Used 1998 Acura RL Consumer Reviews
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'98 Acura RL 4 door sedan
Continues to provide an excellent ride & reliability even after 10 years.
Where is the Legend
I owned both the 1988 and 1991 Acura Legend. I have been nothing but dissapointed with the 98 RL. This year both rear electric window mechanisms broke. The plastic pulley wheel in the door (a $1 part) broke (on both doors within two months of each other). The cost for each $244. You can only replace the entire motor mechanism. The power is lacking in the motor. The noise inside is noticeably louder than both of my previous legends. On the bright side, it is as reliable as the sun rising. One turn of the key and it is ready to get me to work.
- 3.5 Premium SedanMSRP: $4,200608 mi away
- 3.5 SedanMSRP: N/A969 mi away
Amazing car
This has got to be my favorite car of all time. It has been a rock for me! As a single girl I need a reliable car that would not break down on me. This car was more than worth the total cost I paid. I have a 98 3.5RL and it has never broken down on me and I drive a ton of miles. I am currently at 325,000 miles and it is still going strong. I have taken good care of it and have had oil changes consistently. I highly recommend one of these cars!
Rock solid ,silky smooth!
This car has been a rock on wheels for the past 6 years I have purchased it with over 200,000 miles now it has 368,000 and still purring! Stick with premium gas and scheduled oil changes and this car will take you to the moon and back on silky concrete! Outstanding hwy vehicle.
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New Owner of Premium RL
I just bought a RL, Premium model with Navigation system. I looked hard at BMW 5 series and Mercedes E320 as well as the Lexus LS400. I found the big Acura to have no real weaknesses. It was larger, more plush and with more features than the German models. Plus, it doesn't come with the snob label attached. It seemed the equal of the Lexus (other than the V8 vs the V6) and was thousands less. Plus, there are LS400s EVERYWHERE. I have had it for about a month and am very happy with it. Power is smooth, interior very comfortable and the sound system is incredible. This car doesn't necessarily demand attention, but it has understated class and refinement.
Great Ride - Bose Sound System
I bought this car in 1998 and haven't been disappointed. I have had absolutely no mechanical or other problems. The Bose system is excellent and the ride smooth. A wonderful car for trips and for simply relaxing behind the wheel. Would recommend to all interested buyers.
very nice
This is an excellent car for anyone who wants a great reliable sporty sedan. No problems at all.
Old Reliable
I have owned this car since new. It's been an outstanding performer. Always reliable, inexpensive to maintain. It replaced a 1990 Acura Legend, also a great car. The RL is more of a cruiser, not too athletic, but high on comfort. I get 26 mpg on premium fuel. Looking to replace it finally at 148,000 miles.
Acura RL special edition
It's been a very fine car, no matter on long-distance highway ride or every day city commute. Very impressive acceleration and braking, ever after 4 years of services, it still feels like in its first year, and still want to beat all the beamers.
acura
I like an automatic transmission/it is smooth driving/roomy/
Excellent Head Turner
I am very pleased with my RL. Although, I bought it Certified, so far its in excellent condition. I really enjoy driving this car and watching and hearing everyone gloat about it.
Lease buyback
I bought new in 1998 and comming from Jaguar VDP I was a little bias, but it did not take long for me to appreciate the vehical. The ride is very comfortable and handles very well on bends, I drop a gear and enjoy. It's axceleration is more that adequate to attain highway speeds to allow ease of entry. Have always received compliments especialy from male passengers on the ride and competance the car shows at high speed on the highways. When the lease ended I bought the car for my wife and I still enjoy driving it. A Great Car!
1998 Acura RL
Drive over 20,000 miles a year & this is a great road car. Except for an alternator & some routine brake work, never had any repairs except regular maintenance.
Great car
Absolutely reliable. Smooth and quiet on the road, OK power. Layout of controls very convenient, esp. sound system controls on steering wheel. Design is very good, my car has been mistaken for Mercedes and Lexus. A tremendous value
Ok Car
This car serverd it's purpose for me very well. I was looking for a reliable car, and it was just that. It also gave me much more for my money then any of the european counterparts. If desire or emoition was considered as much as reliabily was, i would've bought a bmw or audi. It's that simple, the car is a rock when considering relability, but can be very boring (cadillackish) on long and/or spirited roads.
Love my RL
I am very picky about vehicles. I have always loved this Accura. I have to trade it in now and hope I can find something that suits me as well!
My favorite car
The car has been perfect except for a brake problem - rear brake on right is wearing faster than others - dealer has failed to fix so far.
