Used 2003 Acura RL Consumer Reviews

Excellent Luxury Value

I purchased my 02 RL used with 36,000 miles and now have over 140,000. No issues except for regular maintenance. Have seen others with over 200,000 miles with no problems. I drive a mix of city and highway and this car is very predictable and secure. Very low cost of ownership. It has a logic layout to the controls. Although not as "sporty" has others in this class, it has one of the best rides out there; smooth and quiet.

My third one...

I owned a Legend, then a 97 RL, and now the 02 RL which I bought in 06 with about 38000 miles on it. It now has 122,000 miles and has been trouble free except for the alarm actuator. It has been maintained according to the manual, mostly by the dealer, whose prices are competitive but whose service is better. He is not competitive on major expenses like timing belt changes. The car is comfortable to ride in, is quiet, and feels safe. It handles most of Ohio's snow and ice as long as the tires are newer. The navigation system is helpful. I use mid-range gas with no problem. (It's what the dealer uses.) I prefer this body style over the 05 and would have replaced this car but for the style.

Best car I've ever owned

Real World Car

Sure, reviewers like a V8. But real people prefer reliability, value, comfort in traffic, low cost of ownership, dignified style, and performance that lasts for years past warranty. My RL has it all and gets compliments, too!

RL.... MEANS - RIGHTEOUS LUXURY. ..

For a 2002 model and purchased used with 79000 miles, this car has been FANTASTIC, period. Ride is very nice, a bit soft but handles well. Road noise is minimal most of the time unless you are running snow tires. At 113,700 miles she is still running very nice and is for sale. #acurarlforsale

A good all around car.

This is a great Japanese luxury sedan for the price. I was looking at the 5 series Bimmers and the lexus ls 430. This car was much less than both, after the rebates. Extremely reliable and fun to drive.

positive response

I have had this car about one year and it is about as perfict as a car can be made I have found nothing wrong with this car. Exellent quality and excellent performance. It is as good as it gets. Also, it has all the bells and whistles, I especially like the phone system. It is cheep for the service and covers ev

Love It! ! !

I tested BMW, Lexus, Infinity, and many others. . .Dollar for Dollar. .Cant Beat It

Great Used Car Value

To be fair when this was released as Acura's Flagship, the front drive, V-6 RL was more in line with Toyota's top of the line Avalon than the current V-8 offerings from both Lexus and Infiniti. As a result the RL's sales were slow. I have always liked the styling of the then current Accord, which the RL closely resembles, however again when setting out to make a luxury flagship it would have behooved Honda not to make it resemble it's volume selling family sedan. If you bought one new, because of it's rather anonymous position in the luxury field, you may find yourself singing the "depreciation blues" as the RL depreciated much faster than the Accord simply because of lack of name recognition. For those buying one used, they were getting an incredible deal, as most RLs appeared on the market priced not too much higher than Accord, for a car that cost of maintenance is comparable to any Honda and built and appointed much like a Mercedes-Benz. I bought my RL used with about 119,000 miles on the odometer and it was like buying a new car. Everything worked as it should, no leaks, the interior holds up well as does the paint. Mine now has 150,000 miles and still feels like a new car. As I need a car simply to be enjoyable to drive, be comfortable and reliable, this one cannot be beat. Whenever a low mileage example shows up on the used market, I am tempted to purchase it to have when this one wears out. I change the oil using Mobile 1 high mileage synthetic and treat it well. There is a small spot of rust showing up on the rear quarter, but this seems to be common among Hondas of this era, so I am not to worried. Given all the Hondas and Acuras of this age and older that are still in daily use, I feel me and my RL will travel many miles together.

Acura Luxury Sedan

We have owned the 2002 Acura RL since June 2001 - 2nd Acura and absolutely the best car purchases we have ever made. The Acura RL is a large performance luxury sedan, and it rides and handles wonderfully. The acceleration is brisk, the handling rock-solid and the build-quality is absolutely first-rate. Routine maintenance is all this car has needed in last 7+ years - still has original disc brakes at 78K miles, and dealer says they have 40% wear left. Based on Acura's reputation and our experience, I expect this car to last another 7+ years before I can justify replacing it. No regrets, no complaints... every one should be so lucky to own a 2002 Acura RL.

A good, comfortable car

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.

Great Downsizing

I have just recently downsized from much larger and more expensive vehicles. I have taken a huge hit in my business which forced me to look for something nice, but less pricey to own and operate. I almost bought a 2003 Lexus LS430 but I'm glad I didn't. I bought this Acura with 90k miles and to my amazement it runs like a brand new car. There isn't a thing wrong with it and it rides and handles perfect. The great thing is that most people who have these cars are 1 owner, well taken care of cars and if you find one with high miles that is in great shape you can buy it so cheap and you have such a great car for the money. I paid 1/2 of the price of the Lexus.

