What are the best years for the Acura RL?
The Acura RL, a luxury sedan produced by Honda's premium brand, has long been celebrated for its reliability, comfort, and advanced features. Over the years, certain model years of the Acura RL have stood out as exceptional choices for car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. In this article, we’ll explore the best years for the Acura RL, highlighting what makes them special and why they remain popular among used car buyers.
What Makes a Great Acura RL Model Year?
When determining the best years for the Acura RL, several factors come into play. These include reliability, performance, features, and overall value. Acura has consistently delivered high-quality vehicles, but some years have been particularly noteworthy due to advancements in technology, design, and engineering.
- Reliability: Acura is known for producing dependable vehicles, but certain years of the RL have proven to be especially durable with fewer reported issues.
- Performance: The RL has always been a smooth and powerful ride, but some model years introduced significant improvements in engine performance and handling.
- Features: Acura has consistently pushed the envelope with luxury features, and some years saw the introduction of groundbreaking technology.
- Value: A great model year balances affordability with long-term ownership costs, including maintenance and fuel efficiency.
The Best Acura RL Model Years
Based on expert reviews, owner feedback, and reliability data, here are some of the best years for the Acura RL:
- 2005 Acura RL: This year marked the debut of the third-generation RL, featuring a complete redesign. It introduced the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, a 300-horsepower V6 engine, and a host of luxury features like a navigation system and premium audio. The 2005 RL set a new standard for Acura's flagship sedan.
- 2008 Acura RL: By 2008, Acura had refined the third-generation RL with improved technology and reliability. This model year is praised for its smooth ride, advanced safety features, and excellent build quality.
- 2011 Acura RL: The 2011 RL received updates to its styling and technology, including a more powerful V6 engine and enhanced interior materials. It remains a favorite for those seeking a balance of luxury and performance.
- 2012 Acura RL: As the final year of the third generation, the 2012 RL represents the pinnacle of this model's evolution. It features all the refinements Acura had made over the years, making it a reliable and luxurious choice for used car buyers.
Why These Years Stand Out
The Acura RL has always been a solid choice for those seeking a luxury sedan, but the years mentioned above stand out for their combination of innovation, reliability, and value. The introduction of SH-AWD in 2005 was a game-changer, providing superior handling and stability. Subsequent years built on this foundation, adding more advanced features and refining the driving experience.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a used Acura RL, focusing on the 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2012 model years is a great starting point. These years offer a blend of luxury, performance, and reliability that makes them excellent choices for discerning buyers. As always, be sure to have any used vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic to ensure it meets your expectations and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most sought after Acura?
The 2024 Acura Integra Type S is one of the most sought after cars on the market right now, which is why this California dealer wants a ridiculous price.
How long does Acura RL last?
Engine and Transmission will last 250k+ easy, if you take care of it you could see even over 300,400k.
Are Acuras reliable after 100k miles?
Acuras remain reliable after 100,000 miles because of high-quality engineering, provided regular maintenance is done.
What year is the Acura the best?
The Top 5 Acuras of All Time
- 1997 Acura Integra Type-R. The Acura Integra Type-R launched in 1986.
- 2011-2014 Acura TSX Sport Wagon. The Acura TSX Sport Wagon only existed for a single generation.
- 2016 Acura RDX. When Acura's larger SUV, the MDX, grew in size, it also grew in price.
- 2014 Acura RLX.
How reliable is the Acura RL?
The Acura RL Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 1st out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $539 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is low while frequency of those issues is average, so major issues are uncommon for the RL.
What does RL stand for on Acura?
Refined Luxury
The model name "RL" is an abbreviation for "Refined Luxury." Acura RL.
Which Acura model is most reliable?
According to iSeeCars, a research platform that collects data from millions of used car listings, the most reliable Acura models are the MDX, RDX, and TLX1. These models have high-reliability ratings and rank among the top in their respective vehicle categories.
Is Acura a high maintenance car?
Cost of Acura Maintenance
Acura is a luxury brand, but the cost of the vehicles don't carry the higher luxury price tag. They are also not expensive to maintain. According to YourMechanic.com, Acura ranks 11th out of 30 on a list of the most and least expensive cars to maintain.
Is an Acura 3.5 RL a good car?
Vehicle overview
The 3.5 RL, Acura's flagship, is athletic, extremely quiet, luxurious and priced right: All of which makes it a serious contender in the luxury sedan market despite its V6, front-drive layout.
Why did Acura stop making the RL?
Some have suggested that the Acura RL's failure in the market was due to its initial pricing which was perceived to be out of its bracket.
