2002 Acura RL. Click image to enlarge

By Grant Yoxon

The Acura RL debuted as a 1996 model replacing the Legend at the top of the Acura line-up. While the Legend was viewed as a sport sedan, the new RL had no such pretensions - it would compete with the up-market luxury models from Lexus, Infiniti, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Although well-appointed and comfortable to drive, the 1996 RL had some serious short-comings, most notably a front-drive, V-6 powered drivetrain, while most competitors were rear-wheel-drive and powered by V-8s.

The RL’s 3.5 litre V-6 generated 210 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 224 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm. This was raised in 2002 to 225 horsepower and 231 lb.ft. of torque.

While acceleration was adequate, it could not match that of its V-8 competitors and mediocre power remained a knock against the RL throughout this generation’s nine-year production run.

The big advantage for the RL, however, was price. With a list price in 1996 of $52,300, the RL was a price leader in the import luxury sedan segment, a position it would keep for the next nine years.

Price leader or not, Acura didn’t scrimp on creature comforts in its flagship sedan.

2002 Acura RL. Click image to enlarge

Standard equipment included an Acura/Bose stereo with a trunk mounted 6-disc CD changer, supple leather upholstery, burled camphor wood, power heated front seats with two position memory which included the steering wheel and outside mirror positions, power sun roof and automatic climate control with air filtration system. The interior was well-insulated from the outside world.

Although each year brought minor upgrades, the RL remained largely the same from 1996 to 2004. A completely revised RL arrives for 2005.

The first significant revision arrived in 1999 with a restyled grille, hood, bumper, fog lights, high-intensity discharge headlights, new taillights and trunk lid. Technical upgrades included larger disc brakes and new, wider performance tires and alloy wheels.

2002 Acura RL. Click image to enlarge

Another technical upgrade took place in 2002 when the RL received an increase in horsepower and torque, larger tires and wheels, re-tuned power steering and suspension to improve road feel and ride comfort, and even more sound insulation, making the 2002 and later models the quietest RLs of this generation. New taillights, a redesigned grille and new alloy wheels were added in 2003, while 2004 brought power lumbar support, new centre console, instrument panel and gauges, steering wheel, shifter knob and a 6-disc in-dash CD changer.

Safety features included driver and passenger front air bags and seat side airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control. A three point seatbelt for the centre rear position was added in 1998. Vehicle stability assist came in 2000. Side curtain air bags were not available.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the RL four out of five stars for frontal impacts for 1999 - 2004 models. 2004 models received four out of five stars for side impacts for both front and rear passengers. The RL also received a four out of five star roll-over rating in 2003 and 2004.

Fit and finish and the overall quality of the Acura RL are excellent. It is a Consumer Reports recommended used car buy with better than average reliability. There were three recalls (see below), all relatively minor.

Despite a rock solid reputation, prices have not held up well over the years and a good four year old Acura RL can be purchased for less than half its original retail price.

Second Opinion

The Acura RL is really an under-appreciated and under-valued used car buy. Its problems began when Acura threw away the magical ‘Legend’ name, and replaced it with two forgettable letters. And then there was the RL’s positioning in the marketplace: not quite a mid-sized luxury car but smaller than the big boys which had V-8s and rear-wheel-drive. Lastly was the RL’s blasé styling which didn’t inspire. For all of these reasons, a used RL is a fantastic buy because it’s a solid, reliable, comfortable car at a decent price. Just check to see that those few recall requirements have been met before you buy - Greg Wilson.

If you think a luxury car like the Acura RL will be out of your price range, check around. Because they started at a price point much lower than their direct competitors, used Acuras, especially the big RLs, can often be found for very attractive prices. The RL’s 3.5-litre V6 may not provide the rumble of a V8, but it’s not a slug, offering brisk acceleration from 0-100km/h in about eight seconds (not bad for a large car like this). Well-equipped and well-built, the RL is not as showy as a BMW, but it’s a quality product. Perhaps the RL lacks personality, but it’s a lot of car for the money - Paul Williams.

Recalls

1996, 1997, 1998: Transport Canada Recall Number 1999101. Units affected: 10,190. The front suspension lower ball joints may prematurely wear out due to improper finishing of the surface of the spherical portion of the ball joints between the front lower arm and knuckle. The front suspension lower ball joints will be replaced.