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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  Dissapointed with my RL - 2005 Acura RL
  By John H - July 21 - 8:03 pm

  I have purchased my last few cars (all used) and Ive tried to move up with each purchase. I traded an Infiniti I35 and purchased this used RL (which had 16.7K miles on it). The car has been a pleasure to drive, but the amount of money that I have had to put into repairs has been a major disappointment. In the 16 months that I have owned the car Ive had to replace the drivers side power mirror, a major repair to the air conditioner and replace one of the motors in the passengers side seat. The total repairs cost $3,000 and the car has 50K miles on it. Ive owned used Mazdas and Infinits and never had these type of major repair issues. I am very disappointed in the RLs reliability

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  Best Used Car Ever - 1997 Acura RL
  By tdsouza743 - July 12 - 5:40 pm

  I bought this car, tongue-in-cheek, 3 years old in 2000. My daughter had just totaled my Honda Accord, I got her her own Sable (for punishment) and bought this Acura 3.5RL for myself. It turned out to be the best used car Ive ever had. Cushy ride, great reliability, superb design, plenty of power, decent mileage. Still going very strong in the hands of same daughter. I miss it. My 2004 RL is great, but not as comfortable.

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  Best car ever owned - 2000 Acura RL
  By Erik - June 26 - 9:22 pm

  This car ran so well it is the only one I have named. Gracie is hands down the most comfortable, reliable, and best car I have ever driven. I would fly home and get the best rental I could and still would pine for when I would get back to her. Mileage may not be the best but with my lead foot its as much my fault, and when I sit in her I feel it was made for me. It may be a 10 yr old car, but she drives like shes a newborn.

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  Bravo to Acura - 2000 Acura RL
  By frank - June 14 - 9:16 pm

  I have had this car for 6 years. Recently gave to my daughter and bought an infiniti m45. This car is awesome, ten years old, 104,000 miles and runs like a top. A little TLC and my daughter has a mint vehicle! The body /sedan build is great. If you have a chance pick one up! You wont be upset.

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  Very Impressed - 2004 Acura RL
  By AJ-1 - June 9 - 1:31 pm

  I recently purchased the Acura RL about a month ago, with 75,500 miles and one owner. I have to say it has a very smooth ride, I knew I wanted to buy it when I first sat in the drivers seat. I knew about the quality and reliability of Acuras and that #1 reason for purchasing a car that was 6 years old. I hope to get 200,000 miles out of this one. Everything that I have read about leaves me feeling confident about my choice. The navigation system works well and the XM satellite radio with the Bose Speaker system sounds incredible. The only complaints that I have is the acceleration is a little lazy, and the fuel economy isnt great. However my last vehicle was a 4 cylinder accord.

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  2000 RL thoughts - 2000 Acura RL
  By Drew Foster - May 25 - 4:02 pm

  I cant help myself from talking very positive about this car. It is by far the best car I have ever owned, and I think it is the best car ever built! As a driver for 43 years, I have owned everything. This car is better than any Mercedes ever built. What a great decision when I bought it with 81k on the clock. This is my dependable friend, and I care for it like it is my child. Mine is perfect with 133k now on it

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  Very nice car - 2000 Acura RL
  By New RL driver - April 13 - 10:03 am

  I bought this car with 172,000 miles on it just a couple of weeks ago. What a nice car to drive. Knew Id buy it on the test drive. Had a 99 Mercedes S320 for a lot of years and took it to 180,000 but paid the price along the way. The mechanics that looked at the Acura were amazed at how it ran and performed after all the miles and no issues at all. Plan on driving it to 400000.

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  Great car but needs more quality control - 2005 Acura RL
  By Fritz - February 15 - 9:34 am

  The SH-AWD is very fun to use around turns, but I doubt most people will ever push this car hard enough to experience it. When you go into turns you really just have to push it and let the computers take over which is a bit unnerving at first, but you can really feel it pivot as the car overdrives the outside wheels. The dash is controls are very easy to use and pretty intuitive and I love that everything can be done through the Navigation screen which is large, easy to read and sits high in the dashboard. My biggest complaint with this car are the rattles and creaks. That is a deal breaker for me, but fortunately it doesnt bother my wife who drives it.

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  Great used value - 2004 Acura RL
  By Former MB Owner - February 14 - 7:16 am

  Love the car. I have a fairly long commute and am quite pleased with the low-mileage 04 RL that I bought this fall. Some say the Acura has "no soul." Nonsense. If "no soul" means "car stays out of the shop" then Ill take it. Steady 21 MPG in mixed driving. Reliable as the day is long. Not the most exciting car Ive owned but quiet, comfortable and a great value. Build quality is exceptional - tight, and all seams and panel gaps are very well done. Car mags hated this car new, suppose it wasnt such a great value at $40K+ brand new, but in the used market its a great value.

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  Best Car Ever - 2003 Acura RL
  By Acura Lover - January 30 - 11:02 am

  I love it in every gas pedal. I love it in every turn. I love it when it is stopped or when it is running. Too good car to write a review about it.