1997 Acura RL Review
1997 Acura RL Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Acura's top-notch luxo-sedan has grace, style, and knock-out looks.
Cons
- Why isn't there a V-8 engine under the hood?
What’s new
No changes for the 1997 3.5RL.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$231/mo for RL 3.5
RL 3.5
vs
$187/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Acura has decided to take the road more traveled. After suffering at the hands of Lexus for the last several years, the new Acura flagship is introduced. Sporting an extremely solid feel, the 3.5RL has dropped the sport-sedan pose of its predecessor in favor of a very restrained luxury orientation. Acura feels that those who want a sporting sedan can step into their TL-Series of cars. The RL is here to be the big kahuna, on the order of the Infiniti Q45, Lexus LS400 and BMW 750iL.
Which leaves us wondering why the 3.5RL doesn't offer a V8 engine. Every entrant in the luxo-barge segment has V8 power except for the 3.5RL. In typical Honda Motor Corporation fashion, the RL is equipped with a small engine that is supposed to feel big. This works fine on cars like the Integra or TL-Series where the lightness of a smaller engine can be a benefit to handling, but we think that people who are plunking down between $40,000 and $50,000 will want the comfort and feel of a larger engine.
Acura Engineers have worked overtime figuring out how to make this car quiet and vibration-free. Innovations like low-friction ball joints in the suspension, Teflon seals on the valves, a liquid-filled rear-trailing arm, foam-filled B- and C-pillars, honeycomb floor panels and vibration absorbing seats are just a few of the things the 3.5RL serves up to make you forget that you are in a car. Indeed, the entire purpose of the 3.5RL is to deliver passengers from point A to point B with minimal fuss and intrusion from the outside world.
Of course, to accomplish that goal Acura had to make things nice on the inside. The instrumentation and controls are first rate, nothing new for Acura. The very effective climate control system even offers rear passengers control over their environment. Seats are not just comfortable, they're like a feather bed. The driver's seat has an eight-way power adjustment that makes finding an exact fit easy. Supple leather, and firm but comfortable support makes long trips a breeze. Rear seat passengers won't suffer either. The RL has more foot and knee room than the Legend and the undersides of the front seats are carpeted to prevent scuffing the shoes of rear seat passengers. Of course the new Acura has all of the goodies standard on most luxury sedans but it would be nice to see the CD-changer added to the standard equipment roster of the base model.
If all of this doesn't have you reaching for your checkbook, consider Acura's Global Positioning System. This system, currently available only in California, offers drivers a virtual map that they can use as a real-time guide to finding their way around town. Unlike similar designs, the Acura navigational system offers verbal commands that will allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road. Wow, we may never get lost again.
While we are a little disappointed by the lack of a V8 engine, we are overjoyed with the car's price. Standard 3.5RLs have an MSRP of just over $41,000; premium models just under $45,000. Of rivals from Cadillac, Lexus and BMW, only the Cadillac has a lower base price, and that's without any options. The Acura 3.5RL comes fully equipped in a very tasteful package at a price that should make those missing two cylinders seem like a moot point. In fact, we've already forgotten about them.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Acura RL.
5 star(82%)
4 star(6%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
It just broke down, but I'm not mad - Great Car
hab2, 01/16/2013
1997 Acura RL 3.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
LOL, seriously just had it towed and I was contemplating a new purchase so I jumped on Edmunds to get a trade in value.
The car has over 234K miles.
You can belive this or not, but the transmission is still smooth, the engine strong, the ride comfortable and get this, no knocks, pings, or things shaking.
I drive it and I don't believe it - I said 234K miles.
Given the age, and miles … its not perfect, dash lights, power windows, nav back light, washer pump, etc.
Little things that need reapir.
But I tell you
- Great Car and it will be a great car for the next person.
Hope this helps!
3.25 out of 5 stars
Electric and Plastic quality lacking
todd, 11/30/2009
1997 Acura RL 3.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
Hoping the previous owners have corrected the majority of electric problems. This car has 122,500 miles and has had the following electric components replaced - Steering column ($1,850); both back window regulators ($600 each); climate control ($1,400); engine temperature sensor ($300); ignition switch ($400). Currently the driver's window is not working, suspect the window regulator … (est $500). Plastic pieces that have or are broken - sunglass holder ($190); both vanity mirror covers; passenger seat side panel; glove box restraining line. I read all 25 reviews before receiving this car, a few mentioned the window regulator problem. Well buyer beware of the electric problems of this car.
5 out of 5 stars
Fabulous Car!
Terri, 08/30/2016
1997 Acura RL 3.5 Premium 4dr Sedan
I bought this car in December 2012, three and half years ago after my 2004 Honda was totaled. This has been an exceptional car. It runs great, so comfortable, it is truly a "premium" car. It's a dream to drive. It has been so reliable I can hardly believe it myself! It's almost 20 years old and still going strong!! The car has 174,000 miles! I think I will drive it until the … wheels come off! Fantastic car!!
5 out of 5 stars
'97 RL
LoveMy RL, 03/12/2005
1997 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan
Bought the car with 80k, it now has 180k. What a car! Nothing similar in looks, quality, or drive. Quality all-over. Love this car, will probably buy a newer one. No major troubles after 180k. Interior is spaceous, great car. Can't say enough about it. Two items on wish list though, bigger engine, what's up with the EGR ports? Cleaning them evey 20k, what are they? Is it the lower gas … quality? other then that, this car drives like a thoroughbred horse. Only suggestion to you--- buy one.
1997 RL Highlights
3.5
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $231/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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