2005-2012 Acura RL SH-AWD.. What You Didn’t Know 

Acura ZDX.. What You Didn’t Know About This Strange Vehicle ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-q-0oEGepke4.html

After 2004 these cars became somewhat rare to see. The reliability has gotten better with each year as well. Loved the interior design and AWD.

I have owned my 2007 RL for 9 years now and have almost 320k miles on it. By far the most reliable car I’ve ever owned , everything is original even the alternator and starter.

I love my 2005 RL. With 210,000 miles, it has some minor issues, but still drives great. Comfortable, quiet and strong with great features. I like the HID headlights that turn into the corners and how well the car handles.

I have an 07 RL with 267,000 miles, bought it with 168k miles. It's been such a reliable car ,even lowered with bcs on 20" rims the ride is still luxury. this car hasnt let me down

My dad had an all Black 2011 RL fully loaded and WOW! That thing drove like a dream! Compared to my other Hondas and my SI, this RL was the ultimate luxury vehicle in my mind at the time! It had cooled seats, auto closing mirrors, rear sun shade! And a lot of other goodies!

I have a 2010 RL sh-awd 3.7L I love this car. Plenty of power and handels great and alot of technology for the year mines fully loaded. I put a custom exhaust on mine and it sounds great... I've never seen another one on the road. To me it seems kind of rare

I have an 2008 Acura RL. Mines have 219,000 miles and still going. Its my dream car and i will never get rid of it. I love this car. It handles like its on rails. I modded mines with h&r springs and 18 inch Enkei wheels

I'm glad to hear you mentioning the flush glass and pillars. I always loved that about these cars, and it's rare to see any manufacturers go that extra detail!

I have a 2005 that only has 79,000 on it. The car handles like a monster in the snow and has given me no issues other than small cosmetic stuff like rips and the leather but it's almost 20 years old. The car doesn't go for much because the TL is more sought after so it's a great bang for your buck especially with all the features.

I have a 09 RL, 92k miles. I love the Awd system. Bought it used in 2019. This is a keeper for life

I have had my 2006 RL for 11 years now. It’s running well, I have had the normal services needed to keep it running nothing more. I have received many compliments on how smooth the car rides. Even from BMW owners and people who own cars far more newer. Even in 2023 I just can’t see any other car I am willing to buy. My RL is truly an amazing car!!💯👊🏽

Owned an 06. Fantastic car. Regular maintenance and no problems. Went through snow with no problem. Sold with 213 thousand miles on it. Still ran fine.

I miss my 2010 RL. Such an amazing car to drive. Very underrated and ahead of it's time.

I'm currently driving an 06 RL and I absolutely love it -- it has just over 200k miles on it and it still drives wonderfully -- let me also say that this is also the quietest vehicle I've ever driven, even with over 200k miles on it.

These were underrated under appreciated cars.

Good video on features! Tech package came with ventilated front seats as well. Own 2010 RL with 123k miles. Bought it in 2020, however went to Acura for a used TL and got a good deal so couldn't refuse. Didn't expect this car to be this good from the looks, the ride to fit and finish. Can't explain what it is but every time I get into the car, it just feels right.

This car is a big yes! Never going to leave my 05. One extra thing I have heard is that the internal engine parts are stronger in the rl. Even compared to the tl type s. Both have the 3.5, but the rl's are better. I don't think any rl were built outside of Japan.

The original 2005 version was beautiful & had some advanced specs. The problem Acura had with the RL was that it was a mid-size sedan… the company already had the TL. This was especially apparent when the 4th-Gen TL came out. Although the RL was feature rich & gorgeous. But Acura should’ve added more interior room. The 5-Speed gear-box was also a bit behind the competition (though Acura did release their 6-Speed down the line). The company should’ve went all out with this one.

I was considering the 2009-2012 version of this car used as my first car a long time ago. I liked it with the 2009 refresh & the second 2011 refresh

Absolutely one of my favorite cars from the time and was an owner for 8 years. The navigation disc player was a huge point of failure making essential controls not accessible. Too bad Acura discontinued the legend in the U.S.

