2002 Acura RL Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The wallflower in the luxury sedan class.
Pros
Full load of equipment, optional DVD navigation system, reputation for quality and reliability.
Cons
Front-drive with a V6 in a sea of V8 RWD competitors, bland exterior styling.
What's New for 2002
The 3.5-liter RL now makes a generous 225 horsepower (up 15 from last year), and 231 pound-feet of torque, but a V8 engine still isn't available. The luxury sedan's double-wishbone suspension has been tuned for sportier handling characteristics this year, and wider, low-profile Michelins shoe the redesigned 16-inch alloy wheels. Noise and vibration should be quelled better by additional insulation material under the hood and dashboard, and the OnStar communications system makes its debut. Outside, the 2002 RL is freshened by new body-colored lower side sills, splash guards and roof strips.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
A good, comfortable car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have enjoyed this comfortable car. It always starts and has never conked out on me while driving on the road. I noticed that holding to the speed limit, especially 55 mph the gas mileage approaches 30 mpg. In the winter, around town I expect 20-25 mpg. I drive with a light foot. I didn't think I wanted a sunroof, but have come to enjoy it, even in winter--opening it on a sunny day with the seat heat and feet heat set high. The antilock brakes have saved me from fender benders when I didn't even realize it was slippery. It handles a bit loose, like a boat, not a bullet, but feels very solid and the engine never feels strained.
Favorite Features
anti lock brakes, heated seats, sun roof, plenty of power
Suggested Improvements
The driver's seat leather is beginning to tear. A surprise because I had an 88 Acura for 14 years with no such problems. The automatic transmission has a simulated manual mode -unnecessary- and is governed by a computer that does not permit true down shifting or upshifting in slippery conditions.
What a Great Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I just purchased my RL used recently. If I would have known what a great car it would have turned out to be I would have bought one sooner.
Favorite Features
The navigation system.
Suggested Improvements
Could use a little more power.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
First Acura, Not the Last
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Purchased 11/05 and have loved this vehicle since. Test drove 2002 Lexus 300 ES and 2003 Infiniti I35 same day. The RL ride was outstanding, precise, solid, but not harsh. White Pearl finish is outstanding, like new. Interior fit is great. The only nuisance so far is the SRS light comes on periodically and appears related to the driver seatbelt. Easy to reset. I have read that this is a common complaint. Overall, a great, underrated vehicle with outstanding features.
Favorite Features
Great Bose stereo, outstanding ride/steering. High quality interor with wood, leather, etc. Overall quality of the build is excellent.
Suggested Improvements
Larger gas tank. Rear/side window shades. Driver sunvisor bumps the rearview mirror when flipped up? Seems like a engineering oversight.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Nightmare
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This car has been in the shop no less than 10 times since I bought it less than 1 year ago. They cant fix it. After being in the shop for 49 the block is being replaced. I knew I wanted the 03 that they had just sold. O well.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
0 out 2 people found this review helpful
Great Quality
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Excellent car. We have had this car for a year now. Bought it as a certified vehicle. No issues to speak of. Smooth drive and comfort. Feels more solid and safe to drive vs a Lexus.
Favorite Features
Solid feel to the car. Good leg room. Memory positions of seats. Great sound system.
Suggested Improvements
Better gas mileage.
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