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What are the best years for the Acura RL?

The Acura RL was a luxury sedan produced by Honda's premium brand Acura from 1996 to 2012. While the RL had a long production run, some model years stand out as the best choices for used car buyers. Based on expert reviews, reliability data, and consumer feedback, the best years for the Acura RL are 2005-2012.


Overview of the Acura RL


The Acura RL was the flagship sedan of the Acura lineup, positioned above the TL and TSX models. It was designed to compete with other luxury sedans like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus GS. The RL featured a powerful V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and a long list of premium features and technologies.


Best Years for the Acura RL


The Acura RL underwent a major redesign in 2005, which marked the start of the model's second generation. This redesign brought significant improvements in performance, technology, and overall refinement. As a result, the 2005-2012 Acura RLs are considered the best years to buy:



  • 2005-2008 Acura RL: This generation of the RL featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower, a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic transmission, and Acura's acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The interior was also upgraded with higher-quality materials and more advanced features.

  • 2009-2012 Acura RL: The 2009 model year brought a refreshed exterior design and additional standard features, such as a rearview camera and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The engine was also updated to a 3.7-liter V6 producing 300 horsepower. These later model years are considered the most refined and well-equipped Acura RLs.


Earlier Acura RL models, such as those from the 1996-2004 first generation, are generally less desirable due to their older technology, less powerful engines, and lower reliability ratings.>

Conclusion


For used car buyers seeking a reliable, well-equipped, and performance-oriented luxury sedan, the 2005-2012 Acura RL models stand out as the best choices. These later-generation RLs offer a compelling blend of luxury, technology, and driving dynamics that make them excellent used car options.

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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



What does RL stand for on Acura?


Refined Luxury
The model name "RL" is an abbreviation for "Refined Luxury." Acura RL.



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.



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.



Are Acuras reliable after 100k miles?


Acuras remain reliable after 100,000 miles because of high-quality engineering, provided regular maintenance is done.



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.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.