The first Acura to have Keyless entry available was the 1991 to 1995 Acura Legend. Fun Fact, the RL is actually the continuation of the Legend, Outside North America it is still called the Legend

I love the RL. Always have. Nearly bought one a couple years ago but just couldn’t find one in the condition I wanted. Ended up with an is350 awd, but still turn my head every time I see a late 2000s RL.

when I was searching for a used Japanese AWD this one popped up. after searching reliability and repair expenses. it spooked me it was very expensive to repair. this is another awesome video on not a brand new car I really like that.

i just bought a 2011 rl tech package in the houston area 12/17/22. just a tad over 9,000 miles on it. $24,999. new tires on order and will have fluids checked.

Ay, you did it! Great video man, thanks for giving the RL this recognition. Ours was an ‘05, before we had to get rid of it. During our ownership it lasted 7 years and 240k miles lol. Not bad eh.

They should have never discontinued the Legend. That was a great car!

I've had one for about 1,5 years now. 355000km 2006. Very much in love with this thing, rides nice and quiet and the SH-AWD really shows it's capabilities in the winter. Super steady and easy to drive even in challenging, slippery weather. It also seems to know if I WANT to get it sliding sideways 😁, and the drifts are easy and predictable, even though it is an automatic. And the looks are so good, as it's subtle but still quite bold. Especially with a bit of lowering and big wheels that come near the huge arches. The only negative in my opinion is the thirsty nature of the engine. But that's of course because of 2ton weight and the automatic transaxle. And the mechanics used in the SH-AWD rear diff. All in all, a trade off I can accept for the amazing drive.

My 06 has 108k. No issues at all. 600 miles per tank. With premium at 70 mph. 2 sets of brakes, 3 sets of tires, 1 set of front shocks and motor mounts.about to replace front seats. Awesome car. Will be doing a belt and water pump soon ad well, no leaks, cd player does not work anymore. But still feels good going on 15 years of ownership.

Great video! 05 and 06 were the best years since they were a pure import and had no extra options (besides aspec body kit and mugen). You can actually add most of the JDM "Legend" only features to the usdm model like power folding mirrors, cooled seats, heated rear seats, power trunk etc... Best car I've ever owned and wish more people knew about it.

My 08 is still rolling strong at 245k miles, with no warning lights. highly recommended for a use car.. one down side in the 3.5 you will have to get the timing serviced around 200k miles but other than that great car I drive mines almost everyday of the week most of the time.

I've been driving the 2011 Acura RL 3.7 for about almost a year now and it's strong and smooth and hell! I was so lucky to get it because it was literally the only one and the dude was able to hold it for me. If u guys have the chance make sure to check this car out!!! It's worth it!!

Thanks for the trips down memory lane, Kevin! That RL was on my radar but I had a Lexus GS430 back then. That GPS climate control was next level even if it wasn't really needed. Great video... I might put it back on the list since I'll be looking for a JDM OG next year. The GS is top of the list right now. 0-60... i think some journalists use a one foot rolloff to get better times

Most of the other Honda counterparts at the time couldn’t compare worth a damn. But then again, most of the parts on the luxury Acura RL served for some serious swappable parts onto other Honda’s and Acura’s, which became seriously rewarding. The OEM Brembo big front brakes were then first major DIY BBK for😮 Honda’s and Acura’s. The 3.5L and 3.7L J-series V6 engine from it, as well as the 5AT and 6AT that were also swapped into a few other platforms I know, such as the Accord’s and TL’s of the same era. I’m also impressed that the RL came with 245 wide tires (square setup - all around) from the factory. I managed to fit 255 wide tires on my 9th gen (13-17) Accord sedans and coupe OEM 8” wide rims, but eventually upgraded to 8.5” rims to eventually fit even 265’a all around!

I traded in my 05' for a 12' 3yrs ago. I absolutely love it! I love the rarity of it also.

Bought a CPO 2006 Acura RL back in 2008 and owned it for 7 years. It is the best sedan I've ever owned. The RL is assembled in Saitama Japan and the build quality is second to none. The interior is extremely refined and rivals Lexus. The ride quality is surprisingly composed, quiet, and luxurious. Above all, the RL is sporty! The SH-AWD came out in 2005, and is still the best performance AWD system in the industry hands down. SH-AWD, VSA, and ACE body structure made the RL one of the safest vehicle on the road. Out of the 7 years and 148K miles of ownership, I've only spent money on basic maintenance items, including a timing belt/water pump change at 105k. My RL was totaled in a not-at-fault accident a few years ago and it has possibly saved my life. The RL is a legacy and I consider the 2005-2012 Acura RL the last Acura lineup that has legendary build quality and reliability. Unfortunately the newer Honda/Acura products are not what it used to be anymore. Honda/Acura quality has been going down hill for years. The new company direction seems to favor innovation over reliability.

