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Used 2011 Acura RL Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
30 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 RL, so we've included reviews for other years of the RL since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Acura RL Luxury with Technology

Alden, 11/23/2010
2010 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful

I recently purchased the Acura 2010 RL with the Technology Package. I am extremely pleased with this decision. In my opinion, it is a true luxury car with great agility, plenty of power, fun to drive, and many extras that exceed expectations. The wood and leather steering wheel, blue highlighted instrument panel, cool and heated ventilated seats, voice commands to control almost every interior function with the option of easily making manual choices, a very high tech navigation system, and very comfortable seats with a lot of leg, shoulder, and head room. For the money, it is the best luxury car on the market.

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5 out of 5 stars

It just doesn't get any better than this

Stephanie, 07/02/2009
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

As a business executive and also a mother, I wanted a vehicle that exuded class without snob appeal that needed little maintenance and had the room for my clients as well as my family of four. I found the exterior to be stylish, the interior incredibly plush and the surround sound audio system unbeatable.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful Car!

lnesbit, 01/27/2012
2011 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

After researching and driving the Lexus ES350, Hyundai Genesis, Toyota Avalon, and Buick Lacrosse CSX, the Acura RL won out due to ride comfort, reliability factor and quality reputation. While other competitors may offer more updated staying and better navigation system, the 2011 RL is an overall great car for the long haul. Even though Acura sells very few of these vehicles, it's still an Acura with luxury features not available on the TL.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Better then most

jrtala, 06/08/2011
2010 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Though the RL is my wife's car I have driven it many times. In the past 20 years I have had several Mercede Benz's & BMW's (eleven total). At present we have a 2010 corvette & 2010 RL. The RL beats all my other cars in build quality, comfort, reliability and great value. I feel I am in a much better position to make an evaluation on the best cars then most critics. For the money, the Acura RL is one of the best luxory cars on the market. Better then most cars and we finally found reliability the way it should be.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Even better than my 06

Doug, 09/25/2009
2010 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

The 2010 has the new face, a tighter feel with handling and has more power and room. With an Ipod hook up, a great finish and a classier interior, I like my 2010 way better than my 2006 I just sold.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Car let down by Awful nav system

scatback, 02/02/2011
2011 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Get the non tech package RL and you'll have a great bargain. The new six speed tranny is great, the ride is the best, and the new wheels do cut interior road noise (wind noise doesn't exist below 90), plus all materials are to Acura standards. Drawback: the awful navigation: inaccurate, difficult to learn and glacially slow, with low res and voice command that's hopeless - worse than on my 2005 or 2007. I have a Garmin 1450T which is incomparably better. I'm going to put it on the dash and leave the acura system off. Then it will be a great road car, and just got 26mpg over 1600 road trip

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5 out of 5 stars

forgetten car

Gary, 11/12/2010
2010 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

compared to price it has most of features and nice ride.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I now volunteer to run errands

hkl in TX, 08/02/2008
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Had it a week and I'm very pleased. Wanted a sports sedan with all the luxury/tech appointments. Drove E-Class, 5-series, M-35, 09 Maxima and Lexus GS. No major weaknesses vs. competition. If you are looking at this class, test the RL. Improved low end torque is a big plus vs. 08 model. Not as fast off the line as the 535, but as fast as the rest. Sports mode helps with initial acceleration, but not necessary after that. Quiet smooth ride. Not as noisy or bumpy as the GS and doesn't feel like a big boat like the M-35. Technology and radio are excellent. Interior comfort is awesome. Other brands more recognizable, but this is a better car.

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5 out of 5 stars

When driving, be happy.

