2002 Acura RL Consumer Reviews

Why I continue to drive RLs

Written by: RLmonster on 08/23/2005

Vehicle

2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

In 1999, I leased the 99 RL. After three years, I was so happy with the vehicle, I repeated the experience and leased an '02. If you are looking for a classy luxury sedan, that is often mistaken for a Mercedes, that gives a 225hp burst off the line, this is your car. After 6 years (3 in the '99 and another 3 in the '02) I have had ZERO problems with the RL class. Now, to show you how committed this RL guy is, this evening (8/22/05) I leased a third RL, the redesigned '05 and parted with the '02. I compared the Avalon, M and G Infinitis, Mercedes, and Lexus. Hell, I even tried to get into the new Passat. In the end, the RL won on price, value, and the bonus of AWD (try that BMW!)

Favorite Features

The '02 offered nothing more than mud guards and more horses over the '99. My favorite feature of the RL? Never having to visit the service center unless it was time for inspection/oil change.

Suggested Improvements

The '05 delivers all the necessary improvements at an affordable price increase (i.e. AWD, 75 more horses, redesigned exterior and interior) and BlueTooth.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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EXPENSIVE HONDA

Written by: RLK on 07/25/2005

Vehicle

2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Vehicle has many impressive points but sitting position still reminds me of my Honda. Lexus has better driver visibility. Its time for Honda to give these cars their own chassis. Lexus designs their cars for American size drivers but Honda/Acura designs their cars for Japanese size drivers. A lot of car for the money.

Favorite Features

Fit & finish. Great brakes. Very quiet except for noisy sunroof seals. Surprising performance for a 6 cylinder. Very reliable which is typical Honda.

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage. More rear seat legroom. Driver seat control console that doesnt fall off the seat mounts.Use of regular ATF. Reasonable parts prices. Fold down rear seats. Easier access to cabin filters. Heavy car for its size (almost 4000 lbs.) which is probably the reason for poor fuel economy.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Sold on RL's

Written by: ajaye on 02/08/2005

Vehicle

2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This is my second RL after 25 years of BMWs (still own one, convertible). After seven years of the RL model I have replaced one (that's 1) brake light. Nothing else except regular maintenance. I still like the body style, but will test drive a 2005 later this week. The difference in dollars with the BMW is simply not worth it., in fact, I would take the RL over the 5 series at the same price.

Favorite Features

Totally reliable, attractive and reasonably priced.

Suggested Improvements

I have no complaints.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Former Lexus Owner

Written by: Perry P on 12/17/2004

Vehicle

2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

We owned 2 Lexux prior to leasing the3.5 RL. Nice car. Rides smooth on the highway. No major problems. Pretty good mileage. Nice stereo system. Pretty comfortable on long trips. I think my wife prefers SUV and we will probably go back to the RX330 when lease is up.Only other disappointment is the selling price. Seems to be overpriced by $5.000.00

Favorite Features

Heated seats, stereo system, comfortable seats on long trips

Suggested Improvements

Spoiler under front bumper not designed well. Will always hit high parking lot curbs. Mine has broken off a couple of times. Not sure if the spoiler does anything to improve the handling of the vehicle.

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Experience an Acura RL

Written by: kayakkim on 10/05/2004

Vehicle

2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have been driving the Acura RL for 36 months and have not experienced a single mechanical failure. Power and pick up are important to me and the 3.5RL's hp and driving performance have exceeded my expectations. The exterior body style lends itself to a touch of sporty as well as luxury likeness. The interior is layed out nicely, feature rich and very comfortable especially on long trips. This is the third Acura I have owned and would definately consider buying a fourth.

Favorite Features

Memory positions of driver seats, layout of center counsel, multiple storage compartments, cup holders, sunglass holder, pass through in back seat.

Suggested Improvements

Seperate bumpers and side panels to resist door dings and scrapes and easily replace without having to repair whole bumper or side panel.

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Class Ride

Written by: RL Fan on 08/13/2004

Vehicle

2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have owned several Acuras over the last 10 years and this is easily the best of the bunch. I've had the 02 RL for 3 years now and still LOVE it. It is a very classy car and compares very well to cars costing $10-$15K more. Test drove the BMW 530, Lexus GS 300 and Lincoln LS before buying. After 3 years of ownership, I am very confident I made the best choice by going with the Acura RL. Reliabilty is absolutely first-rate.

Favorite Features

Smooth, resposive ride. Fabulous stereo and truly classic styling. Very confortable seats and the seat warmers work great. This car will look like "a million bucks" in 10 years.

Suggested Improvements

More power seat adjustments for passenger side seating. Slightly more low-end power would be nice also.

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ComfortPlus

Written by: Over55 on 03/19/2004

Vehicle

2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This is my 2nd RL - tried a BMW between purchase 1 & 2 - and the RL's comfort and simplicity was too strong to stay Bemered.

Favorite Features

Terrific seats - CD is simple and reliable - general functionality is superb. And the car looks great.

Suggested Improvements

A V-8 at some point. Not a big deal.

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Acura RL Special Edition

Written by: mbfan7769 on 02/07/2004

Vehicle

2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Far and away the best, most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, and the most enjoyable driving vehicle I have ever been in. For a car it's size, it handles very well in local, surface road traffic and is very comfortable on long Interstate highway trips. Very easy for full size adults to enter and exit the cockpit. So smooth and quiet on the highway that you don't realize you are going as fast as you are.

Favorite Features

Aerodynamic body design, head, shoulder, & body room inside, smooth & quick acceleration when needed, Bose stereo system, overall fit & finish.

Suggested Improvements

Optional V-8 would be nice. More color options; Red ext. w/tan leather int., blue ext. CD magazine inside the cockpit!

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A great value

Written by: Browniebeach on 01/27/2004

Vehicle

2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

With 45,000 miles on my 2002, I am trading in for a 2004. I have been very pleased with this car. The Honda quality in Acura products shows through in the fit and finish and the engine is superb. Could use about 15 more HP but otherwise it is the best car I have owned. Would recommend the RL to any one. I disagree with some critics the body style is 'outdated' I think it has classy lines and Acura would be foolish to "dress it up" too much in the 2005 model.

Favorite Features

Interior is the best in class. Navigation system is very user friendly and the finish on the car is superb.

Suggested Improvements

Slightly more HP but otherwise no other recommendations

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2002 Acura 3.5 RL

Written by: Bill Buie on 01/10/2004

Vehicle

2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Classy car with a sporty look. Tight handling more like the Legend. Powerful with refined appearance. Just the right mix of style & performance.

Favorite Features

Easy to see instrument panel. Bose sound system is excellent

Suggested Improvements

This model did not have an in-dash CD player. CD changer is located in the trunk. Also, would like to see a full sized spare tire rather than the little "donut" in the event of a flat.

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