1996-2004 Acura RL: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1996-2004 Acura RL and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Build quality
- Handling
- Quietness
- Ride
Cons
- Navigation-system controls
- Rear head room
- Steering feel
Vehicle Highlights
Replacing the departed Legend sedan, Acura's flagship model debuted after the 1996 model year began. Larger outside and roomier inside than the Legend, the 3.5RL retains front-wheel drive and a V6 engine.The 3.5RL powertrain consisted of a 210-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment included dual front airbags, antilock brakes, and leather upholstery. Traction control, heated front seats and outside mirrors, a Bose audio system with CD changer, and burled walnut interior trim were included in an optional Premium Package.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Acura RL base Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 9 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 9 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 68 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1996-2004 Acura RL. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1996-2004 Acura RL.
Year to Year Changes
1997 Acura RL:
The 3.5RL saw no change for its second season.
1998 Acura RL:
Suspension revisions for 1998 promised sportier handling, without loss in ride quality. Standard alloy wheels displayed a new design, and a 3-point rear-center safety belt replaced the prior lap belt.
1999 Acura RL:
Acura claimed "more than 400 modifications" for 1999. None substantially changed the V6/automatic powertrain, but side airbags arrived as a new standard feature, along with brighter high-intensity-discharge headlamps; suspension retuning claimed to provide sportier handling, and larger brakes. There were also minor cosmetic alterations inside and out.
2000 Acura RL:
All RL models got a Vehicle Stability Assist system, which applied individual brakes to keep the car on course in changes of direction. Seven sensors in the front passenger seat measured the size and position of the occupant to determine whether to deploy the side airbag. Acura's optional in-dash navigation system got a larger (7-inch) touch screen with matte finish designed for easier reading, plus a digital-video-disc (DVD) database.
2001 Acura RL:
An in-trunk emergency opener was added, along with no-cost carpeted floormats for 2001.
2002 Acura RL:
RL gained 15 horsepower and a standard General Motors OnStar assistance system in 2002. Other changes included wider tires, larger brakes, and more sound deadening.
2003 Acura RL:
Changes for 2003 include clear-lens taillamps, new-design wheels, revised color choices for paint and interior, and adoption of LATCH-system child-seat anchors.
2004 Acura RL:
No significant changes as Acura prepared to take the wraps off a completely new flagship in 2005.
Our road test for the 1996-2004 Acura RL includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1996-2004 Acura RL and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1996-2004 Acura RL is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Despite the fact that the RL does not feel as snappy as the lighter-weight Legend, this sedan is much more luxurious. It also feels markedly stronger at low speeds, though overall acceleration ranks as good rather than great for a premium sedan. Our test RS accelerated to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds--swift for a relatively heavy sedan. The V6 engine is hushed at cruising speeds and emits a subdued, rich-sounding snarl during hard acceleration. Wind and tire noise also are modest. Gas mileage isn't bad, though the RL demands premium fuel. We averaged 19.8 mpg, with half of our driving on the highway. On-the-road performance is generally a pleasure. The RL simply sails over potholes, ruts, and other irregularities with impressive solidity and no hint of shudder or rattle. Ride quality is firm yet supple and comfortable. The RL is agile for a large sedan. Despite its abundant exterior dimensions, the sedan handles like a smaller automobile. Steering is quick and precise, but it's too light and lacks feel around the center position of the wheel. Body lean is modest in tight corners. Brakes produce short, straight stops from high speeds. The driver gets a comfortable, easily tailored-to-suit position with a clear view all around. Controls are large, well-positioned, and intuitive. Rear leg and knee room are greater than in the Legend. In the back seat, 6-footers will find their heads just brushing the roof, but front head space is ample. The interior offers plenty of spaces for odd items, and the flat-floored trunk is usefully shaped. Acura's optional on-board navigation system is accurate and easy to use, but fingerprints and certain light conditions can render its display almost unreadable at times. GM's OnStar assistance system is standard on '02 models.
Value for the Money
All told, the 3.5RL is a pleasant luxury sedan, solid and well-constructed, which does everything quite well. Few would ask for anything more on a lengthy journey. Though filled with luxury touches too, the RL does not feel particularly ostentatious.
All told, the 3.5RL is a pleasant luxury sedan, solid and well-constructed, which does everything quite well. Few would ask for anything more on a lengthy journey. Though filled with luxury touches too, the RL does not feel particularly ostentatious.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Acura RL base Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 9 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 9 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 68 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Acura RL includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Acura RL .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
Transmissions may fail due to lack of thread-locking compound on nut for low clutch. Honda/Acura has extended warranty on affected vehicles to 7 years or 100,000 miles. (1999-2003)
Seat:
The driver's seat may rock because the bolts in the motor that controls the up/down movement come loose. (1996)
Seatbelts/safety:
The button that prevents the seatbelt tongue from sliding to the floor breaks. (1996-98)
Speedometer:
The speedometer may read higher than actual speed. (1996)
Vehicle noise:
Knocking noise from the front of vehicle is likely due to a worn bearing in the upper suspension arm(s). (1996-98)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $765 |
| Alternator | $490 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,020 |
| Brakes | $180 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $715 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,010 |
| Exhaust System | $360 |
| Radiator | $610 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $460 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $230 |
Our price chart for this generation Acura RL details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2004 | |||
| 3.5 RL | $11,000-12,500 | $9,900-11,300 | $5,900-6,800 |
| 2003 | |||
| 3.5 RL | $9,500-10,800 | $8,600-9,700 | $4,900-5,600 |
| 2002 | |||
| 3.5 RL | $8,200-9,200 | $7,400-8,300 | $4,200-4,700 |
| 2001 | |||
| 3.5 RL | $7,000-8,000 | $6,200-7,100 | $3,300-3,800 |
| 2000 | |||
| 3.5 RL | $6,000-6,800 | $5,200-5,900 | $2,500-2,900 |
| 1999 | |||
| 3.5 RL | $5,100-5,800 | $4,300-4,900 | $2,000-2,300 |
| 1998 | |||
| 3.5 RL | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| 1997 | |||
| 3.5 RL | $3,500-4,200 | $2,800-3,400 | $900-1,100 |
| 1996 | |||
| 3.5 RL | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Acura RL include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 114.6 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 195.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3660 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.7 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.5 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Just one powertrain has been employed in the 3.5RL sedan: a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. In 2002, horsepower jumped to 225 and torque climbed to 231.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.5 / 212 | 210-225 | 213-231 | 4-speed automatic: 19/25 | 4-speed automatic: 19.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Acura RL include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 3.5 RL |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1996-2004 Acura RL directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1996-98:
Ball joints on certain cars could wear out prematurely and, in worst case, separate and cause front suspension to collapse.
1996-99:
Bolt can loosen and fall out, allowing transmission to disengage from differential. Not only would the vehicle lose power to drive wheels without warning, but shifting into "Park" would not lock the wheels.
2000:
Brake master cylinder may have internal corrosion, resulting in reduced braking performance and increased stopping distances. Dealers will replace the master cylinder assembly, reservoir, and brake fluid.
2000-02:
Oil applied during manufacture can leak into the brake stop switch and contaminate the electrical contacts.
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