Had an Acura RL 2006. Crashed it and been trying to find another one since, either they get sold fast or have very high miles, or accidents. This thing was ahead of its time. Im a Mercedes man, but this holds a special place in my heart and if i ever get the chance. I will buy another one with no hesitation

I have a 2005 RL that I’ve now owned for 11 years. It was a $68K car when purchased by the first owner. I bought it for $12K just 6 years later and it has not required a single repair. Only scheduled service, one recall replacement of an airbag, and now has the dreaded position sensor/AFS/VSA and a few illuminated buttons that have lost their illumination. The car still drives amazingly well after 18 years and if I sold it it would fetch what I paid for it. I keep it up and it still looks terrific. I love the way it looks like it’s moving forward while standing still. It’s an amazing machine. Perhaps the bet car I’ve ever owned. It still feels special after all these years. Unbelievable value.

I remember this as the grown up car that I planned to get later when I was driving my TL. It was lovely at the time.

I used to love these . They were always packed full of tech and also felt very well built . From the thick doors with leather to the thick wood dashboard. But for some reason , people didn't really like them

I was torn between a 2012 TL with a 6-speed manual and a 2012 RL. Went with the TL as it was a bit bigger on the interior (three kids), and well…it is a manual.

Love these cars I have 2005 acura RL with 162000 miles on it runs beautifully 🔥😊

Currently own a 2005 RL. I am the original owner. Now has 205,000 miles. Love this car. Just replaced the timing belt for second time. Best sound system ever. Thank you Acura.

I purchased a 2012 RL because I wanted to step up from buying Hondas. I still have this car and it's been quite reliable and it only has 70K miles on it.

That noise cancellation fact and technology is so cool! Acuras really stood out to me back in the day!

06 RL just passed 90k and loved every mile since 42k. Handles awesome and takes winters and nasty weather predictably with a sense of ease. Lots off features and comfortable. Bought off an old lady for 10000.

I have 2005 black on black. Handling and power is super. Car is really a big boat 😍

I just picked up an 08 and I absolutely love it. It's a gas guzzler but it's my weekend car so it's ok.

Great overview. Thanks for the video.

Great video, I always liked the RL.

These look really nice. As a button freak, I love the old school buttons.

It was a great car for people who knew what it was or were fans of Acura. I think if they would’ve done a Type S like they did with the TL they could’ve gotten a few more people interested.

I feel as though a lot of people expected these sedans to feel like that of an S-Class or Lexus LS which this car simply was not. In reality the driving dynamics compare more to a 5-Series of the time like he mentioned. I remember many people explaining that they felt misled about this vehicle being more soft riding and less sporty and I feel as though that had a large impact on sales in the end.

I had an RL 2005 which was an excellent car and extremely reliable and now I have an RLX which is even better, with tremendous value for the money.