3.5 RL with Nav Review

Great car for the price. Picked up 3.5RL with NAV for $36K plus 4.9% Honda financing. Exterior design isn't terribly exciting but it's a classic style that will never be dated. Had a 2002 TL before this and traded it in after racking up 25K miles in 10 months for work. This car was priced only a few thousand dollars more than the TL so I couldn't not buy it. The New Infiniti GS35 has a much more exciting design but once you add a steering wheel and tires(nothing is standard on that car) you'll be approaching $38K. Acura pricing strategy makes it difficlut to consider any other car.

Best Car Ever

I love it in every gas pedal. I love it in every turn. I love it when it is stopped or when it is running. Too good car to write a review about it.

Nice Reliable but not cushy for luxury sedan

Another good one

This is our 4th Acura. Reliability has always been our experience. Keep up with recommended maintainence and experience few if any problems. Price of '04 RL was terrific, comes standard with Navigation system and satillite radio-we would not have purchased them seperately. There is not $15-20K difference in the Lexis, BMW and Mercedes models.

awsome

i love my acura and hope fully this year or next i will trade it for a brand spanking new one,from now on only this type of vehicles i will buy,no matter what i have to do to get it.

Experience an Acura RL

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.

pleased

Brought this car after thinking about cars for a few months. Was really interested in buying the Lexus ES300. Have small children so I knew I would need a car that was roomy. When I arrived at the dealership I just looked for a while before asking for help. There where no ES or Volvo's S80's on the lot. (The Volvo was another choice I was thinking about) Saw the RL in a distance and immediately loved the look of it. Even forgetting the look, (though I'm a stickler for a luxury style car) the ride was a dream. Of course I listened to the sales pitch about it's resale value and great reliablility. You won't be disappointed in this baby.

Excellent auto

This care drives like a dream. Everything is beautifully layed out and the navigation system is fun and almost always accurate. The fuel economy, however, is nothing to write home about. Low to mid 20s per gallon for a combination of driving.

Dave's Review

I tested the Lexus LS 430 - hard to find, very expensive, the Mercedez E300 - no leg room, BMW 5 series - CHEAP INTERIOR, Infiniti Q45 - overpriced, ACURA RL - Sweet Car!! Great Price, nice style, excellent.

Best car I have ever owned

This is by far the best car that I have ever owned. I love it and look forward to driving to work every morning.

First Acura, Not the Last

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.

Best Car I've Ever Owned!

I have owned many many cars during my lifetime and the Acura RL is by far the best ever. Lexus, BMW, Audi, and any American Luxury Car cannot compare with the Acura RL. I will be an RL owner for life. The price is right and the car is an excellent value for the money. The RL is comfortable on long trips, handles very well in all types of weather, and not bad to look at. In addition, maintenance cost are low.

Wayne's Wheels

A very good automobile for the value,could use a few more horses. If this one stands uo I'll purchase myself another one.

Nightmare

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.

No complaints after 7 years

I am very satisfied with the car. Only trip to dealerships are for routine maintenance and tire rotations. Car looks great and runs quietly and smoothly.

What a Car

I still have my Legend that is now 10 years old. Not a dime on repairs. Now this new 3.5 RL seems even nicer. Less than a thousand miles, but already in love with the car. Its quiet, smooth, and very much a luxury car. The build is quality and the handling is quick and stable. Not one thing that I can find as yet a negative. And most of all a steal at $35.500.00. That is only 5600.00 more than I paid 10 years ago for my Legend. What else can I say, oh yeh who needs a V/8? Power galore. Hurry go get one, and you'll love yourself forever.

Poor Customer Support/Arragunt Responce

My RL has manufacturing defect on paint. When I contacted Acura for this problem but no response for 10 days, time the rep said the case is with the manager for review. Same evening Case manage called me and was so rude and rough, He not only listined to my problem but putting alligations on me and said I can do whatever I can do. I was very much disappointed with the customer care the Acura does with their customers. Beware acura is selling RL for less (May be the defective models) not listed on any documents.

Best Sedan For The Price

An excellent car for the money. Fun to drive, solid and reliable. Effective temperature controls, functional gauges and switches. Very happy all around except the gas milage should be better.

Hot Vehicle

Excellent, Plan to purchase another Acura within next 2 years.

