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:

• 

  Stay away from the RL... not worth it - 2008 Acura RL
  By jcshma - May 17 - 2:28 am

  Bought the RL Tech pacakge. 2nd day noticed major quality problems. Rattling noise from all over the place. Owning the car for 6 weeks so far and several parts are replaced. Windshield and headliners are all taken apart due to major manufacturing defect. Honda corporate really doesnt care about customers, the only thing they care is talk nicely, but no action to solve issues.

• 

  The AcuraTaxiCab - 2005 Acura RL
  By Captain Truth - August 2 - 12:19 pm

  Just keep 5 words in mind..HONDA ACCORD WITH BIG PRICETAG - thats what it is. Ive given this vehicle about a year. Initial quality seemed okay. Since then its a horror show. Rattles, squeeks, noises from windows, dashboard, back panels, seatbelts ...everywhere.. make it sound like a NYC taxi. I heard this before buying but didnt believe it. Now I do. Customer care is NON EXISTANT. Dealer is clueless and cant fix anything, even after bringing in new service mgr...car not fixed when returned, not ready when promised, etc. etc. Headquarters also seems unconcearned and is not responsive. Overall a major waste of money and miserable ownership experience compared to my prev. 2 Lincolns.

• 

  Nightmare - 2002 Acura RL
  By David Bishop - March 19 - 10:07 am

  This car has been in the shop no less than 10 times since I bought it less than 1 year ago. They cant fix it. After being in the shop for 49 the block is being replaced. I knew I wanted the 03 that they had just sold. O well.

• 

  Nroke down at 1200 miles sensor replaced - 2005 Acura RL
  By ron - September 7 - 7:29 pm

  Cannot see the fenders for parking, hard handling, feels like I am steering a truck. Doors in front much to heavy. Mileage is way off. Too many bells and whistles. This is my third Acura.

• 

  Not worth the money - 2004 Acura RL
  By Al Greco - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Actually my lease is a 2002. This car simply is not worth the dollars for the lease. The ride is just OK, the handling is poor compared to the Toyota Avalon which was my previous auto. The performance again, not as good. The interior back seat is too small for the average size man. No leg room. The reliability I have no complaints about.

• 

  Acura Customer Support Is A Myth - 2004 Acura RL
  By Jack Watney - November 6 - 2:00 am

  The automobile, itself, is average in ride and comfort. Fit and finish are good but noise level, for this niche, and its gas mileage are poor. It can be jittery in ride and will sidestep at certain speeds and improved road conditions that it should handle well. Its distinctive attraction lies in its integrated cabin systems. The navigation system and XM radio work well but OnStar was delivered inoperative and continues to be partially so over a month later. GM and now Acura tell me that there is nothing to be done. There will be no operating telephone in this car. Its absurd.

• 

  Better go for German cars. - 2003 Acura RL
  By Audi.VW,BMW,Mercedes - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage isnt great. Steering wheel feel is a little too soft. Put 6 disc changer in dash. Redesign moonroof close button (it takes two separate clicks to close it). Two zone heat/AC.