Overview & Reviews

No changes for the 1997 3.5RL.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 29.00

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  It just broke down, but Im not mad - Great Car - 1997 Acura RL
  By hab2 - January 16 - 8:47 am

  LOL, seriously just had it towed and I was contemplating a new purchase so I jumped on Edmunds to get a trade in value. The car has over 234K miles. You can belive this or not, but the transmission is still smooth, the engine strong, the ride comfortable and get this, no knocks, pings, or things shaking. I drive it and I dont believe it - I said 234K miles. Given the age, and miles its not perfect, dash lights, power windows, nav back light, washer pump, etc. Little things that need reapir. But I tell you - Great Car and it will be a great car for the next person. Hope this helps!

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  Basically very reliable - 1997 Acura RL
  By Brad Gardner - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car at 29,000 miles and now have 144,000 miles. The only problems have been both back window motors, front struts went out at about 85,000, rear struts are also out. Now, i have a broken motor mount somehow to the tune of $725.00. I have really enjoyed the car, though it does have poor cornering manners. Recommend replacing the timing belt as called for in the manual.

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  Best Used Car Ever - 1997 Acura RL
  By tdsouza743 - July 12 - 5:40 pm

  I bought this car, tongue-in-cheek, 3 years old in 2000. My daughter had just totaled my Honda Accord, I got her her own Sable (for punishment) and bought this Acura 3.5RL for myself. It turned out to be the best used car Ive ever had. Cushy ride, great reliability, superb design, plenty of power, decent mileage. Still going very strong in the hands of same daughter. I miss it. My 2004 RL is great, but not as comfortable.

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  Electric and Plastic quality lacking - 1997 Acura RL
  By todd - November 30 - 2:09 am

  Hoping the previous owners have corrected the majority of electric problems. This car has 122,500 miles and has had the following electric components replaced - Steering column ($1,850) both back window regulators ($600 each) climate control ($1,400) engine temperature sensor ($300) ignition switch ($400). Currently the drivers window is not working, suspect the window regulator (est $500). Plastic pieces that have or are broken - sunglass holder ($190) both vanity mirror covers passenger seat side panel glove box restraining line. I read all 25 reviews before receiving this car, a few mentioned the window regulator problem. Well buyer beware of the electric problems of this car.

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  Good used car to buy - 1997 Acura RL
  By Good car to buy used - October 28 - 4:18 pm

  I bought this car with 70,000 miles. It is a highway car made to go 70 mph. There is a lot of wind noise at higher speed and it shakes a lot going past 85 mph. Pickup is awful. Leather in seats is average (not worth $44,000 new). Back seats are cramped, other car I own (1998 toyota avalon) has roomy rear seats, even with front seats all the way back.

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  Amazing - 1997 Acura RL
  By aly - April 15 - 6:36 pm

  I love this car, great pickup, awesome handling, smooth quiet ride. Easily the best car I have ever owned.

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  Rock Solid - 1997 Acura RL
  By Rob - February 22 - 11:26 pm

  Bought the car as a lease return. The car has a great ride along with good road feel. Didnt have a repair until it had over 140k. I now have 169K. The leather interior still has no cracks. I use 87 octane gas. No problem. I cant find a good reason to buy another car. The 3.5 RL has lousy resale making it the best value in used car value.

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  Quality Vehicle - 1997 Acura RL
  By sdem - December 28 - 7:48 pm

  I was running through Edmunds while looking to purchase my wife a new Acura and thought id place a review in for my acura. i cant say anything bad about it. i bought it used in 2000 and its now 10 years old and still looks incredible. friends are baffled on how well it looks, how well it drives and how reliable it is. need i say more.

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  Best Used Car in the World - 1997 Acura RL
  By Peg - October 22 - 3:16 pm

  Got the car two years ago with 60,000 on it. Two years and 30,000 miles later I am thoroughly pleased with it. I keep up with recommended maintenance, change the oil and replace tires. Thats it. No problems. Nothing but smooth performance. And, frankly, this wonderful car cost far less than I would have spent on a Toyota Camry with the same mileage. They can have their Toyotas. I love my RL.

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  Great Left Brain Car!!! - 1997 Acura RL
  By Joe - February 17 - 2:09 am

  This car is very Reliable,comfortable,roomy,and did I mention reliable, but that is pretty much it.The window regulator in the rear driver window went out and some bulbs in the dash, but thats it!The car is built well enough and is Reliable!NO soul stirring emotion though.You could take it home to meet mom but is a lousy date!!!This has got to be the most boring car I have ever owned.The engine is slow off the line and it corners like a hearse,but its reliable!I recommend it for the reliability but thats it.It screams HONDA and is not worth the original sticker.Good thing I bought it used and only for business.It is a passionless yet reliable car!!!