The 1997 RL entered into the sophomore year of the car model with few changes.  It retained its 3.5-liter V6 rated at 210 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque.  The 1997 RL was available only as an automatic transmission, and was estimated to get 19 city and 25 highway, though many drivers have claimed to get much worse mileage.

Despite being put on the market to compete with the Lexus LS, the 1997 RL did not have many of the standard luxuries available on its competitor.  Leather seats were a standard on the 1997 RL, but a leather steering wheel was not available.  It received primarily "Acceptable" reviews for safety crash testing.

Drivers love the responsive steering and smooth acceleration, but dislike the guzzling of premium gas.  The Bose stereo system is also loved by drivers and passengers alike.