1996 Acura RL Premium from North America - Comments

Check engine light is on - the computer says it is the EGR valve.

Rear windows do not open, they have to be helped manually.

A coolant hose got rubbed by one of the belts causing a leak - replaced the hose for $4.00...

This is a BIG car. It feels and drives like one. At first I really loved the pickup from the stop lights, but now I have kind of gotten used to it, and it seems just OK. It doesn't have the greatest power for its size - the car is just too heavy.

RL drives nicely and covers road imperfections very well. However, the body rolls terribly when turning. I used to have an Infiniti J30t and I could take the same turns with twice the speed and I would be held nicely in my seat. In the RL, I have to hold onto the steering wheel to avoid being thrown out of the car.

Overall, very nice big car. I love the memory seats on it and can't wait to use the heated seats in the winter! Also, the BOSE sound system is just fantastic. It sounds like a professional sound studio! Acura is a good make.

I also owned a 96 Acura RL for about 1 month. I purchased the vehicle at an auction (buyer beware) with high mileage (170K). I drove the car from the auction and enjoyed the power and comfort of the Acura flagship. The car was moderate in styling, but remained attractive. The rear right power window did not work in my unit and the radio had some code problems which were never resolved. After a few minutes on the road, the engine started to make some noises and I discovered the AC unit was not working properly. To make a long story short, I sold the vehicle shortly after purchasing it for less than what I had bought it for. I never got all the diagnostic work completed, but felt that I had bought a problem car. I am still an Acura fan and am always looking for another. I think that one negative experience should not reflect the overall quality of the Acura RL.

Great car, but not for tall drivers (96-04). Take it for a road test before you buy it, and if you are over 6'tall, make sure you can find an optimal sitting position. I am 6,3',and I can't.

I purchased a '04 3.5 Acura RL about 2 weeks ago and during the test drive the car ran fine. On the open road, highways, it's fine also. However, when I get onto secodary roads the car seems to wander to the side and to the opposing lane of traffic and I have to correct the direction of the car about 10 to 15 times during every 100' of travel.

That's uncomfortable, dangerous, and I have not encountered that phenomenon in any previously owned vehicles traveling the same roads.

Herman , West Chester, PA. 19382

The dealer is checking it out- again- this coming Friday 1/20/06. Can anyone steer me what the problem might be with this car?

Hi-

You've had your dealer at it again, but I thought I might suggest that the power steering assist may have an issue (computer, etc) that would cause it to steer incorrectly?

Just a thought :)

Corey.

Come on... a "big" car at only 195" long? You want to see a "big car" you should check out my '69 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham (228.5") and '76 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Limo (252.2").