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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  One Texans Opinion - 1996 Acura RL
  By Mike Russell - March 1 - 9:36 pm

  I purchased this 1996 3.5RL off a 39-month lease. Buy pre-owned and drive luxury at a reduced cost. Built for comfort - performance seekers look elsewhere. Dependability and reliability is second to none. Power window regulator only problem between 68K and 98K miles. Time now to look for the same model in a pre-owned 1998 or 1999. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  Real World Car - 2002 Acura RL
  By Joe W. - February 28 - 12:05 pm

  Sure, reviewers like a V8. But real people prefer reliability, value, comfort in traffic, low cost of ownership, dignified style, and performance that lasts for years past warranty. My RL has it all and gets compliments, too!

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  acura - 1998 Acura RL
  By biz - February 28 - 12:30 am

  I like an automatic transmission/it is smooth driving/roomy/

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  Best sh-awd in Japanese car market. - 2007 Acura RL
  By Phuong - February 14 - 4:07 pm

  Most reliable acura which I know, since mechanic for over 12 years.

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  Happy Owner - 2005 Acura RL
  By Nonsense31 - January 10 - 8:36 pm

  I had a choice of this or Mercedes E500 I chose this because the Acura RL offers so much more to offer and has a different look. Im tired of the same cars on the roads. I got more for my money and from what I hear the Mercedes are in the shop a lot and at a big cost.

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  Redondo Red P - 2005 Acura RL
  By BobB - September 14 - 8:56 pm

  An excellent auto with well thought out features for road trips and finding places in the big city (Chicago). XM is wonderful and AM/FM just as fine. CD player works well and 6 cds a time is great. Fit and finish on par with MB and Lexus if not better. Navigation feature the best I have ever seen and even got me out of a traffic circle. Ride smooth, acceleration good and quite adequate for an ex-Suburban driver. Would recommend to anyone who wants a higher end auto.

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  Outstanding automobile - 2005 Acura RL
  By steven - August 21 - 6:43 am

  This is one outstanding car; must be DRIVEN to be appreciated. I love the attention that was paid to the technology in the car--very impressive and enjoyable.

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  A pleasure, indeed. - 2005 Acura RL
  By Iman - August 18 - 7:50 am

  We purchased the vehicle and then proceeded to drive it over 4000 miles on an extended holiday. The car handled beautifully, the sound system is extraordinary and the ability to receive and respond to calls without having to handle our cell phone is, indeed a wonderful safety measure. Surprising but much to our satisfaction was the fact that we realized over 26 miles to the gallon of gas while on the highway.

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  Best value in Luxury Sedan - 2005 Acura RL
  By Richard Winstead - August 17 - 7:00 pm

  This Acura is the fourth Acura in a row that I have owned or leased. When you compare the RL with the Lexus 430 the Acura beats it hands down in price and the quality is just as good if not better. The RL comes only one way, loaded and if you want all of these extras on a Lexus, the price just continues to climb. Did someone tell me the Lexus now has rear wheel drive? How antiquated! Give me the RL anyday!

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  Highly competent daily driver - 2005 Acura RL
  By david41750 - August 10 - 7:00 am

  This car is not only a pleasure to drive, but its a pleasure to be driven in. An exceptional body structure, sophisticated electronics, excellent handling characteristic, and more than sufficient power for every day driving experiences made this an excellent choice for me. My other car is a Boxster S, so I get to play with something that is much more fun, but for a satisfying commute to work, golf, or a long trip, I know of no car in this price range that I would find to be of greater value. I test drove the e-class Mercedes, Audis A6 and the 5-series BMW and preferred Acuras RL to the Germans.