2005-2008 Acura RL: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Acura RL
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Acura RL and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Ride/handling
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Quietness
Cons
- Rear-seat room
- Keyless locking/starting akward
Vehicle Highlights
Acura redesigned its flagship sedan for 2005. The '05 RL was four inches shorter in wheelbase and overall length than its 1996-2004 predecessor, but gained standard all-wheel drive, more power, fresh styling, and additional safety and convenience features. It came in one trim level with no options. The sole engine was a 3.5-liter V6 with 300 hp. The only transmission was a 5-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual operation. Acura called the RL's AWD system Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). It was designed to transfer power to the outside rear wheel in turns to help rotate the car around a corner. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags were standard. So were antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid control, steering-linked xenon headlights, navigation system, and keyless access and ignition. Also included was the AcuraLink system, which displayed maintenance reminders, operating tips, diagnostic information, and vehicle recalls on a dashboard screen. It also alerted the driver to traffic conditions and accidents in major urban areas.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Acura RL Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 67 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Acura RL. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Acura RL.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Acura RL:
For 2006, the RL gained an optional Technology Package that included run-flat tires and adaptive cruise control, plus Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System, which signaled of approaching objects and applied the brakes and tightened the front seat belts if it determined a collision was unavoidable. The engine's horsepower rating dropped by 10, to 290.
2007 Acura RL:
Acura's flagship sedan shuffled a few features for 2007. For 2007, steering-linked xenon headlamps and a voice-activated navigation system moved from standard equipment to an available Technology Package. The option introduced a rearview camera and included the AcuraLink system providing OnStar assistance, real-time traffic conditions, and vehicle maintenance data. A second Technology Package, priced as a separate model, added run-flat tires, adaptive cruise control, and Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System, which signals of approaching objects and applies the brakes and tightens the front seatbelts if it determines a collision is unavoidable.
2008 Acura RL:
The 2008 Acura RL carried over with no changes pending a redesign due in calendar '08 as a 2009 model.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Acura RL includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Acura RL and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Acura RL is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The RL's powerful V6 provides ample acceleration. We timed 0-60 mph at a brisk 7.0 sec. That's almost on par with some V8 rivals, but RL can't quite match their highway passing punch. Transmission shifts smoothly, responds quickly to convenient manual-shift paddles. Test RLs averaged 17.0 mpg in mixed city/highway use that included gas-eating performance tests, 21.0 mpg with more highway driving. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel. Ride quality is remarkably supple even for a sports-luxury sedan. Only the sharpest bumps filter through. Handling is confidence-inspiring, with accurate steering, firm suspension, strong brakes, and traction-enhancing SH-AWD. The last behaves like other AWD setups in normal driving, but feels a touch more stable in aggressive maneuvers. The 2006 Technology Package's radar-based cruise control and auto-braking systems impressed us in brief demo runs and seem to be worthy safety aids. Inside, there are legible gauges and mostly sensible controls. But the center dash is awash in buttons, many duplicating functions accessible from a "master" knob for display on the large, clear dashboard screen; sorting it all out takes patience. At least the responsive, accurate voice control simplifies navigation use. Real time accident/traffic info is a boon for commuting, and the stereo can play DVD Audio discs. Cabin decor and assembly are top-notch. The RL is one of the quietest cars around--engine, road and wind noise are all impressively hushed. There is ample head and leg room in front. Seats are all-day comfortable and supportive in spirited cornering. Some shorter drivers may feel a bit "buried," but ample seat adjustments, tilt/telescope steering wheel help compensate. The rear seat area has enough head clearance for all but the very tall. Rear knee room and toe space are fine unless front seats are moved well aft. The bench seat is unusually supportive, but center floor hump compromises three-abreast comfort. The RL's overall cargo space is average. The wide trunk extends well forward, but lacks height for really big cargo. Sickle-shape trunklid hinges are covered, but eat up space; most rivals have compact strut-type hinges. The rear seatback has small pass-through but doesn't fold.
Value for the Money
The 2005-06 RL boasts a sporty demeanor, smart engineering, standard all-wheel drive, and Acura's reputation for reliability and resale value. Other premium midsize rivals offer V8 power and higher nameplate prestige, but the RL is still an excellent value.
The 2005-06 RL boasts a sporty demeanor, smart engineering, standard all-wheel drive, and Acura's reputation for reliability and resale value. Other premium midsize rivals offer V8 power and higher nameplate prestige, but the RL is still an excellent value.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Acura RL Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 67 |
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.
Audio system:
The audio system may quit working requiring a "reboot" by removing the No. 2 fuse for at least one minute. (2005)
Check-engine light:
The check engine light may illuminate and the trouble code points to a problem with the oxygen sensor, but may actually be only low battery state of charge. (2005)
Information stickers/paperwork:
Some vehicles had problems shifting into fourth gear and/or engine shudder for which the company was updating the computer program. If so, a punch mark appears above the 11th character on the VIN plate in the engine compartment.
Suspension noise:
Rattling noise from the front on rough roads and/or squeal when applying the brakes may be due to bad anti-rattle springs and/or brake pad material. (2005)
Transmission leak:
Over time, transmission fluid leaks may develop at the banjo bolt fittings requiring replacement of the sealing washers. (2005-2005)
Valve cover leaks:
Aluminum tire valve caps (on pressure monitors) corrode to the valve, especially in states where salt is used on the road. (2006)
Water leak:
Speakers in front door have gaskets that could cause water to enter the interior. The company issued a product update campaign, but power locks may continually cycle after the fix unless re-initialized. (2005)
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 | $1,320 |
| Alternator | $780 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $3,460 |
| Brakes | $1,320 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,450 |
| Exhaust System | $890 |
| Radiator | $920 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $2,300 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,050 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| RL | $36,000-39,000 | $33,500-36,300 | $25,600-27,700 |
| 2007 | |||
| RL | $31,500-34,000 | $29,300-31,600 | $22,100-23,800 |
| 2006 | |||
| RL | $27,500-30,000 | $25,600-27,900 | $18,400-20,100 |
| 2005 | |||
| RL | $23,500-25,500 | $21,600-23,500 | $15,300-16,600 |
|
|
|||
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. | 110.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.6 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3984 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.4 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.3 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain was available in 2005-06 RLs: a 3.5-liter V6 that was rated at 300 HP for 2005, and 290 for 2006. The sole transmission was a 5-speed automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.5 / 212 | 295 | 258 | 5-speed automatic: 18/26 | 5-speed automatic: 19.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Acura RL include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2005 RL |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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 2005-2008 Acura RL directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2005:
A coil wire inside the fuel pump relay may break, causing the fuel pump to lose power and the engine not to start. Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump relay free of charge.
2005-2008:
The power-steering hose may deteriorate prematurely and leak power steering fluid, leading to smoke and increased risk of fire. Dealers will install a new heat-resistant power-steering hose.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
