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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  Third Times A Charm - 2005 Acura RL
  By Bob - July 8 - 12:56 pm

  This is my third Acura product and it is the best yet! It is a luxurious, high performance ride with enough high tech equipment to keep any gadget freak happy. I love this car!!

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  Awesome new RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By Exum - June 19 - 5:53 pm

  The new RL is significantly beyond expectation, and the expectations were quite high. Handling is awesome, exceleration outstanding, and the interior features....banging!

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  Excellent Geekmobile! - 2005 Acura RL
  By James Robinson - June 10 - 7:13 pm

  This car is an absolute joy! However, I will admit that the RL is not for everyone. It has more features for the price than any other car in its class. In some parts of the USA, you can get this car for close to invoice, which makes the price/features ratio even better. If youre a driving enthusiast, then the 5 series or Infiniti M might be your cup of tea. However, it you are a technophile who also like to drive, then the RL is for you! The audio system is phenomenal for standard equipment and the nav system is the most advanced Ive experienced. "Super-Handling" All Wheel Drive might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it does work well. The RL is definitely worth it!

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  My RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By Tom - June 3 - 12:36 pm

  I like this car so much that I feel like I should write to Acura and thank them for selling it to me!!!!!It is technologically "loaded" but still simple to operate. The Nav system, voice recognition, and xm radio are great. It also handles almost as well as a sports car without the bone jarring bumps.

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  A well designed car! - 2005 Acura RL
  By Sam - May 10 - 12:50 pm

  This is a very well designed car. SH-AWD is awesome, I can take corners @ 50MPH and the tires dont even squeak! The interior design is the reason I got the car. I really want a NAV, my previous car had one (driving in Boston without a NAV has a large impact on the stress level). The NAV in the RL is the best in the market. It is simple to operate, very informative and the voice command is actually usable and in some cases better than hand input.

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  Best In A Crowded Field - 2005 Acura RL
  By BillK - May 7 - 4:56 am

  Never thought Id switch from Mercedes, but this car is everything and more — I had to own it. It drives and handles better than any Benz or BMW Ive owned and handles curves the way no other car I tested could. Id seen the Infiniti designs for the M and didnt care for them. Glad I went with the Acura. Its interior and exterior get raves and comments everywhere I travel. Even parking jockeys are amazed at this car. This is the real thing, a nearly perfect luxur/sports sedan and at a more than competitive price. A new BMW owner took one drive with me and hung his head woefully, wondering if he could still get his money back!

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  2005 RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By BoSox - April 23 - 8:30 am

  As Fun a car to drive as I have ever owned. The only issue with it was when I went on vacation and the car sat for 2 weeks, it did not start. I was originally told that due to the amount of computers in this car, the draw on the battery was causing the problem. I did not buy it. After the second time it happened, the dealer said they found the problem and fixed it. We will see if the next time I park it for an extended period it starts.

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  Performance - 2005 Acura RL
  By Kevin M. Kraft, Sr. - March 19 - 5:33 pm

  I think that BMW needs to change their slogan regarding the BMW being the Ultimate Driving Machine. Apparently they havent driven the new 2005 Acura RL. This is my 3rd Acura RL and this car is completely redesigned. The handling and ride of this car has far exceeded my past RLs.

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  Great Car, Too Much Maintenece - 2006 Acura RL
  By Ricks RL - March 15 - 2:41 pm

  Bought new in 2006. Great Car absolutely no problem UNTIL it hit 10 years old. Within the last year i have spent a tic over 10k in maintenance repairs that hadto be done(brakes/struts/Oil&water pump/key less entry computer replaced/new motor mounts/new spark plugs/and fluids replaced.

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  My RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By Allen - February 27 - 8:53 am

  I have had this 05 RL just 2 months, but I love to drive it. Build quality is perfect and Honda has thought of most every comfort and luxury. This car is a very close match in handling, comfort and luxury to my former 02 BMW 530i - which was problem prone from day one.