2004 Acura RL Review
Fuel Economy
18 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With an overdue redesign on the way, the RL is hard to recommend against equally priced but considerably more modern competitors.
Pros
Quiet cabin, smooth ride, standardized features list, excellent build quality.
Cons
Lackadaisical acceleration, some luxury features not available, little inclination for sport, costs as much as more modern European sedans.
What's New for 2004
The RL receives only minor changes for the 2004 model year. The dash has been slightly revised to accommodate a newly available XM radio. To accompany the digital-quality sound from XM radio, there's a new Bose audio system with two additional speakers and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. The previously optional navigation system is now standard on the RL, as is driver-side power lumbar adjustment.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Zero Problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This is my 5th Acura: Integra, Legend, RL, TL, & RL. All of them have been problem-free. Nothing seriously has ever gone wrong: One driving light and one horn in all these years. The ride and comfort of the RL is outstanding. I get much better mileage than reported here, circa 24/27. Yeah, parts are expensive, but if nothing ever goes wrong, who cares? They're not much to look at, but I spend my time driving it, not looking at it. If you can get one of these used, go for it. You won't be disappointed. Mine has 80K miles and it is like new.
Favorite Features
interior as a whole, GPS, smooth ride, VERY smooth transmission
Suggested Improvements
None to speak of.
I Always Loved Acura's
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This is my 5th Acura (I had 3 Legend and a 2000 RL). The Acura RL 2004 is an awesome car, the interior finish is beautiful. I enjoy using the voice activated Nav, OnStar, etc. The gas mileage is a little poor (compared to my 94 Acura legend GS model) but I can live with it. The smooth ride and reliability is a comfort. I think it has enough power for me 0 to 60 in 6.5 sec. The sound system is great. 6-disc in-dash CD player. Not a fashionable car but I am satisfied.
Favorite Features
voice activated Nav, XM-radio, OnStar, heated seats, 6-in dash cd changer, interior finish, trunk room, head- lights, dimming rear view mirror, etc...
Suggested Improvements
Better gas mileage, more room between the door and the seat when the door is closed for adjustment, a little more power would not hurt, should be able to view time when car is off, like the Legends. All in all, I loved the car.
Still great after all these years
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Since 2004 this has been "steady eddie" for me. I am going to buy it off of lease because it has served me well for four years and I expect it to for many more.
Favorite Features
Handling and all the tech and luxury extras. Also everything was standard including the navigation system.
Suggested Improvements
Not enough room for back seat passengers. Wish Acura kept the styling the same on newer versions.
Classy, conservative, luxury Acura 3.5 RL
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I recently purchased the 2004 Acura 3.5 RL and I love it! It has a very smooth ride and all the luxury features you could want including an awesome sounding 10 speaker Bose system, Alpine/Acura navigation system, and real burled camphor wood interior. I bought the car with 80,000 miles on it and didn't think twice. I am a Honda man and know this car will be very reliable. I have already put 4,000 miles on it and it runs like a car with 10,000 miles on it. Previously, I have owned 3 Accords. I wanted something more luxurious and bigger... this car is perfect! I love the Acura's classy, conservative stance that remains tasteful and luxurious looking. The RL has more than adequate power.
Favorite Features
Navigation-voice activated, Bose 10 speaker stereo, 6 disc in dash changer, burled camphor wood, comfortable ride, conservative and classy appearance.
Suggested Improvements
Some more horsepower under the hood, although I do not need any more speeding tickets! (Car has more than adequate power.) It's awkward to make a full turn of the ignition switch, but who cares. Wish Acura kept a big body styled car for 2005 and up (new RL is smaller. I would still buy one if I had $50,000).
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Great value
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This is our 5th used RL. All have been bullet proof. While it lacks the go of a V-8 it still has good performance with excellent comfort. Excellent sound system and navigation. Averages around 20 mpg. Is a great highway cruiser and is wife's favorite car. It's no wonder it is hard to find a low mileage one!
Favorite Features
Comfort and navigation.
Suggested Improvements
A dream but would like a RWD V-8 in this body style. Not crazy about the new smaller RL. Seat controls on door, quieter or "better sounding" engine, stronger brakes.
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