2008 Acura RL Review

Name: 2008 Acura RL
Brand: Acura
Price: 3396 USD
Rating: 4.8 (52 reviews)

Price Estimate: $3,396 - $5,424

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Average price: $7,408

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Acura RL model years

Acura RL for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Outstanding all-weather handling, long list of standard features, attractive interior, superb stereo, seamless integration of multiple complex technologies, high crash test scores.

Cons

Modest V6 power in a class that often offers V8 grunt, anonymous styling, somewhat numb steering.

What’s new

There are no significant changes for the 2008 Acura RL.

Edmunds says

The 2008 Acura RL is neither fast nor flashy, but this luxurious and technology-packed sedan is a smart choice for value-conscious luxury sedan shoppers interested in maximum all-weather handling and safety.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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Stock photo^**
2008 Acura RL
Base Sedan w/Technology Package
$7,591
- 152,331 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 16 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- Sloane Toyota of Malvern (123 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Malvern, PA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JH4KB166X8C002576
Stock: 6604851
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-04-2026
2008 Acura RL
Base Sedan w/Technology Package
$5,000
- 195,009 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, personal use only
- 16 City / 24 Hwy MPG
- Equip Auto Sales (302 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Columbus, OH
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JH4KB16608C000187
Stock: 5061
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-25-2025

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Vehicle overview

Ever since the Acura RL replaced its Legend forbear, it has been saddled with the sort of anonymous image shared with pan flute artists and Delaware. It's a pity, because this second-generation 2008 RL is a great luxury sedan with athletic handling, premium build quality and high levels of user-friendly technology.

With horsepower ratings in its category soaring higher and higher, though, the RL's 290-horsepower V6 is underwhelming considering smaller sport sedans offer V6s that produce 300 horses or more. Furthermore, although six-cylinders are perfectly adequate in this segment, other cars like the Infiniti M and Lexus GS also offer V8s. The RL's five-speed automatic also stands in contrast to the six-speed units of its competitors. Still, the flagship Acura sets itself apart with its standard Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system that not only aids wet-weather traction, but provides tenacious grip in corners by sending more power to the outside rear wheel to push the car through a turn.

The 2008 Acura RL also offers a tremendous number of high-tech features. Items like Bluetooth and keyless entry/ignition are standard, along with a 10-speaker surround sound system so superb that you'd swear Gladys Knight was riding shotgun with the Pips crammed in back. The Technology package adds adaptive headlights that illuminate where the car is going instead of where it's pointing, and a GPS-linked climate control system that observes where the sun is shining into the car and adjusts the temperature in those areas. That package also includes Acura's excellent navigation system with real-time traffic, which can be programmed easily using voice commands. Another package adds adaptive cruise control and accident-sensing emergency braking technology.

If you can survive with rather anonymous styling and average acceleration, the 2008 Acura RL is a very smart buy considering its relatively low price. Similarly equipped competitors from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes can cost upwards of $10,000 more than the Acura. The Infiniti M series offers the same type of value, but with more visual excitement and a V8 engine in the M45. Shoppers in this class should make sure to check out both of these excellent Japanese luxury sedans before signing on the dotted line.

Performance & mpg

The sole engine available in the RL is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 256 pound-feet of torque. This allows a 0-60 time in the high 6-second range, just above par for six-cylinder large luxury sedans. A five-speed automatic transmission with automanual shift paddles sends power to the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. SH-AWD can send varying degrees of torque to each individual wheel to improve handling and wet-weather traction.

Safety

Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a stability control system. The optional CMBS can help prevent or minimize a frontal accident by providing warnings to the driver or actually applying emergency braking. All RLs gets a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for frontal impact and side impact safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the RL a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in both its offset frontal collision and side-impact tests.

Driving

The SH-AWD system in the 2008 Acura RL works transparently but very effectively to maintain traction under the worst of circumstances. Driving enthusiasts will likely find that the RL's steering is a bit numb and slow, however, and the cushy ride gets downright mushy as the RL approaches its handling limits. Acura's flagship sedan isn't exciting, but it's absolutely competent and makes an excellent everyday luxury sedan.

Interior

The RL's interior is beautifully crafted and attractive to behold. A swath of real wood trim flows into a neat waterfall center stack that integrates the car's sizable number of electronic functions. With the optional Technology package, major functions like audio, climate and navigation systems can be controlled by voice commands, buttons on the steering wheel and dash, or through a multipurpose control knob and LCD screen. These redundant controls may seem confusing in description, but give the driver choices in how to access commonly used functions. Some may find the power front seats to be a little flat, and although heated, they lack the cooling feature of many competing models.