Great video 👍 Love this Replacement Legend / RL

My first was an 05. She fell on her sword and saved my life in a head on collision in/around 55MPH. After spinning out with a secondary impact to the rear against a concrete wall facing on coming traffic. I was able to still shift to reverse, turn the car around and park it to the left break down lane. The cabin and doors were still within tolerances to open and close doors with no issue. Body shop was able to show me the extreme absorption turned mangled metals to absorb and protect. I walked away with no injuries. My current 09 RL is sitting 227k mi. I do my own maintenence on everything albiet I do buy my parts from the dealer (Lindsey Acura CBUS OH). Genuine Honda OEM if/when possible/able. Gadgets wise the Active Front Headlights (AFS dash light) is showing malfunction due to age/road rot. Replacing those modules is pretty straightforward just need to get after it. The caution is regarding where has the car lived its life. My 09 was a Cleveland car so rust belt. Brine is the name of the game in the winter. So far since 2019 I have had to remediate/repair several rust concerns with the largest being at where the driver side rear subframe connects to the unibody. I caught it in early stages before it crept to the actual mounting area. All 4 door handle areas developed interal mounting area at the door skin rust issues which if not tackled within essentially a season or so with develop to full blown rust bubbles. That said the keyless handle unlock/lock remains to function flawlessly. The SH-AWD rear diff plug at last drain/fill had almost no material on the magnetic stud. Transmission bolt stud is beginning to show build ups of finer clutch materials at my 30k(ish) drain/fills but given age/mileage its expected. I just drive with more care and chosey about when I get on it. The NAV continues to be rock solid and even though I dont pay a subscription I still receive weather updates which I feel is wild given the age. The clock fiasco that hit a lot of Hodnas a few years back sorted itself - by itself. Still auto kicks the time zone during long travels. The glove box pleather will heat bubble - a trip to fabrics store and some patience solved that. Major issues to resolve at the moment are VTEC solenoid leaks at the gasket and some developing roof rot due to a clogged drip rail drain. Given the segment it was quote/u quote aimed at (BMW/Mercedes...Lexus yes but same level as Honda reliability) I firmly hold she has held well. Final thought: the SH-AWD system is ROCK solid. Given my understanding of the constant shifting of clutches inside that rear diff ... there are no signs of failure. These were exceptionally well built vehicles. It's a continued shame that powers to be within the Acura/Honda megaplex weren't able to sell more. PS: while its HWY MPG is best at 22/23 (23 with nothing in the car sans the driver while hypermiling) they are very clean (or at least at release before ownership) very clean cars. The sport the "ULEV" sticker on the rear door. As that is due in large part to (3) catiliylic converters running premium only is beyond a must. >remarks complete

Totally recommend this car! I bought a used 2006 RL beauty in great condition, with 175k miles on it. Hoping to put another 100k on it. One of a kind. Best and most enjoyable car I've ever owned -- by quite a bit.

man I bought a 2008 acura rl from that russian dude. the car had a 53,000 miles but of course it was a rebuilt title. Not that I cared about that because it was 2021 and I wanted to go to college. On paper it was my second car, I had a mazda6 for six months and I left it to rot in my garage. The RL was something else. I loved everything about it. I sold it just few months after because my father had passed and I had two cars at home. Sold both cars to get a 2012 MDX that has 220,000 miles on it as of right now. The RL was spectacular and was fun to drive and quite luxurious.

I have a 2008 Volvo S80, and it’s funny to look at how head to head they actually were. Not full-size, but bigger than midsized, both FWD platforms, the only options on the Volvo were the different engines and safety sensors (still very minimal compared to the German competition). Even some of the features like the solar sensing climate control.

I use to own the grandfather of this car, a 1995 Legend LS then I owned a 1999 3.5RL. I owned both cars at the same time. I never owned the 2005-2012 body. I always was skeptical about the reliablity of that car. However, my Legend and 3.5RL gave me no issues at all. I sold both because I was downsizing. Kinda wish I never sold them.

Still have my 05 RL 140 k. Overall satisfied driving it for 12 yrs

You could get the A-spec body kit for these and they look fantastic with them.

I also think the reason the dimensions are smaller but the interior is bigger has to do with the fact that the engine went from the longitudinal mounted C series v6 to the transverse mounted J series v6, meaning honda didn't have to make that silly transaxle design to keep it FWD

That sure was a beautiful car!

I owned the predecessor to the RL, the Legend. In 2002 I bought a 1993 Legend L sedan with about 75k miles from the original owner. Two tone Maroon metallic exterior with tan leather interior. Silky smooth V6, and smooth transmission. Everything worked. One of my top 5 cars I’ve owned.

Had a 2007 with 130k as a flip car and it was incredible. Sad to say I sold it but made some good money! These cars clean up very well.

2010 RL .13 years 85,000 miles with regular maintance. Only problems were a broken motor mount and bulb in front light . Also needed to add freon to AC . Not bad for 13 years. Most reliable vehicle I ever owned and I'm 77 years of age.. Great speaker system and 300 HP. Car is a GEM.

Nice video pretty cool.

