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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  Still great after all these years - 2004 Acura RL
  By Ralph - August 12 - 7:10 am

  Since 2004 this has been "steady eddie" for me. I am going to buy it off of lease because it has served me well for four years and I expect it to for many more.

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  Great Downsizing - 2003 Acura RL
  By GregD - August 9 - 12:13 pm

  I have just recently downsized from much larger and more expensive vehicles. I have taken a huge hit in my business which forced me to look for something nice, but less pricey to own and operate. I almost bought a 2003 Lexus LS430 but Im glad I didnt. I bought this Acura with 90k miles and to my amazement it runs like a brand new car. There isnt a thing wrong with it and it rides and handles perfect. The great thing is that most people who have these cars are 1 owner, well taken care of cars and if you find one with high miles that is in great shape you can buy it so cheap and you have such a great car for the money. I paid 1/2 of the price of the Lexus.

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  I now volunteer to run errands - 2009 Acura RL
  By hkl in TX - August 2 - 1:53 pm

  Had it a week and Im very pleased. Wanted a sports sedan with all the luxury/tech appointments. Drove E-Class, 5-series, M-35, 09 Maxima and Lexus GS. No major weaknesses vs. competition. If you are looking at this class, test the RL. Improved low end torque is a big plus vs. 08 model. Not as fast off the line as the 535, but as fast as the rest. Sports mode helps with initial acceleration, but not necessary after that. Quiet smooth ride. Not as noisy or bumpy as the GS and doesnt feel like a big boat like the M-35. Technology and radio are excellent. Interior comfort is awesome. Other brands more recognizable, but this is a better car.

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  VERY HAPPY WITH NEW ACURA - 2005 Acura RL
  By JEFF - July 31 - 2:30 pm

  This Acura RL replaced my BMW 745i. The ride in the Acura is comparable to the BMW---only the Acura is MUCH more reliable. I have had the Acura for 3 months. My BMW had been towed twice in the first three months!

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  The Realtors vehicle of choice - 2005 Acura RL
  By Roberts - July 28 - 12:00 pm

  Excellent comfort for ALL passengers! Plenty of leg room, quite and wonderful handling. All the power you will ever need! Beautiful interior design with just about everything "voice actuated!" The only negative thing I can say about the new RL is that the trunk space is a little too small for my "for sale" signs.

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  acura got it right - 2009 Acura RL
  By analyzethis - July 18 - 1:11 am

  acura nails it with 09 rl looks are great inside and out have 05 rl, which has been excellent 09 looks better, drives more in control with road drove m3 nice car, overpriced, not particularly in control of road drove audi a6 tired look, overpriced when compared to all options built in to base rl drove m 35 same old car, also not competitive price-wise if you load up the options to compare it with the rl gas mpg is strong for awd very hard to beat without spending at least $10,000 more on competitors

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  2006 Acura RL - 2006 Acura RL
  By steve - July 17 - 7:31 am

  Love my new Acura RL. Have gone over 30000 miles now with no problems at all. Comfort is second to none. I put a K&N air filter in right away and only run synthetic oil with lucas oil stabilizer. I average 23 mpg around town and get 28mpg highway.

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  Ultimate pre-owned - 1999 Acura RL
  By Jeffrey Williams - July 16 - 1:52 pm

  What a great pre-owned vehicle. Paid 12,000 for 1999 with only 48k miles. Looked like it had been stored in a time capsule. Its just like new! After considering and shopping luxury sedans, MBZ, Lexus and BMW, this is without a doubt, the best value out there. All the luxury with ultimate reliability as a bonus.

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  Excellent!! - 2009 Acura RL
  By nervous_mcstabby - July 5 - 2:23 pm

  This is one nice car!! Very quiet with and excellent radio. Controls can be a little confusing until you know where all the controls are. Its best to practice a little before you go on the road and want to change radio channels or map functions. I get a lot of AHHHs from my co-workers when they look at the interior styling. I bought a bright silver exterior. The prominent "transformer shield" grill blends in nicely. Not so with darker colors, in my opinion. The tail end looks fabulous!! Definite BMW 7 series resemblances. Very powerful acceleration. Great control over rainy roads with the SH-AWD. Gas mileage isnt great, but its not bad either. On par with a 300 hp car thats 4,000 lbs.

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  Dont by an Acura - 1999 Acura RL
  By SHOOTER270 - June 29 - 10:23 am

  I bought mine and it was used with 110k they say they will run forever well they dont. I lost the tranny at 149k. For a rebuilt it is 3000.00 with labor. When you by an Acura you might want to check into the price of a timing belt 1200.00. If it breaks your done. All parts are expensive and you really need to have it repaired by the dealership because most of the shops do not understand how to work on them correctly. The front end pulls and I have had it aligned 3 times. Again the dealership needs to be the one doing it or your wasting your money. The valves also need adjustment at 110k that will cost 400.00. It adds up fast for a car that only gets 20 on the highway.