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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  It just doesnt get any better than this - 2009 Acura RL
  By Stephanie - July 2 - 9:52 am

  As a business executive and also a mother, I wanted a vehicle that exuded class without snob appeal that needed little maintenance and had the room for my clients as well as my family of four. I found the exterior to be stylish, the interior incredibly plush and the surround sound audio system unbeatable.

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  Its got everything you can ask for... - 2006 Acura RL
  By song - June 28 - 1:33 am

  This is a great car that everyone can appreciate because its got everything standard which includes SH-AWD, DVD-audio 5.1 surround sound, navigation, smart key, and on an on... I get around 19 mpg on city, thats pretty decent for a car that almost weights 4000 pounds. As far as the exterior goes, I would describe it "inoffensive", its a good looking car but not spectacular. Interior is among the best in class, I dont think there are other cars that can match acuras interior style and quality (maybe a Lexus or Audi).

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  Tons of toys - 2006 Acura RL
  By Joe - April 30 - 9:34 pm

  This car is so much fun! I would recommend this car to anyone. My car has 46k and still runs like new.

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  Amazing car - 1998 Acura RL
  By judes car - April 13 - 11:14 pm

  This has got to be my favorite car of all time. It has been a rock for me! As a single girl I need a reliable car that would not break down on me. This car was more than worth the total cost I paid. I have a 98 3.5RL and it has never broken down on me and I drive a ton of miles. I am currently at 325,000 miles and it is still going strong. I have taken good care of it and have had oil changes consistently. I highly recommend one of these cars!

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  I Always Loved Acuras - 2004 Acura RL
  By Trini-34 - April 11 - 11:00 pm

  This is my 5th Acura (I had 3 Legend and a 2000 RL). The Acura RL 2004 is an awesome car, the interior finish is beautiful. I enjoy using the voice activated Nav, OnStar, etc. The gas mileage is a little poor (compared to my 94 Acura legend GS model) but I can live with it. The smooth ride and reliability is a comfort. I think it has enough power for me 0 to 60 in 6.5 sec. The sound system is great. 6-disc in-dash CD player. Not a fashionable car but I am satisfied.

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  They Keep Getting Better - 2005 Acura RL
  By Gordon - April 11 - 4:48 pm

  This 2005 model replaced an earlier RL 3.5. It is roomier, faster, adds all wheel drive, adds all the electronics and voice commands you can imagine, the Bose 5 channel surround sound is the worlds best. Nice car!

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  Honest and thorough review - 2005 Acura RL
  By victorCA - April 1 - 1:06 pm

  This is one unbelievable automobile. It is probably one of the most technologically advanced vehicles out there! However, I expected much better acceleration for a 300hp car!! My cousins TL feels much faster. Handling is also a couple notches below the German vehicles, but overall very good. Ride and comfort are great and it is very quiet, though not as quiet as my friends LS 430. Seats are ultra comfy, and interior materials are first class!

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  follow-up to 8/2002 review - 1996 Acura RL
  By prophet2 - March 28 - 1:10 am

  Its 6-1/2 years later and my 96 RL is going strong at 153K miles. Some issues: tach malfunctioning, dealer estimates $1400 repair. Also, $1420 to replace steering rack assembly $1427 for leaking rear main seal/O-ring $240 for re-sealing power steering pump $500 to replace rear tail light assembly. Thats $5000, exceeding the cars value. An independent mechanic found nothing wrong with the steering mechanism. Fluid has leaked from a hose to the rack assembly and rear main seal area, making it appear that those items are leaking. His estimate is $675, saving me $2400. The dealers service department has a reputation of up-selling service jobs.

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  Artfully Subtle Luxury and Performance - 2008 Acura RL
  By Paul J - March 27 - 6:50 pm

  Does everything well instead of compromising one performance area to excel in another. For example, corners as if on rails but preserves quiet, comfortable ride. The engine is smooth and quiet around town but makes operatic noises at the top of the rev range. This is the perfect luxury car for with enough confidence to eschew driving a visible status symbol. I drove Audis before they went upscale to compete directly with Mercedes and BMW. This Acura now fills that niche of artful, understated luxury that makes one look smart, not status conscious.

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  First Acura - 2005 Acura RL
  By Jim Dobrzynski - March 21 - 12:43 pm

  The RL is a fun car to drive. The handling of the car is fantastic. The ride is very smooth and the acceleration is very responsive.