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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  Not Quite as Good as I Expected - 2006 Acura RL
  By stonehenge - May 3 - 10:05 pm

  While the Acura RL handles extremely well and is generally a solidly built vehicle, I am disappointed by the amount of interior rattles. I traded out of a VW Passat that had no squeaks and rattles into the RL and the unwanted noises are most annoying. The quietness of the cabin just serves to amplify the interior squeaks and rattles. I would not buy another for the price of the car.

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  Nice car - 2008 Acura RL
  By CNJ31Vtec - February 18 - 12:55 pm

  We cross shopped Audi A6, Q7, Infiniti M35x, Cadilac CTS4, Acura TL and RL, after we returned a 2006 BMW 530xiT. We finally decided to lease an RL because it has all the basic elements of being a luxury car. This is the 4th Honda/Acura we had owned so far. And probably the most conservative Honda/Acura we ever have. Having said that, the RL is still a wonderful car to drive. Only hope 3 years later, Acura can have another face lift base on the coming 2009 RL (it is NOT attractive at all) plus a RWD-biasd AWD. Then I think we will continue to be in the Hondas family.

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  Replaced my BMW 528 - 2005 Acura RL
  By Tom Curry - December 19 - 3:56 am

  I purchased a new 2005 TL (6 spd) in November to replace a 98 BMW 528 (5sp) (that had reached 125,000 miles with repair bills to match). The TL turned out too small with too much front wheel torque steer; thus, the new RL in December. Very impressed with fit and finish. Overall performance is just fine (I do a lot a higher speed open road driving); the handling is much better with none of the TLs torque steer. I spend about 3 hrs per day in the car. Only problem in first 1,000 miles is a non-performing CD player, and thats about to be repaired. The rest of the audio system is great. The mileage is less than I would like; about 5 mpg less than the old BMW.

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  A good, comfortable car - 2002 Acura RL
  By BlueJay - December 9 - 9:18 am

  I have enjoyed this comfortable car. It always starts and has never conked out on me while driving on the road. I noticed that holding to the speed limit, especially 55 mph the gas mileage approaches 30 mpg. In the winter, around town I expect 20-25 mpg. I drive with a light foot. I didnt think I wanted a sunroof, but have come to enjoy it, even in winter--opening it on a sunny day with the seat heat and feet heat set high. The antilock brakes have saved me from fender benders when I didnt even realize it was slippery. It handles a bit loose, like a boat, not a bullet, but feels very solid and the engine never feels strained.

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  Jimbos car - 2005 Acura RL
  By Jim Brody - November 13 - 7:16 pm

  The carhandles well. The gas mileage is not what I expected, much less about 15 mpg.The Navigation system is great but hard to learn.

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  Acura - Great Vehicle - 2006 Acura RL
  By mjg1629 - October 8 - 7:13 pm

  Great autormobile for driver, not so great for passengers. Front passenger seat should be 6 way to go up and down, not just forward and back. Back seat area is small for long trip for two guests. For driver a perfect car,best Ive ever owned and Ive had them all.

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  Not all its cracked up to be - 2007 Acura RL
  By Wingnut - August 13 - 8:19 pm

  This car looked like a terrific value, but it has not turned out that way. I was looking forward to "Honda Reliability" but too many things just dont work well or are gimmicky. Fuel economy is atrocious (14-15), electronics dont work that well, run-flat tires are super loud, there is some wind noise, key fob/keyless entry never works the same twice in a row. Car is pretty slow off the line, but decent on the highway. Ride is too much of a compromise. Handling is good, but the Michelin run-flats are lousy performance tires in all but the correct temperature range. I came out of an Audi A8, and would NOT buy this car again.

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  Great Car - 2007 Acura RL
  By larrynimmo - July 14 - 8:15 am

  Number one attribute isno wind noise. The only reason you can hear the quiet tire noise is because there is no wind noise. Very comfy seats.Great tech features. Not enough power especially low end torque. Phenomenal handling characteristics. This car will turn on a dime with good manners. Fuel ecomony is poor, but I dont put on so many miles that its a factor.

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  love the car - 2005 Acura RL
  By john smith - May 3 - 5:43 pm

  Comfort on the road is outstanding. Visuals as far as instrument panel are perfect. Room in back seat is outstanding. Also love the gps and the voice activation system. Also the best sound system ive heard, better than my 430 mzb.

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  Great car... but - 2005 Acura RL
  By Clip616 - April 10 - 9:17 am

  Leg room drivers side needs improvement. Large foot block left side prevents extending left leg unless you are less than 5 feet tall. Mileage not good in city driving. Highway mileage is good. Needs more insulation. Hard to carry conversation with back seat riders due to road noise.