Acura RL Production Timeline
The Acura RL, which served as the flagship sedan for Acura, was produced from 1996 to 2012, spanning two generations . It replaced the Acura Legend in 1996 and was succeeded by the Acura RLX in 2013. The very first Acura RL rolled off the assembly line on January 4, 1996.
Acura RL Generations
1. First Generation (1996-2004): The first-generation Acura RL was a rebadged version of the third-generation Honda Legend and was introduced in 1996. It was known as the 3.5RL, referring to its 3.5-liter V6 engine. In 1999, the Acura 3.5RL received a mid-cycle refresh with a new front and rear end, as well as a stiffer chassis setup.
2. Second Generation (2005-2012): The second-generation Acura RL was a rebadged version of the fourth-generation Honda Legend and was introduced in September 2004 as a 2005 model. It featured an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system called Super Handling AWD. The second-generation RL received a mid-generational facelift for the 2009 model year, including a bold new grille, a slightly larger and more powerful V6 engine, standard 18-inch wheels, and a revised suspension for sportier handling.
Discontinuation of Acura RL
Acura discontinued the RL model after the 2012 model year. In a statement, Acura announced their plan to discontinue sales of the RLX sedan in North America at the conclusion of the 2020 model year, as they focused on their “volume leaders” like the RDX and MDX crossovers, as well as the upcoming performance-oriented 2021 Acura TLX.
In summary, the Acura RL was produced from 1996 to 2012, spanning two generations. It was replaced by the Acura RLX in 2013. Acura discontinued the RL model after the 2012 model year .
Contents
What car did Acura discontinue?
ILX and NSX
Acura has declared that the ILX and NSX will no longer be available after the 2023 model year.
What is Acura replacing the RLX with?
TLX
2020 was the final model year for the RLX as the market shifts towards SUV / crossovers. As a result, the TLX became Acura’s flagship sedan.
Are Acura RL reliable cars?
These compact, midsized, and large models have high scores in CR’s road tests—and they’re reliable.
Why was RLX discontinued?
The decision to pull the plug on the RLX isn’t surprising. Since 2015, the sedan hasn’t accounted for more than 2,000 units of sales. Last year, Acura only sold 1,019 units of the RLX. Both the compact ILX and midsize TLX fared much better last year, accounting for 14,685 and 26,548 units sold respectively.
What year is the most reliable Acura RL?
6 2008 Acura RL: $497
The Acura RL from 2008 was recognized by J.D. Power’s rankings as one of the most reliable cars of its generation.
What does RL stand for on an Acura?
Refined Luxury
The model name “RL” is an abbreviation for “Refined Luxury.” Acura RL.
Is RLX or TLX better?
The TLX is classified as a performance luxury sedan, while the RLX is considered a premium luxury sedan. The TLX runs on either a 2.4L inline-four engine that makes 206 hp or a V6 that generates 290 hp, while the RLX is powered by either a V6 that churns out 310 hp or a sport hybrid system rated at 377 hp.
Is Acura just a fancy Honda?
Acura is the luxury and performance division of Japanese automaker Honda, based primarily in North America. The brand was launched on March 27, 1986, marketing luxury and performance automobiles. Acura sells cars in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, and Kuwait.
Is the Acura RL fast?
The RL is not the fastest of the large luxury sedans, but it is surprisingly powerful and very smooth, even up to high speeds. Only a five-speed automatic (with manual shift capability) is offered. Most competitors offer six speeds, but Acura’s doesn’t seem to hold the car back.
What replaced Acura RL?
Acura RLX
The Acura RL is a mid-size luxury car that was manufactured by the Acura division of Honda for the 1996–2012 model years over two generations. The RL was the flagship of the marque, having succeeded the Acura Legend, and was replaced in 2013 by the Acura RLX.
