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:
Showing 661 through 670 of 698.00-
Great Car! Loves the Gas! - 1998 Acura RL
By Comet16 - March 27 - 2:00 amI purchased my 1998 ACURA 3.5Rl last year from an individual. I had finally driven my 1994 Nissan Pathfinder, manual transimission long enough (150,00+ miles)... Being a "Sales Guy" I am on the road 3-5 days a week either around town or 400+mile trips in a day... The ACURA is great for comfort, handleing and performance... But, the mileage is rotten, not to mention the fact you have to pump premium petrol in the bad boy to keep it running great. Tried regular and the performance was obviuosly less... All in all I like the car but I think I will step up to a Lexus 430 on the next one...
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Loads of Comfort, but no thrills - 1998 Acura RL
By csj - March 25 - 2:00 amI bought a 1998 with the navigation system for $18,500 in 11/01. Navigation system does not always work well (dont throw out your maps), but when it works is easy to use. This is the car you want to drive on long trips or to relax on the ride home after a rough day. Wind noise is the only intrusion (need to get a moonroof wind deflector). There is a lot of body roll, but bumps are filtered out well. Adequate power, but not neck snapping. I drive my J30 if I want a sportier ride. Stereo is excellent. Good luxury car considering price and overall reliability.
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Best in Class! - 2002 Acura RL
By gtm - March 20 - 2:00 amThe 2002 Acura RL is truly a classy vehichle. It has classic sedan styling, a strong, responsive engine mated to a silky smooth transmission and riding on top of an incredibly agile, road-gripping suspension. The interior is immaculate in design and superbly executed in supple soft leather seating, a fabulous Bose CD-stereo system and excellent occupant safety systems. It is the nicest car I have ever ridden in and I truly enjoy every minute of driving time. Buy or lease one, you will not regret it!
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HAPPY - 2005 Acura RL
By WILLIAM VAN ALEN - March 18 - 5:23 amThis is the best car Ive ever driven. It holds the road better and driving at night is a joy. The navigation system works like a dream and the transmission is like silk in changing gears almost seamlessly.
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Pretty good one - 2002 Acura RL
By roburt - March 14 - 9:57 pmExcellent build quality no obvious defects. Good ride and handling. Attracted by exceptional lease offer (much less than Lexus or Infiniti)
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Awesome - 2002 Acura RL
By Craig Sanborn - March 13 - 10:49 amI have test driven lots od cars and the RL is a dream that came true. Smoth ride, comfortable seats, awesome road manners makes this a no-brainer. PLease keep to front rear drive.
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High quality luxury great in snow! - 2002 Acura RL
By MountainAcura - March 12 - 4:20 pmLiving in the Colorado mountains eliminated many cars when we decided to purchase a luxury sedan. Front-wheel drive is mandatory. The RL performs great with its front wheel drive, traction control, agility and power. The construction is high quality built to last. In fact, we are so pleased with this Acura we are thinking of adding the RLs sibling, the MDX to our automotive family.
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99 Acura RL - 1999 Acura RL
By kims - March 10 - 12:26 amThis car is very reliable, handles well and is has a well designed interior. The stereo system is excellent - handling is too.
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Great Car just a meek player - 2000 Acura RL
By Batkins - March 8 - 5:32 pmGreat car, after 26 months nothing has ever gone wrong, not one single problem or repair require. Better than my old Lexus and a million times better than my 94 Q45. You cant get a better quality car at any price. Quality, beauty, luxury, comfort, but with lack luster performance. My kids call it an "old mans car." But I call it "perfection at its finest."
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Satisfied - 1998 Acura RL
By bigtom - March 4 - 9:26 pmI have always liked Acurs automobiles. My first one bought in 1990 and it is still running strong with over 130,000 miles showing. We have leased a 1198 Acura 3.5 for the last four years and liked it very much. 5 cyl with automatic transmission. We are not getting aproximately 21-22 miles pe gal. I like the car.
