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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  Excellent Value Give it a shot - 2005 Acura RL
  By snrub1 - November 8 - 6:19 pm

  Having test driven the competition, I feel the RL stands up to all comers. The car rides very well, is packed with features (the stereo is incredible) and, though lacking a bit in the excitement department, the car does everything very well. Dollar for dollar, the RL was by far the best value in the class. Thus far we are delighted by our purchase of the RL. Give the RL a shot if looking for a luxury sedan.

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  Love the Car! - 2005 Acura RL
  By tegman - September 16 - 7:19 pm

  Although I bought my RL in July of 05, Im still finding new reasons to love it here in Sept 05. The styling is great, the interior is 1st rate and the amenities are top notch, i.e., the steering wheel tilts up when the engine is turned off to allow free access out of the car. Although the city gas mileage is not great (I get about 22mpg freeway driving), I know its because I have heavy foot and demand performance from my vehicles. When I hit the gas to go around a suddenly braking car in front of me I need my car to respond and the RL does, admirable. Also, the real time traffic on the NAVI is great for my commuting in the mornings. I am a satisfied customer.

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  Why I continue to drive RLs - 2002 Acura RL
  By RLmonster - August 24 - 1:42 am

  In 1999, I leased the 99 RL. After three years, I was so happy with the vehicle, I repeated the experience and leased an 02. If you are looking for a classy luxury sedan, that is often mistaken for a Mercedes, that gives a 225hp burst off the line, this is your car. After 6 years (3 in the 99 and another 3 in the 02) I have had ZERO problems with the RL class. Now, to show you how committed this RL guy is, this evening (8/22/05) I leased a third RL, the redesigned 05 and parted with the 02. I compared the Avalon, M and G Infinitis, Mercedes, and Lexus. Hell, I even tried to get into the new Passat. In the end, the RL won on price, value, and the bonus of AWD (try that BMW!)

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  Not A Bad Car For the Price - 2004 Acura RL
  By Jag Lover - August 24 - 12:27 am

  Pretty Good Gas Mileage, Great for off the Line, Ok passing, when punching there is a large blank spot of no speed 3/4 of the pedal pushed. Tough Leather, I think it will last forever!! Love the STANDARD heated seats and Navigation!!!

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  Great, but needs improvements - 2005 Acura RL
  By taitando - August 10 - 9:44 pm

  The Good: The RL is a technological marvel that offers a superb value in its segment. Most of the options that you would pay extra for in other makes are standard in this car. Keyless Access, Navigation, Surround Sound, Hands Free Link, Xenon Adaptive Front lights, Rear Sunshade, Onstar, XM Satellite Radio & Real Time Traffic, etc... The list goes on and is quite extensive. The ride is quiet and smooth. Complemented with the superb SH-AWD system with 290HP, the RL is fun to drive. This is not a sports car, but it has plenty of go to help you pass other people in the left lane. The Bad: The paint is thin and chips easily. Others have posted problems with the battery.

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  AWD vehicle but not a SUV. - 2005 Acura RL
  By HenryW - August 6 - 5:47 pm

  I purchased my car back in march after test driving numerous vehicles. The RL is by far dollar for dollar better than leading competitors.The only thing that still puzzles me is this rattling noise that comes either from the front brakes because of the mounting or underneath the body while going over cobble stone roads or just cracks on the road, but the SH-AWD is what sold me.

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  A "great" Deal - 2004 Acura RL
  By willie - July 29 - 12:22 pm

  I was fed up with high maintenance $$$ of my BMW. Refused to pay high price $$$ for Lexus. A friend, car salesman, suggested Acura RL which has everything but is not flashy! Got it for a steal "brand new" on ebay! I admit it doesnt handle like the BMW, BUT its a better value for the cost. I actually like the more classy, conservative look of the 04 vs the "all- look-the-same" look of the 05!

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  EXPENSIVE HONDA - 2002 Acura RL
  By RLK - July 25 - 1:57 pm

  Vehicle has many impressive points but sitting position still reminds me of my Honda. Lexus has better driver visibility. Its time for Honda to give these cars their own chassis. Lexus designs their cars for American size drivers but Honda/Acura designs their cars for Japanese size drivers. A lot of car for the money.

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  Nice Reliable but not cushy for luxury sedan - 2002 Acura RL
  By JDM - April 12 - 12:12 am

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  Excellent car - 2004 Acura RL
  By acura rl - January 6 - 12:59 am

  Ive had my Acura for over a year now and enjoy it very much. Ive had no problems with it and love the navigational system, Onstar, and XM radio, all standard features. The Acura wont win a lot of races, but the power is adaquate for my driving, and the ride is smooth, quiet and enjoyable. Lots of people comment positively about the looks of the car when its parked.