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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  Excellent Luxury Value - 2002 Acura RL
  By Andy - January 4 - 7:24 pm

  I purchased my 02 RL used with 36,000 miles and now have over 140,000. No issues except for regular maintenance. Have seen others with over 200,000 miles with no problems. I drive a mix of city and highway and this car is very predictable and secure. Very low cost of ownership. It has a logic layout to the controls. Although not as "sporty" has others in this class, it has one of the best rides out there smooth and quiet.

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  Mediocrity and excellence in one car - 2007 Acura RL
  By Gasman - December 11 - 3:53 pm

  Hmm. Where to start... I bought my dealer demo with 5K miles. The drivers door shuts on me on entering and exiting the car--on level ground. The key fob works when it feels like it (I am told its in how I hold it). My wife and I use the car and it has trouble with the seat memory settings. I had to take the car in to get a fender realigned, though I did not have an accident. The doors are very tinny sounding-- especially when you release the handles. It is not powerful from the start and you have to gun the engine to get the torque up to sufficient levels. But its not all bad, the ride is nice, the interior is all of excellent quality, and the seating is comfy.

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  Ecstatic About My New Car - 2005 Acura RL
  By Bruce H - December 10 - 2:56 pm

  After researching and driving the German cars in this class, I had no problem picking the 05 RL as my new car. It has everything the Germans have plus the reliability that they dont. Handling and the comfort of luxury features are as good as any other car available, and my family feels safe and secure no matter what the weather or road conditions.

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  Near Perfect Car 9.5 out of 10 - 2005 Acura RL
  By Arthur M. - December 4 - 1:50 am

  Handling The best I have experienced. I have not driven comparable G35 and E320 for longer then 30 minutes (test drive) nor, can I claim previous luxury car ownership. What I can say, however, is that entering a 120 degree, very sharp corner at 55 mph and exiting at 40 effortlessly impressed me, it impressed me even more, when the next morning I saw 15 mph speed limit on the same road coming from the opposite direction - I can only wonder why the sign was available only one way. Steering is extremely precise, the car goes EXACTLY where you point it, coupled with SH-AWD. Comparing that to my slightly wobbly jeeps steering - night and day.

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  Electric and Plastic quality lacking - 1997 Acura RL
  By todd - November 30 - 2:09 am

  Hoping the previous owners have corrected the majority of electric problems. This car has 122,500 miles and has had the following electric components replaced - Steering column ($1,850) both back window regulators ($600 each) climate control ($1,400) engine temperature sensor ($300) ignition switch ($400). Currently the drivers window is not working, suspect the window regulator (est $500). Plastic pieces that have or are broken - sunglass holder ($190) both vanity mirror covers passenger seat side panel glove box restraining line. I read all 25 reviews before receiving this car, a few mentioned the window regulator problem. Well buyer beware of the electric problems of this car.

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  No complaints after 7 years - 2002 Acura RL
  By watjordan - November 15 - 8:11 pm

  I am very satisfied with the car. Only trip to dealerships are for routine maintenance and tire rotations. Car looks great and runs quietly and smoothly.

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  Dependable but boring - 2005 Acura RL
  By Chris - November 14 - 6:53 am

  I wish the Acura RL could use "real looking wood" like my 05 Acura TL did... its so plastic looking. It is a great car though. Seems not as sporty as a car like a 5 series, but reliability is its strong suit. 80,000 miles on it and plan on keeping for long term... only issue is it is boring (true disclosure most cars after a while bore me:).

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  Zero Problems - 2004 Acura RL
  By Michael - November 10 - 4:52 pm

  This is my 5th Acura: Integra, Legend, RL, TL, & RL. All of them have been problem-free. Nothing seriously has ever gone wrong: One driving light and one horn in all these years. The ride and comfort of the RL is outstanding. I get much better mileage than reported here, circa 24/27. Yeah, parts are expensive, but if nothing ever goes wrong, who cares? Theyre not much to look at, but I spend my time driving it, not looking at it. If you can get one of these used, go for it. You wont be disappointed. Mine has 80K miles and it is like new.

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  Better then Lexus - 2007 Acura RL
  By alivenwell - November 2 - 3:20 pm

  Test drove all the usual suspects and actually bought a Lexus GS300 AWD and had to take it back because of transmission issues. So glad I did. An 07 RL came up for sale in my area and I jumped on it. Absolutely love this car. Got rid of a Tahoe and wanted AWD for my wife. Interior quality is better then the GS, Engine is better then the GS, Interior room is better then the GS, AWD is better then the GS, Exterior is not as pretty as the GS, but considering the RL was the same price for a year newer, same mileage, and more feats it was an no brainer. Just wish the Navi was available. This was literally the only RL available in a metro area of 2 million people. That has to say something!

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  Good used car to buy - 1997 Acura RL
  By Good car to buy used - October 28 - 4:18 pm

  I bought this car with 70,000 miles. It is a highway car made to go 70 mph. There is a lot of wind noise at higher speed and it shakes a lot going past 85 mph. Pickup is awful. Leather in seats is average (not worth $44,000 new). Back seats are cramped, other car I own (1998 toyota avalon) has roomy rear seats, even with front seats all the way back.