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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  Love My 99 RL at 250K+ Miles! - 1999 Acura RL
  By samantha - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my RL for a little over three years. Currently, I have a little over 250k miles on it and have never had to replace anything major! Except for when my husband accidently put $20 worth of diesel in it and even then only had to have the fuel system cleaned out. I had an 04 Camry before I got the Acura and even though its 5 years older, I love the RL way more! I now have two toddlers the trunk is huge, but with a bulky double stroller theres not room for anything else. Im looking to buy a new car in about four months and am leaning toward the MDX. I have vowed to stay faithful to Acura, knowing that Ill have a reliable vehicle I can count on and will last me forever!

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  Basically very reliable - 1997 Acura RL
  By Brad Gardner - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car at 29,000 miles and now have 144,000 miles. The only problems have been both back window motors, front struts went out at about 85,000, rear struts are also out. Now, i have a broken motor mount somehow to the tune of $725.00. I have really enjoyed the car, though it does have poor cornering manners. Recommend replacing the timing belt as called for in the manual.

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  Excellent Ride, Needs Better Brakes - 2009 Acura RL
  By P Medina - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Up to date, it has been a very enjoyable ride. Classy enough for my trade, as engineering consultant, and sporty enough for my younger heart. It has been, however, sifnificantly fuel thirsty, almost as my wives MDX! However, dealership service has been excellent and the vehicle has operated flawlessly, unlike my previous Avalon! Overall, Im happy with my purchase, except for braking performance.

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  Great car for $$$ - 2000 Acura RL
  By RLownerRI - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this in 07 with 114K on it. I have since put 90,000 and for the $8,000 I spent on it I couldnt ask for a better car. Its very comfortable, has enough pep to get out of its own way (it is not a race car by any stretch of the imagination) and is the most reliable car I have ever owned. The body integrity, even after 11 years and 202,ooo niles is top notch. Motor runs great. My only repaits have been a seat belt sensor and a fuel relay switch - less than $1,000 in repairs (excluding regular maintenance items of course). I do have a small leak in tranny that just started but no slippage. For 200,000 miles Im not going to complain.

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  Great car for money - 2000 Acura RL
  By jayglynn65 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car three years ago with 110K on it. At the 200K mark I am just now starting to have issues: small leak at tranny, fuel relay just went, and a rear sway bar (?) makes a bang sound but is not a safety issue. So for $8500 I got 90,000 trouble free miles out of it. Rides great, very reliable, and quite comfortable for a 6 4" guy. A seatbelt switch went at about 150K. All in all minimal expense ($1000-ish) on top of purchase price to get 90,000 miles of luxury ride. I will be buying an 05 or 06 RL to replace this one. Lots of bang for the buck.

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  Very Happy - 2005 Acura RL
  By fargin - September 9 - 2:00 am

  One of the best cars I have owned and the Acura dealer is always nice. I have had Audi and Bmw and Acura is so much better overall in every category.

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  170 K miles and still running great - 2005 Acura RL
  By ejet - August 18 - 12:46 pm

  I have put 170K+ miles on my 05 RL so I can confidently say I know this car. Still looks new and draws attention. Front tie rods replaced twice, once under warranty. Two sets of brakes and on third set of tires. Front head light adjusting warning light has been on for the last 100K, cant be turned off and I am not paying to replace the head lights. A few minor electrical problems but that has been it. I runs like new. I have driven 12 hours staight, great seats, quite, comfortable and reliable. Not good in snow even with AWD. Buy four Blizzak snows if you drive in the white stuff. Dealership service has been A+. The BEST GPS system made on earth. Waiting for the 2011. Best car ever.

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  Great Cat - 2005 Acura RL
  By paul4sure - August 13 - 10:56 am

  Great car, had it for 2 years and no problems at all. I was looking at Lexus, as i had Es300 for 6 years when i went to school, but wanted something more sporty. G35x was another possibility, but it was too small for me. Car is very reliable and comfortable for long rides. This is the car you can take for skiing trip in the winter and feel safe during any weather. Its 5 years old now, but i still get compliments how nice it looks. Mine is blue metal, tinted. I drove my roommates Mercedes E550 many times, and RL is very similar to E550. It doesnt have as much toque but picks up speed as quickly as E550. Its a keeper for the comfort, AWD and BOSE system sounds great with XM by the way.

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  1999 RL - 1999 Acura RL
  By John - August 9 - 1:39 pm

  What a great car - A quality Honda product that is good looking and has superior fit and finish. Very nice on any type of road trip. Mileage could be better but not a big deal to me. Found mine used with only 29K on it 4 years ago and it still looks like it is brand new after a good wash/wax and detail.

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  The Best car overall - 2005 Acura RL
  By Kim - August 5 - 2:24 pm

  I searched for a luxury used car after my BMW 525 totaled by an accident. Acura rl was the answer. Its interior is beautiful and comfortable. I wasnt impressed by exterior first but it keeps growing on me. Navigation system is the best so far. My wife and baby daughter love back seat sunshades. It doesnt drive like a BMW but its awd really works. The cabin is Lexus- quiet and stereo sound is the best I ever heard. RLs unpopularity, price is more reasonable which was good for me. Unfortunately, fuel economy is pretty bad in city. For luxury used car for a price, rl just cant be beat. Last, I am happy with acuras reliability which I had suffered from BMW.