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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  A good, comfortable car - 2002 Acura RL
  By BlueJay - December 9 - 9:18 am

  I have enjoyed this comfortable car. It always starts and has never conked out on me while driving on the road. I noticed that holding to the speed limit, especially 55 mph the gas mileage approaches 30 mpg. In the winter, around town I expect 20-25 mpg. I drive with a light foot. I didnt think I wanted a sunroof, but have come to enjoy it, even in winter--opening it on a sunny day with the seat heat and feet heat set high. The antilock brakes have saved me from fender benders when I didnt even realize it was slippery. It handles a bit loose, like a boat, not a bullet, but feels very solid and the engine never feels strained.

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  Excellent Car - 2008 Acura RL
  By RL Driver - December 6 - 12:47 pm

  I cross-shopped the Lexus IS/GS, BMW 5 series and the Acura RL. Stayed away from Mercedes due to past experience. RL provided the most rewarding driving experience combined with the most features for the money. It is also very reasonable to insure. Fuel mileage has been in the 17-20 mpg commuting in traffic.

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  Loads of fun! - 2005 Acura RL
  By Lessie - November 24 - 4:03 am

  I have been the owner of 2 Acura Legends and 4 RLs over the last 15 years. By far, the 2005 RL is the best ever in every category. The speed and all wheel drive give me a feeling of control that I have never had before. The conversion of automatic to 5 speed is really neat. The list goes on!

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  1999 Acura RL - 1999 Acura RL
  By ron - November 16 - 12:48 pm

  Driving experience is excellent even at an old age with high mileage. Ownership experience great as well only problem matenance costs are expensive and cost of parts are expensive.

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  Jimbos car - 2005 Acura RL
  By Jim Brody - November 13 - 7:16 pm

  The carhandles well. The gas mileage is not what I expected, much less about 15 mpg.The Navigation system is great but hard to learn.

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  Best Used Car in the World - 1997 Acura RL
  By Peg - October 22 - 3:16 pm

  Got the car two years ago with 60,000 on it. Two years and 30,000 miles later I am thoroughly pleased with it. I keep up with recommended maintenance, change the oil and replace tires. Thats it. No problems. Nothing but smooth performance. And, frankly, this wonderful car cost far less than I would have spent on a Toyota Camry with the same mileage. They can have their Toyotas. I love my RL.

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  Acura - Great Vehicle - 2006 Acura RL
  By mjg1629 - October 8 - 7:13 pm

  Great autormobile for driver, not so great for passengers. Front passenger seat should be 6 way to go up and down, not just forward and back. Back seat area is small for long trip for two guests. For driver a perfect car,best Ive ever owned and Ive had them all.

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  Lemon. - 2006 Acura RL
  By Bryant N - September 13 - 12:54 pm

  This is my first car, bought it used from a BMW dealership down the road from me about 3 years ago. From the instant we bought it I knew I was going to have major issues. It started with a ticking from the right front passenger wheel which turned out to be a loose brake pad. Next came the real isues, oil leaking. From everywhere. Brought it into the mechanic and he said that the entire engine bay and the passengers front wheel well are covered in motor oil. Major issues, basically had to rebuild the top half of the engine. I got it done and off I went. Next came the transmission.... I could stop at a stop sign and not be able to engage the transmission anymore, I was dead in the water... Only had reverse. So once we got it to the mechanic he said that a piece broke off my radiator, there was radiator fluid and engine oil in the transmission, and tranny oil and engine oil in the radiator. Boom! Brand new radiator and the transmission literally exploded so thats brand new. On top of all that comes the regular oil changes, spaek plugs, tires, etc. This car is a MONEY PIT! It will not make it over 100,000 miles unless you basically buy the car again! I will never buy another Acura or Honda in my life after my experience with this car.

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  Best Luxury - 2001 Acura RL
  By Gwen Titsworth - September 12 - 2:56 pm

  I have owned many different luxury cars Lexus, Jag, etc., because I like to try out the different varieties and to say I have driven them, but my Acura has beat them all hands down. I went to buy a Mercedes and was disappointed in the test drive. For the heck of it I tried the Acura RL and bought it. I usually buy a new car every two years but I hated to let this one go. I am planning to buy another one though this year. The car I would buy beyond the Acura is a Bentley Cont. GTS.

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  Happy Acura owner for 7+ years - 1999 Acura RL
  By Bryan - September 7 - 3:05 pm

  Great vehicle. I have owned it almost 8 years and it still runs like it did when I bought it. Regular oil changes, scheduled maintenance - and car has performed very well. Dealer maintenance at 75 and 100k can be expensive. Best car yet!