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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  cabin noise - 2005 Acura RL
  By tom abate - June 19 - 6:20 am

  Although my wife and I have only 250 miles on the car, she really likes all the technology and the handling. My biggest complaint is the interior cabin road noise. Completely unacceptable in a $45,000 car. I am not sure why all the noise, but I have inquired with the dealership and am waiting for answers. I drive a 1994 Lexus LS 400 and was very surprised at the difference in the road noise between the cars

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  Nice ride, drive it hard, it holds up we - 2000 Acura RL
  By B_man - June 12 - 9:40 pm

  Ive now got 90,000 miles, heres the problems it has had, not too much in my opinion. One electric window died, $350 repair, one front end wheel suspension damaged by a hard pot hole hit, $500 repair, normal stuff, battery, belts, brakes, fluid changes $500 / year. Everything still works good, not bad. Motor is kind of powerful, fun to drive, seems like a gas eater these days. Maybe if I didnt enjoy the big motor, and drove it easier would help.

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  98 Acura RL 4 door sedan - 1998 Acura RL
  By jbaist - June 11 - 11:40 am

  Continues to provide an excellent ride & reliability even after 10 years.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Acura RL
  By IP35 - June 10 - 2:51 pm

  The Acura RL is a fantastic, luxurious practical performance sedan. Ive ownwed BMWs, Saabs, and various other domestic and Japanese brands over the years. The Acura RL is, hands down, the best. The only trips to the dealer have been for oil changes and routine service -- absolutely problem free driving. Fuel mileage is outstanding for this class of vehicle -- I get 26-27 mpg on interstate trips while cruising well north of 70 mph. Its a fun car to drive thanks to the SH-AWD, and its quiet, comfortable and luxurious.

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  Acura RL the best automobile - 2008 Acura RL
  By caborchitra wilson - June 2 - 12:50 pm

  After I saw my friends beautiful RL I didnt hesitate to buy one for myself. This car has everything you can ask for. The 290 horsepower engine is too powerful for my needs (got 2 speeding tickets with this Acura). I love my Acura RL, it has 10000 miles already and has no signs of any problems. Averaged 31.8 mpg on a 2000 mile roadtrip which is the best of other cars.

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  Acura RL beats all competitors - 2008 Acura RL
  By podrapadda - June 2 - 12:36 pm

  I bought a 2008 Acura RL in March and its by far the best car I have ever bought. The Acura RL is very powerful, very smooth and quiet, has great handling. Acura (Honda) cars have excellent quility and are reilible. If you are looking for a new luxury car give the Acura RL a chance.

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  The best there is - 2008 Acura RL
  By Super Acura Fan - May 23 - 3:11 pm

  I love my new Acura RL fully loaded. Ive owned all of the major players including Lexus, BMW and MB. You really owe it to yourself to go test drive this amazing car if youre looking at 40-50K cars.

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  Spectacular!!!!! - 2005 Acura RL
  By San Diego Owner - May 21 - 4:36 am

  You will never want to drive anything else once you involve yourself with this vehicle!! It is comfort at its best and performs beautifully!! The interior design features are well thought out. The real time traffic display on the navigation system is very helpful as well as the ability to us voice to operate. It is easy to use too! XM Satellite radio is awesome too. The Acuralink website is the greatest asset for maintaining your vehicle and handling your pymts, scheduling appts, etc. The is simply the best!

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  Stay away from the RL... not worth it - 2008 Acura RL
  By jcshma - May 17 - 2:28 am

  Bought the RL Tech pacakge. 2nd day noticed major quality problems. Rattling noise from all over the place. Owning the car for 6 weeks so far and several parts are replaced. Windshield and headliners are all taken apart due to major manufacturing defect. Honda corporate really doesnt care about customers, the only thing they care is talk nicely, but no action to solve issues.

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  Best of the Luxury Sedans - 2008 Acura RL
  By Andy Acura - May 8 - 8:29 pm

  I have had them all. Audi, BMW 535, Infinity, Lincoln, MB E350. I couldnt believe the RL when I drove it somewhat reluctantly. Incredible road hugging and plenty of power with 300 hp for a v6. You can punish this car and it keeps coming back for more. I almost went for the Lexus GS 350 but felt it was rough riding and a little noisy compared to the RL. The GS 460 would have been more fun but much more expensive. Great technology and maybe the best GPS and Bose stereo with noise abatement. Cabin is whisper quiet. I got 26 mpg on 160 mile highway trip. Not bad. Fit and finish among the best. I will enjoy this car for 36 month lease, I know.