Great Deal

Acura had a $4,000 dealer rebate thru Labor Day which I got the dealer to give to me. Thus, I "stole" my '02 RL for $34,225. That is truly an extraordinary price for such a finely built car. While I wish the mileage as better, the car is quite an upgrade from my '98 Accord EX with V-6. While the Accord's engine was more responsive, the RL can certainly get out of it s own way on the road. The day after I bought it, I drove it 5 hours on a trip, and it is truly wonderful. An in-dash CD Player is a must for the next edition of the car, as is dual climate control and improved mileage. Just added the VTEC engine to this car would suffice.

No Comparo

Unbelievable auto! Test drove A6, C320, 5 series, Jag and Lexus. Nothing is like the Acura. Great comfort and unmatched quality... Mercedes and Lexus should be quivering. Best deal on the road especially with the great lease rates. I would like to add a Tl type s to the stable but need to wait for more negotiation opportunities. Will see in '03.

For the price, nothing better

For a 6 cylinder, this car drives great. I always feel like a million dollars when I drive it. No way that anyone should buy a Lexus, Mercedes or Infiniti for thousands more. This car measures up nicely.

Solid ride

Newsflash....A CAR IS NOT AN INVESTMENT! This car is by far the best value for the money. Have driven S-type Jag, GS, A6 and Q45. Nice cars but I will be forever be a Acura owner because they include virtually all options(minus nav)in the price of the car. Very nice! I drive mostly in town so I have no need for a V8. Anyone with any common sense should see why this is a car worth looking at.

Boring and Stale

Car is well build, reliable, and sound. But a bore to drive try to rent one for a week before driving, Deal discounts abound, but don't fall in love of the deal (I did) OPPS! With deep discounts and an overload of lease returns, your 10,000 mile value will devistate you. Bearly in the black after $11,000 down at purchase and after $9,000. discount of sticker.OUCH! Working hard to trade for BMW or Benz.....REAL HARD

power shortage

It is a nice comfy ride,but it is surely missing some character like a little more horsepower would be nice,,it lacks a solid pickup but once you drive at 40 mph it kicks in pretty nicely...the ride quality is great so is the looks of it,,, hope Acura realy recharges the new models ,perhaps something like a TYPE-S version.....and a triptronic trans.

EXPENSIVE HONDA

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.

2002 Acura 3.5 RL

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

Nothing comes close for the price

This is my fifth Honda product (just gave up a 99 TL, had a 97 CL, 93 Accord Coupe & a 1985 Accord hatchback). Couldn't make up my mind between the RL, TL Type-S or wait for months for an MDX. Looked at several others. Got mine (w/o navi) for $35,500. The smoothness & the handling is surprisingly better than expected. Price & value won out. But am disappointed in a few things (see below). I must bring this up now as it's the most amazingly stupid thing I've ever seen......just what the heck is this push the close button twice on the sunroof thing all about?!?!? Love the one touch open but not the hold, release & hold again to get it fully closed. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

A great value

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.

Acura RL Special Edition

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.

Chevy Convert

We went to test drive the TL-S and ended up driving everything on the lot! I was a hardcore GM fan, but nothing on the Generals lot could hold a candle (at this price). I have three children and wanted something with the room to support the 5 of us on long trips. I wanted comfort and conveinance, and I wanted an overall enjoyable drive/ride. The RL delivers on all counts. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever driven. I still can't believe I own it! The more I drive it the more I like it. I test drove the Lexus, BMW, and Cadilac, the choice was easy. I recomend at least test driving this vehicle!

Acura's Away

Love the beast. It's much sleeker looking than the Lexus and for my dollar is a better buy. But yes it could use a V-8 and adjustable shock system.

ComfortPlus

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.

Luxury for less $

More reliable than Mercedes E320 and BMW 530i, for less money. Acura RL offer the same power ride of the V8 and the smooth ride of the others luxury cars. The standard package is ok.

Class Ride

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.

Former Lexus Owner

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

Best Acura Yet!

I've now owned 3 Acursa and this 2002 3.5 RL is easily the best of the group. I can not find any flaws or faults with this car. Easily the best value proposition in the luxury car market niche. Far and away better value tha Lexus LS or Infinity Q45 or BMW 5-series.

Luxury ride with super GPS navigation

One of the best luxury car values in its class since just about every option comes standard. I was able to negotiate with the dealer just slightly over the invoice price. Additionaly the less than 1% interest rate or money factor offered by American Honda on the lease at that time lowered the payments. Prior to buying the RL I drove the 3.2 TL-S which had lots of power but lacked refinement. I didn't care for the cheap looking wood, silver instrument panel and poor handling which suprisingly had a worse turning radius than the larger RL whose radius is very good. I Would definitely recommend test driving the RL against the more expensive competition.