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:

• 

  A great value - 2002 Acura RL
  By Browniebeach - January 27 - 2:00 am

  With 45,000 miles on my 2002, I am trading in for a 2004. I have been very pleased with this car. The Honda quality in Acura products shows through in the fit and finish and the engine is superb. Could use about 15 more HP but otherwise it is the best car I have owned. Would recommend the RL to any one. I disagree with some critics the body style is outdated I think it has classy lines and Acura would be foolish to "dress it up" too much in the 2005 model.

• 

  The Champaign of Beers - 2004 Acura RL
  By Warren Burns - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has provided us with a definite taste of luxury ... without the price. The 3.5 RS is not a sports sedan, but neither does it take a back seat in any kind of traffic. It definitely leads the pack most of the time. I am very satisfied with this vehicle so far.

• 

  Very satisfied salesmans car - 1997 Acura RL
  By Masjae - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought this, my third Acura, as a sales car. Car is stately, professional in appearance and speaks of good taste and appreciation of quality & value. This car has only let me down once when the battery went after three years, (I bought is used). Very smooth ride and quiet cabin on long road trips. My wife loves to drive it, especially after I installed the cd- changer in the trunk. At 149,000 miles, I would absolutely recommend this car to anyone looking to buy a solid dependable car capable of high mileage, and low long term cost to maintain.

• 

  Another good one - 2003 Acura RL
  By wgreen - November 29 - 2:00 am

  This is our 4th Acura. Reliability has always been our experience. Keep up with recommended maintainence and experience few if any problems. Price of 04 RL was terrific, comes standard with Navigation system and satillite radio-we would not have purchased them seperately. There is not $15-20K difference in the Lexis, BMW and Mercedes models.

• 

  A Great Car---A Great Bargin - 2000 Acura RL
  By nc_pilot - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my 2000 RL certified pre-owned with 36000 miles on it. I already love the car. Performance is outstanding, handling and ride is incredible…I can’t think of a negative… and all for the price of a new economy car. Mileage is not as good as I had hoped, about 19-20 overall, and I imagine my driving style (fast) impacts those numbers. I have read several reviews criticizing the drivability of the RL…I can’t understand that…I think the car performs great, even considering my previous car was a VW GTI VR6. The RL handles like a much smaller/sportier car...that just happens to be in a luxury car package.

• 

  Noisy - 1999 Acura RL
  By Cwill - October 13 - 2:00 am

  After 3 years of driving this car I will be delighted to try something else. I have owned several Acuras and this is the first disappointment. For a car of this quality, the road noise has been a problem that has defied new tires and multiple trips to the dealer. My daughters TL is much quieter. The GPS system is fairly rudimentary and the mileage is <20 mpg highway.

• 

  Waynes Wheels - 2003 Acura RL
  By peegunn1 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  A very good automobile for the value,could use a few more horses. If this one stands uo Ill purchase myself another one.

• 

  Beautiful - 2002 Acura RL
  By chadwoodland - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car with a smooth refined engine. Perfect for motoring not suited for sports driving.

• 

  More Car for the Money - 2004 Acura RL
  By friedoyster - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely qualifies as an entry in the luxury car segment, but is not as technically current as its competitors (like the Lexus LS430), BUT it costs a lot less money. Since this should be the last model year for the existing design, rebates and incentives should be plentiful as well. It drives well, is extremely quiet, and has many cool creature comforts like XM sat, voice activated nav, on-star, etc. The engine is an old design and eats more gas than it should (similar MPG to the 8 cyl Lexus). Overall, its a good trade-off for value vs state-of-the-art luxury.

• 

  none - 2004 Acura RL
  By jon1234 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car for traveling to work. Then my work gave me a 2003 lexus es300. After 2 weeks of driving the lexus i returned it for a traveling expense and kept my acura. My RL is far better and more comfortable than the lexus.