Great used vehicle
The car is very nice inside and out. Drives quietly and responsively. Mine has a very nice CD changer conveniently in console. With gas prices and high- test requirement, it can eat some fuel costs. Also, the tank is rather small (14 gallons) limiting the range per tank.
Acura RL Special Edition
I bought the car new in 1998. This has to be one of the reliable cars ever built. Routine maintenance and one window motor replacement is all this car has ever needed. It's very comfortable on long trips and easy to maneuver in the city. Build quality is outstanding. Inside and out it looks like the day it bought it. Acura has earned my loyalty.
I expected better from Honda
Several significant flaws: 1- Even with all widows tightly closed, the car is not quiet enough; a great disappointment for me. 2 The car does not move quickly enough nor does it start off with umph. 3- The glove compartment is barely large enough to hold a pair of gloves.
Classy yes, Sporty no
I owned a Legend before purchasing my '98 RL CPO in 11/02. Very different car. Legend was much sportier, the RL is positively laid back, with a classier ride. This is a large car that likes to cruise on the highway, not hustle through curvy back roads. Durability of Acura interior materials, leather especially, has always amazed me. Mine still looks new. This is great used car value given the high initial depreciation and excellent reliability.
Excellent Car
I've only had for a year -- purchased used with 60000 miles on it -- mint condition. No problems so far -- runs well in winter and summer (live in cold climate). Very smooth ride -- brakes well -- and handling is surprising for the size. Very nice on highway. Previous car was an Accord -- for the money I get a lot more features -- and the used RL's are not much more money then the V6 Accords for same year. Highly recommended.
Satisfied
I have always liked Acurs automobiles. My first one bought in 1990 and it is still running strong with over 130,000 miles showing. We have leased a 1198 Acura 3.5 for the last four years and liked it very much. 5 cyl with automatic transmission. We are not getting aproximately 21-22 miles pe gal. I like the car.
Simple & dependable
I have owned my RL for over four years and have been very pleased with its dependability and comfort. Like most cars made by Honda/Acura, it has an understated, timeless style and is very dependable mechanically. Its only performance issue is its limited acceleration ability, which is sufficient for normal driving but not for those days or situations where you prefer a sporty feel. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle and would definitely consider buying another Acura for my next purchase.
Classy and reliable
This car has that quiet luxery and quality that makes it easy to live with year after year. Performance is more than sufficient and the transmission is flawless in it smooth shifts up or down. I have the navigator GPS system and will get it again in my next acura, which will be an RL or MDX. Driver's seat is the most confortable I've ever used. And the seating in the back seat is very confortable as well. The guys at work are always wanting to go to lunch in this car, and remarking on how good this car look after 4 years. It's reliable and maintence is reasonable for a luxery car. The paint is superior to anything I've seen.
Best Sedan - Acura RL
Purchased for daily commuting (all highway 110 miles RT). Solid and exceptionally reliable over last 6 years. Only standard scheduled maintenance and no breakdowns experienced. Three different Acura dealerships provided service and loaner cars without question - a welcome service from past experiences with american manufactures. Thanks Acura..
This why you buy an Acura
Always reliable. Even after ten years, the build quality of this is incredible. Leather, paint, and all interior trim pieces are still in great shape. I have test driven several cars in the last two years and none offer anything new or better quality. When driving this car, there is a tangible perception that you are experiencing engineering at its best.
Loads of Comfort, but no thrills
I bought a 1998 with the navigation system for $18,500 in 11/01. Navigation system does not always work well (don't throw out your maps), but when it works is easy to use. This is the car you want to drive on long trips or to relax on the ride home after a rough day. Wind noise is the only intrusion (need to get a moonroof wind deflector). There is a lot of body roll, but bumps are filtered out well. Adequate power, but not neck snapping. I drive my J30 if I want a sportier ride. Stereo is excellent. Good luxury car considering price and overall reliability.
Great Car! Loves the Gas!
I purchased my 1998 ACURA 3.5Rl last year from an individual. I had finally driven my 1994 Nissan Pathfinder, manual transimission long enough (150,00+ miles)... Being a "Sales Guy" I am on the road 3-5 days a week either around town or 400+mile trips in a day... The ACURA is great for comfort, handleing and performance... But, the mileage is rotten, not to mention the fact you have to pump premium petrol in the bad boy to keep it running great. Tried regular and the performance was obviuosly less... All in all I like the car but I think I will step up to a Lexus 430 on the next one...