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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  RL and Star Wars - 2005 Acura RL
  By Bill Kowalski - March 23 - 10:26 am

  The quality and overall technology put into this vehicle is outstanding. The voice recognition features and use of technology is the best Ive seen in any vehicle. Ive owned BMWs, an Audi A6 (Quattro) and Mercedes. I and have test driven Infinitis M35. Based upon my experience the Acura is the most user friendly vehicle Ive encountered. While it is quick, the Acura could use more low end torque to get it off the line quicker and a little more responsive, such as Infiniti has done with the M35.

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  Great value - 2004 Acura RL
  By NickP - March 11 - 10:55 am

  This is our 5th used RL. All have been bullet proof. While it lacks the go of a V-8 it still has good performance with excellent comfort. Excellent sound system and navigation. Averages around 20 mpg. Is a great highway cruiser and is wifes favorite car. Its no wonder it is hard to find a low mileage one!

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  Great car I never considered before test driving - 2007 Acura RL
  By Dame Irv - February 6 - 2:26 am

  I went to the dealer looking for an Infiniti G35 and decided to give this a test drive. The interior is luxurious. Leather, wood, voice operated control of the a/c, music, bluetooth, navigation, and more. The leather is great quality. I bought the car with 130k miles on it 3 years ago and ive driven it as if mileage didnt matter going from state to state. The only problems Ive had so far: I had to replace a pulley (which was really random!) and i recently had to replace the altenator. Other than that all ive had was routine maintenance that wasnt luxury car expensive.. it was honda accord expensive. I probably wouldnt buy another one but I am happy with my purchase. The Acura RL is a respectable car for any business person and for good reason.

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  Not a bad choice for the price - 2006 Acura RL
  By hondabob - December 31 - 7:52 am

  I purchased a leftover 2006 RL w/o tech in September. I got a car with stately design and that, once I added A-Spec suspension and 18" wheels, handles well in the twisties while maintaining excellent composure on local bumpy streets. The interior is nearly perfect except for small buttons. Luckily, voice activation works for all the common controls. I have owned Hondas previously and so am used to having to stomp on the gas to get adequate power and when you do, this car really does accelerate fast. In 50/50 city/highway mileage I am getting about 17.5 mpg, not so great especially when gas is so expensive. Overall, a good deal on a gorgeous ride!

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  Its an Acura - 2004 Acura RL
  By joan - December 22 - 4:08 pm

  Since I have been driving Acuras since 1996, all I can say is that they are very reliable cars. All the bells and whistles one could wish for come standard with the exception of a navigation system. Your mother would love it as well as your child.

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  Needs more power - 2006 Acura RL
  By Scott - November 13 - 12:33 pm

  Ive had this car for about a week. I love styling of the car, it has all of the amenities I would expect from a luxury car, but is generally lacking in performance. This car replaced a 2001 M5 (396hp) and was not anticipated to provide the same performance, but at 300hp, I had higher expectations. I believe the weight of the car materially decreases performance. In general it is quite comfortable and handles well, but needs a bit more power to round out the driving experience.

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  Electrical Trouble - 2006 Acura RL
  By Help! - August 27 - 7:13 pm

  Had the car for 1 day drove 200 miles and had to drive it back to the dealer. The dealer has had it for over 2 weeks straight. The headlights do not work properly. They come on during the day when they are not on and they go off at night when they are supposed to be on. The internal lighting also comes on and off as they please and is always blinking a warning light for the adaptive lighting. The dealer has flown parts in but still cannot fix the cars lighting problem. Great car or atleast I thought so just cant drive it.

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  Good Value? Yes. Great Car? Hmmmmm... - 2005 Acura RL
  By Beltway Bandit - August 23 - 11:30 am

  I am a BMW 7-series and Benz S class owner. Also had Escalade previously. The RL looked unique in design and the interiro was impressive at first. Factory refuses to address design flaw...exhaust stains the rear fender and no response provided. Stereo system about the best Ive ever heard in a car...first-class. Like the 6- cylinder performance and road mileage. Tends to rumble in low gear early in the day. Dealer hasnt fixed yet. Lots of interiro rattle from rear window shade. Dealer has not fixed. With MSRP arounds 50 or a little less, a good value. But I dont know I would get another.

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  Very Good, Close to Great - 2006 Acura RL
  By TGN - June 25 - 9:31 am

  I had two reqs. when looking for a car AWD and reliability. The RL seemed to be the best of a few options (M35,A6,Passat,500,Benz). The RL is expensive, but is a reasonable value. I moved to the RL from an Avalon and miss the rear-seat/trunk room. Many comments about lack of low-end torque/need for V8 I disagree, the RL has acceptable power but lack of road noise and handling give the impression you are traveling slower than you actually are. Easy to be going 80 mph and not realize it. The RL controls are confusing. The RL feels heavy (which it is) making the vehicle feel sluggish but solid. I fill the tank 75% to reduce veh weight which helps performance and MPG.

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  Best value for the dollars - 2006 Acura RL
  By Acura RL - May 23 - 5:20 pm

  A great value for the money. Technologically in par with German rivals. The real time traffic and the crispy LCD are in concert. The verbal commands & the Bluetooth functions are much more advanced than the 2004 TL that I own. Acura makes great cars this is my third one in 7 years. SH- AWD makes the car hug the road regardless of the weather condition.