2003 Acura RL Review
2003 Acura RL Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Quiet cabin, smooth ride, standardized features list, low price.
Cons
- Lackadaisical acceleration, some luxury features not available, little inclination for sport.
What’s new
For 2003, Acura's RL receives only a few changes, including a new taillight design, restyled wheels and different interior trim colors.
Edmunds says
A surprisingly tepid car, considering its flagship status.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A) 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$297/mo for RL 3.5
RL 3.5
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Acura RL.
5 star(81%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
92 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Excellent Luxury Value
Andy, 01/05/2010
2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Best car I've ever owned
Rob, 12/24/2015
2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
4 out of 5 stars
My third one...
Mike, 08/15/2009
2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Real World Car
Joe W., 02/28/2002
2002 Acura RL 3.5 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
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!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 Acura RL, so we've included reviews for other years of the RL since its last redesign.
2003 RL Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $43,150 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $297/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the RL include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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 – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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