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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  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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  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.

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  My first car, drove it 2 years... - 1996 Acura RL
  By Joel - September 14 - 2:32 pm

  I bought this car two years ago as my first vehicle ever. Spent $5000, and it had 150,000 miles on it (or was it 125?). Whatever the case, I now have 172,000 on it, and the AC still works. The man I bought it from had kept it immaculate - even the engine was clean. I ended up with some body damage in the rear, but drove it several thousand more miles. The only problem is in the power steering, now... theres a leak that reached a peak, and I would have to pay $600 to replace the part/ seals. That would certainly be worth it for a car with this much comfort/power and life left in it, if it werent for the $3000 body damage. Moving on to a Civic for better mpg, and less miles on it

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  Dont by an Acura - 1999 Acura RL
  By SHOOTER270 - June 29 - 10:23 am

  I bought mine and it was used with 110k they say they will run forever well they dont. I lost the tranny at 149k. For a rebuilt it is 3000.00 with labor. When you by an Acura you might want to check into the price of a timing belt 1200.00. If it breaks your done. All parts are expensive and you really need to have it repaired by the dealership because most of the shops do not understand how to work on them correctly. The front end pulls and I have had it aligned 3 times. Again the dealership needs to be the one doing it or your wasting your money. The valves also need adjustment at 110k that will cost 400.00. It adds up fast for a car that only gets 20 on the highway.

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  Electronics are a problem - 2005 Acura RL
  By Darren - April 3 - 4:06 am

  Drives great, but watch out for too many gadgets. Battery drain is a common problem, especially since awkward 2nd key position issue leads to frequent battery drains. Make sure you carry a jump box, Ive owned the car for about 1.5 years and have had to jump it 20+ times.

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  Dont Be Fooled - 2005 Acura RL
  By tmedman - May 3 - 9:45 pm

  I bought this car a little over a year ago and within a month I started experiencing total electrical failure. This has happened about six times over the last 14 months. I brought it to two dealers and nothing seems to fix it permanently. Acura roadside assistance is a joke unless you liking waiting 3 to 4 hours for help. The car looks great and when it is working (which is rare), it performs well. Gas mileage is dismal.

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  Great Left Brain Car!!! - 1997 Acura RL
  By Joe - February 17 - 2:09 am

  This car is very Reliable,comfortable,roomy,and did I mention reliable, but that is pretty much it.The window regulator in the rear driver window went out and some bulbs in the dash, but thats it!The car is built well enough and is Reliable!NO soul stirring emotion though.You could take it home to meet mom but is a lousy date!!!This has got to be the most boring car I have ever owned.The engine is slow off the line and it corners like a hearse,but its reliable!I recommend it for the reliability but thats it.It screams HONDA and is not worth the original sticker.Good thing I bought it used and only for business.It is a passionless yet reliable car!!!

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  RL full of electrical gremlins - 2006 Acura RL
  By NewRL - February 16 - 4:19 pm

  My RL has proven to be a myriad of gadget glitches. No doubt the RL is a quality constructed vehicle, however this does not extend to the electronic gizmos of Acura’s flagship. The voice recognition does not work properly it is a cumbersome and time consuming system, frequented by voice interpretation errors. The 300hp VTEC is sluggish, and has a very annoying 2- 3 second mid-range acceleration lag. Dealer service says “they all do that.” It is sluggish and lacks torque. Self adjusting headlights cause some serious safety concerns. Acura missed the target here, and RL sales are showing it. Look to the Infinity M for a true sports-luxury car.

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  Unreliable - 2005 Acura RL
  By Howard Kelley - September 2 - 7:16 pm

  This car has a computer glitch that discharges the battery when the car isnt driven for a few days. The car has been towed to the dealership twice and is currently sitting at the dealership waiting for a "fix" from Acura. This problem isnt peculiar to my car but is a significant problem that other Acura RL owners have encountered. I am currently going thru arbitration with the State of Ct to get a refund since Acura doesnt know when the fix will be available. The keyless feature to start the car can lead to problems if you let a valet park the car. Sometimes the ignition is left in the acces position. The GPS works better in the TL model. The transmission has a very long lag time.

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  RL Review - 2004 Acura RL
  By NFB - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Need following for such a pricy car: compass and milage computer in standard model much larger HP engine luxery fetures inside like others in its class. Car does flow nice on open highway