By BigMac - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Unbelievable auto! Test drove A6, C320, 5 series, Jag and Lexus. Nothing is like the Acura. Great comfort and unmatched quality... Mercedes and Lexus should be quivering. Best deal on the road especially with the great lease rates. I would like to add a Tl type s to the stable but need to wait for more negotiation opportunities. Will see in 03.