Tom McGonigle, 05/27/2017
updated 11/30/2017
2010 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Things you should know: We have owned the car for a little over seven years and have just over 40,000 miles on it. It has a solid ride and not the greatest fuel economy but has performed extremely well especially in the WI winters. Acura is a very dependable brand in our opinion. It has great technology for its time including both heating and cooling in the front seats. Now though, the dashboards today are much more elaborate. This year model does not have touch screen. Service from the Acura dealers has been great.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

I like my new Acura RL

rfw3, 03/09/2011
2011 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Our 4th Acura. We usually keep them 3 to 4 years. Hold their value. Never had a problem. Great dealer service. Acura includes many features that are extra cost on competitive vehicles. A great car without being pretentious like a Mercedes or Lexus.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Doesn't matter where you're going

PDS, 12/21/2008
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is my second RL, having returned my leased 05 for an 09. The best thing about this car is the way it makes you feel when driving it. With the SH-AWD, the bullet-proof nav system, the world class vtech engine and the solid suspension; you can drive this car with complete confidence that you will get where you're going and get back. To me, the most important thing about a car is that I trust it. I have never had a car that I trust (or enjoyed) more than this 09 RL. Complete reliability, safety, luxury and comfort.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Better than my 2006

Doug G, 09/22/2009
2010 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The RL is way better than before! I sold my 2006 got a good amount for it too, but the 2010 is way better. The handling is incredibly tight, the interior is much richer and though it is not as quick as the TL, it is faster and smoother. It is not for everyone, but if you like a supremely quiet smooth ride and ultra tight handling, the new RL is for you. I really like the new grill and the I Pod hook up too.

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5 out of 5 stars

One of the best cars I've ever owned at any price

Don, 08/19/2020
2010 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

One of the best cars I've ever owned at any price point. Acura makes a great reliable vehicle. My 2010 is very comfortable, has all the bells and whistles I could ever want, is reliable and the price was fair.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Beware!

scatback, 02/10/2011
2011 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful

My 6th Acura, very comfortable and well equipped for the price. But multiple gremlins including a transmission malfunction, directional headlights don't operate, keyless entry malfunctioned, the new 'directional' microphone for voice command must point in another direction because the system is unuseable, the nav doesn't include HD graphics, is still DVD rather than hard disk based and is therefore slow and distressingly inaccurate. I'd like to like the car, and there is much to recommend it, but from the time I picked it up (and discovered 45 lbs. of pressure in the tires) it has been a disaster

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I LOVE THIS CAR

Phil Mirenda, 08/17/2008
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Acura finally got this thing right. I put 13000 miles on my '08 RL and had a love hate relationship with it. The car had terrific build quality and extraordinary features that really spoil a driver. That being said there are significant faults: poor suspension (a weird combination of too harsh and too soft), no adjustable passenger seat, wimpy steering wheel, AWD system with too much front wheel bias. Biggest fault... no EQ (excitement quotient) when driving the RL. Enter 2009 RL. Love or hate the looks that's your decision. I love this car. The suspension is perfect, great Super handling AWD calibration, adjustable passenger seat, a whole bunch of "EQ". Did i say I LOVE THIS CAR ?

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Worth Owning

David, 09/02/2008
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Test drove the new Jag, Bmw 5 series, Infiniti M, Audi A6 & A5 and Lexus LS and GS. Basically I was not going to buy a car this year because none of them seem worth the bucks or worth the change from my Lexus LS 430. Pictures of the 09 RL do not do it justice. Went to Acura to look at the 2009 MDX (for my wife), saw the RL on the floor and looked in the interior. I drove it and fell in love, the handling the no-lag speed and pick-up the luxurious interior with all the gadgets done tastefully. Pinch me! I am a car snob and never even considered an Acura, I was wrong and now I am happier than ever (with more features than the BMW 535xi and saved over $10,000).

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5 out of 5 stars

Satisfied Customer

Ron Beeman, 09/17/2008
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Very happy with the look and performance of the 2009 RL. Looked at several cars in the same class and felt that the RL had more for the money than other cars. Once you get used to it, the technology package is great. Handles well with it's all wheel drive.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Albert

Albert, 11/17/2008
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I really enjoy driving my new (09) RL/w Tech Pkg. I own a 06 (TL) prior. The fuel consumption is high, about 16 city 22 highway. I replaced the factory tires with 245-35-20, 8.0. This was a great enhancement. I plan on driving my RL a lot.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Nice car...but.

