2002 Acura RL review from North America

No problems from the car. Had to replace the passenger side headlight due to previous owners damage.

I came to the RL by way of the Legend. I owned an 89 coupe and was very impressed with it. When I wanted to move up I couldn't find any G2 Legend with low enough mileage for me. I’m probably more of a TL type (34, love to drive), but the tranny issue was too much. My wife and I aren’t really luxury car people; we just wanted a Legend with low miles.

Then I came across the 2002 with 27500 kms (17k miles). It was in a city 700 miles away, but lucky for me my brother lived in the same city. He checked it out for me, and I sent him a deposit to secure the car.

At that point the wife and I had never checked out an RL in person. First time was when we arrived to pay, and pick her up. I did my research and knew all about the car (forums), so with confidence in our love of Legends we went for it.

So it's not a Legend (although I did replace the 3.5RL badge with a jdm Legend badge), not quite as aggressive in feel or looks. The RL is maybe a bit more refined and subtle in acceleration and handling. For around 4000 lbs she handles well, and inspires confidence for highway control in bad situations. The acceleration is smooth and a little misleading, feels slow off the line. Really it's just quiet and smooth (but she's not a powerhouse). She's looooves the highway, passing power is more than adequate. She cruises like a queen, and hill climbs with ample pull. She has piles of torque, but the tranny turns it into a smoother, creamier power. Myself I would like to access some of that torque steering power.

When we first got her, I liked the looks of the G2 more. Now the RL has grown on me, big time. Now I think she is from the best looking generation of Legends, no offense to the others. Now when I am walking up to her I can’t help but ogle her, front or back.

Gas mileage is right on spec, so not that good, but if you want pull ya gotta pay.

I bought it private, but I do take her to the dealer for servicing. I do not trust dealers, so I first checked out these guys with my 89. They did well by me, and I trust them now with the RL. Service is unbeatable, and prices are actually competitive (surprisingly). Example: if I go to a drive up oil changing place it’ll run me $110 for a synthetic oil change. The dealer charges $110 for Honda synthetic, and washes and vacuums the car. Plus free coffee and treats, PS2 for kids, or ride away and back.

She is a beautiful car, and I would only replace her with an 04 rl, with the black wood trim and navvy.