Overview & Reviews

The 3.5-liter RL now makes a generous 225 horsepower (up 15 from last year), and 231 pound-feet of torque, but a V8 engine still isn't available. The luxury sedan's double-wishbone suspension has been tuned for sportier handling characteristics this year, and wider, low-profile Michelins shoe the redesigned 16-inch alloy wheels. Noise and vibration should be quelled better by additional insulation material under the hood and dashboard, and the OnStar communications system makes its debut. Outside, the 2002 RL is freshened by new body-colored lower side sills, splash guards and roof strips.

• Full load of equipment, optional DVD navigation system, reputation for quality and reliability.

• Front-drive with a V6 in a sea of V8 RWD competitors, bland exterior styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 61.00

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2002 Acura RL
  By Rob - December 23 - 7:54 pm

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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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  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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  My third one... - 2002 Acura RL
  By Mike - August 14 - 9:19 pm

  I owned a Legend, then a 97 RL, and now the 02 RL which I bought in 06 with about 38000 miles on it. It now has 122,000 miles and has been trouble free except for the alarm actuator. It has been maintained according to the manual, mostly by the dealer, whose prices are competitive but whose service is better. He is not competitive on major expenses like timing belt changes. The car is comfortable to ride in, is quiet, and feels safe. It handles most of Ohios snow and ice as long as the tires are newer. The navigation system is helpful. I use mid-range gas with no problem. (Its what the dealer uses.) I prefer this body style over the 05 and would have replaced this car but for the style.

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  Acura Luxury Sedan - 2002 Acura RL
  By Austin TX - December 16 - 5:23 pm

  We have owned the 2002 Acura RL since June 2001 - 2nd Acura and absolutely the best car purchases we have ever made. The Acura RL is a large performance luxury sedan, and it rides and handles wonderfully. The acceleration is brisk, the handling rock-solid and the build-quality is absolutely first-rate. Routine maintenance is all this car has needed in last 7+ years - still has original disc brakes at 78K miles, and dealer says they have 40% wear left. Based on Acuras reputation and our experience, I expect this car to last another 7+ years before I can justify replacing it. No regrets, no complaints... every one should be so lucky to own a 2002 Acura RL.

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  Excellent Cruiser - 2002 Acura RL
  By Z - October 31 - 2:41 pm

  It is my second Acura. First 2 dr. legend made to 232K mi without any major hiccups. This one done well till 75k so far. I bought it preowned with 19K 3 years ago. Great highway cruiser, and comfortable one. Build quality - Honda at its best. Extremely low maintenance car, especially for the large luxury segment. Mileage is still 18 city and 24 highway on premium gas. Brakes lasted 56k mi front and 72kmi rear. Highly recommend!

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  A good, comfortable car - 2002 Acura RL
  By BlueJay - December 9 - 9:18 am

  I have enjoyed this comfortable car. It always starts and has never conked out on me while driving on the road. I noticed that holding to the speed limit, especially 55 mph the gas mileage approaches 30 mpg. In the winter, around town I expect 20-25 mpg. I drive with a light foot. I didnt think I wanted a sunroof, but have come to enjoy it, even in winter--opening it on a sunny day with the seat heat and feet heat set high. The antilock brakes have saved me from fender benders when I didnt even realize it was slippery. It handles a bit loose, like a boat, not a bullet, but feels very solid and the engine never feels strained.

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  RL.... MEANS - RIGHTEOUS LUXURY. .. - 2002 Acura RL
  By Roger Priest - July 2 - 5:35 pm

  For a 2002 model and purchased used with 79000 miles, this car has been FANTASTIC, period. Ride is very nice, a bit soft but handles well. Road noise is minimal most of the time unless you are running snow tires. At 113,700 miles she is still running very nice and is for sale. #acurarlforsale

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  What a Great Car - 2002 Acura RL
  By Mike - January 23 - 9:02 pm

  I just purchased my RL used recently. If I would have known what a great car it would have turned out to be I would have bought one sooner.

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  First Acura, Not the Last - 2002 Acura RL
  By Buford - September 25 - 11:50 pm

  Purchased 11/05 and have loved this vehicle since. Test drove 2002 Lexus 300 ES and 2003 Infiniti I35 same day. The RL ride was outstanding, precise, solid, but not harsh. White Pearl finish is outstanding, like new. Interior fit is great. The only nuisance so far is the SRS light comes on periodically and appears related to the driver seatbelt. Easy to reset. I have read that this is a common complaint. Overall, a great, underrated vehicle with outstanding features.