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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  Classy yes, Sporty no - 1998 Acura RL
  By SFRL - November 16 - 7:12 pm

  I owned a Legend before purchasing my 98 RL CPO in 11/02. Very different car. Legend was much sportier, the RL is positively laid back, with a classier ride. This is a large car that likes to cruise on the highway, not hustle through curvy back roads. Durability of Acura interior materials, leather especially, has always amazed me. Mine still looks new. This is great used car value given the high initial depreciation and excellent reliability.

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  Navigation System - 2004 Acura RL
  By Andy D - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Navigation system maps not current. Has business on opposite of street and list stores that have been closed for ten years. Dealer response excellent manufacturer remains unresponsive and ignores the problem.

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  I expected better from Honda - 1998 Acura RL
  By anaizi1 - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Several significant flaws: 1- Even with all widows tightly closed, the car is not quiet enough a great disappointment for me. 2 The car does not move quickly enough nor does it start off with umph. 3- The glove compartment is barely large enough to hold a pair of gloves.

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  Aside from the rattly suspension..... - 2005 Acura RL
  By Raja Bhat - July 19 - 11:40 pm

  Sporty luxury sedan. Somewhat rough, choppy ride which perhaps is what it costs to get a tight, precise handling. Worrisome rattle from the suspension going over ruts and bumps, clearly audible at low speed. I have not heard of this problem from anyone else on this forum, however. Hope they can find the problem. Incredible array of electronic gadgetry; Onstars phone system wont accept incoming calls, yet to be fixed. Sound system is superb, but XM satellite radio suddenly loses its memory of its presets. Would I buy this car again...yes, but if they can fix the rattle in the suspension. It is not becoming of a $50K Acura flagship car! Id say this: always test drive car with radio off!

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  Good Performance and Quality - 2000 Acura RL
  By X5ONIT - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Got this car from soon to be ex wife. I traded my 740iL for the RL. I like the RL better overall due to number of features. The BMW was more bullet proof but the RL is solid also and will last longer. Navigation system is great and its fully loaded. V6 power is actually suprisingly good. Love the car.

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  Satisfied owner of Acura - 2004 Acura RL
  By ydnic - May 15 - 2:00 am

  4th Acura that I have owned. I have been a satisfied Acura owner for over 15 years.

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  Great used vehicle - 1998 Acura RL
  By acuhins - April 23 - 2:00 am

  The car is very nice inside and out. Drives quietly and responsively. Mine has a very nice CD changer conveniently in console. With gas prices and high- test requirement, it can eat some fuel costs. Also, the tank is rather small (14 gallons) limiting the range per tank.

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  A SATISFIED CUSTOMER - 2004 Acura RL
  By Dave in Oregon - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Hi everyone - I leased my latest Acura on Feb. 29, 2004. After searching and driving many cars, and considering the fantastic deal Acura was offering, I made the decision to go with the 2004 RL. I drove the Lexus ES300, the BMW 5 series, and looked at Audi. The RL has a wonderful feel, the instruments are well placed, and with the optional chrome wheels, its quite a handsome vehicle. I do wish it was abit more thrifty with the gas, but its getting a solid 18-22 and still has less than 2000 miles. Hopefully, it will get better.

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  Excellant buy at used - 2001 Acura RL
  By mecyl - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellant built and solid vehicle. Very reliable car with minimal maintenance. Worth every penny if you buy a used vehicle

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  My 2004 RL - 2004 Acura RL
  By kcmokid - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Great value compared to Mercedes, BMW, or Lexus. Looks similar to big Benz. Lots of luxury. Definitely not a sports-sedan. Luxo-cruiser at best. Ride can be jittery over challenging pavement as mentioned by another reviewer. Wont disappoint as luxury cruiser. Not the head-turner that 5 serious or GS is. Want a combo of fun, luxury, superior customer service? Go with Lexus!