Have you ever driven one? You HAVE TO REVIEW ONE. They are overbuilt like a Mercedes G Class. There is really nothing like them on the road. The SH AWD was toned down after the RL. Probably one of the greatest Hondas ever made. These cars are built like tanks and don't suffer the problems that American made TLs face. Literally a 4 door NSX.

I’m have right now Acura RL 2008, it’s great car

👍 Happy New Year!

I have a 08 RL and just love it, i bought it with just 128k and now it's at 151K, zero mechanical issues. I did replace a headlight bulb and a cracked driving light lens

Yo bro sorry I’m late it’s rare your videos get pass me lol 🤝

I adore my black on black '05 RL! Because of the AWD, I use it as my winter car. It has 217k kms and despite my front seats being ripped and averaging 13.5 mpg in the city, it's been incredible! Especially since I only paid $3200 CAD for it! I'm getting a '98 Bentley Azure in a few weeks as my "new" summer car. I'm looking forward to the same god awful mileage and exceptional ride quality!

Great and we'll detailed review 👍🏿

cool vid, had a 06 rl and still have a 2011 rl that the wife drives. still solid

I bought (brand new) the final version of this car right before Honda killed it; a 2020 RLX Sport Hybrid. It's everything you say about the RL, raised to the nth degree. Faster. More efficient. More "loaded." Quieter. More luxurious. The Krell audio is mind boggling. One of my favorite cars...ever.

I have an 08 RL with 80k miles, silver with grey interior and I always get other luxury car owners breaking their necks when I drive by. I’ll never sell this dream machine.

The RL is a stunner.

I have an 05 in red, got it lowered with 19” wheels and a rv6 j pipe. Truly a forgotten car, its a shame some are out there getting mistreated

Nice vid, I wasn't crazy about the RL. I'm still very fond of my 2014 TL, though.

Yeah I loved this car I was soo close to buying a 2004 Acura RL 3.5 it was my moms dream car

Acura was utilizing keyless entry as far back as the early 90’s. used to have a lady come in for service with 92 Legend as well as my boss that had a 94 Legend Type-II, both had keyless entry

I love the 2012 rl interior and exterior design. It's sad that they're hard to find these days in good condition and low miles

05 RL is my daily driver. It's pretty fun to drive and still feels luxurious.

I imported a 2005 Honda legend with 80000 kms from Japan to Canada. I love the car although i had to put a decent amount of money into it initially for minor problems. Still has some weird electrical issues but the car drives great and i love it.

I have a 12 rl for my first car. I really like it.

My 09 has under 70k on it bought it in November love it

My brother has a 06 rl with radar cruise. Its in mint condition. Way too nice of a car for a teenager.

I owned an '05, it had almost 230k on it, I loved it

I never understood the “too similar to a Honda” notion with this car - I had a 2005 RL years ago, and it remains my favorite car I’ve ever owned to this day. The quality of the interior/stereo quality/driving dynamics were far above any similar Honda product, IMO.

I love those!!! I prefer Acura over em all!!!

Love my 09 RL with 85k miles! Should last a very long time!

Ive owned two well im still driving the second one but these cars are up for anything from the northeast winters to the south west heat!!

Should have remained the LEGEND,GREAT CAR.

When people say the RL competes with the 7 series, S class and LS series Lexus, they’re referring to the KA7/8/9 chassis Legend and RL(I call that last generation of RL a Legend too, it’s the same chassis but facelifted). The KA chassis were also used as a test bed for the original NSX models. The KB chassis was an entire redesign of the platform, and it shrunk despite gaining useful but space consuming features like AWD. In essence, its a whole different animal but that’s not a bad thing!

I have a 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6 speed manual. It's the best car I ever owned. I'm a bit biased when it comes to cars because I've only owned Hondas all my life. The RL's are very rare these days and hard to find. Just like the manual transmission TL's. My next purchase is going to be the TLX- type-s .

The TL that came out in TL is my favorite. They should of stayed with that hyper model design.

I have a 2007 with only 83k. I installed all the Mugen parts from Japan. This is the most reliable car I will ever own and it will be tough to ever sell it.

I believe you should talk about the RLX being the RLs new Gen unlike the TSX and TL though similar both existed at the same time, this was supposed to be like a new RL making the RLX