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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  2000 RL thoughts - 2000 Acura RL
  By Drew Foster - May 25 - 4:02 pm

  I cant help myself from talking very positive about this car. It is by far the best car I have ever owned, and I think it is the best car ever built! As a driver for 43 years, I have owned everything. This car is better than any Mercedes ever built. What a great decision when I bought it with 81k on the clock. This is my dependable friend, and I care for it like it is my child. Mine is perfect with 133k now on it

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  Very nice car - 2000 Acura RL
  By New RL driver - April 13 - 10:03 am

  I bought this car with 172,000 miles on it just a couple of weeks ago. What a nice car to drive. Knew Id buy it on the test drive. Had a 99 Mercedes S320 for a lot of years and took it to 180,000 but paid the price along the way. The mechanics that looked at the Acura were amazed at how it ran and performed after all the miles and no issues at all. Plan on driving it to 400000.

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  Great used value - 2004 Acura RL
  By Former MB Owner - February 14 - 7:16 am

  Love the car. I have a fairly long commute and am quite pleased with the low-mileage 04 RL that I bought this fall. Some say the Acura has "no soul." Nonsense. If "no soul" means "car stays out of the shop" then Ill take it. Steady 21 MPG in mixed driving. Reliable as the day is long. Not the most exciting car Ive owned but quiet, comfortable and a great value. Build quality is exceptional - tight, and all seams and panel gaps are very well done. Car mags hated this car new, suppose it wasnt such a great value at $40K+ brand new, but in the used market its a great value.

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  Best Car Ever - 2003 Acura RL
  By Acura Lover - January 30 - 11:02 am

  I love it in every gas pedal. I love it in every turn. I love it when it is stopped or when it is running. Too good car to write a review about it.

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  Excellent Luxury Value - 2002 Acura RL
  By Andy - January 4 - 7:24 pm

  I purchased my 02 RL used with 36,000 miles and now have over 140,000. No issues except for regular maintenance. Have seen others with over 200,000 miles with no problems. I drive a mix of city and highway and this car is very predictable and secure. Very low cost of ownership. It has a logic layout to the controls. Although not as "sporty" has others in this class, it has one of the best rides out there smooth and quiet.

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  Ecstatic About My New Car - 2005 Acura RL
  By Bruce H - December 10 - 2:56 pm

  After researching and driving the German cars in this class, I had no problem picking the 05 RL as my new car. It has everything the Germans have plus the reliability that they dont. Handling and the comfort of luxury features are as good as any other car available, and my family feels safe and secure no matter what the weather or road conditions.

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  Near Perfect Car 9.5 out of 10 - 2005 Acura RL
  By Arthur M. - December 4 - 1:50 am

  Handling The best I have experienced. I have not driven comparable G35 and E320 for longer then 30 minutes (test drive) nor, can I claim previous luxury car ownership. What I can say, however, is that entering a 120 degree, very sharp corner at 55 mph and exiting at 40 effortlessly impressed me, it impressed me even more, when the next morning I saw 15 mph speed limit on the same road coming from the opposite direction - I can only wonder why the sign was available only one way. Steering is extremely precise, the car goes EXACTLY where you point it, coupled with SH-AWD. Comparing that to my slightly wobbly jeeps steering - night and day.

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  No complaints after 7 years - 2002 Acura RL
  By watjordan - November 15 - 8:11 pm

  I am very satisfied with the car. Only trip to dealerships are for routine maintenance and tire rotations. Car looks great and runs quietly and smoothly.

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  Better then Lexus - 2007 Acura RL
  By alivenwell - November 2 - 3:20 pm

  Test drove all the usual suspects and actually bought a Lexus GS300 AWD and had to take it back because of transmission issues. So glad I did. An 07 RL came up for sale in my area and I jumped on it. Absolutely love this car. Got rid of a Tahoe and wanted AWD for my wife. Interior quality is better then the GS, Engine is better then the GS, Interior room is better then the GS, AWD is better then the GS, Exterior is not as pretty as the GS, but considering the RL was the same price for a year newer, same mileage, and more feats it was an no brainer. Just wish the Navi was available. This was literally the only RL available in a metro area of 2 million people. That has to say something!

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  Even better than my 06 - 2010 Acura RL
  By Doug - September 25 - 4:42 pm

  The 2010 has the new face, a tighter feel with handling and has more power and room. With an Ipod hook up, a great finish and a classier interior, I like my 2010 way better than my 2006 I just sold.