Mike P, 03/08/2009
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is our second Acura. Over all this is a nice comfortable car. Long trips don't beat you up like some can. The AWD is rock solid on icy roads. My only gripe is that I have had problems with the heater on days that are below freezing. Even with the temp control set at 62 the passenger compartment gets very hot. Then it will turn on the ac and blow cold air into your face. Three different dealers couldn't find anything wrong. The car, compared with other 09 Acura's, when tested above freezing temps, are identical.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I Love this Car

BECKY, 08/31/2009
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I traded in my 2.5 year old Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland loaded with everything for this vehicle. The interior trim is excellent; the Nav system is far better then the Jeeps and as good as my husbands Audi A-8 system. The ride in this car is excellent, the vehicle is extremely quite and the sound system is exceptional. I am so pleased I purchased this car; I looked at the Cadillac and the Lincoln...the quality was no match. I believe I will be an Acura client for my next purchase too!

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5 out of 5 stars

forgetten car

Gary, 11/12/2010
2010 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

First of all, this is a great car to drive and I am happy to own it. Good handling on the curve Lower price with many high end options

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Look elsewhere

Jimbob, 03/15/2009
2009 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 14 people found this review helpful

For someone who has never owned a decent car, I imagine that they would think the RL is great. But I have had so many reliability problems with it, I will NEVER buy an Acura again. The handling is pretty good, the car is fun to drive, even though it is slow. Overall, I would rate it a 7 out of 10.

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3 out of 5 stars

Barely a passing Grade on MY Car, not the RL

Haydn, 12/06/2016
2011 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful

The Acura RL is a terrific car, the one I bought needs major repairs. Already replaced front brakes and Rotor, and is in need of major tune up.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Excellent!!

nervous_mcstabby, 07/05/2008
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is one nice car!! Very quiet with and excellent radio. Controls can be a little confusing until you know where all the controls are. It's best to practice a little before you go on the road and want to change radio channels or map functions. I get a lot of AHHHs from my co-workers when they look at the interior styling. I bought a bright silver exterior. The prominent "transformer shield" grill blends in nicely. Not so with darker colors, in my opinion. The tail end looks fabulous!! Definite BMW 7 series resemblances. Very powerful acceleration. Great control over rainy roads with the SH-AWD. Gas mileage isn't great, but it's not bad either. On par with a 300 hp car that's 4,000 lbs.

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5 out of 5 stars

acura got it right

analyzethis, 07/18/2008
2009 Acura RL 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

acura nails it with 09 rl; looks are great inside and out; have 05 rl, which has been excellent; 09 looks better, drives more in control with road; drove m3; nice car, overpriced, not particularly in control of road; drove audi a6; tired look, overpriced when compared to all options built in to base rl; drove m 35; same old car, also not competitive price-wise if you load up the options to compare it with the rl; gas mpg is strong for awd; very hard to beat without spending at least $10,000 more on competitors

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best of the bunch

John Paul, 01/01/2009
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just upgraded from a 2005 to a 2009 RL with tech. Fabulous car. I can't imagine how anyone could actually drive this against the Lexus GS, the Infiniti M, or the 5 series BMW and not buy the RL. I suppose there is a lot more to luxury car buying than performance, price, features and road feel.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Wow

Tom S, 01/17/2009
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first Acura. I have driven about 4 different cars over the last year one of them in the same price range. I am impressed about the handling, the feel of quality material used, the quiet engine (the others had V8s). I enjoy just to go out and drive it, especially on curving roads. It feels like the car is glued onto the asphalt. The bumps in the road of course can be felt, the don't make you feel uncomfortable. The interior feels quite roomy. The interior design looks awesome. The price is on the low side of its class. I put reliability in with 8 points because I have owned the car for only one week. I have had not problems so far.

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5 out of 5 stars

ACURA RL IS GREAT

Todd Blackford, 05/23/2017
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Little maintenance cost and great handling with a classic design. Grips the road with a high performing all wheel drive.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

nice ride w/sport handling & great power

Rado, 03/04/2019
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

watch your speed

Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

Excellent Ride, Needs Better Brakes

P Medina, 10/17/2010
2009 Acura RL Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Up to date, it has been a very enjoyable ride. Classy enough for my trade, as engineering consultant, and sporty enough for my younger heart. It has been, however, sifnificantly fuel thirsty, almost as my wive's MDX! However, dealership service has been excellent and the vehicle has operated flawlessly, unlike my previous Avalon! Overall, I'm happy with my purchase, except for braking performance.

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