2005 Acura RL Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2005 RL was almost completely different from its predecessor, seeming to retain only the name. Acura revamped its full-size luxury...
The 2005 RL was almost completely different from its predecessor, seeming to retain only the name. Acura revamped its full-size luxury sedan inside and outside, from the engine to the electronics.
The result was outstanding. Acura got much-deserved press for its SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive). It has a new system which divvies up the 260 lb-ft of torque produced by the 3.5-liter V6 across all tires, both front-and-back and left-and-right. The horsepower is upped to 300 horses, and the transmission is granted an extra speed (now a 5-speed Automatic Overdrive).
Drivers rave about this car. They love the solid, safe driving, the rapid acceleration, and the smooth ride. They also like the luxuries, such as voice-activated navigation, XM Satellite radio, and BlueTooth link. The biggest complaints center around the lack of a V8 engine, a rumored improvement to the RL that turned out to be vaporware.
What owners say
"Overall, Acura RL owners really appreciate its combination of style, technology, and performance. Many drivers praised its powerful 300 HP engine, spacious interior, and high-tech features like Bluetooth and navigation. However, some noted issues with the interior quality and a few were underwhelmed by the driving experience compared to expectations. Despite some concerns, many believe it's a reliable and fun vehicle to drive."
Very good experience, Great value for commuter, Will last a long time!
May 2, 2025I love this car because it is the complete package. It is fast, it handles extremely well on turns (with the headlights that move with the steering wheel!), it is great in snow, the paddle shifters are a lot of fun, the v-tec engine really comes to life on the upper end of the RPM's, the voice activated NAV is amazing, the Blue Tooth is great, and it is very reliable. I bought the car certified pre-owned from an Acura dealer in NJ for $21,500 in Dec of 2009 with only 40k miles. This car suits me for all these reasons and also because in my business, if I drive up in a BMW or Benz, my clients will worry that I am charging them too much, so that is great - and I can drive up to a country club valet and not feel too humbled either.
November 22, 2011A car with EVERY Bell and Whistle. XM, XM NAV Traffic, NAV, Bluetooth, Onstar (yes, the only non GM with OnStar). 300 hp V6 which is fast enough, but not "fast"
January 26, 2008What owners say
Very good experience, Great value for commuter, Will last a long time!
May 2, 2025I love this car because it is the complete package. It is fast, it handles extremely well on turns (with the headlights that move with the steering wheel!), it is great in snow, the paddle shifters are a lot of fun, the v-tec engine really comes to life on the upper end of the RPM's, the voice activated NAV is amazing, the Blue Tooth is great, and it is very reliable. I bought the car certified pre-owned from an Acura dealer in NJ for $21,500 in Dec of 2009 with only 40k miles. This car suits me for all these reasons and also because in my business, if I drive up in a BMW or Benz, my clients will worry that I am charging them too much, so that is great - and I can drive up to a country club valet and not feel too humbled either.
November 22, 2011A car with EVERY Bell and Whistle. XM, XM NAV Traffic, NAV, Bluetooth, Onstar (yes, the only non GM with OnStar). 300 hp V6 which is fast enough, but not "fast"
January 26, 2008My favorite car! It has a lot of great features, drives great, and is safe
February 26, 2022This has to be one of the absolute best family sedan that you can buy. The value is tremendous and the options are plentiful. The AWD makes it a great handling vehicle. The Acura reliability makes it one of the best long term vehicles to own.
June 17, 2013Awesome overall product. Extremely reliable but maintenance is slightly higher than the average vehicle. I've put over 240k miles on mine and it is still running like it is brand new. I'd love to purchase another but this one runs so well that I would be wasting money not to continue driving it.
April 29, 2013Door arm rests and center console arm rest were starting to fall apart. I think that was my biggest downfall. Overall I love the car and never had an issues with it after they were replaced. Great appeal and reliability for its cost.
August 29, 2014It looks good but does not drive as well as i would have thought. SH-AWD let me down
January 6, 2008no aux port; weak technology and leather issues everywhere
September 27, 2023I set out looking for a BMW 5 or comethint comperable. I went to Acura to look at a TL for my wife and saw the newly designed RL and loved the style. the salesperson insisted I drive it and being a car nut I did...that was a mistake. the 300 HP all wheel drive was excellent both at acceleration and handling. The interior is definitely built with the high tech gadget junkie in mind. Voice activated everything, 6 dic in dash, Bluetooth, awesome sound system...everything you would want. the back seat id very spacious, large trunk but the style gets so many compliments. I have Black and added 19" black 5 spoke rims with a chromw lip, very beautiful can and stands out from the Beemers and Benzes. Can't go wrong with this one!
January 31, 2007Trims & specs
Base MSRP $48,200 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.7L 300 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 13.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