2008 Acura RL models

The 2008 Acura RL is a large luxury sedan available in three trim levels: RL, RL with Technology package and the eloquently named RL with Technology package plus CMBS and PAX run-flat tires. The base RL comes very well stocked with 17-inch alloy wheels, power and heated front seats, leather upholstery, real wood trim, a sunroof, keyless ignition, Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a 10-speaker Bose surround sound system with six-disc CD/DVD-audio changer, satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack. The Technology package adds adaptive headlights, a rearview camera, a GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate control system, and a navigation system with real-time traffic and voice command functionality. The CMBS and PAX run-flat tires adds adaptive cruise control, Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System technology and (obviously) run-flat tires.

Compare 2008 Acura RL trim levels

Owners' Opinions

What Owners Like

Owners unanimously praise the 2008 Acura RL for its impressive blend of luxury, reliability, and performance. The all-wheel-drive system stands out for its exceptional handling in various weather conditions, offering drivers a confident grip on the road. Many find the interior both elegant and highly functional, with the advanced technology package receiving special mention for its user-friendly features like voice command and an intuitive navigation system. The vehicle’s quiet, comfortable ride makes it ideal for long commutes and road trips, with the well-crafted cabin enhancing the overall driving experience. Owners also appreciate the powerful yet smooth V6 engine, which strikes a balance between performance and everyday usability. In addition to performance attributes, the RL's build quality and attention to detail often compare favorably against higher-priced luxury brands, reinforcing its reputation for excellent value. Despite its understated exterior design, the RL's thoughtful engineering and comprehensive feature set leave drivers feeling satisfied and valued on every journey.

Common Issues

Acura RL owners often report dissatisfaction with the vehicle's keyless entry system, which can be inconsistent and difficult to rely on. The peeling chrome on the grille is a recurring issue, particularly in regions with frequent rain or snow, suggesting a durability concern with exterior materials. Some drivers note that their vehicles experience higher maintenance costs, as parts need to be sourced internationally, resulting in expensive repairs. The tire and wheel package, especially with the PAX run-flat tires, has drawn criticism for being expensive to replace and contributing to road noise. Owners occasionally mention that the driving experience can suffer from a less responsive acceleration at lower speeds, which diminishes the sporty feel often associated with luxury sedans. The vehicle's substantial weight, while contributing to a smooth ride, sometimes causes a slower steering response, which can be a point of contention for those seeking a more agile commute experience. Additionally, the passenger seat's lack of full adjustability is a notable annoyance for those frequently traveling with companions, detracting slightly from the overall comfort the interior otherwise provides.

Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers

Owners consistently find the 2008 Acura RL to be a reliably luxurious and enjoyable daily driver. Its advanced technology, particularly the navigation and voice command systems, makes handling long commutes and road trips more convenient and less stressful. The car's interior craftsmanship and comfortable seating contribute significantly to its appeal, offering a sense of luxury that remains evident even after years of ownership. Drivers appreciate the balance the RL strikes between comfort and road performance, thanks in part to the well-executed all-wheel-drive system. However, the costliness of unexpected repairs can detract from the overall ownership experience when parts need to be sourced from overseas. Despite minor issues with the keyless entry system, the RL garners positive feedback for its overall build quality and driving confidence, making it a trusted choice among luxury sedan options. Its fuel efficiency varies depending on driving conditions, yet the RL seems to remain reliable for everyday journeys.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$237/mo

$153/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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Reliability

The 2008 Acura RL has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #9 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average

#9 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$397/yr

vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car

Frequency

1.53x/yr

vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car

Severity

10%

vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car

Recalls

6 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 19V501000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: E5D, X5C
Manufactured from:: 2003-10-16 to 2004-12-13
Number of vehicles affected:: 1657752
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.

Recall Number:: 19V500000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: S5B, W59
Manufactured from:: 2006-09-13 to 2007-05-21
Number of vehicles affected:: 1558
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.

Recall Number:: 17V029000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: KD9, KE0
Number of vehicles affected:: 308884
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.

Recall Number:: 16V344000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: KA0, KA1,
Number of vehicles affected:: 1790894
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.

Recall Number:: 16V061000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: JX2, JX3,
Manufactured from:: 2005-01-01 to 2012-12-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 2230000
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. Remedy parts are expected to be available in Summer 2016. Interim notices will be mailed to owners during March 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Recall Number:: 07V551000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: Q65
Manufactured from:: 2007-06-14 to 2007-11-16
Number of vehicles affected:: 43200
Defect Description:: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PROLONGED HIGH UNDER-HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY CAUSING THE HOSE TO CRACK AND LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID.
Defect Consequence:: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE.
Corrective Action:: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEAT RESISTANT POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 800-382-2238.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Acura RL Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.8

52 reviews

5(83%)

4(15%)

3(0%)

2(2%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2008 RL Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$46,280
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$237/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the RL include:

Back-up camera
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Marginal
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Marginal

2008 Acura RL Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2008 Acura RL models

Owners' Opinions

What Owners Like

Common Issues

Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Acura RL Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2008 RL Highlights

Safety

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