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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  3.5 does everything very well - 1999 Acura RL
  By Ben M - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a very good car that is in a difficult competetive bracket- iblcuding the Lexus LS400, Mercedes E Class, BMW 740, Infinity Q45. It doesnt beat these cars in any category but for its price, it cant be beat. After 39,000 miles, Ive notice some ride deteriation. Potholes are more noticeable than they were 2 years ago. Also, the paint quality is not that good. There are several specks where the paint is chipping up. Overall a very good car.

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  Best Car ever purchased - 2000 Acura RL
  By acb - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Couldnt decide on Lexus Gs, Es or other similar vehicles. Lexus is way over priced for what you get. This is a Lexus Ls400 for the price of a Lexus Gs300 , with a ton more space, better overall ride and a far better investment.

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  I LOVE THIS AUTOMOBILE - 2005 Acura RL
  By Jack Burke - June 14 - 10:36 pm

  I have only owned auto for two months and every day I become more impressed. To begin with, it is a real "Head Turner" and its luxurious white color with cashmere interior is truly striking. The technology package has to be the very best on the market, although I must admit it took some time to be able to put it all into effective use! But, it is time well spent. The Navigation, Boze Surround Sound, and Bluetooth systems are all outstanding. This is all topped off by the fantastic handling supplied by the All-Wheel Drive system. It is just a great automobile and a great price/performer, which I think far outdistances its competitors (and I tried them all!) Edmunds low rating is a surprise.

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  2001 RL Rocks - 2001 Acura RL
  By TennisPete - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Honda products are reliable beyond my wildest expectations. The RL is an absolute delight. It has delivered the reliability we have come to expect, the luxury features are top shelf and we like its classic elegant look. My wife wanted reliability and comfort. The RL delivers! I am sold on Honda/Acura reliability and I really liked the fact that there was only one option to consider for the RL (the navigation system). Everything is standard, as it should be on a car in this class. This car is everything we expected. TennisPete

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  this is a very very well-built car! - 1997 Acura RL
  By brian woods - June 9 - 2:00 am

  the review written below is obviously biased. maybe his/her car was a lemon. ive had mine for about 4-5 years now, it never any a single problem! ive even gotten into an accident with this car but still performs like day 1. this car is very very comfortable to drive (but not really fun to drive as my Bimmer) and reliability is far beyond expectation (well, it is basically a honda so you know what i am saying). bottom line: dont avoid buying an RL like the other guy said. i would recommend this car to any one!

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  Best Car Ive Own - 1997 Acura RL
  By Felix_U - June 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is owesome, I hope I spelled it right. But this car feels like the most comfortable car in the world. Probably not more comfortable than a Cadi... but it is for sure up on that range.

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  Acura RL, excellent choice - 1996 Acura RL
  By jeffs3000 - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Just an excellent all-around car. My wife drives this car, and she totally loves it. Super smooth, powerful, and fun to drive.

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  Honda with leather seats - 2002 Acura RL
  By aa1234aa - June 3 - 2:00 am

  A fair price for a 2002 RL is about $27K. Power is too low for weight, engine is noisy & sounds cheap. The Bose stereo has 4 speakers and no CD player (slot) in dash (trunck CD changed), and wont scramble songs! Door speakers intrude into the small door map pockets. There is almost nil storage room in the cabin. There is no compass, windows dont retract with the key switch for ventilation, there is little rear leg room, rear seats dont recline or fold down, trunk hinges are luggage crushers out of Accord, there is no trunk organizer, there is no alarm system, & orange-peel paint job. I sure feel like a fool because I got one.

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  OverLooked Luxury Sedan - 2002 Acura RL
  By sgt - June 3 - 2:00 am

  We owned a TL and decided to upgrade. We are very happy with our decision. The ride is fantastic, like riding on a cloud. Well built automobile.

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  Luxury and Value - 2002 Acura RL
  By bfisch - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is superb. I look forward to driving it because of the comfort, excellent ride, and sense of safety and reliability. On one slippery occasion the vehicle stability assist system kicked in and almost wrenched the steering wheel out of my hands while simultaneously taking control of the brakes to keep the car stable and going in the desired direction. Amazing! Everything works as designed. Like some other, I had low gas mileage but then adjusted tire pressure and am now getting 22-24 MPG on a regular basis. Not as many bells and whistles as Lexus or Audi, but less pricely.